One Week UK Adventure on a Mid-Range Budget

This is the story of my seven-day journey through England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Here’s how a mid-range traveler (like me) can see the UK’s highlights in one week, complete with daily itineraries, budget breakdowns, money-saving tips, and memorable cultural experiences along the way.

Day 1: London, England

Morning: I arrived in London energized and ready to explore. I started with a self-guided walking tour of Westminster – taking in Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey from the outside (the Abbey’s steep entry fee made me opt for admiring its Gothic grandeur from the courtyard).

Just before 11am, I joined the crowd at Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard, a classic London spectacle that costs nothing. From there, I strolled through St. James’s Park toward Trafalgar Square.

London can be pricey, but many of its top attractions are amazingly free – I wandered the National Gallery to gaze at Monets and Van Goghs at no cost, then popped into the British Museum to see the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies (also free entry). These world-class museums don’t charge a penny, offering exceptional value for travelers.

Afternoon: For lunch, I grabbed a “meal deal” (sandwich, drink, and chips) from a Tesco Express for £5 – a true London budget traveler’s hack. With sunny weather on my side, I headed to the South Bank for a riverside walk.

I admired the skyline view of Tower Bridge and the Shard without paying for an observation deck (Sky Garden, a free viewing spot, requires advance booking – a tip for next time). In the mood for one paid attraction, I used some of my budget on the Tower of London tour to see the Crown Jewels.

Booking online in advance saved a few pounds on the £35 ticket. By late afternoon, I was exploring the Tower Bridge (I skipped the exhibition inside and just enjoyed walking across it).

Getting around London was simple: I tapped my contactless card on the Tube, which capped my transit spend at about £8.50 for the day thanks to the city’s daily fare cap. Whenever possible, I took London’s iconic red buses for £1.75 a ride – slower but a great way to sightsee on the cheap.

Evening: I checked into a mid-range hotel in the Pimlico area – The Belgrave Hotel, a boutique hotel known for good value. At about £120 for the night, it wasn’t the cheapest, but it offered a comfortable room in central London (a fair deal given London’s high accommodation costs).

For dinner, I sought out an authentic pub recommended by locals. I landed at a cozy pub in Westminster where I savored a classic plate of fish and chips with mushy peas for around £15, paired with a pint of ale (£6).

Dining in pubs is a fantastic budget option across the UK – hearty portions and local atmosphere without a hefty bill. After dinner, I took a leisurely walk along the Thames to see the London Eye and Parliament illuminated at night, a magical view that cost nothing at all.

Daily Budget (approx):

• Accommodation: £120 (mid-range London hotel)
• Meals: £50 (café breakfast, pub dinner, and a cheap lunch)
• Transportation: £10 (Tube/bus daily cap and Oyster card deposit)
• Attractions: £30 (Tower of London ticket; museums were free)
• Total: £210 (within a mid-range daily budget for London)

Day 2: London to Wales

Morning: I was up early to catch a 7:30am train from London Paddington to Cardiff, Wales. I booked the train a month in advance, snagging a deal around £40 for the two-hour journey (booking early can drop a £140 fare to as low as £25!).

By mid-morning, I arrived in Cardiff – a compact capital city that’s easy to explore on foot. After dropping my bags at my hotel, I headed straight to Cardiff Castle, right in the city center.

The castle’s medieval walls and Victorian Gothic interiors were a fascinating peek into Welsh history, well worth the ~£14 entry. From the castle’s ramparts I got a great view over the city’s greenery and skyline.

Afternoon: Next, I walked over to the National Museum Cardiff, about 10 minutes away. Not only is it an excellent museum, but it’s also free entry (like many UK national museums). I spent a couple of hours enjoying the art galleries and natural history exhibits – including massive dinosaur fossils – at no cost.

In the afternoon, I explored Cardiff Market and the arcades – lovely Victorian-era covered shopping streets – browsing local craft shops and stopping for a quick bite. I tried a Welsh cake (a small griddled sweet bread) for under £2 at a market stall – cheap and delicious!

