We spent WHAT over 10 Days traveling UK?

We spent 10 days visiting and traveling across England. The following costs and insights represent family experience for 2 adults and 1 toddler on route: bus to Bath (2 nights), and trains to Cardiff (1 night), Liverpool (2 nights), Edinburgh (3 nights), York (1 night), then finally to London.

We made many memories and enjoyed the adventure but encountered some challenging situations. The costs breakdown and Insights will help you be successful in YOUR trip to England.

Total Cost: $3,015 (excludes roundtrip flights to/from London)

Transportation & Lodging: $2,031
- Airplane: used credit card points for first class | costs vary on seat type | London charges taxes for tickets despite using points
- Trains & Bus: $645 includes $38 rail card worth 30% discount on all train routes
- Hotels: $1,386* | only 4 of 5 locations, excludes Liverpool because we used credit card points
Dining & Groceries: $835
- Restaurants and Coffee: $800
- Snacks, Milk, & Misc. : $35
Activities: $149
- Museums and Large parks are generally: Free
- Bath: Roman Baths $74 (2 adults), Sydney Gardens free
- Liverpool: Albert Docks free
- Edinburgh: The Whisky Experience $30, free Museums
- York: Yorkminster $45 (2 adults), free abbey and gardens

Insights learned along the way:

Stretch Budget:
- Purchase fruits, water, milk, and other goods from groceries or quick-marts not at hotel or restaurants
- Most kid-friendly activities are free including museums or parks
- Majority of businesses accept Tap-To-Pay and don’t need cash
- Use Airlo digital e-SIM and call using WhatsApp instead of purchasing a more-costly International phone package
Elements:
- Pack light because roads and sidewalks are made of cobblestone and difficult for roller luggage bags
- Research weather because area is likely going to be cold and rain
- Be ready to walk with a good pair of shoes that are water resistant/proof
Experience:
- Use a compact, lightweight travel stroller that can be stored in smaller spaces (we use Joolz Aer+)
- Have loose itinerary for the day | plan the next day itinerary while your Toddler is napping
- Hotel check-in ranges from 1pm-4pm impacting nap schedules and where to store luggage | plan for things to do, keep bags with Host or request early check-in, and ensure toddler can sleep in stroller, pub, or another place
- Make restaurant reservations or accept walking into a few venues because many restaurants close early or open late and require reservations because capacity is small (old buildings)
- Train etiquette is awful; people crowd the doors and luggage storage is unorganized or non-existent – be prepared to stand in sections between cars