Poole is an incredibly popular coastal town in Dorset, a fantastic place for a few days or just for a weekend away to escape everyday life. The town is famous for Poole Quay, which has been a major feature in the town’s development over recent years.

The harbour is home to powerboats and luxury motorboats, which unless your trip to Poole includes plans to win the lottery, you may not be hopping on board anytime soon.

Poole has plenty to offer, in the form of museums, shops, national parks, restaurants, beaches, and more. Although a major business hub in the UK, Poole has proven itself an excellent tourist destination as well.

Shopping Havens

Although the High Street is dominated by the names found in towns and cities all around Britain, it also has a number of unique independent shops. If you are looking for antiques, gifts, crafts, children’s toys, or jewellery, Poole is bound to have the ideal shop for you.

Poole is home to a number of markets, which offer excellent value for money, and often provide a peek into the culture of Poole. Even if you have no intention to buy, these markets are a fun way to spend the day.

Every Thursday between 9am and 2pm in Falkland Square is the Farmers Market. Fantastic, high quality produces are on offer from farmers and bakers at a fraction of the prices found in high street shops.

One of the most popular markets is the French Street Market, which takes place in the middle of September. Although it means being in Poole at a specific time of year, the cheeses make it well worth the trip!

Heading out of the town centre and into the village of Lower Parkstone, you will find an eclectic collection of shops, with everything from flowers , lingerie to coffee and paintings! Located near Ashley Cross Green, Lower Parkstone is a great place to visit for a peaceful stroll around the shops.

Best Eats & Drinks
Poole has some incredible places to stop for a bite to eat at lunchtime or for dining out in the evening. The town centre and quay area are both home to great eateries, whether you fancy a pub lunch or a 3-course meal at a fine dining restaurant.

Keeping the cost of eating out down can be difficult when sticking to certain types of restaurants, but by visiting www.restaurantspoole.co.uk , first you might be able to grab a cheaper deal.

One of Poole’s favourites with families on a budget is Georgie Porgie Buffet World. Located on Yarrow Road, this buffet is like 10 restaurants in one! A real food lover’s paradise, it has food from just about every cuisine going including Indian, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, and European. Georgie Porgie’s is open seven days a week from breakfast until late dinner with prices that won’t break the bank.

The prices vary depending on the day of the week and the time of day, but adults can eat out for as little as £5.99 to £13.99. It’s ideal for those with children as under 9’s eat for half price!

Arts & Attractions
There is so much to do in Poole it can be difficult to decide how to fill your day, but two fantastic attractions for people on a budget are the Greenslade Pleasure Boats and Poole Museum.

The pleasure boats are part of history in Poole; they provide visitors with a unique way of exploring the local area. Once on board you can cruise around the five islands, including Dorset Lakelands and the Isle of Purbeck with on-board commentary. This is a fantastic way to spend a sunny day relaxing and enjoying the best views Poole has to offer.

Trips on the Pleasure Boats aren’t ridiculously cheap but they are affordable, the adult fare is £9.50, and children £6.00. However, if you are a family, you can get great discounts with the family tickets, which range from £15.50 to £25.00.

Poole Museum is definitely one of the best attractions in town; it was reopened in 2007 after undergoing a major facelift. The four galleries show the history of Poole without any cost as entry is completely free. Whether you want to learn more about archaeology or potteries, or even pirates, Poole Museum is a great place to visit.

This is proof that a trip to Poole doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There are hundreds of independent stores where you can grab bargain after bargain, discounts to be found on fine dining establishments, or just great value family outlets, and even free attractions. Enjoy what Poole has to offer without the added expense.

	Written by :
	Jemma is a news & research reporter for compareandsave.com.Having worked as a journalist on a number of personal finance websites; she now spends time researching and commenting on UK personal finance stories and investigating new ways to help our readers save money.For press enquiries, please visit our Media Centre page.

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The North London landscape is dominated by parks, gardens, and other rural areas, a far cry from the cityscape found in Central London. The area is well known for its high end shopping and restaurants, but there is more to North London than first meets the eye.

North of the river is home to a number of British celebrities including Stephen Fry, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geri Halliwell, and of course, PM David Cameron.

If you want to explore a slightly different side to London than the usual Royal residences and the tourist trap of Oxford Street then you can check out some of the cheap things to do plus see, places to eat or drink, and unique shopping sanctuaries that we have found buried in this quaint spot of urban London.

Secret shopping havens

You can’t start writing about shopping in North London without mentioning Camden Town. Home to the infamous Camden Market, Camden Town has in fact a number of markets and attracts half a million visitors every single week.

Best known for finding jewellery and antiques, Camden Market is a must-see for everyone. Shopping is not all you can do at Camden; there are also hotels, pubs, bars, and cheap eateries all around the Market.

