Stag parties planning a weekend in London might find their trip turns out less expensive than they may have expected, according to one tourism expert.

Mary Rance, chief executive of tourist association UKinbound, said the capital is often perceived as being a pricey place to visit because of its higher base costs and impressive heritage.

However, despite research by the Post Office revealing a 16 per cent hike in the price of cultural attractions, she said those on a budget can still find plenty of things to do.

"With the challenging circumstances we’ve had this year, the industry has put together some really good deals and offers to attract tourists to the capital," Ms Rance said.

Indeed, according to a recent report by TripAdvisor, London was recently voted the best European city for free attractions and public parks by travellers, despite being ranked as the most expensive.

Those surveyed voted Czech capital and stag do favourite Prague as the best bargain city in Europe, while Copenhagen emerged as the cleanest.

It may not be good enough for cricket star Ricky Ponting, but Leicester is sure to offer plenty to keep stag night revellers entertained, it has been claimed.

The Australian captain was forced to eat his words earlier this week after his side were knocked out of the World Twenty20 tournament following defeat to Sri Lanka.

Prior to the clash, Ponting was quoted as saying: "We’ll have two weeks in Leicester if we have an early exit here – that won’t be good for anybody".

In response to the Aussie’s remarks, Leicester Shire Promotions has compiled a list of the region’s top attractions to keep him and his side entertained during their stay.

Boasting venues such as the National Space Centre and Highcross Leicester shopping centre, and with a number of top acts set to appear at the Big Session music festival this month, the area has plenty to keep visitors busy, the firm claimed.

Meanwhile, as the "curry capital of Britain", Leicester could be the perfect place to eat ahead of a long night’s drinking at some of the city’s top bars and clubs.

Stag night plans are likely to come high on the agenda for many as the wedding season approaches this summer, and an increasing number of revellers plan to celebrate here in the UK, research has shown.

According to a study by Virgin Trains, more and more stag parties are opting for a weekend closer to home, with London topping the list of preferred destinations.

The English capital was the celebratory city of choice for 24 per cent of hen and stag partygoers, while Manchester garnered 14 per cent of the vote and 11 per cent listed Birmingham as their favourite.

Jim Rowe, senior communications manager for Virgin Trains, said: "In a difficult economic climate it is perhaps not surprising that people are choosing not to travel abroad so much for their stag and hen parties."

Indeed, with recent findings from Halifax Current Accounts revealing the average Brit will spend £92.80 on a stag night in Britain, compared to almost £260 on an overseas jaunt, it seems more frugal stag night revellers are right to plan a weekend in Birmingham over one in Barcelona.

Stag parties planning a big night out in Liverpool this year have been pointed towards one particular city centre nightspot as the ideal place to kick off their evening.

Writing for the Liverpool Echo, journalist Nick Peet said the Sir Thomas Street hotel bar attracts "a healthy mix" of young and old with its fine dining experience and cocktail-sipping social scene.

With a bright and cheery atmosphere, big-band style crooning and an impressive list of champagne cocktails, the venue could be ideal for those out to enjoy a more sophisticated celebration.

Ranging from partygoers to candle-lit couples, the "warm and courteous" drinkers the bar attracts make for an enjoyable atmosphere, Mr Peet writes.

Meanwhile, with a selection of specialist drinks behind the bar and a brand new range of champagne cocktails just a few weeks away, revellers are sure to find a tipple to suit their tastes.

Liverpool has long been a favourite with stag parties drawn by its lively nightlife, from the trendy pubs and clubs of the city’s Concert Square to the cool and laidback bars that line Matthew Street.

Revellers planning a stag weekend away here in the UK this summer might wish to make arrangements sooner rather than later ahead of an expected surge in British tourism.

According to a survey by budget accommodation group Travelodge, a third of holidaymakers in the UK are planning to scrap their annual trip abroad this year in favour of a break closer to home.

Stag parties hoping to make the most of the British summer by heading to coastal resorts such as Cornwall or Brighton can expect to encounter the crowds, with 40 per cent of tourists planning a seaside holiday.

Managing director at Travelodge Paul Harvey said: "With the Met Office predicting glorious weather and a majority of holidaymakers looking to stay at home, this year the resorts and destinations of the UK will be jam-packed with British tourists."

According to Nigel Pocklington of Hotels.com, those who do choose to celebrate their stag weekend closer to home this year could find some top deals on accommodation, with many UK hoteliers looking to cut prices to lure British guests.

