Taking the family on holiday over summer doesn’t need to break the bank.
Which? has revealed the UK’s cheapest regions for budget-friendly staycations, and the winner comes in at less than £500 for a whole week.
The most expensive area in England was found to be Cornwall, where the average two-bedroom holiday cottage (suitable for a family of four) will set you back £1,145 a week,
Meanwhile, a seven-night rental in County Durham or neighbouring Tyne and Wear was more than £600 less at just £512 on average.
But through analysing the prices of 150,000 cottages in England, Scotland and Wales for a peak week in August 2023, the consumer champion crowned Glasgow and The Clyde Valley as the most affordable overall.
Here, a week-long stay at a two-bedroom property comes in at £498, leaving you extra cash to spend on excursions, transport, and ice creams for the kids.
Cheapest holiday cottage locations last summer
This is the average spend for seven nights in August 2023, according to Which? analysis.
- Glasgow and The Clyde Valley: £498
- County Durham and Tyne and Wear: £512
- Staffordshire: £519
- Dundee and Angus: £552
- Greater London: £563
- Lancashire: £563
- Cumbria: £617
- Ayrshire and Arran: £632
Overall, Scotland was a great budget-friendly choice at around £130 a week less than holiday lets in England or Wales last summer.
While Glasgow may not immediately come to mind when you think about a picturesque staycation, the city and its surrounding areas feature delicious food and drink, gorgeous scenery, and plenty to do.
So if you’re planning a break in ‘the dear green place’, here’s everything you need to know.
What to do in Glasgow and The Clyde Valley
The type of holiday you’ll have all depends on what you’re looking for, as The Clyde Valley spans central Scotland’s West Coast including Glasgow itself, Dumbarton, Wemyss Bay and Balloch.
If you’d prefer an activity-packed city break, Glasgow has plenty for families.
Glasgow Science Centre and The Burrell Collection are both must-visits if you have kids, while Go Quest Adventures offers a tour-cum-treasure-hunt that any age group will enjoy. There’s also Rollerstop roller rink, the Glasgow Climbing Centre, and good old open-top bus tours around the city – you’re spoiled for choice.
Alternatively, enjoy the great outdoors here, from the beautiful Botanic Gardens to the mini maze and Highland Cows at Pollok Country Park to the children’s farm at Tollcross Park.
If you’re heading further out, spend a day at New Lanark, a restored 18th century mill village that’s been labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about Glasgow’s industrial past through various exhibitions and attractions, then spot otters and badgers at the nearby Falls of Clyde National Reserve.
Don’t forget Loch Lomond either: take a boat trip, play some mini golf, explore the many hiking and cycling routes near the bonnie, bonnie banks, or browse the Balloch Farmers Market every other Sunday.
History buffs should head to Paisley, Glasgow’s next-door neighbour, which boasts the highest concentration of listed buildings in Scotland outside of Edinburgh, or to the North Lanarkshire town of Coatbridge to experience the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life.
What does this region have to offer?
History and culture
There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites found in Glasgow and The Clyde Valley, and everything from street art to Renaissance paintings to feast your eyes on.
A foodie paradise
You’ll find more than classics like Tunnock’s teacakes and Scottish fish and chips here, with Michelin-star restaurants and swanky rooftop cocktail bars galore. The vegan food scene here is also incredibly varied, and a trip to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without a dram from one of the famed distilleries like Clydeside and Glengoyne.
Natural beauty
The Clyde Valley boasts rugged steep-sided gorges, ancient woodlands and plenty of wildlife. Additionally, green spaces like Cathkin Braes and the Seven Lochs Wetland Park offer tranquility not far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Retail therapy
If you enjoy high street shopping, Glasgow’s Buchanan Street, St Enoch Centre and Princes Square have everything you need. Or, for vintage and independent retailers, try Merchant Square Craft Market, the iconic Barras Market, or The Cooperage in the city’s Southside.
The best time to visit Glasgow and The Clyde Valley
You’ve probably heard the jokes about Scotland’s weather, but it is something to consider if you’re planning a trip there.
During the winter months, the average maximum temperature usually sits around 5°C (41°F), and snow and rain are a regular occurrence. Things heat up over summer with highs of approximately 15-17°C (59-63 °F) although there’s still the chance of showers so pack an umbrella.
One of the most beautiful things about Scotland in the summer is that it enjoys extra hours of daylight compared to the South of England. Watching the 10pm sunset with a cool glass of wine from Glasgow’s quaint, cobbled Ashton Lane makes up for any short-lived downpours.
Plus, by visiting in summer, you can (hopefully) catch some rays at the beaches of Wemyss Bay, Gourock and Helensburgh.
That said, the city’s Oktoberfest events and Christmas markets – like the all-round winter wonderland of Elfingrove – are beautiful.
And perhaps because of the climate’s changeable nature, there’s plenty to do indoors both in and around Glasgow. As long as you don’t mind wrapping up warm, you can really visit year-round.
Top tips for a trip to Glasgow and The Clyde Valley
- You can easily travel around Glasgow via its Subway system, which runs in a ring around the city and costs just £4.30 for an all-day ticket.
- Bank Holidays are often different in Scotland, and the Glasgow Fair is a city-specific holiday taken by many businesses here at the end of July each year.
- Private hire taxis are often cheaper than black cabs, and can be pre-booked or called to arrive ASAP.
- You can take a tour of the historic City Chambers free of charge.
- One of the best views of the city is from the Necropolis, a stunning Victorian cemetery east of Glasgow Cathedral.
- You can often get free Wi-Fi when out and about – just connect to ‘GlasgowCC WiFi’ when you see it.
- Don’t forget to snap a picture of the famous Duke of Wellington statue and his traffic cone hat in front of the Glasgow Museum of Modern Art.
How to get to Glasgow and The Clyde Valley
As Glasgow Central is the official terminus of the West Coast Mainline, it’s easy to get there by rail from most of the UK. Direct routes from London take from four to six hours, with a standard one-way fare costing £85.20 according to Scotrail. Taking advantage of railcards and ticket sales, however, you can often travel for less.
If you plan to explore the area, it’s often easiest to drive. In the car, you’re looking at an eight-hour journey from London up the M6 – or you can take the train and hire a vehicle when you get there.
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Although Glasgow does have an airport, with regular domestic flights coming from around the country, it can end up being a hassle. The flight itself is only around an hour, but make sure you factor in the time it takes to get through security, getting to and from the city centre, and baggage restrictions.
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