Save £300 by Choosing a UK Getaway Over an Overseas Holiday
With UK road trips on the rise, and searches for UK trip on TikTok surging adventures around the UK are in demand, and with many feeling the pinch at the moment, a holiday in the UK could be a great way to save while still seeing some of the best that the nation has to offer.
Adobe Express spoke to Fiona Peake, Money Saving Expert at Ocean Finance, to find how much opting for a UK trip this summer can save.
Fiona shares, “Swapping international trips for UK-based getaways could save young people upwards of £300 or more once you factor in flights, transfers, passports and travel insurance. Even low-cost airlines rarely stay low-cost once you add in bags, seat selections and airport food.
“When it comes to affordable travel in the UK, booking coach travel with companies like National Express or Megabus can get you to popular cities or coastal destinations for under £10 each way if you book ahead. For example, you could travel from London to Cardiff, Leeds, or Bournemouth for less than a round of drinks. If you’re under 30, getting a railcard can cut a third off most train journeys too.
“For cheap accommodation, hostels have come a long way from their old reputation. Many now offer private rooms, free breakfast and a central location for a fraction of the price of a hotel. Sites like Hostelworld or Booking.com let you filter by price and amenities, and it’s worth checking if student ID or youth discounts apply. University cities like Oxford, York, and Edinburgh often offer student accommodation to tourists during the summer months, which can be a great budget-friendly option.
“If you’re planning to travel with friends, group travel can stretch the budget further. Splitting petrol and hiring an Airbnb or static caravan together often works out cheaper than paying for everything solo. Plus, you get the added bonus of a shared experience.
“It also pays to be flexible. Travelling mid-week or outside school holiday peaks can bring prices down dramatically. Sign up to alerts on travel and accommodation sites and follow them on social media to snap up last-minute deals or flash sales.
“Using a credit card can offer extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act for purchases over £100, like train passes or hotel bookings. But it’s important to stick to your budget and pay off the balance in full where you can to avoid interest charges building up. Some credit cards aimed at young people or students may also offer cashback or rewards, which can be a handy bonus over the summer.”
Adobe Express has conducted an extensive study5 to find the most photogenic landmarks to visit in the UK, so you can get the insta-perfect shot without breaking the bank.
Factoring in the number of “photo-opportunity” mentions on Tripadvisor, as well as Instagram hashtags and TikTok searches, landmark search volumes and more, Adobe has ranked the hotspots that will generate the perfect picture opportunities for families to tick off their lists this summer.
Iconic London landmarks top the list, with Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Place ranking one, two and three, making the capital a firm favourite to fill the photo album.
Away from the hustle-and-bustle, stunning scenery at Eryri National Park is ranked in 7th for those wanting to take on Snowdonia, whilst historical landmarks go from across the UK include Stonehenge (5th) and York Minster (13th).
Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the White Cliffs of Dover, the full rankings can be found below:
| Rank | Landmark | 5 Star Reviews (%) | “Photo Opportunity” Mentions | Insta Hashtags | TikTok Searches | Landmark Search Volume | Total Score (Max 100) |
| 1 | Big Ben, London | 62 | 217 | 3,627,657 | 352,000 | 22,780,000 | 61.78 |
| 2 | London Eye, London | 52.9 | 843 | 3,568,253 | 192,000 | 9,930,000 | 56.57 |
| 3 | Buckingham Palace, London | 53.9 | 220 | 1,630,421 | 526,000 | 21,050,000 | 50.43 |
| 4 | Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh | 58.2 | 245 | 767,547 | 192,000 | 6,792,000 | 40.08 |
| 5 | Stonehenge, Wiltshire | 50.4 | 155 | 979,288 | 192,000 | 14,840,000 | 31.33 |
| 6 | Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim | 68.9 | 128 | 365,213 | 70,300 | 3,448,000 | 28 |
| 7 | Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), North Wales | 84.6 | 1 | 1,365,823 | 70,300 | 1,803,000 | 26.96 |
| 8 | St. Michael’s Mount, Marazion | 64.3 | 51 | 159,331 | 70,300 | 1,790,000 | 26.61 |
| 9 | Roman Baths, Bath | 70.9 | 160 | 174,350 | 70,300 | 985,500 | 25.30 |
| 10 | Durham Cathedral, Durham | 77.6 | 16 | 88,596 | 38,700 | 940,500 | 22.25 |
| 11 | Houses of Parliament, London | 71.6 | 103 | 181,969 | 21,200 | 772,000 | 18.01 |
| 12 | The Kelpies, Falkirk | 70 | 92 | 51,671 | 47,300 | 1,302,500 | 17.32 |
| 13 | York Minster, York | 68.9 | 57 | 225,881 | 70,300 | 1,630,000 | 17.04 |
| 14 | White Cliffs of Dover, Dover | 71 | 23 | 76,262 | 1,000 | 1,038,000 | 15.72 |
| 15 | Lake District National Park, Cumbria | 68.9 | 0 | 624,703 | 25,900 | 771,000 | 13.49 |
Experts at Adobe Express have also provided essential advice on how to take the perfect snaps and have also included editing tips to ensure photographers can make the ideal finishing touches.
See them here:
- Experiment with angles: You can add depth and intrigue by experimenting with different angles.For tall landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben, try shooting from a low angle to make the architecture appear even more imposing.
- Look out for natural framing: Thoughtfully framing the landmark is another way to completely transform your image. Keep an eye out for natural frames (like archways, windows, or overhanging branches) to draw attention to your subject.
- Focus on lighting: A soft, warm light flatters nearly every scene, making golden hour the perfect time to shoot. But if you’re looking to capture a more dramatic shot, just head to a landmark that lights up after dark.
For more information on how to take and edit the perfect pictures for landmarks across the UK and Europe, visit the Adobe blog here: https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/learn/blog/best-landmarks-for-photo-opportunities