If markets aren’t really your cup of tea, you might find a few bargains down Upper Street; Islington as there is a whole array of novel shops for you to browse. At the end of the stretch, you will find Highbury Fields Park, the perfect place to rest your weary feet.

It seems that we can’t escape the markets in London as the North London Vintage Market is another gem. Situated in St Mary’s Parish Hall not far from Finsbury Park and Muswell Hill, this market is run by a couple of dealers from Spitalfields Antique Market.

With vendors selling just about everything from furniture to homeware, and ceramics to fabrics, you are bound to see something that catches your eye or captures your cash.

Heading away from the markets again and onto the high street, Stoke Newington Church Street is a quaint shopping haven packed with small independents. Down here, you will find vintage clothing for men, women and children, a variety of reasonably priced restaurants and many more bargains.

Best Eats & Drinks

If you crave variety, there is no better place to head for a meal than North London. The first recommendation is the Delhi Grill, which manages to bring Punjabi street food to Chapel Market. The menu is quite short but the food is delicious, with meals and drinks, which will probably setting you back around £3.25 per person depending on your appetite and choice.

From Punjabi to Korean, Dotori is located in Finsbury Park and offers up some sublime Korean and Japanese dishes. This is slightly more expensive with a meal for two hitting around the £30 mark, but it does offer excellent value for money.

If you have ever wondered what Ecuadorian-Bolivian cuisine is like then El Rincon Quiteno is a must-visit restaurant. Here you will be served traditional dishes with hunks of meat at affordable prices. The types of meals you will find on the menu include traditional casseroles, stews and soups.

For a real bargain lunch, you can head back to Camden Market, to dine at, well… ‘Market’. This simple restaurant offers 2-course set lunches for £10 per person, and provides delicious food in an honest environment. Although not quite a Michelin star, the dishes on offer are cooked to perfection and provide those on a tight budget with mouth-watering meals.

Arts & Attractions

If you have never visited North London before, you could take a trip to Alexandra Palace or ‘Ally Pally’ as it is locally known. The Palace offers a tour of London culture and heritage that you won’t find anywhere else. The park is free to enter and has a pub, restaurant, boating lake plus a pitch & putt golf course.

Seeing the sights of North London is often best achieved on a double-decker bus. If you want to explore the area then jump on either the No.19 or No.73, which will take you around Battersea, Finsbury Park, Victoria, and Stoke Newington.

Another fantastic free entry attraction is Bruce Castle, which is home to a 16th century manor house that has been transformed into a museum. The park also boasts sports facilities and a children’s playground.

If you want to visit, avoid Mondays and Tuesdays because Bruce Castle has relaxed opening hours between 1pm and 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Finally yet importantly, is Kings Place, which sports two concert halls, an art gallery, a restaurant, and a number of modern arts events. It is free to enter the foyer and gallery, but tickets can be purchased for the events at the box office.

On a budget, North London provides an endless diary of free and cheap events or eateries from you to choose from, so why not grab your Oyster card and head for the North.

	Written by :
	Jemma is a news & research reporter for compareandsave.com.Having worked as a journalist on a number of personal finance websites; she now spends time researching and commenting on UK personal finance stories and investigating new ways to help our readers save money.For press enquiries, please visit our Media Centre page.

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West London has a rich sporting culture as it is home to a number of football clubs including three in the Premier League: Chelsea, Fulham, and QPR. The national football stadium, Wembley arena, which is the venue used for music and football events alike, is also located in West London.

If you’re looking to travel to West London, there are excellent transport links including Heathrow Airport, buses and the Tube. Follow our guide to West London on a shoestring, to take advantage of what the area has to offer without costing you a packet.

Secret Shopping Havens

Everything in West London can be notoriously expensive, and the shops are no different. However, there are some great unique stores and markets where you can make the most of your money. Perhaps, the most famous street market in the world is Portobello Market, which is located in Notting Hill, which has just about everything you may want, from antiques, clothing, fruit and vegetable stalls, through to second-hand goods.

Another one of London’s fantastic markets is Shepherds Bush market, a traditional street market, which offers a wide range of cuisines, clothing, fabrics, music, carpets, and much more. If you are looking to try some new foods, there is no better place to come, as Shepherds Bush has everything from eastern European to African. Even if you are not looking to spend a lot of money, this is one of West London’s markets, which is perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Best Eats & Drinks

Dining out in West London can put a serious dent in your wallet if you’re not careful, but we have selected some of the best places to eat on a budget. A meal on a shoestring doesn’t have to involve a burger and chips out of a van; if you find the right place, you can enjoy quality food without the hefty price tag.

