UK TRAVEL GUIDE
The UK is a truly magical travel destination. Having lived in the UK my whole life I may be biased, but the UK is one of the best travel destinations for a varied and captivating adventure. It’s a place that can often be underestimated in terms of what it can offer travellers. The UK is not just about London and it’s definitely not just synonymous with rain.
For city dwellers, there are so many incredible hubs to explore in the UK. From iconic London to theatrical Edinburgh, from beautiful Bath to romantic York, UK cities offer so much in terms of culture, scenery, and things to do.
Outside of the cities, the UK is home to endless rolling green countryside and havens of natural beauty. Whether it’s the enchanting New Forest or the charming Cotswolds, the stunning Scottish Highlands or rural Devon and Cornwall, the UK is bursting with travel opportunities.
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The easiest way to get to the UK is by air into one of the many international airports across the nation. For those in nearby European cities like Paris or Brussels, the Eurostar is likely to be a better option. London alone has six major airports, although I’d recommend flying into either London Gatwick or London Heathrow. Both of these airports offer easy transfers into central London.
London is always a good place to start when visiting the UK. But if you have your eyes set on a different part of the UK, then it’s worth considering flying into a different city. It may well be cheaper too. Some of the other major airports in the UK include Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Newcastle, Belfast, Liverpool, Cardiff, Exeter, and more.
Again, this will depend on which parts of the UK you intend to explore. If you’re exploring any of the major cities, then a car is definitely not necessary. In fact, I’d advise against it as traffic can be unbearable. In London, the underground (or ‘tube’) offers a quick and easy service, as well as a reliable bus network. Taxi companies like Uber and Bolt operate in pretty much all of the major UK cities.
Outside of the cities, most places can be reached easily by train. However, some more remote parts of the country are definitely more easily accessed by car. This is especially the case if you’re the kind of adventurer who likes to visit those hidden gems and more untouched places.
Try to book trains as far in advance as you can. The closer you get to the date of travel, the more expensive it can be. Take care to travel outside of peak times too – you’ll save a lot of money and it will be a more comfortable journey.
The UK is a year round destination. Although the summer months offer sunnier days, the weather is famously unpredictable all year. It follows that the best time to visit the UK will depend on the type of travel experience you’d like.
You can’t write a UK travel guide and not include London. Where modern skyscrapers meet historic architecture and where thriving metropolitan hubs meet open green spaces. London is home to a melting pot of cultures and it’s a place for every type of traveller. Whether you’re a solo traveller looking for cultural fix, a couple looking for a romantic UK city break, or a group of friends looking for a lively break away.
London is a city you’ll never get bored of. Explore iconic museums, discover cute cafes, and dine in world-class restaurants. For those after a touch of opulence, London offers luxury in spades. Enjoy an unforgettable stay in a luxury London hotel, indulge in traditional high tea, or dine in one of an astonishing 66 Michelin-star restaurants in London.
For a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life, head to the Cotswolds. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Cotswolds is a truly special pocket of the UK. Wile away the days exploring the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds and soaking up the green rolling countryside that surrounds them.
From grand castles and palaces to quaint cafes and pubs, there are plenty of things to do in the Cotswolds. Walk parts of the Cotswolds Way and marvel at the charming honey-toned cottages and cobbled streets. It’s a truly magical place to visit in the UK and one that looks as though it has been lifted from the pages of a fairytale. Read more in my Cotswolds travel guide.
For some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, look no further than Cornwall. With long stretches of golden sand and pretty seaside villages, it’s the perfect UK retreat. For those looking for a bit of adventure, Cornwall is a surfer’s paradise and is the best place in the UK for various different watersports.
Visitors to Cornwall discover a more laid-back way of life that is in stark contrast to the chaotic modern life that many of us live. Spend time exploring the many beautiful towns in Cornwall and wander the idyllic countryside. You’ll be spoilt for choice with places to stay, with a seriously impressive collection of gorgeous Airbnbs and stunning luxury hotels in Cornwall to choose from.
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No, it doesn’t always rain in the UK – but it does rain quite a lot! We may be famed for our grey cloudy skies and regular drizzle, but we do have glorious sunny days too. Whatever season you travel to the UK in, make sure you pack an umbrella.
Starting with breakfast, there’s the traditional Full English breakfast. This usually features bacon, sausage, eggs, hash brown, mushrooms, tomato, baked beans, and sometimes black pudding. For lunch or dinner, other popular dishes are fish and chips, Sunday roast dinner, steak and ale pie, and bangers (sausages) and mash.
