10 cheap trips for students…after Coronavirus of course

One of the worst things about the pandemic for students new to the UK is that they will not be able to explore their surroundings past their front door, and maybe their kitchen. The UK has so many fantastic sites to see for an extremely affordable price.

 

So, let’s get right into it…

 

Albert Dock (Liverpool)

The Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool is a symbol of the long-standing tradition of shipping that the river Mersey has. If you have ever been to the Merseyside town, you’ll hear the locals talking of how important the docks were and still are to the city.

 

In the actual docks themselves, you’ll find plenty of bars, shops, and restaurants to pass the time away. If you want a little more culture out of the experience, the Tate Liverpool is one of the top art galleries in the country, also in the dock, the Beatles Story shows the history of one of the greatest bands the UK have ever produced.

 

Affleck’s (Manchester)

If it’s that big shopping day out you’re missing, then why don’t you get yourself to Manchester for one of the hottest shopping centres in the North of England. A trendy spot popular with university students, it caters heavily to current trends and you’ll find vintage stores, all your anime needs, music, and vinyl stalls and much more. It’s the perfect excuse to explore the UK’s second biggest city.

 

City of Caves (Nottingham)

It is quite astounding that  this place has not been talked about more often. In the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, down a quiet little entrance, you enter into a whole different world. A World War II air raid shelter, a tannery, remains of a Victorian slum are only some of the highlights in this system of more than 500 caves lying underneath the city of Nottingham. They offer audio tours too for those who would like a guide around this amazing site.

 

Necropolis (Glasgow)

 

Comedian Billy Connolly once said, “Glasgow’s a bit like Nashville, Tennessee: it doesn’t care much for the living, but it really looks after the dead” and nothing encapsulates that more than the Necropolis beside Glasgow Cathedral. If you are one of those people fascinated by those gone before us, a trip through this window in time is a great day out.

 

Stonehenge (Salisbury)

One of the most recognisable monuments in the world, Stonehenge is a prehistoric site that is worth the trip to see. Stonehenge has also been in the news recently after a discovery found out it was constructed in Wales first. This adds mystery onto mystery and just makes us question what we know about what happened in pre-recorded history. Also, where Stonehenge is located is a beautiful part of England and there are plenty of other activities, with a glamping site, pubs, hotels and a castle called Old Sarum a 16 minute drive away. Tours of the area and the Stonehenge Solstice tour are also available so there is something for everyone here.

 

Game of Thrones Walking Tour (Northern Ireland)

 

 

If you happen to find yourself on the Emerald Isle after Lockdown ends, then if you’re interested in Game of Thrones you will not find a better place to relive some of your favourite moments than in Northern Ireland, from the Dark Hedges to the Tollymore Forest Park. There are sites across the state that have played host to the cast and crew of the HBO phenomenon and travel between sites is not expensive and easily navigated as there is a map of all sets and locations.

 

Titanic Quarter (Belfast)

Staying in Northern Ireland, back in 2012 a regeneration project was opened on the Waterfront in the Capital city of Belfast. The Titanic Quarter is the Number one tourist attraction in Northern Ireland and you hardly have to leave the quarter to find enough activities to satisfy every interest. There is a titanic museum, multiple bars, and restaurants and even a music/sports arena in the SSE Arena. Here you can catch the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey team, play bowling, or go to see the latest flick with an omniplex cinema in the upper levels.

 

Tenby Beach Area (Wales)

 Provided the time of year you go, you could be treated to a magnificent day in the sun in Tenby, in south Wales. With beautiful views from St Catherine’s Island, history oozing out of Tenby Castle and of course, the main attraction of the serene Beachfront with sapphire water and soft sands. There is even a wildlife park if you fancy some animal therapy to unwind after a mental pandemic.

 

 

The Royal Mile (Edinburgh)

 

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is a bustling high street in Edinburgh that connects the ‘Old Town’ to the ‘New Town’, it stands between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. During the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which takes place through the month of August, the streets are full of performers and artists. The street is lined with stores of all kinds and the road itself is an important road in the capital, with the Scottish Parliament building situated on the Royal Mile.

 

Gods own junkyard (London)

In a city that is not notorious for cheap days out, a hidden gem of the London Art scene is God’s Own Junkyard, a studio full of trendy Neon Signs and adverts for old clubs. If you’re looking for a good background for that Instagram picture this is a great place to start. Free to enter, the studio was started by Chris Bracey, a designer who used to make signs for bars and clubs in the city but has since made signs for film and TV, you may have seen his work behind such stars as Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Johnny Depp. With the Rolling Scones Bar and café offering a range of food and drink you can spend hours marveling at some of the best and brightest Gods own junkyard has to offer.