Discover the Magic of Winter in England: Tips, Budget, and Must-See Spots!

Are you dreaming of a magical winter journey to England? Our recent trip to London and Manchester was filled with unforgettable experiences, delicious food, and budget-friendly tips. Here's how you can make the most of your trip.

Planning and Budgeting

We started planning our trip in June 2023 and decided to fly with Emirates, securing a good deal at €950 per person. To manage our expenses, we paid for activities in monthly installments starting in July. This approach helped us spread out the costs and avoid a financial crunch at the end of the year.

• Accommodation: In Manchester, we stayed at Motel One, a comfortable hotel close to Old Trafford, costing €100 per night. In London, we chose Lansbury Heritage A Sunday Hotel near Canary Wharf, costing €450 for three nights.

• Overall Budget: Approximately £4,100 for 14 days, excluding shopping.

Top Tips for a Winter Trip to England

1. Plan Early and Book in Advance: Secure your flights and accommodations early, especially for peak seasons like Christmas. Booking in advance often comes with better deals and availability.

2. Layer Up: As we come from Mauritius, a tropical country, warm clothes aren't always readily available, and some online shops don't ship to Mauritius or have expensive shipping fees. If you have friends or family in the countries you are visiting, consider shipping the items to their places to save on shipping costs. Here are some good online shops for thermal clothes:

• Boohoo

• Next

• Uniqlo

1. Use Installments for Activities: To manage our cash flow, we decided to pay for our activities monthly starting in July 2023. This way, we could spread out the cost and better organize our trip without a financial crunch.

Must-Visit Areas

London:

• Trafalgar Square: Experience the vibrant Christmas atmosphere with bustling streets and festive lights.

• Natural History Museum: Enjoy free entry to one of London’s most fascinating museums.

• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: Indulge in rides, games, and festive treats. Entry tickets cost £50 for four adults and a child.

• Warner Bros Studio Tour: A dream come true for Harry Potter fans. We paid £170 for two people, including digital and souvenir guides.

• Madame Tussauds: Iconic wax figures and fun exhibits. Tickets cost £100 for two with a skip-the-line upgrade.

• Buckingham Palace and Big Ben: No trip to London is complete without visiting these iconic landmarks.

Manchester:

• Old Trafford: Witnessing a Manchester United match at Old Trafford was a dream come true. Our hospitality package included a pre-match drink reception, dining, and match tickets for £349 per person.

• National Football Museum: A must-visit for any football enthusiast. Tickets cost £16 per person.

• NQ64 Arcade Bar: A retro arcade bar with themed cocktails and games. Entry was £15 per person.

Culinary Delights

We enjoyed a variety of culinary experiences, from classic English Christmas meals to Thai cuisine in Soho. Highlights include:

• Hardrock Cafe Manchester: Classic rock-themed dining with delicious meals.

• The Alchemist Manchester: Immersive cocktail experience with theatrical drinks.

• Est Est Est, Trafford Centre, Manchester: Good Italian cuisine.

• Brewdog, Manchester: Rock n Roll theme and good food.

• Patara Thai Restaurant, Soho: One of the best Thai meals we’ve ever had.

• The Larkshall Tavern, London: A very nice bar to chill with friends.

• WAHACA Westfield, Stratford: Serving up fresh, vibrant, Mexican-inspired plates for sharing, zesty margaritas, and a lively soundtrack.

• Harry Ramsden's, Brighton: The best fish and chips combo.

• Côte Brasserie Hay's Galleria, London Tower Bridge: Perfect French cuisine.

• YEYE'S Noodle & Dumpling, London: For the best fresh dumplings and ramen.
  

Navigating the City

Using the tube and train in London was efficient and disciplined. Apps like City Mapper and Uber were incredibly helpful for navigation. For airport transfers, we booked through Airports Taxi Transfers for a hassle-free experience.

Our winter journey to England was truly magical, filled with unforgettable moments, delicious food, and plenty of adventures. With these tips, you can plan your own winter escape to England without breaking the bank.

Happy travels!