New data reveals the most affordable cities to visit for mini breaks this winter – Blackpool crowned top

• A new study has revealed the most affordable cities to visit in the UK for mini breaks this winter, with Blackpool being crowned the most affordable
• The findings followed a detailed analysis of the prices of hotels within the city center, restaurants, and transportation 
• London was revealed to be the most expensive city in the UK for mini-breaks
• The second and third reasonably priced cities to visit are Chester and Inverness 

A new study has revealed the best and worst places to visit for those looking for an inexpensive mini break this winter.

The study, conducted by online specialist insurance broker InsureMy, analyzed data from booking sites to identify which towns and cities in the UK would be the most affordable for a weekend break. It also considered the prices of cokes, water, and other consumables.

Blackpool has been identified as the most budget-friendly city in the UK for mini-winter breaks, with an average nightly accommodation cost of £106. For those planning a winter trip to Blackpool, there are many attractions to explore, including Madame Tussauds for an indoor experience to escape the chilly weather and Blackpool’s famous Pleasure Beach.

The study also revealed that the charming historic town of Chester is the second most affordable city to visit in the UK, with many attractions to enjoy, such as the cathedral or Chester Zoo for those who love wildlife.

Inverness, the third most affordable city in the UK, the price of hotels in the city has an average nightly cost of £206. Nonetheless, the city has much to offer in terms of affordability.

York and Plymouth were discovered to be the fourth and fifth most reasonably priced cities for weekend winter breaks.

The top 10 most affordable cities for winter breaks.

1. Blackpool
2. Chester
3. Inverness
4. York
5. Plymouth
6. Preston
7. Kingston Upon Hull
8. Mansfield
9. Burnley
10. Wigan

London has been named the most affordable city for mini winter breaks, with the average cost of one night in London being £358; it’s a city that, for many during a cost-of-living crisis, is too expensive to consider for a mini holiday.

However, although London is very expensive, it has tourist attractions such as the West End and the National History Museum – often, these alone are enough to pull tourists into the city despite the high costs.

Croydon is the second most expensive city in the UK for mini breaks. This is partly due to the high cost of taxis and meals. Croydon has the fourth most expensive taxi service, but it also has the most expensive cheap meals on average.

Winchester was the third most unaffordable city for small breaks with one night costing an average of £220.

Top 10 most unaffordable cities for winter breaks

1. London
2. Croydon
3. Winchester
4. Crawley
5. St Albans
6. Walsall
7. Chelmsford
8. Brimingham
9. Lancaster
10. Manchester

Speaking on the findings, an expert from InsureMy commented, “It is crucial to take a break from work, but due to financial constraints faced by many, planning an affordable break has become more challenging. When planning for your holiday, the first step is to decide on a reasonable budget. When choosing a budget, consider your savings, income, and financial obligations.

“Research hotels and transportation, and plan meals before leaving. The more you plan, the more control you will have over your expenses while on your mini-break. However, be sure not to allocate all of your budget before you leave, as you will need some for miscellaneous expenses and any emergencies that may arise.

“While on your holiday, keep track of your budget to ensure that you don’t overspend. If necessary, review and adjust your budget as you go. Having a realistic and practical budget will enable you to make the most of your mini-break without any financial stress.”

Credit to the researcher, InsureMy