The traditional British stag night spent sinking pints in the pub may be giving way to the modern man’s desire to enjoy a weekend of pampering, but one firm is encouraging revellers to combine the two.

Pint-size pampering is the latest innovative concept from Merchant Inns, which specialises in turning run-down British drinking dens into luxury accommodation.

The company has recently turned its hand to restoring the Lambert Arms near Oxford, transforming the award-winning pub into a modern-day country inn complete with plasma-screen TVs and Michelin-starred quality food.

While pub prices still remain, the venue now combines the appeal of a local bar, a high-class restaurant and a luxury hotel complete with spa rooms – providing all the ingredients for a modern-day stag night.

The idea may appeal to some prospective grooms, but those who still wish to get down and dirty during their stag do might opt instead to take the lads on a UK adventure weekend.

According to Matthew Champion of Travelbite.co.uk, the combination of rock climbing, white water rafting and rope course activities provides an "exhilarating experience".

People planning a stag night in Leeds this summer are unlikely to be lost for somewhere to party, but a new club night in the city could prove the ideal way to spend the evening.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the event has been thought up by a Leeds local who has a history of innovative business ideas – and his latest brainwave is likely to appeal to stag parties.

Jay Murphy has hit the headlines in the past after opening up a 1960s-influenced barber shop and he now plans to share his love of music with clubbers across the city.

The event, named Shakermaker after the Oasis hit, will take place each month in the city centre’s Casa Loco venue, and features the best of British music from 60s Beat and Northern Soul to modern-day tunes.

Mr Murphy said: "I think there’s a real appetite out there for the music we’ll be playing."

Stag parties planning a trip to the Yorkshire city might also take part in the well-known Otley Run, where participants often don fancy dress and themed costumes as they trawl the city’s bar and clubs.

People planning a big stag weekend away in the UK this year may need to look no further than Manchester to find the perfect party town.

The Manchester Tourism Awards 2009 highlighted a number of top attractions in the city, with categories including Tourism Bar of the Year.

That accolade went to The Modern, which also landed the Taste of Manchester awards, meaning stag parties looking for a top-class drinking den to kick off their celebrations might pay a visit.

While a good night’s sleep may not be too high on the agenda of most stag do revellers, those who wish to stay the night in comfort should consider the Lowry Hotel, which won Large Hotel of the Year.

Managing director of Visit Manchester Paul Simpson said the awards were the highlight of a "highly successful" 12 months for tourism in the city.

"Manchester has established itself as a leading tourist destination and was highlighted this week by Lonely Planet as the envy of any urban centre in Europe," he stated.

The city is also home to a number of top clubs, including Sankey’s Soap, Paparazzi and the Ritz.

His stag night celebrations may remain a mystery, but Liverpool striker Fernando Torres certainly bucked a trend when it came to his wedding ceremony.

The 24-year-old decided to snub the typical star-studded affairs often associated with footballers tying the knot when he married fiancee Olalla Dominguez this week, the Daily Mirror reports.

While the Spanish ace has rarely been out of the limelight on the pitch, he was happy to keep his wedding celebrations low-key during a ceremony conducted in front of just two guests.

A source told the newspaper: "It was hardly a ceremony fit for a superstar. It was small and romantic, but there was nothing glam about the day at all."

Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand is also set to tie the knot this summer and the ceremony promises to be a far more lavish affair than that enjoyed by Torres.

Guests including ex-England captain David Beckham and rapper 50 Cent are expected to be in attendance at the event, which is to be held at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire.

Brits are willing to spend more on their travel plans if it means getting to places where everyday costs are cheaper, it has been claimed.

While stag night revellers will often check up on the price of a pint before booking their breaks, it seems more tourists are now being influenced by cheaper food and drink costs.

Jonathan Cudworth, head of product marketing at Expedia.co.uk, said people are now willing to spend more on flights in order to travel to faraway places where their money goes further.

"[Tourists] are going to places where eating and drinking out is cheaper but they are willing to spend more money on travelling out and on their hotel," he revealed.

Mr Cudworth added that the travel company has also seen "a big growth" in domestic holiday bookings as a result of the strong euro compared to the pound.

People looking to avoid the unfavourable exchange rates and celebrate their stag night closer to home this year might opt for an adventure weekend here in the UK as the ideal stag party activity.

According to Travelbite.co.uk writer Matthew Champion, two days spent rock climbing and kayaking in places such as the Brecon Beacons provides an "exhilarating experience".