Affordable UK city breaks with 2-day itineraries
Exploring cities in the UK doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With fascinating histories, vibrant art scenes and an abundance of free activities, UK cities are perfect for an affordable getaway. Whether you want to wander along cobbled streets, explore centuries-old architecture, or soak in the cultural landmarks, you’ll never be short of something to do.
Your stay can be as budget friendly as it is convenient with YHA hostels. Dorm rooms are available from just £18 and private rooms from £35 per night. Keep an eye out for deals like Kids eat for £1* and take advantage of the hostel’s self-catering kitchens to whip up your own meals.
We’ve curated two-day itineraries (with a mixture of free and paid activities) for five iconic UK cities, so get ready to explore more for less!
YHA Manchester
Benjamin Disraeli once reportedly said, “what Manchester does today, the rest of the world does tomorrow.” Those words still ring true. Once the heart of the Industrial Revolution, the city remains a powerhouse of innovation, culture and spirit. Manchester packs a punch with a storied industrial past, epic musical scene, world-famous football rivalries, historic Suffragette movement and state-of-the-art galleries.
Day 1:
- Morning: Start your day at Castlefield Viaduct, just around the corner from the hostel. This Victorian-era steel viaduct, now transformed into a sky-high urban park, is a beautiful blend of history and nature with enviable views.
- Afternoon: Make the most of this UNESCO City of Literature and head to John Rylands Library. The neo-Gothic building is an inspiring place, with its cathedral-like reading rooms and rare book collections.
- Evening: End your day in the Northern Quarter, a creative hub brimming with street art and boutiques. Explore its cobbled streets and soak in the quirky atmosphere.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Old Trafford, the iconic home to Manchester United Football Club. Nicknamed ‘The Theatre of Dreams’ by Bobby Charlton, it’s bound to inspire all sports fans.
- Afternoon: Marvel at the grandeur of Manchester Cathedral and the Victorian-era architecture of Manchester Town Hall.
- Evening: Discover the energy of Canal Street in the heart of the Gay Village, one of the world’s leading LGBTQ+ friendly districts with bustling nightlife and a grand live music scene.
Stay at YHA Manchester
YHA Bristol
With its vibrant Harbourside, colourful street art and powerful personality, Bristol is a city that thrives on its eclectic spirit and alternative lifestyles. There’s no mistaking Bristol’s charm, with hot-air balloons floating over the Avon Gorge, Banksy’s iconic murals dotted around the city and the generous amount of history oozing from every street.
Day 1:
- Morning: Begin your journey at M Shed and Wapping Wharf, where history and community spirit collide with stunning views of the floating harbour. Learn all about the city’s history and people from the colourful museum.
- Afternoon: Wander through Christmas Steps, a charming, cobbled street with independent shops and galleries. You can’t help but feel like it fell straight out of a Harry Potter novel.
- Evening: Head to King’s Street and soak up the street-party atmosphere at a centuries-old pub. Listen to live music whilst the sun sets over the city.
Day 2:
- Morning: Explore the quaint streets of Clifton Village and walk across the iconic Clifton Suspension bridge for awe-inspiring views. Venture into Leigh Woods and Ashton Court for a taste of the countryside, perfect for a dog walk right on the edge of the city.
- Afternoon: Visit the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and discover works from archaeology to geology and art including fossils.
- Evening: Cap your trip off with a Banksy walking tour (it would be rude not to, right?). Spot the world-famous street artist’s work around Stokes Croft and beyond.
Stay at YHA Bristol
YHA Cambridge
Cambridge’s medieval lanes and towering colleges exude a timeless charm that’s difficult to escape. From architectural marvels to literary history and a cycling haven, the brilliance and beauty of this world-class university city isn’t comparable to anywhere else in the world.
Day 1:
- Morning: Wander through the lush landscapes of the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden. This treasure trove has over 8,000 plant species and a wonderful arboretum to explore.
