Budgeting for a trip to England and London: how much should you plan for in 2026?

Prepare the budget for a trip to England It avoids many unpleasant surprises. London is among the most expensive cities in Europe, but the English countryside, small towns, and numerous free museums make the country more affordable than you might think. Having lived in the UK since 2012, we detail the main expenses, the actual costs of our trips, and our tips for managing your budget.

In short: Our trips to England start at €270 per person for a 3-day stay in London during the Christmas markets, and at €1,200 for a 5- to 6-day tour of the regions, excluding flights. Accommodation in London and major attractions, such as the Tower of London (£38), account for the largest portion of the cost. A passport and an ETA (£20) are also required. To save money, take advantage of free museums and the daily travel limit on London's public transport system.

What budget should I plan for a trip to England?

The budget depends mainly on three factors: the length of stay in London, the season, and the mode of transport. A short stay in the capital and a road trip in Cornwall obviously don't cost the same. Here are the starting prices for our trips to England, per person and excluding flights:

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Travel	Duration	From
Christmas markets in London	3 days	270 €
London: the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum	3 days	1 000 €
Halloween stay in London	4 days	1 200 €
Splendours of English gardens	5 days	1 500 €
At the heart of Wuthering Heights	6 days	1 200 €
On the trail of the Birmingham gangsters	7 days	1 300 €
Following in Shakespeare's footsteps	8 days	1 700 €
Following in the footsteps of Robin Hood	8 days	1 700 €
In the footsteps of William the Conqueror	8 days	1 790 €
Road trip in Cornwall	10 days	1 700 €

These prices then vary depending on your dates, the level of accommodation and the activities chosen. Each trip remains fully customizable.

The main items in the budget for a trip to England

Accommodation

This is the biggest expense, especially in London. Central hotels are expensive, particularly on weekends and during holidays. Staying in a well-connected area a little further out often saves money. Outside the capital, B&Bs, pubs with rooms, and small hotels offer better value. Our guide to...’accommodation in the UK compare the options.

Transportation

In London, there's no need to rent a car. The Tube and buses accept contactless bank cards directly, and a daily spending limit restricts your expenses: around £9 per day for zones 1 and 2. Check fares on the Transport for London website before leaving.

For the countryside, such as the Cotswolds, Cornwall, or the Lake District, a car remains the most liberating option. They drive on the left there: our guide to... rent a car in England details the points to check. The train also connects London to major cities quickly, and tickets are much cheaper when booked in advance.

The visits

Good news: London's major national museums are free, such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Natural History Museum. Monuments, however, do charge admission. Here are a few pointers:

Visit	Adult price
Tower of London	£38 (official website)
Westminster Abbey	Approximately £30
London Eye	Approximately £30, depending on the day
Stonehenge	Price varies depending on the date; reduced when booking in advance.
British Museum, National Gallery	Free

Prices change: check them on official websites, such as that of the Tower of London. For Stonehenge, book online at least the day before to get the best price: all our tips are in our guide for visit Stonehenge.

Meals

Lunch in a pub or a sandwich from the supermarket remains affordable. In the evening, however, London restaurants are more expensive than in the provinces. For a typical break, afternoon tea is a lovely experience, but its price varies considerably depending on the establishment: see our selection of’afternoon teas in London.

The formalities

Since the UK left the European Union, an identity card is no longer sufficient: a valid passport is required. European travelers must also obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which has cost £20 since April 2026. The UK uses the pound sterling, but credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Full details are in our travel guide. formalities for the United Kingdom.

Our tips for reducing the budget of a trip to England

• Take advantage of London's free museums and alternate them with paid monuments.
• Pay for London transport using contactless technology to automatically benefit from the daily travel limit.
• Book your train tickets and main tours several weeks in advance.
• Avoid London during major events and British school holidays, when hotels are more expensive.
• Combine a few days in London with a less expensive region, such as Yorkshire or the Cotswolds.

To choose the best time, consult our guide when to go to England. For a first stay, also follow our itinerary for Visit London in 3 days.

England, Scotland or Ireland: which destination is the most expensive?

London remains the most expensive of the three destinations, especially for accommodation. Outside of capital cities, however, budgets are quite similar. Compare with our guides to budget for a trip to Scotland and of the budget for a trip to Ireland.

Organized or independent travel: which to choose?

Traveling independently may seem cheaper. However, the time spent comparing and booking everything also comes at a cost, as does poor organization once you're there. A tailor-made trip, on the other hand, combines accommodations, transportation, and advice from a local team, all at a price known in advance. Discover why choosing a tailor-made trip is so much better. local travel agency in England.

Good to know: Christmas markets are free, like the Birmingham Christmas market or the York Christmas market.

For travelers over 60, our guide to Senior citizens' trip to England presents suitable circuits, with their prices.

Frequently asked questions about budgeting for a trip to England

How much does a weekend in London cost?

Our 3-day stay during the Christmas markets starts at €270 per person, excluding flights. The budget then increases depending on the hotel category and the number of paid attractions visited.

How much does a week in England cost?

Expect to pay from €1,200 to €1,300 per person for a 6 to 7 day tour in the region, excluding flights, but including accommodation and transport.

Are London's museums free?

Yes, major national museums like the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Natural History Museum are free. Only some temporary exhibitions require an entrance fee.

Do you need a passport to go to England?

Yes. An identity card is no longer sufficient: a valid passport and an electronic travel authorization (ETA), which costs £20, are required.

Cover photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.

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