Pound Sterling (£) is the currency in the UK. Cash is useful to have, just in case, but cards are generally accepted everywhere. ATMs are readily available across the UK, unless you’re going to somewhere particularly remote in the British countryside.
Yes, it’s generally expected that you tip between 10-15% of the bill in restaurants, as long the service was good. It is discretionary though, so if the service was below par then you shouldn’t feel like you have to leave the full amount. Often it’s added to the bill automatically, especially in London, so look out for this. Outside of London, 10% is standard, but in the capital city, the standard is usually 12.5-15%.
Unless you are walking down or up an escalator, stand on the right. Heed this advice if you value your life! Londoners are not the cheeriest people and they will not appreciate you standing in their way during their morning commute. It’s also best to avoid talking to anyone while on the tube. Again, we’re not the friendliest bunch in London – not until we’ve had a couple of drinks at least!
Outside of London, people are much cheerier and striking up a conversation with the locals is welcomed. For more tips for visiting England’s capital city, have a read of my London travel guide.
Train prices are painfully expensive in the UK. There’s no getting around this, as it’s a great way to travel around the UK. Try to book as far in advance as possible to get the lowest prices and always try to travel off-peak as it will be cheaper. If you’re spending a long time travelling the UK then it may be worth getting a railcard (e.g. 16-25 or 26-30), if you qualify, for discounted travel.
There are an impressive 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UK, from palaces and bridges to coastlines and islands.
To fuel your UK wanderlust and gather ideas for your UK bucket list, browse my UK travel guides and articles. From city breaks to quirky accommodation inspiration, you’ll find it here.
Known affectionately as the Capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester is a charming market town with a population of around 20,000. It has a distinctive well-to-do character and it serves as a wonderful base for exploring
Lower Slaughter is one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds and I urge you to use it as a base to explore, but definitely make sure it’s on your Cotswolds itinerary. Easy to overlook
With its iconic castle dominating the city skyline day and night, surely there’s no finer location than the Scottish capital to enjoy dining or drinks with a scenic backdrop. Not all Edinburgh restaurants with a
With quaint cottages and the pretty River Coln, Bibury is an utterly charming village in the heart of the Cotswolds. It is famed for being home to the iconic Arlington Row, a row of postcard-perfect
Edinburgh is a beguiling city of craggy charm and quirky creativity. It’s easy to see how its magical streets and cosy eateries inspired many of the magical settings in the Harry Potter books. One of
The Scottish capital of Edinburgh has an unforgettable culinary scene. There’s no better way to spend a leisurely morning than indulging in a delectable brunch. The best brunch places in Edinburgh are scattered across the
As one of the larger of the charming Cotswolds towns and villages, Stow-on-the-Wold makes a great base for exploring the area. Whether as a day trip or longer stay, Stow offers plenty to its discerning
When I was writing my list of the 15 prettiest Cotswold villages to visit, I grappled with the difficult decision of which beautiful village to put first. Bourton-on-the-Water has so much that makes it an
Castle Combe encompasses everything that a beautiful Cotswolds village should be. It’s quaint, picturesque, full of charm and character, and shares a friendly atmosphere and bags of history. It is, most definitely, one of my
New Forest restaurants offer some of the finest dining in Hampshire. Although there are currently no Michelin star restaurants in the New Forest, there are some recommended by the Michelin Guide, as well as some
If you’re heading to the New Forest, happy days! There is so much to do in this spacious and unspoiled part of Britain. From exploring by bike, on foot or on horseback to kayaking or
London is undoubtedly one of the best culinary cities in the world. Home to a staggering 66 Michelin star restaurants, it is where some of the best chefs go to hone their skills and prove
Whether you’re looking for the ultimate luxury or the best places to stay as a solo traveller, check out my hotel guides. I handpick the very best hotels across the UK. From sumptuous spas and Michelin-star dining to stunning interiors and amazing locations, discover a diverse range of hotels.
The luxury hotels of the Cotswolds really are among the nation’s most photogenic, comfortable and relaxing places to stay. From luxury spa hotels in the Cotswolds countryside to luxury family friendly hotels in the Cotswolds
This guide takes you through 15 of the best London hotels for solo travellers. All handpicked due to what they have to offer. From the east end to the City, Covent Garden, Theatreland and south
With deep azure seas, wildflower-strewn cliffs and golden, surf-battered beaches, it’s easy to see why the public’s love affair with Cornwall has already spanned decades. It seems that there’s a castle on every windswept mount,
Ironically, the New Forest is anything but. This area, abundant in open heath and grassy plains grazed by native ponies, was first established as a royal hunting ground by William the Conqueror in the early
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