Let’s face it – as the weather gets colder, work increases and nights get longer, we all become desperate for a break from university. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best weekend trips, where should you look first? Here are the The Student’s recommendations for the best stay-cations on a student budget.
Brighton
For versatility, Brighton is surely the place to go. If you want a good night out, alongside a cheesy pier and expansive sea views, it is an ideal location. Of course, it’s far from Edinburgh, but with flights taking just 1 hour 30 mins, it’s definitely manageable – you might even be able to head to ‘The Green Door Store’ on a Friday night after lectures finish!
Isle of Skye
This wouldn’t really be an article about the UK if I didn’t include one of the most beautiful places in the country. With beautiful beaches perfect for long walks, an abundance of Highland Coos and stunning spots like the Fairy Pools (rock pools filled with clear water, perfect for swimming in), it would provide the perfect antidote to the urban chaos of Edinburgh. Alternatively, why not try visiting another of the Scottish islands, like Islay or Arran?
London
I thought long and hard about whether to put London on this list – it’s not exactly an underground spot, and London can be well out of a student budget. However, and this is a big one, it’s London!! Nightlife, culture, parks, food, fashion: literally anything you would and could ever want can be found here. Furthermore, with return flights from Edinburgh to Gatwick for only £30, it is possible to see London on a budget and have an amazing weekend away.
Bath
If you want a quiet, charming city break, Bath is the place to go! Most famous for Jane Austen’s legacy over the city, and of course the Roman baths, this would be a beautiful new place to explore. From Gothic architecture to the first farmers’ market in the UK, anyone’s Instagram feed would be improved by a stint to Bath.
The Peak District
Though I wanted to include the Lake District in this list, everyone has heard of it, and the Peak District tends to be a) cheaper and b) easier to get to from main cities. From reservoirs and viaducts to rolling hills and wildlife, it would be a truly rewarding countryside break for any student.
So – there’s my list of best UK weekend breaks, and I’m sorry to the people I asked whose recommendations I had to leave out (Manchester and the Lakes were also popular suggestions). Personally, I’d most like to visit Bath for the history and general aesthetic, but each and everyone of these places would be a joy to visit during term time.
Photo by Bradley Pritchard Jones on Unsplash