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Daily Mirror

Huge UK seaside town named Britain's cheapest staycation spot with £82 hotels

Boasting seven long miles of soft golden sand, a recently refurbed Grand Theatre, acclaimed funfair and plenty of arcades - this iconic seaside town has remained one of the UK's cheapest Explore one of the UK's most famous seaside resorts this summer, without breaking the bank. With rising council tax, soaring energy bills, higher road tax and even a more expensive TV Licence - jetting off to the likes of Spain and Greece suddenly seems unaffordable for many households. But, you don't need to travel far to find seven miles of soft golden sand, a whopping 500ft tall tower, an acclaimed funfair - and class entertainment. Looking out onto the Irish Sea, Blackpool ticks all the coastal must-haves for a cheerful staycation, and has kept its prices competitive. ‌ There are endless rows of arcades, Fish & Chip shops, and a hefty £350 million investment that is slowly turning the town around, after its pristine reputation started to falter after the 'Benidorm boom'. It's no surprise the town's tourism figures are rising, with 21.5 million holidaymakers flocking to the town in 2023 - a six per cent spike from the year before. ‌ New data from Aqua found a staggering 76 per cent of Brits prefer to take at least one staycation per year, instead of dealing with bustling airports and long security queues every time they want a few pints under the sun. The credit card brand has therefore analysed UK staycation spots based on accommodation costs, search volume, weather, and more - to find the cheapest hotspot. Charging guests as little as £82 per night, Blackpool came out as a clear winner. "This classic seaside town offers great value without skimping on fun, with attractions like Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the iconic tower, and lively promenade," Aqua stated. "It's ideal for families or couples seeking a traditional beach break on a budget." For those unenthused by funfair rides and sunbathing on the beach, extensive restoration and repairs have recently been completed on Blackpool's historic Grand Theatre following a £450,000 grant from Arts Council England's Capital Investment Programme. The Grade 2 listed building is hosting a slew of award-winning show this year including Dear Evan Hansen and the beloved Grease The Musical. According to reports, The Arts Council award marks the first phase of funding towards a £15 million capital development plan that will future-proof the theatre and the area surrounding it. ‌ Most affordable staycation destinations - full list Blackpool - £82 per night Portsmouth - £108 per night Eastbourne - £112 per night Torquay - £112 per night Manchester - £115 per night Plymouth - £118 per night Brecon Beacons - £118 per night ‌ Located some 239 miles from London, getting to Blackpool takes around four hours and 37 minutes in the car. However, direct trains can slash the journey time down to less than three hours - and if you're flexible with flights, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £39. As proven by Aqua's research, accommodation in Blackpool is very affordable, and is great for those trying to keep the purse strings tight. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, June 13-15) at the Fir Trees Guest House will only set you back £54, based on two adults sharing. However, there is a luxury side to town, and those wanting to splash out can stay at the four-star Imperial Hotel for £198 on the exact same dates.