A beautiful city has been named the cheapest place in the UK for a meal and a pint. A new report from global fintech company SumUp has revealed the top UK cities for budget-friendly staycations.

The study considered various cost-related metrics such as meal and travel prices, as well as cultural and recreational amenities like museums, theatres, and green spaces. And topping the list is Derry in Northern Ireland. The city performed well across all factors, standing out in particular for its affordability. Derry boasts the lowest average meal cost at only £10 as well as one of the most affordable cups of coffee at £3.14, but that wasn’t all.

Perhaps the most important finding for some, Derry also has the lowest average price of beer, with a pint setting you back just £3.97, 21% lower than the national average. The city also scored well when it came to cultural amenities, with 25 museums and 33 landmarks per 100,000 people. Popular attractions like The Museum of Free Derry and Peacemakers Museum offer visitors the chance to learn more about the city’s history, while a walk around the city walls provides fascinating insights into the past and some opportunities for holiday snaps.

Preston in Lancashire came second on the list for cheap eats and pints. The city offers visitors a wide range of gardens and city trails to explore. It offers a cost-effective staycation. The average taxi journey costs just £8.40, and an average inexpensive meal costs just £10. 

Kingston upon Hull, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, came third with a £4 pint and a thriving arts scene. This port city boasts intriguing museums, a cobbled Old Town, and stunning architecture, such as Hull Minster, which visitors flock to. 

Several other locations in the top 10 also stood out. Sheffield boasts the third cheapest city for a meal, whereas Coventry matches the top three with £4 print prices.

Corin Camenisch, product marketing lead at SumUp, said: “With an increased focus on domestic travel, as well as the cost-of-living crisis still being prevalent, we wanted to highlight the most cost-effective cities for a staycation in the UK. 

“Not only does this encourage budget-friendly travel, but it also encourages local spending and supports local businesses due to extra traffic and tourism.”

“While some of the cities in our report are popular hotspots among tourists, we hope to shed insight on budget-friendly locations that can also provide memorable experiences that are rich in culture without breaking the bank.”