Deepdale News Archive

Britain seldom comes to mind for budget travellers but, with the right insider tips and research, Britain can be your ultimate budget travel destination1 – Pocket-friendly accommodation

GROUP travel is a great way to save. Staying in a self-catering city flat or countryside cottage, like the chic Manchester flat, Castlefields, which sleeps four for STG650 (RM3,190) a week. In true British fashion, why not choose a camper or caravan, or even a heated camping pod in Eskdale for just STG40 per pod per night, for up to four people. The more adventurous can catch 40 winks in a Mongolian yurt which accommodates up to six in Devon or a Native American tepee at Deepdale Farm on the Norfolk coast.

2 – Great rates in London

TRY Shoreditch House, an exclusive members-only east London club, with 26 new rooms from STG60 (RM295) a night. Relax in its club, bars, restaurants, spa, pool, plus free Wi-Fi, games and rub shoulders with some of the hippest crowd in town. Prefer Central London? In the summer months, universities let out unoccupied student housing facilities at low prices. The London School of Economics offers rooms for as little as STG28 per night at its three central London locations while the University of Sussex makes its dorms on Kings Road on Brighton’s seafront available for even less.

3 – Eats and treats

CHEAP takeaways have grown in range. Delicious food from whichever country you desire is easily available. In Camden Market, food stalls serve belly-busting portions for only STG4 (RM20). Or wait till closing time (around 6pm) and pick up the same portions for as little as STG2. The latest hotspot in London is Pizza East in Shoreditch with prices from STG4.50. In Glasgow, follow the cycle couriers to Where The Monkey Sleeps cafe for cheap eats.

4 – Cheap thrills and spills

HOP on one of Britain’s mountain-biking trails from the Glaramara in England’s Lake District, on one of Scotland’s 58 trails. Explore the Mineral Tramways Cycle Network through Cornwall’s central mining district. Cycle along the old tram and railway routes past castles, through villages and along the Cornish Coast.

Or surf the waves at the Extreme Sports Academy at Watergate Bay in Newquay, and test the latest trend of Dually Boarding — bodyboarding for two or stand-up paddling at the Harlyn Surf School in Cornwall. Try Mountain Boarding, a cross between snow and skateboarding, at The Edge in Shropshire or play a game of beach volleyball or beach rugby at Yellowave in Brighton.

5 – Heading out on the cheap

THE British music scene literally rocks, and there are many ways to catch hot live acts… for a song. The Womad Festival in Wiltshire is a free, three-day arts and music festival and the Evolution Festival in Newcastle Gateshead boasts top music headliners at only STG17 (RM85) for one day or STG25 for the weekend. For a smaller scene, check out Cargo or the Star Of Bethnal Green in London where some of the hottest DJs spin. The Star also offers karaoke, so book a karaoke room for up to nine friends for free and rock! Check out Leeds for classic club nights like Back2basics dance night or the lesser-known The Subculture, where cool kids dance till the sun comes up.

6 – Reboot and log on

RECHARGE at one of all-purpose hang-out spots like the Cardiff Arts Institute in Cardiff, Wales. This hotspot is a social meeting space and club for relaxing, socialising and partying the night away. Liverpool’s Fact, a gallery-cinema-café-space with free Wi-Fi is a great place to hook up with like-minded locals. In London, a great place to unwind is the British Film Institute. Aside from showing hundreds of current blockbusters and cult classics in its state-of-the-art cinemas, the BFI Southbank is home to Benugo cafe and lounge, with funky sofas, free Wi-Fi, and cheap, tasty coffee and nibbles. The BFI is located in the heart of the Southbank area which also has a free skatepark, restaurants, the London Eye and free street performances. Proud Camden, managed by Proud Galleries, is located at the heart of the Stables Market. It offers free Wi-Fi and cheap drinks while a gallery shows behind-the-scenes rock-n-roll photos. Admission is free. This is a great place for a bit of celebrity spotting as when night falls, Proud Galleries turns into a free dance club.

7 – Art and culture vultures

FROM the British Museum and the Tate Modern to any tiny storefront gallery, access to art and culture is free. The GoMA, Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art, is one of the most cutting-edge art museums in Britain, while in Bradford, the National Media Museum is a fascinating museum with a games lounge, 3-D Imax theatre and a look at the history of media and culture in Britain.

Free art can be experienced without ever stepping foot in an art gallery. Just take a walk. Thanks to street art superstars like Banksy, the street and urban art scene is thriving, so keep your eyes peeled. Take a street art tour of East London or check out the Bristol Street Art Project in Bristol.

8 – Real deals

FIND deals online and book activities before you fly to save on everyday spending. Look through Facebook and Twitter profiles of your favourite restaurants and clubs and check out voucher websites like MyVoucherCodes for 2-for-1 discounts at top high street restaurant chains and clubs. When travelling on Southern Trains into London, use your ticket for 2-for-1 entry to key attractions like the Tower Of London or the London Eye. Buy a day ticket and a weekly/monthly Oyster card for savings on travel and transport. A valid student ID card can secure reduced prices on everything as well.

9 – Have backpack will travel

TO explore the country, meet people along the way and have as much fun as possible, a backpacker tour is the way to go. There are plenty of choices: You can do a set itinerary, which includes accommodation with companies such as The Backpacker Tour Company (www.backpackertours.co.uk) and Haggis Adventures (www.haggisadventures.com). A great source of information on cheap long-distance transport and backpacker tours is www.attitudetravel.com/uk/lowcostbuses/backpacker.html

10 – Pick up great bargains

IF shopping appeals to you more than sight-seeing, you can snap up a bargain and a dose of culture at London’s colourful markets. Portobello Road, Camden and Spitalfields are well-known. Glasgow’s Barras is a 1,000-stall weekend flea market and Affleck’s Palace in Manchester is an Aladdin’s cave. There are plenty of factory outlets too, where designer label goods are available at reduced prices. Check out www.fashion-era.com/factory_outlets_shopping.htm

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