With the weather holding up, I took a bus (£1.90) to Cardiff Bay, the revamped docklands area. It was refreshing to stroll the waterfront and see the Millennium Centre’s modern architecture and the historic Pierhead – all completely free to enjoy. I even caught street performers singing in Welsh outside the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) building.

Evening: For the night, I had booked a mid-range hotel in Cardiff city centre. I chose the Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre, which sits conveniently across from Cardiff Castle. At about £80 for the night, it was a great value pick, with the bonus of an included breakfast (saving me time and money the next morning).

For dinner, I sought out some local flavor. A short walk led me to a traditional pub where I ordered a bowl of cawl (a hearty Welsh lamb and vegetable stew) and a side of crusty bread for around £12. The pub’s friendly atmosphere gave me a chance to chat with locals – I even learned a few Welsh phrases (hearing “diolch” for “thank you” all around).

After dinner, I enjoyed an evening walk through Bute Park along the River Taff as the city quieted down. By day’s end, I was amazed how much of Cardiff I experienced in 24 hours without straining my budget.

Daily Budget (approx):

• Accommodation: £80 (mid-range hotel in Cardiff’s center)
• Meals: £35 (hotel breakfast, market snacks, pub dinner)
• Transportation: £45 (Advance train London–Cardiff ~£40, local bus £5)
• Attractions: £15 (Cardiff Castle admission; National Museum was free)
• Total: £175

Day 3: Northbound to Scotland

Morning: I rose early for a travel day. Getting from Wales to Scotland efficiently was my goal. I could have taken a long train ride up through England, but instead I opted for a quick flight. Budget airlines connect UK cities cheaply if you book ahead – my one-way flight from Cardiff to Edinburgh cost me only about £30 on a sale fare.

I packed light (a carry-on backpack) to avoid checked luggage fees, another cost-saving move. The one-hour flight had me in Edinburgh, Scotland by late morning. From Edinburgh’s airport, I rode the Airlink 100 bus to the city center for ~£5, admiring the silhouette of castle-topped cliffs as we approached the city.

Afternoon: Stepping off the bus on Princes Street, I immediately felt Edinburgh’s old-world charm. I had the better part of the afternoon to explore, so I headed for the Royal Mile – the historic main street connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.

After grabbing a quick lunch (a warm meat pie from a bakery for £4 and a coffee), I decided to save the castle visit for the next day when I’d have more time. Instead, I popped into the National Museum of Scotland, just off the Mile, which offers free admission.

The museum’s diverse exhibits (from Scottish history to science and technology) could easily fill a day, but I spent about an hour there, highlights being the rooftop terrace view of the city (breathtaking and free!) and Dolly the sheep – the famous cloned sheep now taxidermied on display. By 4pm, I checked into my accommodation.

I chose a family-run guesthouse in the Leith area, a short bus ride from the center – the A-Haven Townhouse Hotel. It was a budget-friendly gem at around £90 for the night, and came highly rated for its warm Scottish hospitality.

Evening: In the early evening, I set out to experience some local culture. I took a leisurely hike up to Calton Hill, an easily accessible viewpoint in the city, to catch the sunset.

The panoramic views of Edinburgh – from the Castle perched on its crag to the Firth of Forth sparkling in the distance – were absolutely free and absolutely stunning.

As dusk fell, I wandered back down and found a traditional pub on the Royal Mile offering live folk music. I nursed a half-pint of ale (£3) and tapped my feet to fiddle and bagpipe tunes – an authentic Scottish evening that didn’t break the bank. For dinner, I couldn’t leave Scotland without trying haggis, so I ordered the pub’s haggis, neeps & tatties (spiced sheep’s offal with mashed turnips and potatoes).

It was surprisingly delicious and cost only £14, proving that seeking out local specialties can be both culturally rewarding and affordable. I ended the night with a walk along the illuminated Victoria Street (said to inspire Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley), then caught a Lothian bus back to my hotel (only £1.80 fare).

Edinburgh felt welcoming and manageable, and by staying slightly outside the tourist center, I saved money while still enjoying easy access via the efficient bus network.

