top of page
Search

DAY TRIPS IN DECEMBER UNDER £60

Updated: Mar 26, 2025


Alright, people, listen up: I know your vibe right now. Term time is done, you’re staring down the barrel of 5-6 weeks of break, and you’re stuck in a rinse-and-repeat loop of Netflix and scrolling Instagram. We’ve all been there. I mean, what are you supposed to do with yourself? Besides binge-watching your favourite series for the fifth time? If you're anything like me, maybe you’ve worked part-time and managed to stash a little cash. So, why not splurge on something that’ll actually make you happy? And guess what? It doesn’t have to be expensive.


Grab some mates, set a budget, and let’s do this thing right. December in the UK is magical if you know where to look (and where NOT to blow your entire paycheck).


Here’s the deal: I’ve got a festive game plan for Birmingham, , Oxford, the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, and beyond—all without making your wallet cry. Whether it’s a day trip or an overnight stay, I’ll help you live your best Christmas movie life for under £60. Or hey, if you’re feeling fancy and want to splurge a little on those tasty Christmas treats, we can bump it to £90.


Plus, I’ll keep the free and paid activities very separate, because options are key, right? So, get ready: cities, lights, food, and festive cheer. Let’s roll.


 

1. Birmingham City Centre – Christmas Lights & Market Magic


First stop: Birmingham City Centre. Because nothing screams Christmas like strolling through twinkling lights and sipping hot chocolate at a Christmas market. You with me?


Free Festive Fun

  • The Library of Birmingham: It’s big, it’s shiny, and it’s totally free. Snap some Instagram-worthy photos, climb to the Secret Garden for city views, and feel intellectual for 20 minutes.

  • Cannon Hill Park: Green, peaceful, and perfect for a chilled-out stroll (or a low-key photoshoot).

  • Christmas Lights: The city centre lights are a total vibe, especially around New Street and Victoria Square. Pretend it’s snowing and make your own magic.


If You’ve Got Some Quid to Spare


Food

  • Birmingham Christmas Market: German-style bratwursts, mulled wine, and gifts you’ll tell yourself are for others but end up keeping. Prices vary, but food and drink ~£15. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, pop into a café for a cheeky meal.

  • Hotel Chocolat Hot Chocolate: For £5, it’s the treat you didn’t know you needed. It’s whipped cream heaven.


Travel

  • Public transport? Just £5-7for a return ticket. That's less than a latte at your local coffee shop. Or, if you're driving, parking's around £18-30  for the day.


    Total Cost:

  • 1 Person: £25-35 (transport and food included).

  • 3 People or more : £20-30 each (because sharing is caring, especially when it comes to splitting transport costs).


    Want to make it a 2-day stay? View a full itinerary HERE.


2. Cadbury World (Birmingham) – A Chocolate Wonderland


Now, if you're a chocolate lover (and who isn’t?), you can’t skip Cadbury World in Birmingham. It’s like heaven for your taste buds, and it’s got that perfect Christmas vibe.


Activities

  • Ticket to Cadbury World is £22.5 for an adult, £12 if you get to use students discount. You will get a self-guided tour where you can learn about the chocolate-making process, plus you’ll get to gorge on FREE chocolate. Oh, and don’t miss the 4D cinema and the play areas – they’re perfect for working off all that sugar.

  • Christmas Activities (if they’ve got ‘em): Chocolate-making workshops, Christmas-themed experiences, and let’s not forget the free chocolate.


Food:

Grab a bite at the on-site café for about £10-15, or pack your own snacks if you want to be extra frugal (but really, who wants to be that person?).


Travel

  • Local transport again? £5-7 return. But if you drive, you’ll pay about £10 -15 for parking. Not the worst thing in the world considering you're about to experience chocolate overload.


Total Cost:

  • 1 Person: ~£40-50 (ticket + food included).

  • 3 People: ~£35-40 each (sharing is still caring when it comes to splitting costs).


Want to make it a 2-day stay? (COMING OUT SOON)

 

3. Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare + Christmas = Total Vibes


If you’re ready to soak up some history and Christmas spirit, Stratford-upon-Avon is your spot. It’s quaint, it’s festive, and yes, it’s Shakespeare’s hometown. Whether you’re a fan of the Bard or not, you can’t deny that this town is a whole mood in December.


Free Activities

  • Stroll Through Town: The Christmas lights, cobbled streets, and the River Avon make this place a literal winter postcard.

  • Gower Memorial: Fancy a bit of culture? This Shakespeare-themed statue is free to visit and totally Insta-worthy.

  • Holy Trinity Church: Shakespeare’s resting place—and no, you don’t have to pay homage, but it’s a beautiful spot to explore.


Paid Fun Stuff

  • Shakespeare’s Birthplace (£20): Optional, but if you’re into history, it’s worth it.

  • Stratford Butterfly Farm (£7-9): Butterflies in winter? Yes, please.

  • Boat Ride Along the Avon (£8-10): If the weather doesn’t feel like the North Pole, hop on a boat for gorgeous river views.

  • Christmas Market: Crafts, churros, and festive vibes that will tempt you to spend all your cash.


Food

  • Local café or pub for a meal: ~£10-15 per person.


Travel

  • Train: £10-15 round trip.

  • Car: Petrol + parking ~£15-20. Split between 3? £5-7 per person.


    Total Cost:

  • 1 Person: ~£45-55.

  • 3 People: ~£35-45 each (splitting transport and food).