Your first stop could be Orange Pekoe in Barnes, which is a modern tearoom and the perfect place to stop for a relaxing breakfast. Don’t expect to stuff your face with a bacon butty and ketchup in here, the menu has all sorts of delights from salmon and cream cheese muffins to pastries. If you’re looking for lunch you can either opt for something from the daytime menu or grab a sandwich to go for just £3.90. You can enjoy breakfast for as little as £1.30 or as much as £8, and lunch meals don’t stretch above £8.50 either.

If you enjoy chatting with friends over a spot of non-pretentious lunch, then the Santa Maria Pizzeria is the perfect place to go. The atmosphere is warm and the pizza delicious. Santa Maria’s pizzas are a tribute to Italian pizza and are cooked in a handcrafted wood-fired pizza oven making these super-thin pizzas heavenly. When you can enjoy food for less than £5, you know you’re onto a winner.

For something a little healthier, try out Mr Falafel, operating from a unit near the entrance to Shepherds Bush. Here you can try out delicious falafel accompanied by hummus, tahini, cucumbers, fried cauliflower, pickled turnips, and fried potatoes. Wash it all down with an orange blossom tea for a delicious accompaniment. Falafel wraps start from just £3.

Arts & Attractions

A trip to West London isn’t complete without visiting one of its famous parks. Hammersmith Park is just behind the BBC studios and has a number of attractions including playgrounds, bowling green, football pitches, tennis courts, and Japanese Gardens. Hyde Park is much larger than Hammersmith, covering 350 acres of greenery! It also has many things to do such as boating, cycling, tennis, horse riding, and swimming, as well as some stunning architecture.

There is no better way to discover West London than on one of the free monthly cultural walking tours. These tours are fantastic way to learn about the local area and its heritage, and are even suitable for people with accessibility requirements! Forget the tour bus, explore West London by foot.

Visiting West London doesn’t have to be as expensive as you originally thought; by planning ahead you could save a significant amount of money. The restaurants mentioned above are just a few in the area, but they prove that you can dine out for less than £10 per person. Depending on what your idea of fun is, you could spend an entire weekend in West London, sightseeing, visiting attractions, and soaking up the culture without spending a penny.

	Written by :
	Jemma is a news & research reporter for compareandsave.com.Having worked as a journalist on a number of personal finance websites; she now spends time researching and commenting on UK personal finance stories and investigating new ways to help our readers save money.For press enquiries, please visit our Media Centre page.

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Within its leafy suburbs, South West London is the home of the infamous Gordon Ramsay, Wimbledon tennis, Chelsea football ground and Putney boat race. It has a wealth of hidden jewels to explore and visit as a couple or with your family.

As we take a trip through the South West London suburban underground of secret charms on offer, we give you a brief taster of the free and inexpensive places you can discover.

Secret shopping havens
If you have a spare Sunday then it may be the ideal time to take a wander down to Merton Abbey Mills craft market, Colliers Wood.
The arts and crafts market is South West London’s well-kept secret haven complete with a working watermill, located on the river Wandle.

With a wide range of cheap eats ranging from Brazilian, Italian through to English plus an array of craft stalls, you can meander around the unique market at your leisure.

For those who prefer entertainment then you can chose to sit down at one of the many cafes or restaurants to listen to the live bands performing on the outdoor stage.

If you have children, then the market provides a melting pot of entertainment from pottery classes at the Wheelhouse through to shows at the Colour House Theatre.

The nearest tube station is Colliers Wood. For further details, you can check the website at www.mertonabbeymills.org.uk.

If you fancy the picking up a bargain then you could check out the Saturday car boot sale at Wimbledon Stadium, every Saturday and Sunday. It has over 2,000 stalls for those with an eye for a bargain.

The car boot sale is located at Plough Lane, SW17 OBL. With a £2 entry fee, you can be assured that you will pick up a good deal and practice your art of haggling.

The best cheap eats and drinks in town
For the best cheap eats, you could take a stroll down to Tooting Broadway high street, where you can find a wide range of global dishes to choose from.
Whether you fancy a traditional pie ‘n’ mash, an authentic chicken Masala, a Sri Lankan dosa or Portuguese croquettes then Tooting has a large variety of mouth-watering cheap eats.

Prices start at £3 for a dosa and from £3.50 for a curry with rice. The market also offers a range of cheap Caribbean and Chinese dishes.
If you prefer to venture out of the traditional pubs and bars then head for Tooting Tram & Social club at 46-48 Mitcham Road London, Greater London SW17 9NA.

It is an original converted tram shed and an antiquated watering hole complete with a small library where you can enjoy an afternoon reading the papers or a social evening beverage.

