The best cheap weekend breaks – London, Lisbon and beyond

Looking to explore a new corner of the UK? Hoping to hop on a plane to somewhere new? Whatever you’ve got in mind, take inspiration for your trip with these low-cost weekend getaway ideas.

Great ideas for UK weekend breaks

From the secluded fishing villages of Wales to the culture, nightlife and dining in major cities like Edinburgh and London, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your cheap weekend getaway with these UK holiday rentals.

Cheap weekend breaks in Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh boasts a bounty of castles and other historic architecture, and holiday lettings here can range from airy apartments in trendy Leith to basic quarters on the outskirts of town. Major events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe keep the city packed during the summer months, and you’ll find loads of shops, restaurants and nightlife, too.

City living with holiday homes in London

Home to landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, London is truly a world city. From your London apartment rental, you can peruse the bustling shopping districts of Bond Street and Mayfair, take in the funky vibe of areas like Camden Town and Covent Garden, or end the day with a cocktail in trendy Soho.

Escape the city for a weekend in Wales

Trade the hustle and bustle of city life for the scenic countryside of Wales. Pembrokeshire boasts rugged coastline, serene moorland and a number of ancient sights, as well as 186 miles of walking trails on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The rest of the coastline is dotted with charming fishing villages, and you can find a number of cosy holiday cottages throughout the country’s many small towns.

Explore Europe with cheap weekend breaks abroad

Want to jet to the sunny beaches of southern Spain? Explore medieval villages in the Czech countryside? Whatever your mood, holiday homes are a great way to get a local view of Europe’s finest destinations.

Best cheap weekend breaks to Spain

If you’re after warm weather, tasty tapas and a bounty of cultural sights, Spain’s got you covered. With plenty of budget-friendly lodgings and villa rentals in Andalucia, you’ll have easy access to some of the continent’s finest beaches, plus plenty of fresh-caught seafood. In cities like Barcelona and Madrid, you’ll find world-class art museums, mouthwatering cuisine and nightlife that lasts until the early hours of the morning.

Spend the weekend in a medieval Czech village

For a different sort of trip altogether, you might consider heading to Český Krumlov, a medieval town in the south of the Czech Republic. Just steps from your holiday rental, you’ll find narrow winding streets and a wealth of Middle Ages architecture, including a 13th-century castle with a belltower that offers panoramic views of the town and its river.

Save on sights with a budget-friendly holiday in Portugal

For coastal scenery, wine and culture that won’t cost an arm and a leg, try a couple of days in Portugal. In the southwest, the Rota Vincentina boasts nearly 280 miles of coastal and inland hiking trails, and you’ll find countless wineries in the Douro Valley offering tastings at reasonable rates. Meanwhile, cities like Lisbon and Lagos are packed with museums, bars and live entertainment at wallet-friendly prices. Share a villa in Portugal with your friend and save.

Great ideas for budget-friendly weekend city breaks

If the bright lights of Europe’s big cities are what you’re looking for, these low-cost, high-reward trips are a great pick. From street food in Berlin to the top sights in Paris and Amsterdam, Europe has it all.

The best budget breaks in Berlin

A quick flight from the UK, Berlin‘s rich history dates back to the Middle Ages. Trendy apartments here offer quick access to the funky street art and sombre memorials at the Berlin Wall, plus the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the 5 distinct institutions on Museum Island. Make sure to grab some of the local currywurst for sustenance before moving on to your next destination.

Book a wallet-friendly weekend in Paris

The land of elegant cuisine and haute couture, Paris still offers plenty of areas where you can find lodgings, culture and dining that offer great value for money. In the up-and-coming Oberkampf district, for example, you’ll find edgy bars and restaurants, along with shops selling vintage clothes and other goods. You can always grab a crepe or baguette sandwich from the countless street vendors in the more tourist-heavy areas.

Iconic, inexpensive getaways in Amsterdam

With an efficient public transit system and a time-honored cafe culture, Amsterdam offers ample opportunities for low-cost weekend trips. Budget travellers flock to the city for its gorgeous – and gratis – views of scenic canals, plenty of museums and countless coffee shops. The city’s endlessly bike-friendly, too, so you won’t have any trouble getting around from your holiday home on 2 wheels.