British coastal city is among cheapest places to go on holiday in UK at £108
Brits eager to soak up the summer sun are eyeing weekend staycations, with many on the hunt for the most budget-friendly spots within the UK.
Aqua, a credit card company, has divulged its top picks for the most economical UK destinations. Portsmouth emerges as a standout choice, boasting a blend of rich history, stunning scenery, and affordability.
Aqua highlights: "From the historic charm of the Spinnaker Tower to the vibrant waterfront at Gunwharf Quays, this coastal city offers plenty to see and do without breaking the bank."
This south coast haven is celebrated for its naval heritage and picturesque docks, ranking high among the UK's top three cost-effective staycation locations.
Travellers can enjoy a night's stay in Portsmouth for as cheap as £108 (Image: Getty)
According to the research by Aqua, holidaymakers can snag a night in Portsmouth for a mere £108, narrowly undercutting Eastbourne's £112 lodgings, and trailing just behind Blackpool's even more modest £82 rate, reports the Express.
But it's not all about the savings; Portsmouth's enchanting historical quarters, especially the charming Old Town with its traditional cobblestone lanes, are drawing more and more Brits to discover its unique allure.
One Tripadvisor reviewer highlighted the area's charm, mentioning the opportunity for a "nice walk to do and view the old town" and commending it for being "very well maintained," which "gives an idea of what it was like."
This view was shared by fellow travellers, with one visitor describing it as "a lovely place for a chilled walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A great selection of pubs, shops and places to eat."
For holidaymakers wanting a blend of heritage experiences and seaside relaxation, Portsmouth proves an excellent destination. The city offers walkable streets and numerous budget-friendly or complimentary attractions, alongside the obvious coastal pleasures.
The Millennium Promenade connects major waterfront spots via a spectacular seaside route packed with family attractions including the Historic Dockyard, the Spinnaker Tower, and nearby Southsea Castle.
'Charming' UK coastal city is one of cheapest summer staycations with £108 stays (Image: Getty)
The Historic Dockyard features engaging exhibitions and legendary vessels such as HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, creating an excellent full-day experience for youngsters and grown-ups alike.
Budget-conscious visitors will appreciate that several on-site museums offer joint admission deals, enabling guests to discover various exhibitions.
A brief walk leads to the Spinnaker Tower, which provides spectacular panoramas across Portsmouth Harbour and the Isle of Wight. Thrill-seekers can experience the glass-floor skywalk.
Entry fees remain affordable, with reductions frequently offered for advance online purchases. Southsea Castle, built for Henry VIII, is nestled within stunning grounds and houses a modest museum that delves into its tumultuous past, including the accidental explosion that caused significant damage to the castle.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The only place in the world ‘without time' is a beautiful island where the sun doesn't set for 69 days in the summer
The islanders signed a petition to become a "time free zone" TIMELESS ESCAPE The only place in the world 'without time' is a beautiful island where the sun doesn't set for 69 days in the summer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TINY fishing village where the sun doesn't set for 69 days is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Home to just 300 people, the island's residents have chosen not to live by strict time conventions and instead "do what they want—when they want". 6 Traditional wooden huts on Sommaroy Island Credit: Getty 6 The Midnight Sun in Sommoroy Credit: Getty 6 It is a great place to see the Northern Lights Credit: Getty Sommarøy meaning summer island has constant sunlight between May 18 to July 26 every year. You can walk across the gorgeous wind sandy beaches at 2am, and stroll amongst the gorgeous Arctic mountains whilst others are sleeping. Due to its northern location, it hardly ever gets warm in Sommarøy, with average temperatures between seven and 15 degrees. And in the winter, the midnight sun is replaced by constant darkness, which occurs between November and January. The long polar nights are perfect for seeing the Aurora Borealis, which can light up the sky at any time during the "day" or "night". The island's economy depends on fishing and tourism and there's so much to do for visitors, including hiking, swimming and kayaking. Time free zone Due to it's unusual daylight hours, Sommarøy exists without the normal time constraints placed on society. In fact, the iconic Sommarøy Bridge, which is used as a way to access the island is covered in watches from visitors, who want to ditch the concept of time whilst on the island. In 2019, the inhabitants launched a campaign to make Sommarøy "time free". 'In many cases this can be linked to the feeling of being trapped by the clock", ' Kjell Ove Hveding, the leader of the campaign said. "We will be a time-free zone where everyone can live their lives to the fullest … Our goal is to provide full flexibility, 24/7. "If you want to cut the lawn at 4am, then you can do it." The campaign called for opening hours to be abolished, and for people do be allowed to do whatever they liked at any time of day. World's loneliest island 1,400 miles away from people has a dark past Residents of the island said: "Here we enjoy every minute of the midnight sun, and yes, a coffee with friends on the beach at 2am is a normal thing.' It was later revealed that the campaign was partly a marketing ploy by Visit Norway, to boost tourism to the island. However, the island's residents did have a meeting to sign a petition to become the word's first time-free zone, and their unique attitude to time is real. 'We apologize as we should have been [clearer] from the start about the role of the agency", Marianne Mork, former head of business communications for Visit Norway, told CNN. "However, the initiative is real and came from the islanders themselves, and their time-free way of living is real." Places in the world where the sun doesn't set Norway - between April 20 and August 22 Finland - between May and August Sweden - between June and July Alaska - between May 10 and August 2 Iceland - between mid-May and mid-August Canada - between May 24 and July 20 North Pole - between late March and late September South Pole - betweem September 23 and March 20 6 Wooden cabins on the waters edge at Sommaroy Credit: Getty 6 Aerial view of Sommaroy islands Credit: Getty 6 Sommarøy bridge Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Brits could be fined THOUSANDS if they don't follow little-known duty free rules for cigarettes, booze & perfume
