TripAdvisor has revealed the most expensive (and for those of us on a budget) most affordable places to stay over the bank holiday weekend.

The annual TripIndex UK Cities report reveals the price of a three-night, four-day break for two people across 20 most popular UK cities this weekend.

The study estimates price based on a stay in a four-star hotel, lunch and dinner out every day, a visit to four popular tourist attractions and two taxi journeys each day.  

The results show that Sheffield comes on top as the best place for an affordable staycation, estimated to cost £614, with Liverpool coming in a close second.

A significant north/south divide was exposed in the survey, which revealed northern cities including Newcastle, Leeds, Chester and Glasgow as the best in value. Meanwhile, southern belles such as Cambridge, Bath, Brighton and Bristol were the most expensive. 

Unsurprisingly, the big smoke came in as the most expensive, with a weekend break in London averaging £1,331 – more than double the price of a trip to Sheffield. It was also the most expensive destination for dinner, which was estimated to cost around £71 for two.

In an unforeseen result, London came in as the cheapest destination for lunch, which was priced at £18 for two. Additionally, the capital was overtaken by Edinburgh (likely due to the annual festival) as the most expensive place for an overnight stay, with a whopping average cost of £232 for four-star accommodation, where London’s equivalent was £181/night. Cambridge came in second, with an average night stay of £199.

Chester will cost you most for lunch, setting you back £25 for two, but was the third best value for dinner, at £55.

If you’re after an affordable day trip, Oxford came out as having the cheapest tourist attractions in the UK – their four top ones all being free as charge.

So, if a visit to the Notting Hill Carnival isn’t for you, and you’re looking to guzzle the last of the summer wine, devour the latest suburban noir or just kick-back and relax, take a look at the list and see what might suit. We've even taken the liberty of researching some lovely hotels that are still available if you decide to rush of on a last-minute escape. You can thank us later.

The five cheapest places to visit

1) Sheffield – average night’s stay this bank holiday £82.08
2) Liverpool - average night’s stay this bank holiday - £113.30
3) Newcastle - average night’s stay this bank holiday - £107.44
4) Birmingham - average night’s stay this bank holiday - £89.64
5) Cardiff - average night’s stay this bank holiday - £105.39

The five most expensive places to visit

1) London - average night’s stay this bank holiday - £180.98
2) Edinburgh - average night’s stay this bank holiday - £231.50
3) Cambridge - average night’s stay this bank holiday - £199.12
4) Bath - - average night’s stay this bank holiday - £157.06
5) Brighton - average night’s stay this bank holiday - £166.80

It's not too late, check out these fabulous five hotels that still have rooms available for this weekend...

Browns in Nottingham

Available Saturday and Sunday night this bank holiday weekend, Browns is a picturesque B&B in north Nottinghamshire and ideal place whether you'd like to relax in the beautiful garden (weather permitting, of course) or explore the local offerings. Nearby attractions include the National Trust Clumber Park, Robin Hood's home, Sherwood Forest, and the Welbeck Estate.

Double rooms for two including breakfast start from £85.

brownsholbeck.co.uk

The Varsity Hotel & Spa in Cambridge

Backing on to the River Cam, The Varsity Hotel & Spa, Cambridge, is the perfect location for a spot of indulgence. With its rooftop terrace from which you can see panasonic views of the city and the spires of St John's, delicious restaurant and full-service spa, you might never leave the hotel. If you do decide to venture out, the hotel's central location is ideal for experiencing the delights of this collegiate city. Head for a spot of punting if the weather's fine or sip a cocktail and watch the sunset hand-in-hand. It's no wonder The Varsity has welcomed A-listers including the Beckhams, Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz.

Availability this weekend. Prices from £155

thevarsityhotel.co.uk

Ellenborough Park in The Cotswolds

An historic country house in the picturesque landscape of the Cheltenham racecourse in the Cotswolds, Ellenborough Park is the ultimate British escape. This is the ideal luxury getaway, where you can enjoy the delights of the Ayuvedic spa and a 3 AA Rosette restaurant. For the more adventurous, the hotel is also home to Bear Gryll's survival Academy, and guests can go hot air balloning or husky sledging.

Availability on Saturday and Sunday night.

Rooms from £269, including breakfast.

ellenboroughpark.com

The Vincent Hotel in Liverpool

Situated in the vibrant city of Liverpool, within walking distance to Penny Lane, the famous Cavern Club and the luxury Cricket boutique, The Vincent Hotel offers a range of great rooms, a fabulous restaurant and a cocktail bar. There's even a gym, for those of you who feel the need to release those endorphins.

Available this weekend. Rooms from £133/night.

thevincenthotel.com

Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa in Devon

Ranking among the most beautiful waterside hotels in the UK, the Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa would be ideal for a last-minute staycation. Amenities include a spa, a private cinema and an outdoor terrace with breathtaking views of the Salcombe estuary. With a crustacean bar where you can enjoy the catch of the day, and a restaurant with menus created by award winning chef Alex Aitken, you will be set for the weekend.  

Availability on Sunday night. Double rooms from £195

salcombe-harbour-hotel.co.uk

Images: Sheffield City Council, Oxford City Council, Rex Features