Daily Budget (approx):

• Accommodation: £90 (cozy guesthouse in Edinburgh, great value)
• Meals: £30 (bakery lunch, pub dinner with local flavor)
• Transportation: £40 (flight Cardiff–Edinburgh ~£30, airport bus £5, local buses £5)
• Attractions: £0 (museum and viewpoints were free)
• Total: £160

Day 4: Edinburgh, Scotland

Morning: I dedicated Day 4 entirely to Edinburgh, one of my favorite cities on this trip. After a hearty Scottish breakfast at my guesthouse (included in the stay – eggs, sausage, black pudding, and lots of strong tea), I headed straight to Edinburgh Castle when it opened to beat the crowds.

The entry ticket (£19 for adults) was my main attraction expense of the day. Wandering through the castle’s courtyards, I marveled at the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels) and peered over the walls at the city below.

At 1 o’clock, I joined the crowd to watch and hear the famous One O’Clock Gun fire a time signal across the city – a tradition since 1861. I felt history come alive around me in this fortress that has stood for centuries.

Afternoon: Coming down from the castle, I spent time just meandering the Royal Mile, ducking into whatever caught my interest. I listened to kilted bagpipers playing on street corners (free mini-concerts!), browsed a few tartan and whisky shops, and even sampled some Scotch whisky at the Scotch Whisky Experience shop for free (they often have complimentary tasters available).

For a light lunch, I found an affordable café on Cockburn Street and had a bowl of Cullen skink – a traditional Scottish smoked fish chowder – for about £6. The soup was filling, so I skipped a big lunch expense.

Instead of paying for expensive tours, I took advantage of a free walking tour in the afternoon; an Edinburgh local guide led a group of us through Old Town’s alleyways (or “closes”) and told gripping tales of the city’s dark history and famous residents.

All it cost was a £10 tip at the end – a great value for a 2+ hour informative tour. Later, I hopped on a city bus (£1.80) to Holyrood Park at the end of the Mile. I joined locals in hiking up Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano overlooking Edinburgh.

The hike was invigorating and completely free, and from the summit I enjoyed a breathtaking 360° view of the city and the Highlands in the distance under late afternoon sun.

Evening: On my last night in Scotland, I treated myself to a nice but not overly expensive dinner. I went to a popular gastropub in the New Town area where I tried a plate of fish pie and a locally brewed beer; dinner came to about £25.

With some daylight still left (long summer evenings are a perk of visiting Scotland in summer), I took a stroll down the Georgian terraces of New Town to Princes Street Gardens, where couples and families were enjoying the cool evening.

I sat by the Ross Fountain with the Castle lit up above – a picture-perfect final memory of Edinburgh. Before heading back, I swung by a supermarket to pick up some snacks for tomorrow’s journey (and a pack of shortbread biscuits to take home) – buying groceries for snacks is another way I kept costs down.

Back at the hotel, I repacked my bag, knowing the next day would bring another country and new adventures.

Daily Budget (approx):

• Accommodation: £90 (second night at the Edinburgh guesthouse)
• Meals: £35 (light café lunch, mid-range pub dinner)
• Transportation: £5 (local buses around town)
• Attractions: £19 (Edinburgh Castle ticket; walking tour was tip-based, ~£10)
• Total: £149

Day 5: Flight to Northern Ireland

Morning: I said goodbye to Edinburgh and headed for the airport for my short flight to Northern Ireland. I flew out on a budget airline mid-morning from Edinburgh to Belfast, which took under an hour.

Even with adding priority boarding and a checked bag, it cost me only around £50 – a price that would have been even lower had I booked earlier or traveled carry-on only.

By late morning, I landed at Belfast International. There’s an affordable airport bus (the Airport Express 300) that took me to Belfast city centre in about 30 minutes for £8. Stepping out in Belfast, I immediately noticed the different vibe – a mix of British and Irish influences and a city buzzing with renewal.

Afternoon: I had just a day and a half here, so I dived right into exploring Belfast’s highlights. After leaving my bag at a centrally located hotel (I chose a mid-range hotel near City Hall for about £85/night – convenient and not too expensive compared to larger cities), I made my way to the Titanic Quarter.

