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What are you looking for, see things differently, welcome to britain.

Discover inventive new experiences and captivating stories in 2024, brought together with a dose of British flair. From exploring film settings and pioneering cultural spaces to countryside trails and relaxing wellness retreats, it’s all happening on our shores and you’re invited!

Join immersive exhibitions as the National Gallery celebrates a landmark anniversary or get a taste for chocolate as Birmingham’s Cadbury World also marks its 200th birthday. Venture off the beaten track for new coastal adventures, exploring new trails and walking routes, or take in sporting action as the world’s best compete in everything from athletics to the Premier League.

Whether it’s getting a feel for our vibrant cultural cities, embarking on a coastal adventure, or discovering locations made famous by film and TV, it’s time to experience Britain differently.

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Explore different

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Glen Coe, Scotland

Spilling the tea on GB

We’re spilling the tea on the hottest experiences – and it’s not just a good old brew that we’re mad about.

Cardiff, Wales

Key sporting moments in 2024

Grab your tickets, or a spot by a screen, and join the atmosphere of brilliant British sport.

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Day trips from London

Britain packs a punch when it comes to the eclectic range of destinations within close proximity to London.

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Parc national de Sowdonia (Eryri), Pays de Galles

How to see Britain differently

From gastronomic adventures to eco-friendly stays, there’s always more to explore on Britain’s shores.

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Cultural hotspots

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

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From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

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World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

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A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

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From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

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Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

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Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

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Pushing the boundaries of art and culture and a heart that beats through its people.

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An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

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Newcastle upon Tyne

Linked by no fewer than seven bridges, it's one vibrant place to visit.

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Newcastle, England

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

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Packed with lively pubs, an eclectic food scene and a myriad of immersive experiences.

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Discover annual events

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Celebrate in Britain

Find out what’s happening across the nations with our round-up of annual events.

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Your trip to england is just around the corner.

Discover the land of Big Ben, Banksy and bangers and mash. From its bustling cities to its blooming beautiful gardens, it doesn’t disappoint.

Discover Great Britain’s northern reaches

Imagine a country where ancient castles guard mysterious lochs and emerald glens, and where the local spirit is as warm as the welcome.

Discover a land of adventure and mythical creatures

Delve into a world of dragons, renowned choirs, championship rugby, and some of the most spellbinding scenery Britain has to offer.

Your trip to Northern Ireland has never looked more magical

Get swept up in a world of ancient myths and modern-day legends, from the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones to the vibrant buzz of Belfast.

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Best Time to Visit

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Best U.K. Destinations

Traveling by Train

Driving in the U.K.

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Tipping Etiquette

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Family-Friendly Attractions

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National Parks

Must-Try Food in the U.K.

Guide to the United Kingdom: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to the United Kingdom: The Complete Guide

There’s a lot more to the United Kingdom than the usual list of top 10 London sights. For a start, there are four separate countries—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland   —each offering city and country pleasures, wilderness adventures, scenic villages, landmarks, free museums, and miles of challenging coastal paths. The food is a lot better than you may have heard as well. Use this guide to fill your trip with the best choices for you.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit :  Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit when the days are long, and there’s a good chance of mild, dry weather. Prices are lowest in January and February, but it’s also cold and wet. A lot of attractions are closed, but if you enjoy theater, museums and indoor activities, this is a way to visit on the cheap.

Language:  English. A lot of popular attractions offer tours or audio tours in European languages and Chinese.

Currency:  The pound sterling (£)

Getting Around:  Train service in the U.K. is very well developed and is the best way to get between cities and regions. Though bad weather and industrial action may interrupt services from time to time, the number and frequency of both long-distance, regional and local trains will amaze many North American travelers. Most fares are cheaper for off-peak travel and when bought in advance. The website National Rail Enquiries is a comprehensive online guide to times, prices, and service status across the country.

