Tired of boring weekends? If you’re a student struggling with burnout from demanding deadlines, stressful exams, and getting fed up with it all, you’re not alone.

If a simple outing with friends, staying at home and streaming on their favourite platform, or having a movie night isn’t cutting it anymore, we’ve got you covered.

It’s time for a well-deserved short break that doesn’t drain your finances, especially after such long studying periods. If you’ve never thought of unwinding by taking the opportunity for a weekend getaway, think again. It might just be the perfect idea.

In this blog, we’ve listed the best UK cities to visit on a student budget so that you have an idea of what to expect on your weekend getaway, including city recommendations, overall expenses, and how to maximise your experience to have the best time.

What Makes a UK City Affordable for Student Weekend Getaways?

Student budget-friendly cities are considered within the affordable range according to their:

• Travel Cost (Coach or Train): Depending on the city, how early you book, and the distance, return tickets usually range from £25 to £70. Coach services tend to cost less than train fares. 

• Accommodation: Hostels or budget hotels are great for weekends, with a range of £50–£60 per night, especially during off-peak seasons.

• Food & Attractions: You can expect to find many food options, as well as low-cost and even free attractions in many UK cities. An average spend of £25 to £40 per day.

• Student Discounts: Many transport providers, museums, and food chains offer student entry discounts. A 16–25 Railcard gives up to 1/3 off train fares, while coach services like National Express and restaurants like Nando’s and Greggs often provide 10–20% off with UNiDAYS.

So, when planning a weekend getaway, travel and accommodation usually make up most of your spending. Luckily, with some planning and early booking, it’s easy to keep costs low. 

The 5 Best UK Cities for Student Budget Breaks

You can enjoy a UK weekend trip within the £150-200 range in total, including travel, food, and accommodation, more so if you book early and take advantage of student discounts. Here are some recommendations for some of the best UK cities for cheap weekend trips:

1. Sheffield 

Sheffield has the right amount of urban, Peak District access, and hiking trails for those who enjoy city charm, green spaces, and outdoor activities, as well as a steel industrial past, giving it the name “Steel City”. 

Top 4 Things to Do

1. Free: Kelham Island Area: For street art, independent shops, riverside walks.

2. Free: Kelham Island Museum: An industrial heritage museum showcasing Sheffield's steel history.

3. Free: Sheffield Cathedral: A medieval landmark of different architectural styles.

4. Low Cost: Peak District Walk: Take the 272 bus to Castleton, explore Mam Tor, Winnats Pass, and the village.

Cheap Eats 

Whether you’re up for exploring or just have a specific restaurant in mind, Sheffield caters to all. 

• The Moor Market: A food court and a range of food stalls for international cuisine, baked goods, meat, fruits, vegetables, and coffee. Student-friendly meals range from £5 to £10.

• Ecclesall Road: For delicious food, a dose of coffee within the £5 range, and many shops. Sheffield Botanical Gardens and Endcliffe Park are also nearby for a change of scenery.

• Rudy’s Pizza: Italian-style pizza, many options. A pizza + drink + dessert combo for £20.
  
  

2. York

Perfect for history buffs and medieval street lovers, York is a historic, walled city whose 2000-year-old history can be witnessed throughout its cobbled streets and landmarks. 

Top 4 Things to Do 

1. Free: Walk the Medieval Walls: A complete circuit takes 2 hours with incredible city views.

2. Free Entry: The Shambles: Medieval shopping street with quirky shops. 

3. Low Cost: York Art Gallery: More than 600 years of art, from 14th-century European to 21st-century British contemporary works and ceramics.  £7.65 ticket for students aged 17-24 (valid student ID required).

4. Low Cost: Clifford’s Tower: A medieval stone tower overlooking York Minster, the city walls, and the River Ouse. An adult ticket costs £10.

Cheap Eats

• Shambles Kitchen: For cheap, filling sandwiches. Student-friendly food options under £10.

• York Roast Co: Street food style. You can have their famous Yorkie Pud Wrap for under £10.

• Parlormade Café and Scone House: Cream teas and fresh scones. Also, coffee, hot chocolate, and desserts are available, and scones with a drink can be enjoyed for as low as £8.

3. Cardiff

If you’re a fan of Welsh culture and rugby, Cardiff, Wales’ capital, combines walkability, history, and waterfront beauty all in one compact city.