The walk took about 20 minutes from City Hall, or there’s a convenient bus, but I enjoyed stretching my legs. The highlight here is Titanic Belfast, the ultra-modern museum located at the historic shipyards where the RMS Titanic was built.

The admission was £25 (I booked online to save a couple of pounds), which was my biggest spend of the day, but as a history buff I found it worthwhile. The museum’s interactive galleries and the moving stories of Titanic’s creation and fate were fascinating.

I even stepped aboard the SS Nomadic, the little tender ship that ferried passengers to Titanic, which is included in the ticket. For travelers on tighter budgets or with less interest in museums, it’s possible to enjoy the Titanic Quarter without going inside – the Slipways and impressive Titanic building exterior can be seen for free. But I was glad I experienced the full exhibit.

After a couple of hours at Titanic Belfast, I headed back toward the city center. En route, I stopped at St. George’s Market (if you’re there on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, this Victorian covered market is open with food stalls and crafts). Luckily, it was Friday afternoon and the market was lively.

I grabbed a quick late lunch there: a hot pressed sandwich from a local vendor for £5 and a pastry for £2. The market had a fun atmosphere with live music – a nice, low-cost way to taste Belfast’s local culture.

Evening: In the early evening, I joined a free walking tour of Belfast focusing on the city’s turbulent history and the peace process. Our guide led us around City Hall, the Cathedral Quarter, and even pointed out some of the famous political murals in the distance, explaining their significance.

The tour was tip-based, and I gladly tipped about £8 for an insightful hour and a half. After the tour, I wandered through the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast’s cultural heart, known for its murals, pubs, and music. For dinner, I found an atmospheric pub down one of the narrow cobbled lanes (Commercial Court) with walls covered in colorful street art.

I ordered an Irish stew (similar to a hearty beef and Guinness stew) with bread, which came to £14, and listened as a band played folk tunes in the corner. Belfast’s pub scene is vibrant but still generally cheaper than London’s – my pint of Guinness was about £5.

I ended my night with a stroll past Albert Memorial Clock (Belfast’s own “leaning tower”) and along the River Lagan. Back at my hotel, I reflected on how friendly everyone in Belfast had been – people struck up conversations easily, and I even got a couple of insider tips for the next day’s adventure.

Daily Budget (approx):

• Accommodation: £85 (mid-range hotel in Belfast city centre)
• Meals: £30 (market lunch, pub dinner)
• Transportation: £60 (flight Edinburgh–Belfast ~£50, airport bus £8, local transit £2)
• Attractions: £25 (Titanic Belfast museum ticket; walking tour tip £8)
• Total: £200

Day 6: Giant’s Causeway

Morning: One of my main goals in Northern Ireland was to see the famous Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim Coast. Rather than renting a car, I opted for a day tour by coach, which is a popular and cost-effective way to visit the Causeway and other sights in one day.

I booked with a local tour company (McComb’s Coach Travel) for £35. Early in the morning, I joined the tour bus in central Belfast. The guide was cheerful and full of stories, and as we drove north out of the city, she pointed out sights like Carrickfergus Castle and the Glens of Antrim. The scenic coastal route alone made the trip worthwhile – rugged green hills on one side and sweeping sea views on the other.

Afternoon: By midday, we reached the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site – a coastline of thousands of interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity (or, as legend says, built by the giant Finn McCool!).

Visiting the Causeway itself is free – you can walk right onto the rocks and explore. The tour included an optional guided walking commentary, but I chose to wander on my own, hopping across the hexagonal stones and soaking in the ocean spray.

I enjoyed a picnic lunch here that I’d packed (a sandwich, crisps and an apple from yesterday’s market, saving me from buying lunch at the tourist café). The natural beauty of the Causeway was stunning and it didn’t cost a thing to experience up close. (Travel tip: If you go on your own, you only pay if you want entry to the Visitor Centre; otherwise you can access the site for free by foot – a good budget hack.)

