One of the few places in the world where the dollar has never seemed to be worth very much is the United Kingdom. While many treasure memories of a visit to Big Ben or Buckingham Palace, most don’t recall all that fondly the expense incurred while doing so. With the British Pound Sterling now trading against the dollar at a rate higher than 2 to 1, the pocketbook pangs inspired by the very thought of a visit to the UK can seem almost too much bear. Never fear though. As with everything, where there is a will to do something there is a way to do it frugally. Here are ten tips courtesy of VisitBritain to take the financial sting out of a visit to Merry Old England in the days, weeks and months ahead, despite the soaring valuation of the Pound.
1. Priceless wonders, free admission.
Did you know you can see some of the world’s greatest masterpieces and some of Britain’s finest historical treasures absolutely free? That's right, many of Britain’s museums are totally free to the public, so that’s a bonus right there.
2. Pack a picnic.
Supermarkets and smaller convenience shops in Britain brim with fresh fruit, tasty sandwiches and other great to-go options. Eating your lunch al fresco is not only light on your wallet, it also frees you up for more sightseeing.
3. Sleep in the pub.
You’ll be surprised by your options: an economical and homey bed is often not that far away in a country pub.
4. Shop tax-free.
Shop where you see the Global Refund Tax Free Shopping sign and you may be able to treat yourself to more on your next trip to Britain.
5. Get great theatre seats for a song.
Stop by the tkts ticket booths for the best way to snap up last minute bargain theatre tickets for many of London’s top shows.
6. Enjoy a package deal.
You won’t feel like you’re scrimping at all when you are enjoying a Surf Diva package in Cornwall: it includes accommodations at a spa hotel, surfing lessons, even dinner and drinks, and starts at only £225 per weekend.
7. Shop for all-in-one passes-before you go!
You can pick up smart cards like the Oyster Card for London transport, or the Great British Heritage Pass, which allows you entry to hundred of attraction in Britain before you travel. Best of all, these cards and passes can be purchased online well in advance.
8. Turn your appetite up to eleven.
At mention of the notoriously foul-tempered celebrity chef
Gordon Ramsay, do you think white tablecloths and astronomical bills? At his new pub, the Narrow, in London, you don’t have to spend a fortune for a great meal. No lunch entrée is over £11.
9. Pack in the sights for less.
A walking tour can be an economical way to see Britain’s sights. The Original London Walks uses incredibly knowledgeable guides and has more than 300 walks through London, as well as Explorer Days, one-day sightseeing tours to Bath, Cambridge, Canterbury, Cotswolds and more. It’s a great way to stay in shape and work off all those pub lunches as well.
10. Ride the rails.
Not only are train passes a great value in Britain, they are a fantastic way to see more of the country than you ever imagined.
So you see the British Pound Sterling is so daunting after all now is it? With a little ingenuity you can experience the best Britain has to offer on a budget and not feel the slightest bit cheated. Now how brilliant is that?