With Burlesque shows, theatre productions, jumble sales, live music and reasonably priced drinks, you can be certain of a unique experience.
Alternatively, why not try out Prince Harry’s friends’ karaoke pizza bar called ‘Bunga Bunga’ in Battersea for an alternative cheap eat at www.bungabunga-london.com
You may have to book a month in advance, as it is fully booked because Prince Harry may have caused a marketing storm when he visited in March.

Arts and attractions
It seems wise to give you a sample of what South West London has to offer in the way of arts and attractions, as there are countless to choose from.

You can visit the Buddhist Thai temple on the edge of Wimbledon common, 14 Calonne Road London SW19 5HJ and is the first of its kind to be built in the UK.

The temple is free to visit and offers free meditation courses or moderately priced retreats.

Located in Battersea is the Battersea Park Children’s Zoo where you can have a personal experience with an animal encounter, take part in an action programme and even feed the animals. Prices start at under £6 for adults and £4.50 for children. Details can be found at www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk.

For museum trips, you can visit the Wimbledon Museum, which is home to one of the world’s largest collections of tennis memorabilia.  Museum prices are £6 for adults and £3.75 for children under the age of 15. It is located at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club Church Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AE.

	Written by :
	Amanda is the editor for Compareandsave.com.She worked as a journalist at the FT business publication, ‘Financial Adviser’. She also worked for the nationals including The Guardian, The Independent, The Mail on Sunday and Daily Mirror. Alongside working for major UK personal finance sites, she now investigates and reports on new, novel ways to help our readers save money.For press enquiries, please visit our Media Centre page.

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Most day-trippers and tourists associate London with an expensive treat, but this only applies if you follow the tourist trail. By heading slightly off the beaten track, into the heart of ‘true’ London, you will find all sorts of fascinating places to explore, shop, and dine without damaging your wallet.

South East London is an area that spans the suburbs of Woolwich to Brixton and from Waterloo to Crystal Palace. It is a place to head if you fancy a location that has plenty to offer in-between.

Whether you would like to spend an evening in one of the traditional pubs found down one of the cobbled lanes, or perhaps the brand-spanking new ‘vertical city’ is more up your street, or even taking in the sights down the River Thames, then there is something for everyone to enjoy without the huge expense.

Secret Shopping Havens
South East London is home to some incredible unique shops, a far cry from the glitzy mainstream outlets found in the centre of London, these businesses might be slightly kitsch, but they have everything from clothing to board games.

If you’re interested in vintage, clothing there is no better place to stop than 360 Degrees Vintage at Greenwich Market. Although once a market stall, this is now the biggest shop in the market.

You can get your hands on just about anything from the early 1900s right through to the 1980s, with items that can set you back anywhere from between £25 to £75. Due to its hip marketing, 360 Degrees Vintage has become a London shopping destination for many celebrities.

Vintage clothing isn’t all that South East London has on offer; Compendia Traditional Games – also in Greenwich Market – has just about every game imaginable. With the sole intention of bringing families back together, Compendia stocks a huge range of both battery and non-battery powered games.

Head over to Peckham High Street and you will find one of the most unusual corner shops around called Persepolis. This Iranian-owned store sells everything from musical instruments and CDs to Iranian food products. Owner Sally also sells a cookbook called Persia in Peckham.

Cheap Eats & Drinks
Dining out in South East London can definitely be done on a shoestring; this area is home to some of the London cafes and restaurants, which sell the most delicious home cooked food.

For the first meal of the day, there is no better place to stop than Blue Monty, which is famous in the local area for its ‘full monty’.

The fry up will probably be the highest quality breakfast you’ve ever tasted from a local cafe, with chunky slices of toast, thick Cumberland sausages, and crispy bacon all lovingly adorned with tomatoes, eggs, mushroom, and whatever else you would like to add. Although not the cheapest in London, it does offer the best value for money at £6.95.

Next, on the agenda is lunch, and where better to stop off away from all the hustle and bustle than Magdalen, a simple yet quaint restaurant on Tooley Street in London Bridge, one of the hotspots for the Olympic Games. The set lunch, served between 12pm and 2.30pm is an absolute bargain, at just £15.50 for two courses, or £18.50 for three.

The restaurant uses the very best sourced British ingredients to serve incredibly high quality food, but in a comfortable and romantic atmosphere.

There are so many places to choose from for dinner, but the trendy urban Italian restaurant Zucca is my favourite pick. This place is incredibly slick, there is no place for naff decorations or overly flowery surroundings and it is complete with its white plastic tables for a real minimalist feel.

Anything on the menu is delicious, whether you opt for pasta, chicken, breads, dessert or coffee, everything is as good as the next. It may not be homely in decor, but it certainly is a bargain, with the main meals ranging from £14.50 to £14.95.

