How to enjoy Britain on the cheap

If you want to travel by train, you need to book in advance to get cheap tickets. Planning just two weeks ahead can halve the cost of your ticket. For more information on cheaper train fairs, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

The amount of internal flights in the UK has increased dramatically over the last five years. If you're planning to travel longer distances, flying may be your cheapest option. Ryanair flies to 14 destinations in Britain for as little as £1. Again, you need to book in advance and be reasonably flexible about when you travel in order to take advantage of the super-cheap offers.

Economic entertainment
London, of course, has a marvellous range of theatre throughout the year. Visit the 'Tkts' ticket booth in Leicester Square, or check out their website for bargain seats. You can get tickets for up to half-price on a wide range of shows if you book on the day of performance, but don't expect all the big musicals to be available in this way. Both the National Theatre, on the South Bank, and the Coliseum (English National Opera) offer cut-price tickets from 10am on the morning of performances.

The National Theatre has an annual summer festival of outdoor performances - all free. In 2003 it ran from mid-May until 25th August and encompassed 75 varying acts at lunchtimes and evenings. Further along the river, you can watch a Shakespeare play at the replica Globe Theatre for £5 as a 'groundling' - you'll be close to the stage but don't expect a seat for that price!

For more cheap deals on theatre, comedy, dance and musicals across the UK, go to www.lastminute.com