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

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Before I set out to accomplish some major travel goals around Europe, I started off by taking day trips to these cities in England, all of which are easily accessible by trains. And once you reach any of these, they are mostly best explored on foot. So wear your travel hat and get ready to shed some pounds, while you also save some.

1. DORSET

Durdle Door National Park And Lulworth Cove

This port-side paradise is home to natural wonders like the Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Although, they are slightly away from the main city, the Durdle door national park can be easily reached by taxis. Available in plenty at Wool, the nearest railway station, Taxis are the fastest means of transport to the national park. To make it your cheapest option, interact with fellow travellers and express your opinion on sharing a taxi and its fare.

During our visit, my Palestinian friend Tamara and I called out to 3 Nepali girls and together we divided the 14pounds among the five of us. It's nice how simple agreements can lead to new friendships. And these little joys of travel will add to your precious memories. There are some more perks to the drive. You will drive through the spectacular south-western English countryside and also pass some lovely English cottages. Further, you also get dropped off at the park entrance, the most ideal point to start the two hour trek along the English Channel.

Savour breathtaking views of your trek along the Jurassic coast that borders the English channel.

Photo of Lulworth Cove by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

Take note of the interesting flora found near the Lulworth cove.

Photo of Lulworth Cove by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

The incredible cove in its entirety, as viewed from top. Walk down to relax at its sandy shoreline.

Photo of Lulworth Cove by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

Spotted bravehearts diving into the sea, on the way back to Durdle door in the opposite direction

Photo of Lulworth Cove by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

Durdle door is made of 130million year old limestones. Brave the challenging trek to its summit.

Photo of Durdle Door, West Lulworth, Purbeck District, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

There are pretty cottages in the nearby woods. Alternatively, you can also hire a caravan and camp.

Photo of Durdle Door, West Lulworth, Purbeck District, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

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

The enormous abbey adorned by the Gregorian-English style of architecture. It houses the roman baths.

Photo of Bath Abbey, Bath, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

ii. Roman Baths

Things to remember

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

Everything from the authentic baths to pillars and statues scream ROME. Isn't that amazing?!

Photo of The Roman Baths, Stall Street, Bath, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

iii. Pulteney Bridge

Flanked on both sides by many shops, this bridge across river Avon is a must see.

Photo of Pulteney Bridge, Bath, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

iv. The Royal Crescent

The complex shaped as the crescent moon is composed of many houses.

Photo of The Royal Cresent, Royal Crescent, Bath, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

v. Bath Cathedral

I had planned my visit during Christmas. The festivities only added to the charm that already oozed

Photo of Budget Travel across 5 destinations in England, other than London! by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

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

A seagull flying past the pleasure pier. The games forum and casino on the pier are worth a visit.

Photo of Brighton Pier, Madeira Drive, Brighton, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

Look out for interesting shells along the shore line, made completely of pebbles.

Photo of Brighton Pier, Madeira Drive, Brighton, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

ii. Brighton Palace

The extravagant royal pavilion is a fine example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.

Photo of Royal Pavilion, Brighton, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

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.

The trail winds its way through this stunningly beautiful valley.

Photo of Seven Sisters Country Park, Seaford, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

The hike to these fast eroding chalk white cliffs is quite steep. But it is worth your efforts.

Photo of Seven Sisters Country Park, Seaford, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

awe-inspiring views of the distant cuckmere haven from the cliff-top.

Photo of Cuckmere Haven, Seaford, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

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

The strikingly glorious chapel of the ancient church.

Photo of Great St Mary's Church, Senate House Hill, Cambridge, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

ii. Kings College

Venture to the top of the St. Mary's Church tower for panoramic views of the magnanimous college.

Photo of King's College, King's Parade, Cambridge, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

Rent a bike and watch secrets unfold along the streets of Cambridge.

Photo of King's College, King's Parade, Cambridge, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

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.

Unlike others who preferred to keep photographers at bay, this kind shopkeeper agreed to pose.

Photo of Market Hill, Cambridge, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

The variety of junk jewellery in the market is pretty cool and totally worth splurging on.

Photo of Market Hill, Cambridge, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

Many ethnicities sell cheap food at their stalls. I tried the lip smackingMediterranean Falafel.

Photo of Market Hill, Cambridge, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

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.

A gigantic doorway overlooking the gardens of the college. An architectural marvel.

Photo of Old Divinity School, St John's College, Saint Johns Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

The spellbinding chapel inside the St. Johns college.

Photo of Old Divinity School, St John's College, Saint Johns Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

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.

Punts sailing on river Cam, pass under the Bridge of Sighs. It connects two courts of the college.

Photo of Bridge of Sighs, Cambridge, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

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

The iconic Saxon tower stands tall on the Broadway hill and attracts artists from everywhere.

Photo of Broadway Tower, Broadway, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

Watch out for these fat wooly sheep that roam the Broadway Hill.

Photo of Broadway Tower, Broadway, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

The rolling green hills of the English country side, as viewed from the hill.

Photo of Broadway Tower, Broadway, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

ii. Town Center

Stroll through the pretty town center, through streets filled with the medieval thatched houses.

Photo of Budget Travel across 5 destinations in England, other than London! by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

Don't forget to take note of the colourful flower kiosks outside the yellowing walls.

Photo of Budget Travel across 5 destinations in England, other than London! by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

iii. Burton on Water

Natives literally walk in and out of the village on these little bridges built upon water.

Photo of Bourton-on-the-Water, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh

iv. Bibury

With the unique flora of the land outlined by the savage skies, there was tranquility everywhere.

Photo of Bibury, Cotswold District, United Kingdom by Mahalakshmi Venkatesh
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