London is a city you may find yourself cringing when checking your bank account after visiting.
Before I even had a chance to check into my room on my last trip, I was down triple digits paying for tickets on the Tube, a pub meal, and the obligatory (and slightly cheesy) bright red double-decker bus tour, where I learned almost nothing except the top row is a horrible idea in London’s frigid fall rain showers.
That’s not to say we at Travel Off Path don’t love this iconic city — we’re just saying you might have to ask for a raise when you get home.
Lucky for all of us, UK travel experts at Which? conducted an insightful study to give travelers the most affordable alternatives to London, and it turns out to be a big surprise.
Travel Tip: Before we dive in, make sure you check out Travel Off Path’s new 1-minute travel checker — a one-stop shop to dot your I’s and cross your T’s for a seamless trip ‘across the pond’.
Well, Well, Wells: Look Who’s An Incredibly Affordable UK City
The little-known city of Wells, not to be confused with Wales (yeah, it’s a tough accent), is located in the Somerset parish away from the bustle of London, yet offering its own unique appeal to those willing to venture beyond England’s most renowned destination.
You surely know The Cotswolds, Birmingham, Liverpool, and a handful of gothic Scottish cities, but Wells likely hasn’t made your wishlist…yet.
If Wells has a claim to fame, it’s “England’s Smallest City”, taking a page from the American South, boasting a small-town feel for a cityscape that may seem much bigger than its approximate population of 12,000 residents.
Embracing Medieval charm over razzmatazz and pizzazz, Wells is understandably more affordable than common tourist traps of London with overpriced, curated experiences, and hotel rates that leave you speechless.
Which? took a deep dive into what to expect when whipping out your credit card or swapping out dollars for pounds, but we’ve taken it upon ourselves to dig a little deeper and give you real-time examples in case dyou ecide to venture off to Wells this summer.
Accommodations:
According to Which?, travelers can expect to fork over $159 for vacation rentals and $121 for hotels.
Want a better deal? The charming boutique Swan Hotel goes for $106 in mid-August — plenty of time to plan ahead. And don’t skip Fish Fridays!
Pub ‘n Grub:
Who doesn’t love a British pub? Even if you’re not a beer drinker, there’s no denying the vibes are immaculate.
Wells’ top-rated pub is The Sheep & Penguin, described as a ‘proper pub’ in the heart of town. I bet you just did your best English impersonation reading that, didn’t you? I did.
This particular pub’s claim to fame isn’t a cask ale with a name reminiscent of a lost underworld civilization — it’s Sunday Roast, an English staple comparable to American brunches.
Expect to pay about $30 for a hefty feast, and it’s worth every penny.
Beer is only $5 at The King’s Head nearby.
Top Attractions:
The unmissable Wells Cathedral is the most popular attraction, a 12th-century Gothic masterpiece standing the test of time.
Tours are offered regularly and admission is $20.25.
The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens are a close second, fulfilling your childhood dream of visiting a moated palace and slightly more affordable for entry at $18.90.
Though the place I’d scope out is free! According to a recent patron, there’s no shortage of greatness at The Wells Market, saying it’s a ‘great place for fine food, coffee, lunch, great atmosphere, great location’.
Another awesome free aspect of the city is the Astronomical Clock, one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world, where “knights” put on a show jousting at every quarter hour.
How To Get Here
If you’re coming from London, as most Americans would, grab some snacks and enjoy your journey by train and then connect by bus for a short ride, according to Wells’ official tourism website.
There are no direct train routes to Wells, but that shouldn’t deter you. The nearest station is Castle Cary, only 11 miles away.
If that sounds like too much of a headache, no worries. Bristol is only 16 miles away, making for a great gateway for flights, serving popular hubs all across Europe.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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