England : What budget to travel? Money and currency

The currency is the pound sterling. The Brexit shock in June 2016 caused the value of the pound to fall, which is influenced by announcements and negotiations. Going to England is relatively expensive and the trip will not be economical. However, while prices are high, there are disparities between cities such as London or Oxford, and those such as Liverpool, Manchester or Leeds, where the cost of living is significantly lower. A trip to England, however, is always in the high price range when you want to visit the country of Queen Elizabeth II. Going shopping in the shops of these big cities will not be without consequences for your travel budget. Fortunately, pubs are well established and a drink with friends will not cost you more than in France.

England : What budget for activities and outings?

Many museums are free, especially in London and especially the most important ones: Natural History Museum, British Museum, Tate Modern, Victoria & Albert Museum, Science Museum, National Gallery, Wallace collection, etc.

You can walk along the coast or in the countryside, between two showers, walk in the beautifully maintained parks, jog in Hide Park. You may not know it, but England is home to some very pleasant, romantic and peaceful seaside resorts, certainly less crowded than some spots on our Côte d'Azur. Winter is the best time to contemplate the power of the natural elements, especially in the Highlands: under the rain and the wind, the coast is magnificent, the colors are sumptuous... and there are few tourists, except of course during the end-of-year holidays.

The value added tax (VAT) is 20%. You will find it included in all products. However, you should be careful because some hotel and restaurant owners sometimes display their prices without VAT. You should also know that London is not the only place to get a good deal. Brighton and Birmingham are two other good shopping spots.

You won't leave London without seeing a musical! But you're on a tight budget, so here are a few ways to cut down on the cost of your ticket: buy it at the TKTS kiosk2, online (London Box Office3) or directly at the theater at the last minute; come in the afternoon, it's cheaper, stay up.

England : What is the budget for eating?

In a restaurant you can eat on average for 15 € in England, much more in a gastronomic restaurant, of course, and less in a fast food restaurant. You have very good kebabs in the street, not expensive, and fish and chips very affordable.

While alcoholic beverages are relatively expensive in pubs and bars, draught beer is affordable and always of very good quality.

England : What is the budget for accommodation?

Accommodation is the most expensive part of your stay in England, especially if you choose to stay in London. It is difficult to find a hotel room for less than 100 € a night in London and even then, it will be tiny! Booking in advance a room in a youth hostel is an affordable solution. In the countryside, bed & breakfasts on a farm are a very good choice.

England : Travel budget and cost of living

Generally speaking, staying in England is more expensive than living in France. However, there are many disparities between regions. For example, living in London or Edinburgh is much (much) more expensive than in the rest of Great Britain.