A popular seaside destination has been named the cheapest city in the UK for a day out, offering welcome relief for families and friends feeling the pinch as the cost of living continues to rise. New research by credit card provider Aqua analysed the affordability of a day out in 28 UK cities, comparing a range of everyday expenses that quickly add up for visitors.

The study examined the average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, a cappuccino, local transport, cinema tickets, and four hours of parking, alongside the number of free attractions available in each location. Southend-on-Sea topped the rankings, emerging as the most affordable place in the UK for a day out. According to the study, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in the Essex seaside town costs around £15, while a cappuccino averages £3.34.

Local transport is also relatively cheap, with a one-way ticket costing £2, and four hours of parking averaging £5.84.

One of Southend's biggest advantages is entertainment costs.

The average cinema ticket price is £6, the lowest recorded in the study, tied with Hull. Combined with a strong offering of 60 free attractions, these factors help keep overall spending significantly lower than in many other UK cities.

While the top five locations in the rankings all performed well overall, Aqua's analysis found that each stood out for different reasons, such as low food prices, affordable transport or access to free activities.

Southend's balance of low costs across multiple categories ultimately secured it the number one spot.

The ranking adds to a growing sense that Southend-on-Sea is undergoing a revival. Once written off by some as one of Britain's worst seaside destinations, the town is increasingly being recognised for its strengths.

Despite ranking 41st in the Which? 2024 seaside survey and facing negative headlines following a high-profile machete attack on the seafront last year, Southend has been quietly rebuilding its reputation.

Its iconic pier was recently named Britain's best by The Telegraph, and new analysis from a data unit has crowned Southend the UK's top seaside destination overall.

That study assessed factors including sunshine hours, beach quality, fish and chips, nightlife and crime rates, painting the town as a "beach-lovers' paradise".

Southend boasts three Blue Flag beaches: Shoebury Common, East Beach Shoeburyness and Three Shells Beach, alongside five others that have received Seaside Awards last year.

All of the town's beaches have been rated 'Good' or 'Excellent' for water quality by the Environment Agency, with Thorpe Bay once again achieving the highest 'Excellent' rating for 2025.

For budget-conscious visitors, Southend-on-Sea is proving that an affordable day out doesn't have to mean compromising on quality or experience.