Top 4 Things to Do 

1. Free: National Museum Cardiff: For world-class art and natural history collections.

2. Free: Bute Park: A stunning riverside park behind Cardiff Castle with historic ruins, perfect for walks or picnics.

3. Free: Barry Island Beach: A relaxing beach getaway, complete with amenities.

4. Free Entry: Cardiff Central Market: Feel free to explore this inclusive window shopping spot for food and vintage items.

Cheap Eats

• QBAO noodles bao 包小食: Generously portioned authentic dishes, including noodles, buns, and curry. Noodles and hotpot, each under £15. Starter items under £10. 

• Nata & Co Bakery: A Portuguese bakery featuring various sweet and savoury pastries and drinks. Pastries and drinks each under £5.

• Cafe Yakamoz: Extensive menu for Turkish food. Breakfast options are under £13, wraps and burgers are around the same, and Turkish desserts are under  £5.

4. Brighton

A seaside city, Brighton is known for its pebbled beach, artistic vibes, and vintage shopping, making it the perfect destination for a weekend summer escape.

Top 4 Things to Do

1. Free: Brighton Beach: For a classic British seaside with beautiful sunset views.

2. Free: Booth Museum of Natural History: Loads to explore, including Victorian taxidermy, chalk fossils, and botany.

3. Free Entry: Brighton Flea Market: Various vintage goods for collectors, from furniture, taxidermy, to vinyls.

4. Brighton i360: A bit of a splurge, but an incredible 360° view of the city awaits, starting from £18.50.

Cheap Eats

• Pompoko: Japanese cuisine, donburi, curry, yakisoba, with mains around £9. Vegan options available.

• Planet India: Curry and variations around £10 and £13.

• Alushi: A Lebanese restaurant serving grills like shish and kebab. Grill dishes fall under  £20.

5. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, with its stunning Medieval Old Town, Georgian New Town, and the Edinburgh Castle that looms over everything, is a treat for culture vultures.

Top 4 Things to Do in Edinburgh

1. Free: Arthur's Seat hike: Extinct volcano, perfect for hiking.

2. Free: National Museum of Scotland: Everything from dinosaurs to Scottish history.

3. Free: Princes Street Gardens: A green space where flowers, statues, and monuments meet.

4. The Royal Mile: An Old Town street lined with shops and centuries-old buildings.

Cheap Eats

• Wings - Edinburgh: For fried chicken, wings, nuggets, and more. Mains under £6.

• The Piemaker: Savoury and sweet pies. For pie lovers, it also offers vegan and vegetarian options, all priced under £5 each.

• Union Genius: Soup galore. Large-sized soup for £6.
  
  

A Weekend Budget Breakdown 

You can enjoy a UK weekend city break for £120-180 total through thoughtful planning and early booking. Here's what a typical student weekend getaway can cost:

Note: These prices are average student-friendly estimates, and can fluctuate depending on how early you book, the season, and your travel preferences.

Booking Timeline

Ideal Booking Period 

4-6 Weeks Before:

• Coach tickets (optimal pricing window)

• Budget hotel rooms 

• Trainline advance tickets released
  
  

2-3 Weeks Before:

• Check hostel bookings, as they rarely sell out except in Edinburgh in August.

• You can also check attraction websites for online booking discounts.
  
  

1 Week Before:

• Restaurant reservations are best done in advance, especially if you’re planning anything special.

• Check UNiDAYS/Student Beans offers for your destination city.

• Check the weather and local events happening that weekend.
  
  

Ideal Booking Days

Traditional Weekend: Friday-Sunday

•  Depart: Friday 5-7 pm

•  Return: Sunday 4-7 pm

Best for: Students with Friday classes, joining friends, and a traditional schedule.

Smart Student Weekend: Thursday-Saturday

•  Depart: Thursday 5-7 pm 

•  Return: Saturday 5-7 pm 

Best for: No Friday classes, preferring Sunday to recover, saving on transport costs, and avoiding Friday peak crowds.

Plan Your Budget-Friendly Student Weekend

It’s a good idea to start looking into short weekend trips. After all, breaks are essential to your educational journey, and nothing is better than the reward of a well-deserved break. These UK cities are best to visit if you’re on a student budget.