Arts & Attractions
There are plenty of things to do in South East London without breaking the bank, including a trip to the museums. These museums aren’t the little stuffy museums found down some back alley, these are the country’s finest, and they can all be visited for free.

You can choose from the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum.

You may not instantly associate the National Theatre with a cheap day out, but they put on free concerts 6 days a week at 5.45pm, and 1.45pm on a Saturday. All sorts of acts including jazz and folk bands perform on Southbank next to Waterloo Bridge.

Whatever your fancy, South East London is thriving with unique locations and places of interest which won’t break the bank.

	Written by :
	Jemma is a news & research reporter for compareandsave.com.Having worked as a journalist on a number of personal finance websites; she now spends time researching and commenting on UK personal finance stories and investigating new ways to help our readers save money.For press enquiries, please visit our Media Centre page.

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The Welsh city of Swansea is a lively place with plenty to offer visitors on a shoestring budget. A large student population ensures Swansea is a vibrant and young city offering plenty of great activities and eating opportunities at competitively cheap rates.

Swansea’s proximity to the sea means it inhabitants often pursue sports such as surfing and volleyball. The Gower peninsula next to Swansea is a perfect seaside destination for those looking to relax when the weather is good. Sport is big in Swansea and there is a famous rivalry with Cardiff meaning local derbies are always exciting to watch. The poet Dylan Thomas was born and lived in Swansea and admirers of his work enjoy locating areas of Swansea mentioned in his poetry. Swansea is located in a bay which includes some great beaches and villages that are well worth exploring. The industrial era has certainly had a profound effect on the city and the city celebrates this rich heritage with some great museums.

The Maritime Quarter of Swansea offers numerous attractions to visitors. The aforementioned Dylan Thomas has a museum dedicated to his work (The Dylan Thomas centre) which offers an exhibition of his life and work. The centre hosts year-round literary events, book launches and plays and is well worth investigating. Entry is free and is great both for Dylan fans and curious visitors alike.

The Swansea Museum, which is situated in four locations, offers a great glimpse into Swansea and gives an insight into Swansea life past and present. The main museum is the oldest in Wales and houses great collections and an impressive stone building. The museum also has many boats in it collections which can be found down at Swansea marina. Some of the boats include a tug boat, a warning boat and various smaller vessels. The Tramshed, located on the marina has a wonderful display of memorabilia from the street trams of Swansea including the Mumbles tram which ran from Swansea to Mumbles pier. The fourth location of the Swansea museum is The Collections Centre. Open on Wednesdays, the Collections Centre houses the museums reserve collections of maritime and industrial memorabilia. Some of the most memorable artefacts in the centre are the old vehicles and boats on display. All four locations are free of charge and will provide visitors with a great idea of Swansea’s eventful and colourful past.

Swansea is also home to Wales’ youngest museum – The National Waterfront Museum, located in the Maritime quarter. Housed inside an innovative slate and glass building, the museum focuses on Wales’ history of industrial revolution and innovation. The museum continues the theme of innovation by using interactive touchscreens and multimedia to tell the story of industrial era Wales in great detail. There are many artefacts on display that will interest many visitors. The industrial era shaped Wales enormously and it might come as a surprise to hear that Welsh iron and steel was sent around the world to be used in countries such as New Zealand and India. Such an amazing heritage is celebrated in the free to enter National Waterfront Museum and it is highly recommended.

Swansea nightlife is legendary. The centre has a large range of pubs, bars, clubs, restaurant and even two casinos. Most of the well-known nightspots can be found on Wind Street and not only do they offer visitors good value food and drinks but also a glimpse into how locals view the world. There is plenty of great seafood to be eaten in Swansea and local cockles and laver bread are the local specialities.

There are several beaches around Swansea bay that are promoted to visitors and are among some of the most beautiful in Britain. Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Llangennith all offer surfing possibilities for visitors looking to ride the waves or just admire others doing it. The seaside village of Mumbles, a 5 mile walk from Swansea along the coast, is highly recommended and there are many great shops, restaurants and cafes that are ideal for those visiting on a budget.

Swansea is a delightful city to investigate and one that will certainly not break the bank in doing so. The seaside attractions, as well as its rich cultural heritage mean it offers something for everyone.

	Written by :
	Jemma is a news & research reporter for compareandsave.com.Having worked as a journalist on a number of personal finance websites; she now spends time researching and commenting on UK personal finance stories and investigating new ways to help our readers save money.For press enquiries, please visit our Media Centre page.

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Norwich, situated on the River Wensum, offers visitors not only an impressive history but also a vibrant cultural scene and a great range of shops and restaurants. Those visiting on a budget will have no trouble getting the most out of Norwich without having to spend a lot of money, as the city has many attractions that will appeal to all kinds of people. Norwich is known as the most complete medieval city in Britain with over 1500 historical buildings. Ranging from the medieval period until the start of the industrial revolution, Norwich’s rich and prosperous history is well worth investigating and the city is very rewarding to walk around.

