From uber-cool London to bucolic rolling countryside, discover the best of the United Kingdom with this UK travel guide.
Beyond the daft humour, tea-and-cake clichés, and a thousand and one personalities rolled up into one country, together, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland pack centuries of heritage into one bite-sized travel bite.
Crammed with beautiful historic cities, chocolate box cute villages, rugged landscapes and a huge coastline of beautiful beaches, writing a guide to the UK is a challenge, but as a native Londoner, it’s only fitting that I guide you along your travels.
I’m not here to faff around. Let’s get to the nitty-gritty about travelling to the UK – when to go, how to get there, what you should do and see, and the best places to stay.
You’ll also find suggested itineraries and my personal picks for the best travel tips that’ll have you navigating my home country like a pro.
The UK’s temperate climate means there’s no particularly bad time to visit, but spring (March – June) or autumn (September – November) are great times to visit.
The UK’s national parks are in full bloom during spring, while autumn offers the lowest tourist numbers. If you’re after a coastal adventure or want to party it up at a festival or two, choose the summer (July – August).
Whichever season you choose, remember to bring your brolly (umbrella) – it might not rain as much as people make out, but… the stereotype is there for a reason.
The gateway for many visitors to the United Kingdom, London comes out top of the lot. It’s a welcoming metropolis with plenty of must-see sights, such as Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral. Book a stay at The Mandrake.
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, is another must-stay. Brimming with highlights including Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland, you can’t go wrong. Book a stay at the Leonardo Royal Hotel.
Next up is Belfast in Northern Ireland. You can’t skip this charming city when you travel to the United Kingdom. See the Titanic Quarter and tour set locations from the TV show Game of Thrones. Book a stay at the Maldron Hotel.
Another fantastic city in the United Kingdom, Bath, is an exceptional spot to spend a few nights when you travel to the UK. Visit its preserved ancient Roman baths and see the stunning Gothic cathedral. Book a stay at the Bathen House.
Packing for your UK trip? Don’t forget…
You should only plan a trip abroad if you invest in appropriate travel insurance, even if you only travel in the UK, which is a relatively safe destination.
Covering aspects from emergency medical expenses right down to other unforeseen things such as theft, I choose AXA Travel Insurance to safeguard my trips.
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Whether you spend only two days in London or five days, there is an astonishingly high number of historic landmarks you have to see.
See Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the British Museum, and Trafalgar Square for starters.
Read Next: Things to Do in London
Out on a limb, geographically speaking, Cornwall is renowned for its beautiful coastline and incredible beaches. Its reputation as a mecca for surfers is well deserved, with a multitude of beaches regularly offering great conditions for beginners and old-hands alike.
There’s more to Cornwall than just beaches, try superbly panoramic coastal walks, explore its rich industrial past and take a stroll in one of a number of breathtaking gardens too. Take a road trip around Cornwall to discover just how fabulous it is.
The town of Newquay is a great place to base yourself for your Cornish adventures.
Read Next: Things to Do in Cornwall
Let’s not beat around the bush. There’s a lot to enjoy in Edinburgh, making it the perfect weekend break while you’re in the UK.
Featuring beautiful stone architecture, the city boasts a castle, many museums and galleries and some great food and drink (there are three Michelin starred restaurants).
If you fancy something more adventurous then you could hunt for ghosts, sample the best Scotch Whisky, and climb an extinct volcano.
Read Next: 36 Hours in Edinburgh
Home to England’s largest national park, its highest mountain and its largest and deepest lake, the Lake District is full of superlatives.
Named after the 14 lakes and tarns which characterise its rugged beauty, the Lake District, beloved by romantic poets and writers such as William Wordsworth, is the perfect outdoor destination.
Whether you favour hiking in the Lake District’s unspoiled beauty, indulging in some water sports (or a more relaxed boat trip) on one of the lakes, or simply pottering in one of countless picture postcard villages, the Lake District has it all.
Read Next: Walking in the Lake District
Oxford and Cambridge hold a special place in my heart. I went to university in Oxford and am just as smitten with it today as I was the first time I laid eyes on it as a teenager.
Head to Oxford for beautiful sandstone architecture and willow tree-fringed river views – it’s an easy day trip from London.
Who could say no to wandering around the famed St. Johns or Trinity Squares of Cambridge?
