The best UK budget stays from £9.50pp
BOTTOMLESS wine at a London hotel, £1 happy hour oysters in Manchester and a £9.50 beachfront resort in Cornwall…
That might look like a misprint – but these are just a handful of the hidden bargains sitting right on our doorsteps, proving you don’t have to go abroad to get a sensational deal on a holiday.
If you know where to look, you can get beautiful countryside cottages, free-flowing drinks and more on your UK staycation – some of which come with change from a tenner.
Here’s our pick of the top budget-friendly UK stays our Sun Travel team swears by right now…
The Alan – Manchester
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
If you want a bargain stay that feels like you’re getting much more for your money, then head up north.
One of my favourite hotels in Manchester is The Alan, a stunning design-led boutique venue that wouldn’t be out of place in an interiors magazine.
Think plaster-coloured walls, brass shower features and stone coffee tables.
It’s built into a Grade-II listed warehouse, and entering the lobby you’re met with a gorgeous airy space and a boujie restaurant (try the £1 oysters during their happy hour).
My room was so beautifully designed with a contrast of chrome metal chairs to warm green bedspreads, that I came away with new ideas for my own bedroom back home…
It is also leaning into tech with a Google Nest “smart concierge” on hand to help with reception queries, as well as Bluetooth speakers and smart TVs with Chromecast.
And it’s right in the middle of the city, so you can’t get much more central.
The best part? Rooms start from £58 a night.
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Rooms at The Alan start from £58 per night, working out to £29 per person, per night.
Z Hotels Gloucester Place – London
Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
When you think of an all-inclusive, you might think of a glamorous resort on the shores of Tenerife – but I recently discovered a chic all-inclusive in the heart of London.
With hotels in the capital often overpriced, a trip can easily empty your wallet.
Z Hotels Gloucester Place is a great budget option, with spacious en suite rooms available at a snip of the cost of pricier venues.
The best part though is definitely the food and drink offering – if you book a “Z Club room”, exclusively at the Gloucester Place hotel, each feature a king-size bed with all drinks and food included.
In a small kitchen-dining area, you can grab hot drinks 24/7 as well as a range of snacks such as macaroons, brownies, flapjacks, and pots of tiramisu.
You can help yourself to soft drinks including Fanta and ask the host for wine – which is bottomless.
There’s also a menu you can order from, which featured wide choice of sandwiches and salads.
The food was simple, but it was all tasty and reminded me of the sandwiches and cakes I usually pick up in one of London’s many hipster coffee shops.
Book your stay – Z Hotels Gloucester Place, London
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Z Club rooms at The Z Hotel Gloucester Place cost from £110 per night – which is £55 per person per night.
Norfolk Hideaways – North Norfolk coast
Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
One of my favourite ways to score serious savings on a staycation is by renting a holiday cottage and splitting the cost between a group of mates.
There’s nothing better than kicking back at a gorgeous house in a stunning seaside town for a fraction of the cost of a hotel room – plus you’ll have way more space.
Hailing from Norfolk I may be biased here – but I think the best place to rent out a holiday cottage is along the North Norfolk coast.
Norfolk Hideaways have cottages in pretty seaside towns like Wells-next-the-Sea, Old Hunstanton and Brancaster, to name but a few.
There are stays of all sizes, ideal for family holidays, couples’ staycations, big friend group getaways plus dog-friendly options.
You can even filter your search by walking holidays, fishing holidays, or places with cosy log burners, pools or hot tubs.
Plus there’s often offers on, such as four nights for the price of three or last-minute deals.
I found an offer for a stay in Thornham – one of North Norfolk’s most underrated seaside villages with a gorgeous, pinewood-backed beach – which worked out to be just £11pp.
Book your stay – Norfolk Hideaways
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Eaton Cottage in Thornham sleeps up to seven, and has a gorgeous sun terrace, large garden dotted with fruit trees plus a bright and airy sitting room and rustic countryside kitchen.
Book a week away from £510, working out to £11 per person, per night with a full house.
Mollie’s Motel – Oxford
Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski
A motel would probably be the last place you’d think of for a luxury break – especially if you’ve ever watched an American horror film.
Mollie’s is most definitely the exception, though. This sophisticated chain opened its first motel in Oxfordshire in 2019, promising an America-inspired roadside experience, but with a lot more glamour.