Norwich Cathedral is perhaps the best place to start for visitors to Norwich on a shoestring. This 900 year old cathedral is a striking feature of Norwich’s skyline and its beautiful interior will not fail to impress those who step inside. The cathedral is located in a beautiful area of the city where you can wander around and soak up the rich history of the city. There are many pleasant cafes and restaurants in this area of the town offering good value refreshments to visitors. Norwich cathedral is not the only medieval church worth seeing and there over 30 within the city walls alone that are great to admire.

Walking around the city is highly recommended and most importantly free! There is no better way to spend a summer’s evening in Norwich than to take a walking tour. The Blue Badge Guide costs just £4 per person and will take you around Norwich’s extraordinary buildings, landmarks and beautiful riverside. There are several tours on offer and visitors will be able to find one that interests them. ‘In footsteps on Nelson’ offers a glimpse into life in Norwich when Nelson lived there, whilst ‘Over the water’ takes visitors around Norwich’s once over-populated and congested streets where flood, fire and plague once ravaged in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Blue Badge guides have a large amount of knowledge to impart and will provide a fascinating glimpse into times gone by in Norwich.

Norwich castle is also worth a visit. Erected in the aftermath of the Norman invasion, the castle is an impressive reminder of the greatness of William the Conqueror and its history is well worth exploring. The castle keep is open to visitors and interactive displays tell the story of the castle. You can also tour the dungeon and battlements. Not only does the castle offer plenty of insightful historical content but it also serves as an art gallery. There are plenty of interesting exhibitions to enjoy within the castle, from water colour showcases to art from the Middle Ages. Entry to castle is a very reasonable £6.80 but those visiting on a budget, the best way to see the castle is to visit an hour before closing (4pm in the summer) when entry is just £1! There is a nice café located within the castle serving refreshments for visitors.

Norwich is known as East Anglia’s entertainment and dining hub, and you’ll often find the city bustling with people sampling the delights of the city. Norwich’s vibrant student community help to maintain the reasonable price of eating and drinking out in the city and keep the place alive and on its toes. Captain America’s specialises in burgers at reasonable prices and The Baby Buddha Chinese Tea House serves Asian food and is highly recommended. Norwich is also renowned for its theatres and there are several venues from small to large offering a multitude of performances. Visitors will be able to find something to interest them. The Garage is a particularly interesting venue which puts on a variety of events in intimate surroundings.

Norwich has several striking buildings that set the city apart from other cities in the area. The Forum houses the Millennium Library which celebrates Norwich’s relationship with America, and in particular the United States Air Force. During the Second World War and Cold War, the U.S air force used UK air bases in the area and subsequently American culture had an impact on the area.

Norwich is a rewarding city to spend any time in, particularly if you are interested in medieval architecture and history. The city is vibrant and its winding streets are great for exploring. The city has many secrets that are worth uncovering and is highly recommended to visitors on a budget.

	Written by :
	Jemma is a news & research reporter for compareandsave.com.Having worked as a journalist on a number of personal finance websites; she now spends time researching and commenting on UK personal finance stories and investigating new ways to help our readers save money.For press enquiries, please visit our Media Centre page.

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The North-Eastern city of Newcastle is situated on the north bank of the River Tyne and is a vibrant and bustling city with a rich history worth investigating. The castle and keep for which the city takes its name is a fine example of a northern keep and hints at the wider regions long and eventful history. Although the stunning coastline nearby is not known as a popular beach destination (due to the weather), it is popular with walkers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Newcastle is known as the cultural centre of the north and lovers of film, music and theatre will find the city buzzing with events that will suit them. Those visiting the city on a shoestring budget will be glad to hear that the area represents great value for money and there are plenty of attractions that won’t cost much making Newcastle a great place to visit.

Perhaps the best place to start when visiting Newcastle is the castle keep. It is one of the best preserved Norman keeps left in the UK, and is located in the historical heart of the city. It is a fascinating reminder of Newcastle’s turbulent past and is an interesting building to explore. Entry is reasonably priced at £4 and the castle boasts some outstanding views of the river and bridges from its rooftop. The Black Gate is another important building still standing in modern Newcastle and is worth having a look at. Historically important, architecturally complex and visually attractive, the Black Gate is the home of the Society of Antiquaries and has been for over 100 years.

