UK cities offer 'wealth of options'

The UK offers "a wealth of options" for those looking to holiday on a budget in 2009, an official has claimed.

Elliott Frisby, press and public relations manager at VisitBritain, said that an increasing number of Britons are likely to holiday closer to home over the next 12 months.

He attributed this to the current unfavourable exchange rates, which have made popular overseas destinations in Europe and the US more expensive than in recent years.

This could prompt many people who are planning stag weekends away in 2009 to consider making the most of the clubs and bars in UK cities such as Newcastle and Blackpool rather than jetting abroad.

"City breaks are certain to continue to be popular as visitors take advantage of great culture, retail therapy, eating out and nightlife," Mr Frisby predicted.

This comes after research by Visit Britain revealed that around 20 per cent of Brits who took holiday overseas last year are likely to opt for a UK break in 2009 to help save money.