And while the classy Scandi decor may scream luxury (the brand was once operated by chic members club Soho House), the £70 per night price tag does not.
Rooms are homely, with ultra-comfy beds and sleek furnishings, plus there’s an onsite diner offering hearty burgers, hot dogs and hard shakes loaded with vodka, bourbon or rum and topped with whipped cream.
Smart TVs and junk food make the place perfect for a cosy movie night – just no American horror films!
Book your stay – Mollie’s Motel, Oxford
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Stays at Mollie’s Motel start from £81 per night, working out to £40.50 per person, per night.
London & Paris Hotel – Folkestone
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
What better way is there than to wake up to the sounds of sea waves crashing, with the beach right around the corner.
In the uber-trendy seaside town of Folkestone is the boutique London & Paris Hotel.
With just 11 rooms, every single one has a sea view room overlooking the boats in the harbour.
Think quintessential beachy vibes but upgraded – chic striped headboards and rich green and blue interiors.
You can also upgrade to a breakfast hamper, although save some space in your stomach for the award-winning chippie around the corner.
Or head into town for some of the best tapas at El Cortador Tapas Bar.
Who needs Spain when you have the Kent Riviera?
Rooms start from £128. See londonandparishotel.co.uk
Book your stay – London & Paris Hotel
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Stays at London & Paris Hotel in Folkestone start at £128 per night, which is £61 per person, per night.
Ashworth House – near Chipping Norton
Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
A value stay in the Cotswolds might be pretty hard to come by, but Ashworth House near Chipping Norton costs as little as £39 per person, per night.
The beautiful bolthole retreat sleeps up to 12 people, including one bedroom on the ground floor – ideal for those with accessibility needs.
Tucked in the village of Leafield near Burford, it truly is a hidden Cotswolds gem.
The huge house and garden are backed by fields, forming stunning views of the rolling countryside and giving lots of opportunities for walks with furry friends (who are welcome in the house).
The kitchen is the real hub of the house – it is light and airy and makes the ultimate hosting space with a large dining table as well as a breakfast bar.
The house is also just a short drive from top attractions like Blenheim Palace should you want to explore the area.
Book your stay – Ashworth House
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Stays at Ashworth House start from as little as £39 per person, per night.
St Ives Bay Beach Resort – Cornwall
Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
Overlooking a three-mile stretch of golden sand, St Ives Bay Beach Resort in Cornwall is a dreamy destination for a glam beach holiday on a budget.
Here you can stay in glass-roofed Stargazer caravan, a cosy luxury pod, or a spacious sea-view lodge perfect for families.
The beach is just steps away, and even has its own surf school if you want to fully dive into the Cornish lifestyle.
There’s also plenty of action-packed activities for kids, ranging from disc golf and Nerf wars to snuggling up for an evening movie at the open-air cinema.
Rainy days are equally well catered for thanks to an indoor pool, a classic amusement arcade, and indoor entertainment like bingo, karaoke, and live DJ sets.
Beyond the resort grounds, a day trip into St Ives is an absolute must-do.
The town has a postcard-perfect harbour and charming, artsy streets to stroll lined with quirky independent shops.
Book your holiday – St Ives Bay Beach Resort
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St Ives Bay Beach Resort is just one of hundreds of holiday parks available with The Sun’s Holidays from £9.50.
These holidays start from as little as £9.50pp, but prices vary if you choose to upgrade your accommodation type.
Yotel – London
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Did you know the budget hotel chain Yotel was inspired by first class airline travel?
One of my favourite cheap hotel brands, offers guests the chance to be first class passengers on an economy budget…
I love their hotels not just for their central location but clever compact rooms.
Reclining beds mean you have more space until you hunker down for the night, and small compartments tucked away in every corner create plenty of room for your stuff.
Yotel London City has some fantastic skyline views but if you want a cheaper option, Yotelpad has rooms under £90 a night.
If you choose not to get your rooms refreshed by housekeeping, you can also save money off at the restaurant and bar.
And if you’d like to try a room with a spaceship feel, try Yotelair at London Gatwick Airport.. you won’t be disappointed.
Book your holiday – Yotel, London
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Rooms at Yotelpad start from £87 a night, or £43.50 per person, per night.