On our way back, the tour bus stopped for quick photo-ops at Dunluce Castle ruins perched dramatically on a cliff (we didn’t pay to enter, just admired from outside) and at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

The bridge was an optional add-on – I skipped it to save money and time, choosing instead to enjoy the coastal views while a few brave souls paid ~£10 to walk the swaying rope bridge. On the return drive, the guide treated us to some Irish songs over the speakers, which was a charming end to the tour.

Evening: We arrived back in Belfast by early evening. After a brief rest at the hotel, I went out for my final night’s dinner. Wanting to keep things moderate after the day tour expense, I found a casual spot in the Queen’s Quarter near the university.

It was a trendy bistro with great “early bird” specials – I had a two-course set dinner (soup and a grilled salmon main) for £20, which is a common deal if you dine before 7pm. With a bit of energy left, I decided to experience Belfast’s legendary music scene. I headed to Fibber Magee’s, a pub known for live traditional Irish music.

The place was packed with both locals and tourists, but I squeezed in at the bar. The lively fiddle, pipe, and guitar tunes had everyone clapping along. Nursing one last pint of cider (£5), I reflected on the week’s journey – I had managed to see so much of the UK on a reasonable budget and had a fantastic time doing it.

Daily Budget (approx):

• Accommodation: (covered by previous night in Belfast, £85)
• Meals: £20 (packed lunch, early-bird dinner deal)
• Transportation: £35 (coach day tour to Giant’s Causeway)
• Attractions: £0 (Causeway itself is free; tour covered transportation and guidance)
• Total: £55 (excluding pre-paid accommodation)

Day 7: Back to London

Morning: After an intense week, Day 7 was mostly a travel buffer and farewell. I enjoyed a final leisurely breakfast at a Belfast café – a proper Ulster Fry (the Northern Irish take on a full fry-up, with added soda bread and potato farl) for about £10.

My journey was ending in Belfast, so I headed to Belfast City Airport for a direct flight back to London, where I’d connect to my flight home. If instead your flight home is out of Dublin or London, you could adjust this last day accordingly (Belfast to London flights on low-cost airlines can be as cheap as £20-£50 when booked in advance, and Belfast to Dublin is only a 2-hour coach ride).

I was glad I didn’t rush back via train or ferry – flying saved me precious hours and wasn’t very expensive.

Afternoon: Arriving in London, I still had a half-day layover. With a few hours to spare, I stored my luggage at the station (a small splurge, ~£7) and revisited central London.

I took one last walk through Covent Garden and treated myself to a cream tea (tea with scones, clotted cream, and jam) for £12 – a sweet ending to my UK adventure.

I also swung by a souvenir stall to use up a few pounds on some last-minute gifts (shortbread and a tiny red telephone booth keychain). Finally, it was time to head to Heathrow. I took the Piccadilly Line on the Tube – it cost only £5.60 and took about an hour (much cheaper than the Heathrow Express, which I avoided to save money).

Evening: As I settled into my seat for the flight home, I reflected on the week. In seven days, I’d traveled the length of the UK and across the Irish Sea, experienced four distinct cultures under the Union Jack, and managed to keep my mid-range budget intact.

By enjoying countless free attractions – from museums to parks to walking tours – I saved money while enriching my experience. And by mixing up accommodation (staying in centrally located mid-range hotels or B&Bs known for value), I rested well each night without overspending.

Daily Budget (approx):

• Meals & Souvenirs: £30 (big breakfast, tea treat, snacks, souvenirs)
• Transportation: £50 (flight Belfast–London ~£40, local transit in London £10)
• Total: £80

Money-Saving Tips for a UK Trip

Traveling across the UK in one week taught me many budget tricks that any mid-range traveler can use:

• Plan Transportation Smartly: Book trains as early as possible – for example, a London–Edinburgh ticket can drop from £140 to £25-£40 with advance purchase. If you’ll travel a lot by rail in a short time, consider a BritRail pass for flexibility (available to international visitors). For long distances, check budget airlines like EasyJet or Ryanair – domestic flights can be very cheap (I found a flight for £20!). Just pack light to avoid baggage fees. Also, use buses and coaches for certain legs; companies like National Express or Megabus offer low fares (e.g. London to Bath for ~£15) albeit slower journeys. In cities, rely on public transit and walk when possible – London’s daily Oyster card cap saved me a lot, and most city centers (like Cardiff and Edinburgh) are very walkable.