Long-distance buses (called coaches in the U.K.) are the cheapest way to get around. Since they use the country’s motorway system, they are also the most boring. One company, National Express , runs most of the intercity coaches, and four other large regional companies run networks of local services. Local buses provide short, practical everyday journeys, so the routes are not well coordinated between regions. But if you are interested in taking day trips from specific urban or tourism hubs, you may find buses—such as the Greenline buses between London and Windsor Castle —that serve the purpose. Traveline , a partnership between transport companies, local authorities, and passenger groups, has a website that can help you plan a trip using local resources.

Travel Tip:  Round trip tickets (called return fares) are often a more expensive way to buy bus and rail tickets than pairs of one-way tickets (called singles). Check before you buy.

Things to Do

The United Kingdom packs several thousand years of history and culture onto an island slightly smaller than Michigan. As you might imagine, there’s quite a lot to see and much of it is within easy day trips of major cities or transportation hubs. But a surprising amount is covered by vast wilderness areas. It’s easy to try to pack too much into a visit. Instead, try to focus your trip around a few themes:

• Day Trips from major cities. London in the Southeast and Edinburgh in central Scotland are both hubs of culture, centers for free museums, shopping, theatre, music, and dining out. They are also surrounded by areas rich in historical attractions and natural beauty, so they make excellent bases for day trips and short breaks.
• Spend time in a National Park. National parks protect landscapes, coasts, moors, and mountains. But they also contain working farms, quaint villages, castles and hundreds of ancient monuments. Try hiking the Lakeland Fells ( fells is a Scandinavian word for hills) in England's Lake District or marveling at the mountain views and clear mountain lakes in Snowdonia National Park in Wales (which is also full of castles). Walk through the South Downs’ grass-covered chalk hills. There’s skiing in Cairngorm National Park and pleasant walking and cycling trails in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs . Each national park offers something different.
• Shop in traditional markets. Some, like the permanent outdoor market in Norwich , or the covered markets in Oxford, Birmingham, and Leeds, haven’t changed much in hundreds of years. London has its share of wonderful markets too—from Borough Market for adventurous foodies, to Portobello Road, a vast, heaving antique market that’s a must.
• Catch up with Shakespeare in his hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon . The Royal Shakespeare Company stages Bard’s works with surprising irreverence and imagination that’s hard to resist. There’s plenty to see and do, including visits to the Shakespeare family homes and Anne Hathaway’s cottage .
• Visit royal and traditional sites. There’s a good reason why Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle , Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral are so popular with visitors. Try to visit these traditional sights outside of school vacation seasons, though.

What to Eat and Drink

Forget the clichés about awful British food . That’s ancient history. These days you’ll find nearly as many Michelin stars in London as in New York and lots more scattered all over the U.K . Whether you are talking about fine dining or neighborhood bistros, it’s easy to find modern European cuisine with vegetarian and even vegan options in most British cities and tourist destinations.

Outside of the main population centers in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the picture is a bit more hit and miss. But there are some traditional British specialties you really should try.

• Sample a full British breakfast at least once. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland add regional touches to the classic eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and tomatoes breakfast. If you are on a tight budget, this breakfast will set you up for the whole day.
• Indulge in afternoon tea with all the trimmings—scones with jam and cream, crumpets, sandwiches, fresh cream cakes, and endless pots of tea.
• Try different regional ales on tap . They won’t be ice cold, but cellar temperature is still pretty cool.
• Fish and chips can be great —crispy and hot—or dire (greasy and lukewarm). Ask a local where to find the best.
• Eat seafood and shellfish in Scotland; it comes from cold North Atlantic and North Sea waters and is terrific. And if you are in Whitstable, have some oysters.
• It’s easy, and often cheaper, to find good quality ethnic food anywhere in Britain. Indian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese cuisines are widely available.

Where to Stay

Accommodations range from five-star luxury and glamping to international budget chains and vacation rentals, called self-catering in Britain. Some kinds of accommodations are particularly British and worth considering.

Consider a bed and breakfast, which range from fully-serviced guest houses to small inns. In rural areas, you may find rooms to rent in private homes. Or try a caravan; this is what Europeans call camper vans, and some caravan parks rent them like cottages. Bigger trailers in caravan parks are known as "statics." Country house hotels , which range from large comfortable houses to very grand country estates converted to luxury accommodations, are another option. Also, more and more pubs are offering boutique-style hotel rooms as an alternative style of accommodation.