Newcastle has loads of theatres, there are actually more theatres per head than anywhere else in the country. The city is celebrated for its diverse schedule of plays and performances. Newcastle’s Theatre Royal is the regional home of the Royal Shakespeare Company and is located in a beautiful grade A listed building. The theatre presents over 380 performances to over 300,000 people per year. It has a reputation for being one of the finest theatres in the UK and is on the schedules of many of the world’s best touring theatre acts. Tickets are reasonably priced and it is highly recommended that you find out what is on – the Theatre Royal offers something for everyone. Newcastle also has a reputation for being a poetry centre and The Morden Tower frequently puts on poetry readings. Many international poets and some more experimental musical acts perform at the venue for very reasonable prices. Visitors to Newcastle on a shoestring budget looking for an evening’s entertainment should definitely look to the Morden Tower.

A great museum for visitors on a budget is The Great North Museum where admission is free. The museum incorporates collections from various Newcastle museums and includes a huge interactive model of Hadrian’s Wall. There are also displays illustrating the diversity of animal and plant kingdoms, a life-size dinosaur skeleton, a planetarium, Ancient Greek artefacts and Egyptian mummies. Innovative touch screen technology helps bring to life the exhibitions and displays. There is something for everyone to enjoy within the museum and it comes highly recommended.

Newcastle’s nightlife is considered legendary and was famously named Britain’s best tourist attraction by the Rough Guide to Britain. It is hard to dispute such an accolade when visiting the city centre in the evening and there is plenty to suit everyone’s taste. The Quayside area of the city centre has a high concentration of pubs and clubs that offer great value for money. Newcastle is known for its great food too and there is a large range of culinary highlights to choose from. The Bigg Market area of the centre has some great budget eating options, including Al Basha which serves cheap Lebanese food and has friendly service. Another great eating option is the Settledown Café, offering sandwiches and salads. Friendly service is commonplace in Newcastle and the locals are known for their welcoming spirit. Newcastle even has its own food festival, EAT!, a quirky and imaginative event that proves food festivals aren’t only for connoisseurs .

All in all, Newcastle offers a wide range of great activities for those visiting on a budget. You can get a real sense of Newcastle’s history and how the modern city has developed. Plenty of culture and budget eating places means Newcastle comes alive at night like nowhere else and there is something for everyone in this vibrant and diverse northern city.

	Written by :
	Jemma is a news & research reporter for compareandsave.com.Having worked as a journalist on a number of personal finance websites; she now spends time researching and commenting on UK personal finance stories and investigating new ways to help our readers save money.  For press enquiries, please visit our Media Centre page.

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The rough and ready port city of Southampton offers an eventful history to the visitor and its status as the gateway to the Isle of Wight makes it worthy of a visit. There is plenty to see and do in the city, particularly on the waterfront, where huge ocean liners can be seen moored. It is also the place where the Titanic last set sails from and much is made of this historical significance. Southampton is known for its strong sense of history and there are several museums and other historical attractions that serve to illustrate how modern day Southampton has developed. There is also a vibrant pub scene where visitors can be get a taste of local life and experience some local culinary specialities.

Perhaps the best place to start for visitors to Southampton is The Maritime Museum, which seeks to inform visitors of Southampton’s long and fractured relationship with the sea. There is plenty of information available for those interested in finding out about the Titanic and there are lots of artefacts to accompany the story. The museum is about to reopen in larger premises and reasonably priced tickets are available to those on a shoestring. The Mediaeval Merchants House is another great historical attraction worth a visit. This house is a restored merchant’s house giving visitors the opportunity to step back in time and experience what it was like to be a successful merchant living in a bustling port town. Tickets are an extremely reasonable £4.00 for adults and won’t break the bank for those on a budget. Another attraction offering a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of residents through the years is The Tudor House garden. Appealing to visitors of all ages and interests, this family friendly museum has interactive technology and fascinating displays that serve to bring to life the Southampton of old.

Art lovers should head to the Southampton City Art Gallery which offers visitors an impressive array of displays and exhibits from ancient to modern times. It is also recognised for having the finest collection of 20th century British art outside of London. It is free to enter the gallery, giving visitors the freedom to pop in and out at their convenience.

Southampton’s Riverside Park in the city centre offers visitors to the city scenic walks alongside the River Itchen. There is plenty of wildlife to spot along the river and it is a welcome escape from the busy city. The White Swan pub, located by the Riverside Park, has plenty of good value food and drink options for walkers and the views over the river from the pub are stunning.

Much is made of Southampton’s pub scene and it is highly recommended that visitors investigate some of the lively watering holes in the city centre. Up there with the best is The Bent Brief Pub which offers live music every night of the week in a traditional environment. Another pub that is highly regarded for its dedication to preserving a traditional atmosphere is The Old Farmhouse, the oldest pub in Southampton. Such pubs offer great value for money and a unique glimpse into life in Southampton. There is also an extensive selection of modern bars, lounges and music venues on offer in Southampton’s city centre and the Leisure World complex contains most of the highlights.