• Save on Attractions: Take advantage of the UK’s many free sights. All national museums in London (British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, etc.) are free, as are the National Museum in Cardiff and museums in Edinburgh. Strolling through free attractions like parks, markets, and public landmarks can be just as rewarding as paid sites. For paid attractions, look for combo deals or passes – London’s Go City Pass or London Pass can save money if you’re hitting several pricey sites in a short time. If traveling by train, use the 2-for-1 offers on attractions via Days Out Guide (just need a rail ticket). Also, many cities have free (tip-based) walking tours – I joined these in Edinburgh and Belfast, getting great local insight for the cost of a modest tip.

• Eat Like a Local (and at the Right Time): Food in the UK doesn’t have to be expensive. Seek out pubs for hearty, affordable meals – pub classics like fish and chips or stew often cost under £15 and are very filling. At lunch, look for weekday meal deals at supermarkets (around £3-5 for a sandwich, drink and snack) or lunch specials at pubs and cafes. Many restaurants have cheaper pre-theater menus or early bird specials if you dine early. I frequently made lunch my cheap meal (or even just grabbed a meat pie or Cornish pasty on the go for a few pounds) and saved my dining budget for a nice sit-down dinner. Don’t forget to stay hydrated for free – carry a reusable water bottle, as tap water is safe and free everywhere (just ask to refill). And indulge in street food or market food stalls; you’ll often find tasty, budget-friendly eats at local markets (like St. George’s Market in Belfast or Borough Market in London).

• Mid-Range Accommodation Strategies: Lodging will likely be your biggest expense, but you can mitigate it. I found that chain hotels and B&Bs in central areas offered the best balance of comfort and price. For instance, Premier Inn, Holiday Inn Express, or Motel One in big cities often have rates around £80-£130/night if booked in advance – significantly less than fancy hotels but still private and comfortable. In London, consider staying just outside the hyper-center (Zones 2-3) to save money – areas like Paddington, King’s Cross, or Earl’s Court have many mid-range options and quick Tube access to attractions. In summer, university dorms sometimes rent rooms cheaply. Wherever you stay, book 3-4 months ahead for the best rates on hotels, since the affordable places sell out fast, especially in peak season. I also loved that my Cardiff and Edinburgh hotels included breakfast – that saved me time and the cost of a meal each day. If you’re open to it, B&Bs and guesthouses can be a great mid-range choice, offering local character and often a big homemade breakfast included.

• Leverage Tourism Info and Local Advice: Each UK region has its tourism board website packed with free itineraries and tips – I used Visit London and Visit Scotland sites for ideas. Also, talk to locals or staff at your hotel/B&B – they often know about free events (like festivals, free museum nights, or outdoor concerts) and affordable hidden-gem eateries. In my case, chatting with locals led me to that free folk music session in Edinburgh and the affordable early-bird dinner in Belfast. And if you’re ever unsure about transit or tickets, the staff at train and bus stations are very helpful – they tipped me off to off-peak ticket times and group discounts (e.g., two people can travel 1/3 off with a Two-Together Railcard for £30/year, which can pay off if you have a travel companion). Little insights like these go a long way in stretching your budget.

Final Thoughts

In one week, I managed to experience the highlights of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland without overspending.

It required some planning and prioritizing, but the rewards were incredible – from the free museum halls of London to a cheap seaside stroll in Cardiff, from an Edinburgh castle view worth every penny to a Giant’s Causeway adventure that cost less than a restaurant meal.

The UK proved to be as friendly to my wallet as it was to me, especially with the money-saving strategies I picked up. So, if you’re a traveler like me who wants a rich experience on a mid-range budget, know that it’s absolutely doable.