Getting There

Visitors usually fly into the U.K. from North America through London’s main airports—Heathrow and Gatwick, or by charter flights to London Stansted and London City. There are public transportation options from Heathrow and Gatwick to central London.  

But the U.K. has quite a few more airports receiving international passengers with either direct or connecting flights from North American airports. Depending upon your ultimate destination, you could save money on ground transportation by flying into Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, East Midlands or Bristol Airport. Find out more about alternative U.K. destination airports.

Travelers from continental Europe can cross the English Channel by ferry, drive through the Channel Tunnel, or travel by Eurostar passenger train. There are also good connections—by air or boat, from Dublin or Belfast.

Money-Saving Tips

• Don't rent cars in cities. Wait until you've left London or other big cities. You'll save on parking fees and congestion charges (it costs 11.50 pounds a day to take a car into central London). Public transportation—buses, trolleys, and subways—are available in most major cities as are city bicycles, parked everywhere and easy to use with a credit card.
• Consider self-catering. That's what Europeans call vacation rentals. There's plenty of choices, ranging from short let apartments in cities, cottages, and village houses to rent. If you can't find what you want online, the local tourist authorities will have plenty of information.
• Take advantage of what's free. Almost all of Britain's essential museums are free to visit.   Historical attractions have reduced admissions for senior citizens and students.

The Commonwealth. " United Kingdom ."

Museums Association. " Frequently Asked Questions ."

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England Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 10, 2023

England is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. While most travelers tend to stick to London (which is understandable as it’s a great city!), the rest of the region has a lot to offer and sees a fraction of the crowds.

In fact, backpacking around England was one of the highlights of all my travels in Europe .

England’s smaller cities, like Bath and Oxford , are both fascinating and culturally rich. (And, since they aren’t as crowded as London, they’re a bit cheaper too.)

Liverpool , the birthplace of The Beatles, boasts a rich musical history while the countryside has fascinating estates and natural beauty. There’s the mountainous north, the rolling hills of Lancaster and Cornwall, Stonehenge , Hadrian’s Wall, and Tudor cities like Chester.

In short, there is a ton to see and do in England. This England travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time here!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on England

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Top 5 things to see and do in england.

1. Tour London

You can’t go to England without visiting London — it’s one of the most popular cities in the world. It’s home to charming pubs, world-class museums, tons of history, some of the best theater performances in the world, a diverse population, incredible food, and a wild nightlife. It might be a city that often breaks the bank, but fortunately, London has a plethora of free markets, museums are often free, and it has a ton of relaxing parks that you can enjoy on a budget. There are lots of free walking tours here too!

2. Drive the coast

England’s coastal towns make for a relaxing holiday (especially if you have a vehicle). The most popular destination is Brighton , well-known for its summer parties and festivals. But don’t overlook places like Weymouth, Salcombe, Dover, Hastings, St Ives, or Newquay — and that’s just a handful of them in the south of the country. You could literally spend months just discovering each new place. The towns offer everything from old-world traditional charm (think cobbled streets and Tudor houses) to bright lights and fun fairs (Brighton’s pier is similar to LA’s Santa Monica).

3. See Cornwall

Cornwall is like mini-New England — you can see why English settlers felt at home in the New World. Just like the USA’s New England , Cornwall has rolling hills, beautiful lakes, small towns, rural farms, wonderful hiking trails, tiny fishing villages, great food, and even a winery. The area has been populated since the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Eventually, the Britons (who were Celtic in origin) claimed the region, with the first written account of the region dating back to the 4th century BCE. It’s also been an important maritime region for centuries. The laid-back pace of life here is one of the reasons why it’s one of my favorite places in England. Don’t miss it!

