6 easy ways to save on your UK staycation and still have a proper holiday

With the cost of living still high, many families are swapping holidays abroad for a UK staycation. But even without flights and passports, costs can still add up. From travel and food to days out, a few smart choices can make a big difference.

Here are six practical ways to save money on your next staycation, without missing out on the fun.

1. Think like a local, not a tourist

Tourist attractions often come with high price tags. Locals, on the other hand, know where to find the best free and low-cost activities. Before you go, check local council websites or community Facebook groups for free events and hidden gems.

These might include open-air markets, family festivals, music events, walking trails or beach clean-up days with activities for children. Avoiding the main tourist traps could save a family between £50 and £100 across just a few days.

2. Use loyalty points to pay for days out

Supermarket loyalty schemes can go much further than saving money on your weekly shop. Tesco Clubcard points, for example, can be exchanged for up to three times their value at UK attractions including theme parks, aquariums and English Heritage sites. Nectar points can be used at Vue cinemas or towards groceries, which is ideal if you’re self-catering.

Swapping just £20 worth of points could get you up to £60 in vouchers. That’s a family day out covered, using points you’ve already earned. Just make sure to check in advance if vouchers need to be ordered before you travel.

3. Cut the cost of travel

Even within the UK, travel can be expensive. But with a bit of planning, there are ways to keep it down.

If you’re travelling by train, use a split-ticketing website like TrainPal or SplitMyFare. These divide your journey into smaller ticketed sections, often reducing the total cost by up to 40%.

Drivers can cut fuel costs by making use of supermarket promotions or sharing lifts with others through platforms like BlaBlaCar. Once you’ve arrived, check if local buses offer day passes or group discounts. In many areas, a family can travel all day for under £10.

4. Bring your own food and drink

Food is one of the biggest costs on holiday. A few café breakfasts, snacks and takeaway lunches can easily add up to £200 - £300 over a few days for a family of four.

Bringing essentials like cereal, teabags, snacks, and squash from home helps keep costs down. A cool bag lets you store picnic lunches or leftovers for the next day.

It’s also worth downloading the Too Good To Go app, which lets you buy leftover food from cafés, bakeries and restaurants at a discount.

5. Set a daily budget - and stick to it

A simple but effective way to control spending is to set a daily budget and take it out in cash. When you can physically see what you’ve got left for the day, you’re less likely to overspend.

Some families report cutting holiday spending by up to 40% using this method. It's particularly useful for children too, helping them understand the value of money when they have a set amount to spend on souvenirs or treats.

6. Enjoy free activities

Some of the best staycation moments come from activities that don’t cost a penny. Public beaches, woodlands, nature reserves and city parks all offer plenty of free fun.

Crabbing, walking trails, rock pooling, or downloading a free treasure hunt app like Geocaching can turn a simple day out into a full adventure. Local libraries are also worth checking, especially during school holidays, as many offer free children’s craft sessions, reading clubs, and events.

Planning a few no-spend days into your break can help stretch your budget even further without sacrificing the holiday experience.

More ways to save

Want more tips? Check out our blog on 50 easy ways to save money on your summer holiday for even more ideas to help you enjoy your break without breaking the bank.