Exploring the UK as a family doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget-friendly ways to get around the country, whether you’re heading to the coast, the countryside or a new city for the day. Travelling as a family or even with extended family and friends means costs can quickly add up, so finding cheap UK travel tips and affordable transport options is key.
Here are our favourite cheap ways to travel this summer in the UK for families and larger groups.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Cheap UK travel tips – Take advantage of group rail discounts
Train travel across the UK can be pricey, but there are ways to keep costs down. If you’re travelling with two adults and up to four children, a Family & Friends Railcard is a brilliant investment. It gives 60% off kids’ fares and a third off for adults, and it pays for itself after just a couple of journeys.
It’s also worth looking into group travel discounts offered by individual train companies. Some, like Northern and Great Western Railway, offer reduced fares for groups of three to nine people travelling together — ideal for larger families or when grandparents or friends come along for the ride. Booking well in advance and travelling off-peak can also unlock significant savings.
Cheap UK travel tips – Consider a summer coach adventure
Coach travel is one of the most affordable ways to see the UK and can be a surprisingly relaxing option for families.
Some companies run services all over the country, and fares are often much cheaper than train tickets especially if you book early. For families, coaches can be a stress-free way to travel with kids who like to nap, snack, or watch the world go by.
Share the ride with car clubs and rentals
If you’re travelling in a group or planning a road trip to a rural destination, driving might be the best option. But instead of everyone taking separate cars, consider car-sharing or hiring a larger vehicle.
Hiring a people carrier or a minibus can often work out cheaper than taking two or three smaller cars — especially when you split the cost of fuel and rental. Some companies offer hourly and daily rates, and it can be more affordable than you might think, particularly if you’re only planning a few days away.
Use local buses and community transport
For shorter hops and day trips, don’t overlook local buses and regional travel schemes when looking for cheap UK travel tips. Many counties and cities offer discounted travel passes or family day tickets that allow unlimited travel within a set area.
During the summer, some regions introduce additional family-friendly travel deals — like “kids travel free” days or group ticket offers. If you’re heading somewhere a little off the beaten track, look out for community transport options, such as rural buses or park-and-ride services, which are often subsidised and offer a cheaper way to explore.
Embrace the cycling and walking routes
The UK is home to hundreds of miles of family-friendly cycling paths and walking trails, and summer is the perfect time to make the most of them. Bringing your own bikes or hiring them locally can turn getting from A to B into a fun part of the adventure.
Places like the Camel Trail in Cornwall, the Tarka Trail in Devon or the Forest of Dean offer safe, scenic cycling for all ages. For walking, national parks like the Peak District and Lake District are full of low-level, accessible paths that are ideal for little legs.
Cycling and walking not only save on transport costs but also give you the chance to see more of the natural beauty that the UK has to offer.
Plan multi-family getaways
Travelling with another family can open up more affordable transport options. You might be able to hire a minibus together or split the cost of a larger Airbnb closer to your destination, meaning you won’t need to travel as far each day.
There’s also the potential to take turns driving or arranging drop-offs and pick-ups if you’re staying nearby. Pooling resources and planning together can take the pressure off one family and make travelling cheaper and more sociable too.
Summer in the UK is full of opportunities for adventure, and with a little creativity, travel doesn’t have to be expensive. By using railcards, booking in advance, taking the bus or coach, or even getting on your bike, there are countless ways for families and larger groups to make the most of their summer without blowing the budget.