Read Next: The Best Things to do in Cambridge
With more to offer than its famous cathedral and Geoffrey Chaucer, Canterbury is a great day trip from London. This compact, walled city is steeped in history, with a maze of alleyways and streets which wind through medieval buildings.
Lose yourself for a few hours in a world of quirky bookshops, pocket-sized restaurants and more history per square inch than you thought possible.
Read Next: Day Trips from London
Yes, you read that right. Although there is an abundance of reasons you should visit Scotland, a standout is to see the Northern Lights. Easily one of the world’s most famous natural phenomena, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Read Next: Things to do in Scotland
England’s most famous spa-town (actually it’s a city), Bath is named after the Roman baths that were built on natural hot-springs in around 60AD.
Pretty much the entire city centre is constructed from beautiful yellow sandstone with Georgian architectural landmarks and museums aplenty.
Beau Nash left his mark in many buildings, most famously The Royal Crescent, The Circus and The Pump Room.
No trip to Bath would be complete without visiting the Roman Baths and whilst you can’t actually take a dip you can sample the very minerally-tasting waters.
Think of Northern Ireland and you probably think big; The Giant’s Causeway, the industrial might of Belfast (the city that built The Titanic) and the Dark Hedges (aka The Kings Road from Game of Thrones).
There is, of course, much more to this region than these headliners; rugged landscapes featuring loughs, mountains, valleys and waterfalls abound for the adventurous. For something more genteel, then a visit to Hillsborough Castle or Mount Stewart house and gardens is highly recommended.
Northern Ireland has a vibrant, burgeoning foodie scene, independent breweries and distilleries are thriving. Read about a perfect two-day Northern Ireland itinerary here.
Sure, there are many ways to make the most of your United Kingdom travels. Here are some of the best trip itineraries.
10 Days
Stonehenge and Bath – The Cotswolds – Chipping Campden – Stratford-upon-Avon – London
Explore The Cotswolds as you visit some of the UK’s most outstandingly beautiful sights.
2 Weeks
London – Cardiff – Liverpool – Windermere – Glasgow – Edinburgh – York – Birmingham
Get your rail tickets and head out exploring the best of Great Britain from London to Wales and Scotland.
21 Days
London – Bournemouth and The Jurassic Coast – Bath – Bristol – The Cotswolds – Oxford – Warwick – Liverpool – The Lake District – Newcastle – Edinburgh
Get a taste of the best in city life and escape into nature as you hit the road to see the glory of the UK.
16-18 Days
London – Stonehenge and Bath – The Cotswolds – Cardiff – Stratford-upon-Avon – Manchester – The Lake District – Edinburgh – York – Cambridge – London
Road trip through the north and south of England and the capitals of Wales and Scotland.
These are the best-hidden gems for your United Kingdom travel guide.
The tiny village and civil parish of Walberswick is the self-appointed capital of catching crabs (or crabbing), and during August, the annual World Open Championships take place. So visit and test your crabbing skills.
A pristine slice of coastal heaven on the coast of Scotland, Luskentyre Beach is idyllic, and its white sands meet turquoise and aquamarine waters is buzzworthy. From here, you can easily visit the island of Taransay, often part of tours from Inverness.
Much of the allure of visiting the UK lies outside of its urban city streets, and once you see its largest protected wetlands, you’ll agree. The Broads comprises a network of navigable rivers and lakes between Norfolk and Suffolk. Here you’ll find some of the rarest animals and plants in Britain.
A jewel of the Cornish coast, Polperro delivers the promise of a picture-perfect fishing village. Wander through and admire the collection of cottages that cling to the cliffside before you make your way to Talland Bay Beach.
The best way to plan a trip to the United Kingdom and save a penny is by taking free tours.
For the outdoorsy, explore the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh or a guided tour of Bath led by a local.
Literary fans can tackle the Potter Trail through Edinburgh or the Tolkien Walk in Birmingham. Sports fanatics should visit the National Football Museum in Manchester or the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.
Fish & Chips – Deep-fried fish in a crispy batter with a side of chips.
Sunday Roast – Roast meat with roasted potatoes and veggies.
Cornish Pasty – Savoury meats and veggies in a shortcrust pastry.
Crumpets – Soft and bouncy risen pancakes.
Pimms & Lemonade – The quintessential British summer drink, served laden with summer fruit and preferably lots of sun.
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