As the cost of living in the UK worsens, the idea of a day out for brunch, cocktails, or self-care can seem like a luxury that you treat yourself to once in a blue moon. It raises the question: where can you still enjoy a fun day out not too far away without breaking the bank?
New research from SumUp analysed regional data, including the average price of brunch, the cost of beauty treatments, and public transport costs, to identify which UK cities are the most cost-friendly locations for a day out with friends and family.
Top 10 most affordable UK cities for a day out:
| Rank | City | One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | Cost of an Inexpensive Meal | Final Score (/100) |
| 1 | Bradford | £2.00 | £16.00 | 81.20 |
| 2 | Derby | £2.25 | £17.00 | 73.01 |
| 3 | Wolverhampton | £2.90 | £15.00 | 70.97 |
| 4 | Manchester | £2.00 | £15.00 | 68.95 |
| 5 | Leeds | £2.50 | £15.00 | 68.15 |
| 6 | Luton | £2.50 | £10.25 | 66.44 |
| 7 | Stoke-on-Trent | £2.10 | £18.00 | 66.34 |
| 8 | Liverpool | £2.00 | £18.00 | 62.62 |
| 9 | Newcastle upon Tyne | £2.50 | £15.00 | 62.60 |
| 10 | Cardiff | £2.45 | £15.00 | 62.11 |
- Bradford
Crowned the UK’s city of culture in 2025, the study found that Bradford is the most affordable place for a day out, whether that’s brunch with the girls or a much-needed day of wellness activities. With the price of a one-way ticket on public transport costing as little as £2, the average cocktail just £8, and an overnight hotel stay £88, a quick trip to Bradford is a cheap choice.
- Derby
In second place, Derby’s vibrant city centre presents a low-cost option for a day out in the UK. Its central location is ideal for a quick day trip or weekend away, with hotels averaging at £96 per night. Wellness and beauty activities in the Midlands city are some of the most affordable, costing as little as £7 for a manicure or pedicure, £10 for a massage, and £15 for a facial.
- Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton is the second Midlands-based location to make the ranking, as the research breaks down the affordable cost of activities in the city. Cocktails in Wolverhampton average at £9, one of the lowest prices in the ranking, while the average brunch comes in at £20. For those seeking a more relaxing day out, you can get a massage in Wolverhampton for as little as £6, and a manicure or pedicure for £7.
Both northern and Midland cities dominate the top 10 ranking. Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle, featuring as some of the top cities, demonstrate the affordability in the north compared to the south of the UK. Meanwhile, only Luton represents the south, and Cardiff represents Wales.
“The cost of living has impacted everyone across the UK, leaving many people hesitant to indulge in days out with friends and family. However, people should be able to take time for themselves, which is why we wanted to highlight the areas around the UK where going out for the day or indulging in beauty treatments is the most affordable. Whether you want a delicious meal, a fruity cocktail, a weekend away, or a spa treatment, there are several low-cost options across the country, and these cities are a great place to start.”
Gabriel Destremaut, head of PR and communications at SumUp
