You don’t have to spend heaps to have the perfect autumn holiday – England is full of cheap weekend break ideas, free things to do to and budget friendly activities that are perfectly purse-friendly. Hop on your bike and explore the South Cotswolds’ tranquil canal and bustling village; discover the old, the new and the curious at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery in Shropshire and enjoy free entry to the Manchester Food and Drink Festival where you can munch your way around the pop up food village, festival bar, street food fair and producer market.
Budget breaks in autumn
You don’t have to spend heaps to have the perfect autumn holiday – England is full of cheap weekend break ideas, free things to do to and budget friendly activities that are perfectly purse-friendly. Hop on your bike and explore the South Cotswolds’ tranquil canal and bustling village; discover the old, the new and the curious at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery in Shropshire and enjoy free entry to the Manchester Food and Drink Festival where you can munch your way around the pop up food village, festival bar, street food fair and producer market.
Brighten up your autumn with Sunderland Illuminations
Don't mourn the arrival of longer, darker nights; let the North East coastal city of Sunderland fill your autumn with light and magic.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Discover the City of London’s street food scene
Enjoy a bite, a browse and a brilliant day out in the historic surroundings of Guildhall Yard.
Location: London
See art on the Wolds Way
The WANDER art trail is the first of its kind in the country encompassing a series of public art installations on the 79 mile national walking trail.
Location: Malton, East Riding of Yorkshire
September events: Celebrate the golden age of beer in Kent
The Faversham Hop Festival is a unique family event that commemorates the golden days of hop-picking with two days of live music, dancing, great food and hops, hops, hops!
Location: Faversham, Kent
Rainy Day Activities: Venture beneath the city on the Mersey Tunnel Tour
Take a sneak peak at the famous Queensway Mersey Tunnel - a unique indoor attraction close to Liverpool's bustling docks.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
Discover Bristol on a budget city break
From Banksy to Brunel, pirates to parks, Bristol on a budget is perfectly possible
Location: Bristol
Discover the Cotswolds and Severn Vale by bike
Discover the south Cotswolds on a new bike route from Nailsworth to Frampton on Severn, enjoying Prema Arts Cafe, Uley Bury and the tranquil canal en route.
Location: Nailsworth, Gloucestershire
Discover the history of Hertford Castle
As part of National Heritage Weekend, Hertford Castle will open its doors to the public free of charge.
Location: Hertford, Hertfordshire
Rainy Day Activities: Sunderland Museum
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is a great place for the whole family to spend the day – and it’s free.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Explore the autumnal landscape of The Forest of Dean
With miles of tracks and footpaths to explore, The Forest of Dean offers endless pleasure for walkers, whether it's a 30 minute gentle stroll or a two hour ramble.
Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire
Discover Bristol’s myths and legends
Delve into ancient folklore and uncover Bristol’s iconic landmarks on a family city break
Location: Bristol
Indulge in all things vintage in York
‘York Does Vintage’ better than anyone else as the city’s affordable vintage fair in Merchant Adventurers’ Hall transports you to bygone eras.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
September events: Pop-up galleries and festival arts in North Yorkshire
The Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage in North Yorkshire invites visitors to experience a unique weekend featuring 130 artists in 90 pop-up galleries.
Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Find yourself on a farm in the heart of Nottingham
Stonebridge City Farm is a slice of the countryside in the heart of a city centre.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Discover secret Bristol on a budget
Uncover Bristol’s hidden treasures as the city’s most beautiful and quirky buildings open their doors to the public for free.
Location: Bristol
See unusual sculptures in Grizedale Forest
Discover the unexpected, the quirky, the confounding and the confusing in Grizedale Forest with a whole host of art inspired by the landscape.
Location: Windermere, Cumbria
November events: Eyes on the sky for Light Up Lancaster
See the skies over Lancaster light up this autumn at the North’s biggest firework display.
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
Enjoy a camping weekend at the National Water Sports Centre
Take advantage of a budget break in Nottingham with a camping weekend at the National Water Sports centre, just 10 minutes from the heart of the city.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Rainy Day Activities: Meet a mummy at the Hands on History Museum
Converted from the oldest secular building in Hull, the Hands on History Museum provides a fascinating insight into history from across the globe.
Location: Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Follow in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes around Bristol
Visit the filming locations in Bristol used in the recent BBC series featuring Benedict Cumberbatch.
Location: Bristol
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