The 5 cheapest UK staycation ideas for couples and families in 2024

From the glittering coves of Cornwall to the rolling moors of the Yorkshire Dales, the UK’s dreamiest holiday hotspots will make you question the need to go abroad. But where’s the cheapest place to go for a last-minute UK staycation in 2024?

 

Research from Direct Line revealed the average prices for staycations in 10 of the best places to go on holiday in the UK. Whether you're travelling as a couple or with kids in tow, we’ve dug even deeper into how to make the cheapest UK staycation destinations more cost-effective. Don’t forget to send us a postcard!

1. The Peak District

The cheapest place for a UK staycation all-rounder

If cheap holidays in more than 500 square miles of outstanding natural beauty sound appealing, head to The Peak District for a breath of fresh air. This enchanting part of the world was revealed as one of the cheapest UK destinations for both couples and families last year, experiencing one of the smallest staycation price hikes.

 

From rambling hikes through undulating hills to scenic cycling trails through chocolate-box villages, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the Great Outdoors in this stunning part of the country. Kids will love Peak Wildlife Park and Spring Lakes for watersports, while couples can raise a toast at Thornbridge Brewery or snuggle up underground in the atmospheric Treak Cliff Cavern.

 

How to save even more:

Book a self-catered Sykes Cottages holiday home to cut down on the cost of eating out while enjoying the sweet freedom that comes from having your own space.

 

Featuring everything from cosy pet-friendly cabins to family-safe options for kids, Sykes is the best bet for cheap last-minute holiday cottage deals. Check out our Sykes Cottages page for all the latest staycay offers, including short Autumn breaks from as little as £160. What more incentive do you need to book your trip today?

2. The Scottish Highlands

Cheapest secluded romantic getaways for couples

While the Scottish Highlands saw a spike in prices for families, it’s the second cheapest of the UK holiday destinations for couples. So, book your flights or pack up the van and hit the road for the north!

 

The welcoming people, dramatic landscapes and magnificent castles of Scotland make it one of the most romantic places to stay in the UK. You can stroll arm-in-arm with your beloved around the mysterious Loch Ness, hike the rugged trails of Cairngorms National Park, watch dolphins off the Moray Speyside coast or trek up Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis. Afterwards, you’ll have earned a hearty pub meal with a nip of whisky or a well-deserved glass of wine.

 

How to save even more:

Treat yourself to a Booking.com budget-friendly stay in the highlands where a range of accommodations awaits. From staycations with a hot tub to romantic log cabins with unbeatable views, there’s no better place to score a Scotland hotel deal and hunker down for some quality time.

 

Use our Booking.com holiday discounts to find the very best late hotel deals, and make sure you register for a Booking.com account for even more travel bargains.

3. The Yorkshire Dales

Our pick for self-catered cheap family holidays 2024

The closest runner-up to the Peak District in terms of cheap UK holidays for families, the Yorkshire Dales offers landscapes straight out of a Bronte novel and activities to suit kids of all ages. Explore the Castleton Caverns, an aerial adventure park at Buxton and beautiful botanical gardens. Enjoy an afternoon out at the River Ure waterfalls —you might recognise this picturesque waterway from the classic 90s movie Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

 

Plan your budget family break for the summer when you can paddle at Bolton Abbey, where the stretch of river by the Priory ruins reveals a sandy spot that’s suitable for kids. Or visit Chatsworth House in the winter for one of the best Christmas markets in the UK.

 

How to save even more:

Pack the car with plenty of food and book a cosy and characterful Sykes cottage this winter. Current deals include Christmas and New Year's cottages from just £195!

4. Devon

Cheapest family holiday park deals

There are a few very good reasons why Devon is a classic British holiday destination. Lively towns, blissful countryside and golden sands make the perfect package for the kind of holiday memories the whole family will treasure.

 

Holiday parks take the pressure off when you have littles in tow, with acres of on-site fun including heated pools, water slides, outdoor play areas, entertainment tailored for families and, easy access to famous beaches like Woolacombe. FYI, if you’re hunting for cheap caravan holidays like 2024 getaways from £49 at Haven, make vouchercloud your number one stop.

How to save even more: Consider cutting the costs with our offer of up to £100 off Autumn breaks at Park Dean Resorts. A spot of camping is the cheapest Park Dean option with a serviced pitch (sleeps up to eight) coming equipped with an electric hook-up so you can charge your essentials. Or perhaps a Park Dean glamping experience in Croyde would be more up your street, where super comfy beds, furniture, lights and a small kitchen provide plenty of creature comforts.

 

Our latest money-saving holiday vouchers include up to £80 off selected Park Dean Christmas breaks. Staycations aren't just for summer!

5. Edinburgh

Cheap city break deals for couples

For those who prefer the buzz of the big city, the Scottish capital was revealed as one of the best budget weekend getaways for couples. Yes, Edinburgh is renowned for pricey places to eat and drink, but you’ll offset the cost with Edinburgh hotel and flight deals on Booking.com. Do a little homework before your trip to locate interesting indie eateries where you can grab a meal on the cheap.

 

Throw in attractions for a romantic day out like St. Giles Cathedral, the Scottish National Gallery, the historic Royal Mile and the Grassmarket food stalls — all of which are free to explore — and you’ll be laughing!

 

How to save even more:

Booking.com offers a range of romantic hotels in Edinburgh to suit all budgets as well as roomier apartments for a very affordable price. From a cheap and cheerful Holiday Inn in Leith to self-catered accommodation with gorgeous views over Arthur’s Seat, you can find cheap weekend getaways to suit your tastes without blowing your budget.

 

And the most expensive place in the UK to go on holiday? The Cotswolds saw a substantial hike for couples, while the Scottish Highlands experienced the steepest rise in price for families.

 

Be smart and book a cheap staycation this year with holiday deals from vouchercloud.