- Afternoon: Seek out the unique Dinky Doors, which are miniature sculptures hidden around the city that bring a touch of whimsy to everyday life. Hidden just out of plain sight this walking tour is great to get a feel for Cambridge.
- Evening: Take a twilight walking tour of The Backs, where manicured lawns stretch behind historic colleges alongside the River Cam, including Kings, Trinity and St John’s.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Kettle’s Yard, the University of Cambridge’s modern and contemporary art gallery. This beautiful house and gallery have an impressive collection of modern art and contemporary exhibitions.
- Afternoon: Go punting on the River Cam, a classic Cambridge experience. Glide past colleges, beneath hanging willow trees, under iconic bridges and past a range of architectural marvels.
- Evening: Conclude your visit with Choral Evensong at King’s College Chapel, where the performances are truly breathtaking in an inspiring late Gothic building and it’s free!
Stay at YHA Cambridge
YHA Bath
Brimming with elegance and an edgy buzz coming to the surface, Bath is a thermal spa city where Georgian crescents meet Roman history. The rich cultural landscape has honey-hued stone buildings, independent bookshops and art festivals.
Day 1:
- Morning: Pack a picnic and head to the Royal Victoria Park and Royal Crescent for stunning panoramic views over the city.
- Afternoon: What’s in a name? Well, no trip to Bath is complete without a tour of the ancient wonders of the Roman Baths, where mineral-rich waters have drawn visitors for centuries.
- Evening: Stroll along the Avon River Path and take in the view of the Pulteney Bridge. One of only four bridges in the world to have shops across the full span of both sides, it’s a brilliant example of Georgian architecture.
Day 2:
- Morning: Explore Bath’s elegant Regency style at The Circus, a historic ring of large townhouses forming a circle around a central lawn. At the rear, take a look at the Georgian Garden which is home to plants and flowers traditionally used in the 18th-century gardens.
- Afternoon: Visit the Artisan Quarter and seek out the smaller, independent shops for vintage finds. Browse independent bookshops and lose yourself in a book, all while embracing Bath’s true character.
- Evening: Unwind with a visit to the Theatre Royal Bath and take in a top-quality production or enjoy a twilight experience at Thermae Bath Spa, Britain’s only naturally warm, mineral-rich waters.
Visit YHA Bath
YHA hostels in London
It’s safe to say that London needs no introduction. A sprawling metropolis jam packed with world-famous landmarks, hidden gems and cultural diversity, it’s a city that’s always on the move. From historic palaces to street art in Shoreditch, London is timeless and there’s more to discover than could ever be ticked off a list. What more could you ask for?
Day 1:
- Morning: Head over to Richmond Hill and start your day off with breathtaking views over the Thames and lush low-lying landscapes stretching to Kingston and beyond.
- Afternoon: Continue to escape the city’s hustle and bustle at Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with more than 50,000 exotic flora and stunning glasshouses. Perfect for a wholesome escape.
- Evening: End your day with a trip to Brick Lane for the thrifting scene. The colourful high street has vintage markets, vivid street art and authentic global cuisine waiting to be explored.
Day 2:
- Morning: Spend the morning discovering London’s iconic museums: the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A Museum. All are free to enter, packed with history and housed in beautiful buildings.
- Afternoon: Take a stroll through Soho, a musical and cultural hotspot filled with record stores, jazz clubs and lively nightlife. The energetic streets of this district has a long musical history with a rock n’ roll legacy.
- Evening: Finish your London adventure off with a walk along the Thames in the South Bank area, watching the city lights shimmer on the Thames. Take your pick from street food, rooftop bars, cosy pubs, cultural venues and so much more.
Stay at one of YHA’s London hostels
Discover more about YHA.
*Kids eat for £1
Offer subject to availability at participating hostels. YHA reserves the right to amend or end this offer at any time. This offer is valid for one kid's meal for £1 for a child under 10 with a purchase of an unlimited breakfast costing £9.95 or an evening meal costing £6 or more.
Exclusions: Offer not available for groups of 16 or more. Offer only available to residential guests staying at one of the participating hostels.