Want a full itinerary or to plan a 2-day/1-night trip on a budget? (COMING OUT SOON)

4. The Cotswolds – Villages, Lights & All the Charm


You know when you're watching a Christmas movie, and you're like, "Okay, I need that snowy, fairy-tale village for myself"? Well, head to the Cotswolds, specifically Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-Marsh, where every corner is cuter than your last date. And the best part? It won't break the bank (we're still on a budget here, after all)


Bourton-on-the-Water – Christmas Cards Have Nothing on This Place


Okay, first things first: this place is like the Venice of the Cotswolds, but with way more Christmas spirit and way fewer gondolas.


Free Fun (Yup, You Heard That Right)

  • Walk Along the River: It’s like they put Christmas lights here just for Instagram.

  • Admire the Christmas Tree by the River: Seriously, it’s like a fairy tale waiting to be filmed.

  • Wander the Village: Small, quaint, and full of quirky shops that don’t scream "touristy." You’ll actually like it.


Paid Fun (But We’re Not Talking Prada-Level Prices)

  • Cotswold Motoring Museum (£7-8): Vintage cars? Yes, please. It's retro and totally Instagram-worthy.

  • Birdland Park (£12): Penguins. Need I say more?

  • Model Village (£4): Tiny, adorable version of the village... it’s so cute, you might want to take it home.


Moreton-in-Marsh – The Cotswolds’ Best Kept Secret


Free Fun (Seriously, It’s Free)

  • Market Day (Tuesdays): Handmade goodies, festive treats, and local wares. Think Etsy, but in real life.

  • Walk Around: You'll feel like you're walking through a period drama—minus the melodrama.

  • Four Shires Stone: It’s where four counties meet, so go ahead and take a pic like you’re on a geography field trip.


Paid Fun (For When You Want to Feel Fancy):

  • Cotswold Falconry Centre (£12): Birds. Of. Prey. It's like a Harry Potter moment but better.

  • Chastleton House (NT) (£12.50): Super old and super fancy. It’s like a real-life Downton Abbey without the drama.

     


Food

  • Bourton-on-the-Water: Bakery on the Water (pastries so good, they’ll make you question your entire diet).

  • Moreton-in-Marsh: The Bell Inn (think hearty pub food for about £15 a head). Perfect after all that sightseeing.


Travel:

  • Train: £20 round trip.

  • Car : Petrol and parking £35 (split between 3 ).


Total DAMAGE:

  • 1 Person: ~£55-60.

  • With Friends (Like, 3 of Them): £45-50 each (sharing food and transport like the savvy squad you are).


Important Tip!

Listen, don’t be that person trying to do both villages in one day. You’ll end up rushing and missing all the good stuff. Each village has its own vibe, so just pick one, take your sweet time, and soak in the Christmas magic like you’re in a Hallmark movie—minus the cheesy plot twists. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.


Need a full itinerary or tips for a budget-friendly 2-day/1-night stay? (COMING OUT SOON)

 



5. Oxford – History, Lights & More Lights


Oxford is basically Hogwarts in December, and you can’t convince me otherwise. Whether you’re nerding out over its history or just soaking in the Christmas charm, it’s got everything you need for the ultimate festive day trip.


Free Fun Activities

  • Ashmolean Museum: Art, history, and culture—totally free! It’s a great way to pretend you’re an intellectual for the day.

  • Oxford Christmas Lights: Head to Broad Street and the Radcliffe Camera for some serious festive magic.

  • Covered Market: Free to wander, but good luck leaving without buying something delicious.

  • Gloucester Green Market: A cute little market to check out, even if you’re just browsing.


Paid Fun Stuff

Food

  • Head to the Covered Market for a tasty bite: £10-15.


Travel

  • Train: £18-28 round trip.

  • Car: Petrol and parking ~£20 (split between 3 = £7 each).


Total Cost

  • 1 Person: ~£55-60.

  • 3 People: ~£40-50 each (splitting transport and meals).

·        

Need a full itinerary or tips for a budget-friendly 2-day/1-night stay? (COMING OUT SOON)

 

6. Warwick – A Castle, Lights & Christmas Cheer

Warwick’s got the whole Christmas castle thing going on, and it’s as magical as it sounds.


Free Festive Stuff

  • Christmas Lights: The whole town is lit up like a Christmas card. Wander around and soak it in.

  •  St. Mary’s Church: Stunning architecture and free entry. What more do you need?

  • Christmas Market with local artisans and festive foods—no one’s judging you if you get a little carried away here.

 

If You’ve Got Some Quid to Spare

  • Warwick Castle: Tickets ~£25, but the full-on Christmas experience is worth every penny. Think light trails and festive cheer.


Travel

  • Train: £6-11 round trip.

  • Car: Petrol and parking ~£20-25 (split between 3 = £4-5 each).


Food

  • Hit up a café or pub: £10-15.


Total Cost

  • 1 Person: ~£30-40 (without Warwick Castle entry).

  • 3 People: ~£30-40 each (splitting costs).


Turn it into a weekend trip:(COMING OUT SOON)


Before you go....


Oh, and here’s a little tip to save even more cash: Buy the damn rail pass! Seriously, it’ll save you a ton if you’re planning on hopping between cities. I’ve got the deets on that in my other blog, so go ahead and click here to read all about it.

Oh, and if you’re a student? You better be checking out those student discounts before you book anything. Also, don’t sleep on those Kellogg’s Cornflakes boxes or bars—you know the ones with the little codes inside? Yeah, those give you a Buy 1 Get 1 Free ticket for selected locations. It's basically free money, and who’s gonna say no to that?

 

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet
Add a rating
bottom of page