Birmingham has been crowned as the best place in the UK to visit for a spring break on a budget in a new study by travel experts Wild Packs. The study used Airbnb data from analyst consultancy AirDNA to rank 52 areas on the average cost per night over spring and access to self-catering amenities.

According to Wild Packs spring can be a great time for a staycation, with fewer crowds and cheaper prices. Accommodation availability is also typically better, and there’s a better chance of finding a last-minute table at a restaurant.

Best places for a spring staycation on a budget

  1. Birmingham - Average cost per night in spring: £106, percentage of places with self-catering facilities: 83%
  2. Manchester - Average cost per night in spring: £123, percentage of places with self-catering facilities: 87%
  3. Belfast - Average cost per night in spring: £128, percentage of places with self-catering facilities: 85%
  4. Leeds and Sheffield - Average cost per night in spring: £124, percentage of places with self-catering facilities: 81%
  5. Glasgow - Average cost per night in spring: £133, percentage of places with self-catering facilities: 87%
  6. St Albans and Buckinghamshire - Average cost per night in spring: £127.50, percentage of places with self-catering facilities: 81%
  7. Aberdeen - Average cost per night in spring: £138.25, percentage of places with self-catering facilities: 83%
  8. Surrey - Average cost per night in spring: £139, percentage of places with self-catering facilities: 80%
  9. Cambridge - Average cost per night in spring: £141.75, percentage of places with self-catering facilities: 77%
  10. Essex - Average cost per night in spring: £152.25, percentage of places with self-catering facilities: 81%

Wild Packs travel expert's booking tips

  • Scope out the market: When booking accommodation, try not to limit yourself to hotels. Airbnb accommodations and budget-friendly bed and breakfasts are both great options for holidaymakers looking to spend less and often make for a more unique experience. If you’re really looking for a bargain but want some privacy, most hostels offer private rooms. Use a price comparison tool like Kayak or Trivago to make sure that you’re getting the best price possible.
  • Take advantage of deals - and be flexible where possible: When preparing to book a holiday, it's beneficial to scope out potential deals and prices ahead of time. Look out for flash deals on accommodation, local attractions and activities. Try to be flexible if you can, as certain dates - and usually weekdays - may be cheaper than others.
  • Book accommodation with self-catering facilities: Restaurants can be expensive, particularly if you plan to take a trip away as a family. Try to book accommodation with access to a kitchen so at least one meal per day can be cooked where you’re staying.
  • Clear your cache and cookies when browsing, or browse in incognito mode: When planning out your break, make sure to browse in incognito mode or regularly clear your cookies and cache. The travel industry is notorious for hiking prices based on the number of times you visit a website.