New study reveals Swansea is one of the best UK cities for sightseeing on a budget

The Welsh city of Newport is not only the UK’s top city for best value attractions, but also ranks first place globally 

Bournemouth and Swansea also feature in the UK’s top value city breaks.

To help holidaymakers make the most of their money during city breaks this year, Premier Inn has released new research which analyses Tripadvisor data for over 100 cities across the globe to find the places that offer the best value for their top attractions.

The entrance fee for the top 15 rated attractions in each city was collected and calculated in Premier Inn’s new study as an average to find the cities with the best value attractions. The study also factors in cities that offer the highest number of free top attractions. 

Many cities in the UK score highly in the global and European rankings, with Newport coming out on top in both rankings. This buzzing university city is crowned the UK’s best value city break, providing plenty of budget-friendly, yet highly reviewed attractions for visitors. 

Swansea also makes the UK rankings, placing in third place as one of the best UK cities to explore on a budget.  

In second place for UK cities with purse-friendly attractions is Bournemouth. With only two out of its top 15 rated attractions requiring an entry fee, the British seaside city offers many exciting beaches that sightseers can enjoy exploring all year around. 

The UK’s Ten Best Cities for Sightseeing on a Budget 

1. Newport, Wales 

Newport is officially the best city in the UK to visit if you’re keen to explore multiple attractions on a small budget. The city’s top Tripadvisor attraction, the Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths, costs just £4.80 to enter and allows visitors to explore the remains of the only Roman legionary barracks on offer in Europe.  

Newport’s top-rated free attraction is Tredegar House Gardens. The parklands, ornamental lake and nearby woodlands are free and offer a beautiful day out for the entire family, however, if you want to visit the interior of the 17th-century built house itself, the cost is £12.10 for adults and £6.10 for children. 

2. Bournemouth, England 

With 13 of its top Tripadvisor attractions completely free, it’s easy to see why Bournemouth is one of the UK’s best value cities. From Bournemouth Beach to the Lower Gardens, there is plenty to explore on sunny days across this British coastal city, with plenty of attractions for the whole family to enjoy.  

For those eager to infuse some culture into their visit, Bournemouth’s top paid attraction is the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Here, multiple museum rooms offer striking, panoramic views of the sea, whilst others hold prestigious art collections, including paintings and sculptures and furniture pieces from across the globe. 

3. Swansea, Wales 

Swansea is another one of the best UK cities to explore on a budget, with its top three best-rated attractions on Tripadvisor all being free natural landmarks – making it a great way to take in the natural beauty that Wales has to offer within affordable means. The Gower Peninsula, Three Cliffs Bay and Caswell Bay are just a few examples of Swansea’s wonders that have earned rave reviews from visitors. While Gower Peninsula’s stunning coastal area is perfect for hiking, surfing, and wildlife spotting, Three Cliffs Bay offers a quieter and more secluded beach that dazzles with its dramatic cliffs and beautiful sunsets.  

The LC is the only one of Swansea’s top four attractions that is paid. As Wales’ largest indoor water park, the LC delivers an array of activities suited for all ages. From a thrilling climbing wall to fun children’s play areas, this attraction is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Swansea. 

4. Newcastle upon Tyne, England 

Ranking fourth in the UK cities with the most cost-effective activities, Newcastle upon Tyne offers plenty of top Tripadvisor attractions to suit every budget. While the city’s best-rated attractions, including Victoria Tunnel and a tour of St James’ Park Stadium, require an entrance fee, they’re worth every penny. Starting with the Victoria Tunnel, this underground structure dates back to the 19th century and offers a unique glance at the city’s past, while a tour of St James’ Park Stadium, at £18 per adult, is a must-visit for any football fan.  

But it’s not just the paid attractions that make Newcastle Upon Tyne special; its top free attractions provide just as much entertainment. Quayside, Jesmond Dene and The Discovery Museum are just a few of the spots you can enjoy for free while strolling about the city.  

5. Leeds, England 

Rounding off the top five UK best-value city breaks, Leeds offers visitors an impressive array of things to do at a reasonable cost. The city’s top-rated attractions include some of the UK’s most fascinating museums and parks that have earned high praise from reviewers on Tripadvisor, with the added bonus that most of them are free.  

For those eager to get a glimpse of history, Leeds’ Royal Armouries Museum boasts an extensive collection of weapons and armour that is free to visit. Meanwhile Roundhay Park’s vast green space is perfect for a picnic or a stroll to please those chasing the fleeting British sun rays. Also ideal for a sunny spring day, Temple Newsam’s stunning estate offers an exciting getaway for the whole family, from the farm to the beautiful gardens – all of which you can enter free of charge. Leeds’ paid attractions are equally impressive, with the fascinating and unique Thackray Museum of Medicine being well worth the entry fee.  

A spokesperson from Premier Inn commented: “Spring is the perfect time to explore new destinations and experience unforgettable adventures. From the vibrant culture of Hanoi to the charming streets of Geneva, our research reveals the cities around the world offering a plethora of top-rated attractions that are sure to delight and inspire, without straining your budget. 

“It’s wonderful to see that many UK cities are also able to provide value across their attractions especially with so many appearing in the global rankings, from the likes of Newport and Bournemouth that are a great choice for staycations, as well as attracting global visitors.”