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS could be fined thousands if they fail to follow these little known rules at border control. Holidaymakers could also see their items seized upon re-entering the UK, if they fail to meet border control's high standards. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 UK Border Control is one of the strictest in the world Credit: AFP 3 Luxury items including perfume are subject to the restrictions Credit: Alamy The laws are designed to protect the UK economy, as well as out natural environment. To make it easy for travellers, the Government and British border forces are clear about how much of each product you can bring in. Importing alcohol to Britain Bringing alcohol into the UK is legal, but there are strict limits on how much alcohol you can take with you through customs. You can bring a total of 4 litres of a spirit over 22 per cent ABV (alcohol by volume) or 9 litres of an alcohol under 22 per cent ABV. However, you cannot bring both quantities. If you have a variety of alcoholic products with you, then they must total the same amount listed above. For example, 4.5 litres of cider (a drink under 22 per cent ABV) and 2 litres of a spirit above 22 per cent ABV would be allowed into Britain. This is because each quantity is equivalent to 50 per cent of the legal amount. Meanwhile, 4 litres of a spirit and 9 litres of cider would be double the amount which you can import. Failing to follow customs law could see you being handed a £2,500 fine per contravention. UK airport reveals new security rules for passengers If the amount of imported alcohol is exceptionally high or you are a repeat offender, you could be slapped with a prison sentence. The length of the sentence could vary greatly, depending on your crime. There are strict limits on tobacco products too UK law allows you to bring a maximum 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars of 250g of tobacco (including shisha) OR 200 sticks of tobacco for heating to Britain. Like alcohol, you must combine these allowances. That would mean you could bring 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars, for example, as each is at 50 per cent of the total allowed in. Tobacco products, like alcohol, can only be brought into the country by someone over the age of 17. Also, tobacco and alcohol quantities are counted as entirely separate so you don't get a larger quantity of one by taking none of the other. Luxury goods at the border Luxury goods, including perfume or electrical items, can often be imported into the UK without paying duty or tax. However, if the sum total of the items exceeds £390, you will have to pay tax on every item - not just the ones which push you over the limit. For people arriving by private plane or boat for leisure, the allowance is £270. Meat, milk and plants are banned The importation of meat, honey and dairy is strictly prohibited. The only exception to this rule is to infant milk or medical food, though both amounts cannot exceed 2kg. Failing to follow these rules could see you being slapped with a staggering £5000 fine. EU arrivals are the only group allowed to take high-priority plants into the country, though they will need to apply beforehand for a phytosanitary certificate. Restrictions on cash Cash up to a total of £10,000 can be brought into Britain, though this must be declared 72 hours in advance of your arrival. Declarations on all products listed here must be made, even if you are just transferring flight. Failing to declare something could result in you receiving a criminal sentence.
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Major strike action to hit 12 Spanish airports that have Ryanair flights
Plus, what you need to know about flight compensation rules GROUNDED Major strike action to hit 12 Spanish airports that have Ryanair flights BRITS heading to Spain this month are being warned of chaos as baggage handlers are to strike at 12 Spanish airports. More than 3,000 workers are set to strike between August 15 and 17 and then will continue to strike every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at a number of Spanish airports. 2 Strikes are expected to hit 12 Spanish airport and impact Ryanair Credit: Alamy The strikes are set to continue through to the end of December. Organised by the union UGT, the repeated walk-outs by Azul Handling - Ryanair's handling subsidiary - are expected to impact the airline's operations. Ryanair's bases located in Valencia, Alicante, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Ibiza, Palma, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago, are expected to be impacted. The strike will affect all bases and work centres in Spain and will take place between 5am and 9am, noon and 3pm and 9pm to 11.59pm. Read more on travel tips STAY IN Take a family hol EVERY MONTH for under £2k a year… including tip to bag free stays By law, the workers have to provide a "minimum service", however this is yet to be specified. The protests are "against the sanctions imposed on workers and the abuse of hours". The FeSMC-UGT airline sector is requesting mediation before the Interconfederal Mediation and Arbitration Service (SIMA). According to the union, the strikes are being called for various reasons including a lack of stable job creation, restrictions on medical leave and the consolidation of part-time staff's working hours. "UGT regrets having to go to these extremes and all the damages that may occur, for which the direct responsibility will be solely and exclusively the company and its reckless action with the workforce," the union commented. Jose Manuel Perez Grande, federal secretary of the FeSMC-UGT Air Union, claimed Azul Handling has "a strategy of precariousness and pressure on the workforce that violates basic labour rights and systematically ignores union demands". Flight cancelled or delayed? Top tips for handling travel disruptions The FeSMC-UGT Air Sector is now demanding that the company withdraw the sanctions, comply with the opinions of the Joint Commission and immediately open a real negotiation process. This would improve the working conditions of the more than 3,000 workers affected. A number of baggage handlers also went on strike at several Spanish airports for the same reasons last year. A Ryanair spokesperson told The Sun Travel: "Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain." Back in June, Ryanair also revealed Europe's worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays. This included 1,642 of the airlines' flights to/from the UK being delayed, impacting nearly 300,000 British passengers. Ryanair commented that the European Commission and European governments "have taken no action to fix their shoddy ATC services and ATC delays will now be even worse in summer 2025". Micheal O'Leary, the airline's CEO, added that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be "record ATC flight delays this summer". Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. A European airport is at risk of closure as Ryanair is set to scrap all flights. Plus, Ryanair warns of record flight delays this summer.
