Budget Travel across 5 destinations in England, other than London!

Things to remember

Carry Water and wear a good pair of trekking shoes.

Although there is no entry fee to the park, it is best to keep some cash handy for the taxis. Draw from the train station to avoid paying up to 1.85 for cash-back at the park. (I consider myself lucky to have met the kind taxi driver who drove me to a nearby Spar store, that did it for free.)

2. BATH

If you are too tired of the English air, then pack your bags for Bath. It is an ultimate opportunity to soak in some Roman atmosphere, amidst the medieval wonders of England. Chalk out a walking tour to appreciate its major destinations, which are in close proximity of each other.

i. Bath Abbey

ii. Roman Baths

Things to remember

Carry your student card to buy a concession entry ticket to the roman baths.

iii. Pulteney Bridge

iv. The Royal Crescent

v. Bath Cathedral

3. Brighton

Tourists and natives from all over England flock at this mesmerizing seaside retreat, especially to bathe in the summer sun. While its beaches are a treat to the eyes, the traditional fish and chips is a delight to the tastebuds. The mouth-watering meal combo is available at reasonable prices at petty street-side eateries, stationed everywhere in the town.

The beach and the Brighton palace are both only a stone's throw away from the train station.

i. Brighton pier and beach

ii. Brighton Palace

iii. Seven Sisters Country Park and Cuckmere Haven

Just an hour away from Brighton are the Seven sisters cliffs. Buses are easily available from the stop outside the palace. Although there are other ways to reach the chalk-white cliffs, the trail that begins just outside the park entrance offers the best vantage point.

4. Cambridge

My travel instincts told me that there was more to Cambridge than just walking in and out of old colleges in the University. And yes, I was absolutely right. By the end of one day in the town, I was convinced that it is worth every traveller's time. There is so much more to the place than just a tour of the reputed colleges.

When I reached the main town, I felt I had time-travelled. It is a 25-minute walk from the train station. The ancient Gothic English style of architecture adopted for construction is absolutely splendid. If you are an ardent photographer like me, then walking around, admiring every detail of this historical town would be the right thing to do. But you can also choose to discover its secrets on a bike.

i. Great St. Mary's Church

ii. Kings College

iii. Market Hill

Just outside the Great St. Mary's Church, is the Market Hill. It is home to some of the most interesting shops I have ever seen. Everything from the food, junk jewelry, souvenirs to the crockery, colorful textiles and other miscellaneous goods such as scented soaps or even their woven baskets, are certainly worth your time and money.

iv. St.Johns College Campus

It is the only place in town from where you can see the bridge of sighs. But be assured that the 5 pounds that you will invest to gain an entry into its campus will not go waste. It is during this tour that you will come across some brilliantly designed corridors, ancient doorways, the chapel and some beautiful gardens. The visit also allows you to stroll through a path along which you will see two of the three famous bridges of Cambridge.

If you aren't too interested in architecture, go punting on river Cam. Although punting tours are slightly expensive, you can learn of the local history from friendly punters. And on your way, you will pass all the 31 colleges in the University and the 3 bridges. The Clair Bridge, the Mathematical Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs.

5. Cotswolds

The traditional British town in the South of England, is known for its rural backdrop against an urbanized layout. Its medieval houses are constructed from yellow limestone, available only in Cotswolds. Time slipped away while I was busy admiring this new found heaven. And at sun down, I was awestruck by how different the town looked. The flora, the houses and the skies shone like gold rush.

Unlike other cities, its major attractions are not within walking distance of each other. So driving around this town (rather a district connecting 6 English counties) is the best option.

i. Broadway Hill and Tower

ii. Town Center

iii. Burton on Water

iv. Bibury