The UK's most affordable summer holiday spot has lots of free attractions and sandy beaches - prices from £82

Revealed - The perfect staycation locations in the UK
GB NEWS
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 09/06/2025

- 15:25

Not only is accommodation cheaper, there is lots to do for free

Blackpool has emerged as Britain's most affordable summer holiday destination, with accommodation costs averaging just £82 per night, according to new research.

The Lancashire seaside resort may be popular, but that doesn't mean it's pricey. It undercuts other well-known staycation spots when it comes to accommodation costs this summer.


The findings, from Aqua, showed huge savings for budget-conscious travellers choosing Blackpool over other coastal destinations.

Value is the top of the list for many families looking to book a UK holiday, and the traditional seaside town offers the lowest nightly rates among major locations.

Blackpool promenadeBlackpool came in the top spot GETTY

Portsmouth took second place with accommodation costing £108 per night, while Eastbourne and Torquay tied for third position at £112 nightly, on average. Manchester rounded out the top five most affordable destinations at £115 per night.

There were mixed prices across popular UK holiday spots. Portsmouth offers nearly £30 savings per night compared to many other coastal destinations, whilst both Eastbourne and Torquay are great if looking for traditional seaside experiences at competitive rates.

City breaks can also offer value for money, as Manchester made the list. The northern city provides urban attractions and cultural experiences whilst maintaining accommodation costs below many seaside resorts.

Blackpool combines nostalgic British seaside charm with contemporary attractions, offering exceptional value for holidaymakers. The famous Pleasure Beach features world-renowned rides, including The Big One and Valhalla, with regular discount offers available for visitors.

Beyond paid attractions, the resort provides numerous free activities. Visitors can explore the award-winning Stanley Park or enjoy evening strolls along the Golden Mile's illuminated arcades.

The renowned Blackpool Illuminations transform the seafront into a spectacular light display during the late summer months. These free attractions, combined with the traditional sandy beach and iconic Tower, ensure families can create lasting memories without straining their budgets.

Financial experts at Aqua shared practical advice for managing holiday budgets effectively. They said: "To help budget for your holiday, consider setting up an automated direct debit months in advance. Even small, regular contributions will accumulate over time, ensuring you have a dedicated fund for your trip.

Torquay water

Torquay ranked highly for an affordable break

GETTY

"A top tip is it's a good idea to have an emergency fund in place before your holiday. If anything goes wrong, you know you have a pot of money to help cover the cost of emergencies or extra expenses. That way, you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.

"A credit card can be a helpful tool to have while on a staycation. Your credit card can help you in an emergency, for example, if you need to pay for unexpected accommodation. Using a credit card can also help you work towards building your credit score if you stay within your credit limit and make your repayments on time."

Looking for more staycation inspiration? The most scenic parts of the UK for a holiday have been named, with landmarks in one UK city dominating the list.

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