Staycations Sorted: Amazing Getaway Destinations for Students!

Bristol

Bristol is a historic city offering plenty of options to students looking for a beautiful getaway destination. The Georgian House Museum is the perfect place for those history and architecture students to find some fresh inspiration. Meanwhile, art students can immerse themselves in Bristol’s creative side on an educational street art tour to see Banksy and other gorgeous murals. Glenside Hospital Museum features the overwhelming history of hospitals and an extensive mental health timeline, perfect for budding nurses, doctors and psychology students. Drama students who want to visit one of many theatres in Bristol will find they often offer student tickets for a reduced price, giving students access to the great arts without needing to take out another loan. 

London

The Big Smoke. Our capital city is jam-packed with activities for students (that don’t cost an arm and a leg). Snap a picture of the big tourist attractions like The London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. For students under 24, Parliament offers a lowered tour price of £26 a head for a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster, perfect for budding law and history students looking to gain some deeper insight into how our country works and the history behind it. For those looking for something more vibrant and bustling, Greenwich Market is full of food stalls and boutiques to browse. Or perhaps your stomach is rumbling from all the walking you’ve done? If so Maltby Street Market is your go-to – it’s bursting with street food from different cultures around the world. 

Manchester

Are you a football fan? Manchester is definitely the place for you. It has two major stadiums, Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium. Both offer tours to give visitors a deep dive into their history and connection to the city. Etihad Stadium even has student tickets at just £17 a head, which includes a 360-degree cinema experience. Or perhaps you’re a music fan? In which case you’ll want to head to some authentic vinyl stores in the city. The Northern Quarter houses the independent Piccadilly Records, as well as a clutch of vibrant boutiques, cafes, indie bars, and delicious restaurants. Are you looking for that perfect Instagram picture to show off to your friends and family? Manchester Cathedral is a historic and eye-grabbing sight nestled deep within the historic part of the city. Or maybe nature is more your brand, if so the Fletcher Moss Park and Manchester Botanical Gardens both have plenty of natural beauty just waiting to be captured. 

Edinburgh

Immerse yourself in the lively nightlife and gothic atmosphere of Scotland’s capital city. Including Cowgate, a stretch of cheap bars and nightclubs, perfect for a crawl with your fellow students on a budget. A more sophisticated stretch of road is the Royal Mile, numerous streets leading to the famous Edinburgh castle, passing by landmarks such as St Giles’ Cathedral and overlooked by the beautiful Palace of Holyroodhouse, nestled in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat. Beside the castle, you’ll find Grassmarket, a menagerie of pubs and restaurants housed within detailed mediaeval architecture and with views of the picture-perfect castle. 

Liverpool

Visit one of Europe’s oldest Chinatowns and get lost in the city’s rich musical heritage that recently hosted Eurovision. The first place any student will want to go in Liverpool is Concert Square, a street dedicated to student-friendly bars to capture the best night out of your life. If you know someone with a car then Knowsley Safari Park will be a jaw-dropping drive, especially for those zoology students. Or maybe those smaller animals are more up your alley, if so Liverpool’s Cat Cafe is a great way to let off some of that student stress. Looking for fun and action-filled activities to enjoy with your friends? The Ultimate Indoor Paintballing is a day full of fun and laughter, at just £25 a head. Something less messy, Coverstar, a recording studio experience with a private bar to really level up your karaoke skills. 

Newcastle

Wander around this industrial port city, famous for its bridges, castles, and riverside views. The Quayside is the perfect photo opportunity, full of quaint English pubs, historic sites and vintage shops. Looking for a great gift to take home with you? Grainger Market is bursting with independent jewellers, vintage clothes and florists. After a long day of walking and shopping, perhaps you might be in the mood for a sit-in-the-shade? Head to Jesmond Dene Park, which boasts acres of green space, historical ruins and gorgeous views for a lovely picnic. Or why not take your friends to one of the best escape room experiences at EXIT Newcastle, for a real team-building experience. And finish the day with the Stand Comedy Club, Bar and Kitchen, to get those last few laughs, drinks and nibbles in.