A trip to Southampton perhaps wouldn’t be complete without a boat trip, and the Hythe ferry operating on the town quay is perfect for visitors to the centre. The ferry takes passengers over to the quaint village of Hythe, where a few hours can be pleasantly spent strolling around and having a bite to eat. Riding the ferry gives visitors to Southampton an up close view of the impressively huge container and passenger ships that frequent Southampton harbour, serving to remind visitors of Southampton’s international port status.

Southampton is well worth a visit by those living on a shoestring budget. There is plenty to see and do in the city centre and the rewarding walks through the Riverside Park and opportunity to take the ferry mean Southampton can be enjoyed by all kinds of people.

	Written by :
	Jemma is a news & research reporter for compareandsave.com. Having worked as a journalist on a number of personal finance websites; she now spends time researching and commenting on UK personal finance stories and investigating new ways to help our readers save money. For press enquiries, please visit our Media Centre page.

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For those that aren’t aware, Bristol is the vibrant, thriving centre of culture and business of South-West England. With a hugely diverse population of nearly half a million, the city is a melting pot of culture, ideas and ways of life. Bristol offers something for everyone, with a huge range of shops and restaurants catering for a diverse community. A large student population spread over two universities helps to maintain Bristol’s energetic feel, not to mention the vast array of bars offering a high standard of food and drink.

Bristol offers plenty of attractions for those visiting on a shoestring, from parks and museums to art installations and live music. Bristol’s multi-cultural heritage is reflected in the diverse range of entertainment and food on offer, and it is renowned for its open minded approach to culture and ideas. Indeed, Bristol is the city where acclaimed and controversial street artist Banksy hails from. Bristol council’s decision to celebrate the artists somewhat unorthodox approach to displaying his work is testament to a city that is proud of its unusual heritage.

One of the most exciting recent examples of Bristol’s unique attitude to art and a must-see for any visitor is the ‘See No Evil’ art installation located on Nelson Street in the city centre. As a way of improving a busy but drab-looking street that linked a shopping area with the centre, Bristol City Council approved a huge street art project that saw the street transformed into an open air art gallery. Street artists from around the globe came to Bristol to offer their own interpretations of street art, and the result is a stunning, multi-coloured celebration of the worldwide phenomenon. Visitors on a budget will enjoy Nelson Street immensely and it is the perfect way to take in some art in the open air.

For those looking for more conventional art on a shoestring, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery at the top of Park Street in the city centre is the perfect solution. Spread over various floors and rooms, this free museum houses an outstanding and diverse array of historical objects and art works, and will appeal to both adults and children. There are plenty of lively, cosy and good value coffee houses in the vicinity of the museum and the exotic array of shops down the steep Park Street will interest many.

In terms of food on offer to those on a budget, Bristol has a wonderful range of culinary highlights. St Nicholas’ Market is home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol and the food on offer is nothing short of breath-taking. Whether you are looking for homemade Bristolian pies, Moroccan tagines, traditional fish and chips, Thai curry or Greek kebabs, the market will surprise and delight those looking for a reasonably priced lunch. Each unit offers seating and the only difficulty is making the decision of what to eat! For visitors looking for a similarly diverse selection of budget food options for dinner, the quirky community of Stokes Croft located to the east of the City Centre will more than suffice. One particularly good place is Café Kino, a vegetarian eatery offering a wide range of Tapas.

As anyone who has visited will tell you, Bristol is quite hilly. This isn’t a necessarily a bad thing as the hills provide some wonderful views over the city. By taking a bus up to the Clifton area of the city, visitors can enjoy some stunning views of Bristol and the surrounding countryside. The world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge is also located in this area, and it is free to walk across. Those who are afraid of heights are advised not to attempt this! From the Clifton side of the bridge, it is possible to take a footpath along the top of the river Avon. There are some beautiful views of the Clifton Downs and several ice cream vans for those in need of refreshment!

Visitors coming to Bristol by train will perhaps be surprised to find that the train station is located outside of the city centre. This unusual quirk shouldn’t put anyone off coming, particularly when there is a free volunteer operated bus that runs every 20 minutes on Saturdays. Travelling around Bristol is perhaps best undertaken by bus and a day ticket represents good value.

Bristol is a very exciting city to visit and will be particularly appealing to those travelling on a shoestring due to the great deal of fun and interesting things on offer.

	Written by :
	Jemma is a news & research reporter for compareandsave.com. Having worked as a journalist on a number of personal finance websites; she now spends time researching and commenting on UK personal finance stories and investigating new ways to help our readers save money. For press enquiries, please visit our Media Centre page.

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