4. Spend a day in Bath

Bath is named after the famous (and marvelously well preserved) ancient Roman baths located in the heart of the city that date back to 70 CE and were in use through to the 5th century. The audio guide by Bill Bryson is a must and adds a lot of context and details. The baths are the main attraction in town, though the abbey, Georgian and Victorian houses, and river are also nice to see. Literature buffs can also explore Jane Austen’s heritage as she lived in Bath for most of her life.

5. Explore the Lake District

Located in Cumbria, in Northern England, and about an hour from the border with Scotland, the Lake District is home to one of England’s best national parks. The lakes in the region are a result of the last ice age and receding glaciers cut the U-shaped valleys that are now filled with water. It’s perfect for hiking mountain passes and sailing around pristine lakes. It’s very popular (and crowded) during the summer. It is to northern England what Cornwall is to the south: a natural, rural paradise that embodies the best of England and, outside of Cornwall, it’s my favorite region in England.

Other Things to See and Do in England

1. see buckingham palace.

Buckingham Palace, home to the Queen of England, is a fascinating sight that’s only open to the public during the summer. If you can’t (or don’t want to) visit the palace, you can catch the changing of the guards at 11am four times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays). If you want to check out the palace, admission is 30 GBP when purchased online (33 GBP on the day), while exclusive guided tours are 90 GBP. Check the Royal Collection Trust website for details on other events happening throughout the year.

2. Visit the Tower of London

Built in 1070, the Tower of London has expanded many times over the years. It was built as a double-leaf bascule bridge in the middle (both sides lift up) to maintain river access to the Pool of London docks while easing congestion on each side of the river. You can visit inside the tower and walk along the glass walkways. Weapons, armor, and coins were made here until 1810 and today you can view the famous crown jewels, walk the battlements, wander recreated medieval palace rooms, see the iconic Yeoman Warders (known as the Beefeaters as they were allowed to eat as much beef as they wanted from King Henry VII’s table), and spot the legendary black ravens that live in the tower. Skip-the-line tickets are 29.90 GBP. Be aware that lines are long so it’s best to plan ahead.

3. Relax in Brighton

Brighton is a great little seaside resort town on the southern coast of England that’s perfect for a weekend getaway. Considered the hippest city in the UK, Brighton is known for being quirky, bohemian, artsy, and very LGBTQ-friendly. It’s a popular summer destination for locals who come here to relax on the beach, enjoy the fleeting summer sun, and wander the pier where there are amusement rides, carnival-style stalls, and street food.

4. Listen to music in Liverpool

Liverpool has spectacular museums, but as the World Capital City of Pop, the real reason to go is for the music, or more specifically, for The Beatles. The Beatles Story museum has all kinds of memorabilia and information about the famous band, who were from Liverpool. Besides the music, Liverpool has a rich history and culture as well as fun pubs, so don’t sell it short.

5. Check out Chatsworth House

Located in Derbyshire, this massive and lavish mansion was built in 1549 for the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. While there are many beautiful houses and castles throughout the UK, this is one of the most astonishing. It’s so striking in fact, that countless films and TV series have been filmed here (including Peaky Blinders, Jane Eyre , and of course Pride and Prejudice ). The home has played a role in popular culture since it was mentioned in Jane Austen’s book, Pride and Prejudice in 1813. On your visit, you can wander the 25 stately rooms, stroll the 105-acre gardens, and make new furry friends in the operating farmyard. Admission to the house and garden costs 26 GBP (just the garden is 15 GBP).

6. Tour Oxford University

Founded in the 11th century in Oxford , this university is one of the oldest in the world. You can visit the many beautiful colleges within Oxford for just a few dollars, or you can take a 90-120 minute guided tour of the entire university with Bodleian Libraries (20 GBP). You can even see the colleges in which they filmed parts of Harry Potter ! For art history buffs, stop in at the free Ashmolean Museum on campus for impressive Eastern and Ancient Egyptian art collections.

7. Attend the festivals

England is known for its festivals, especially during the summer. For music, be sure to check out the famous (and muddy!) Glastonbury festival or the Liverpool International Music Festival. Also, the UK has three huge annual Pride events in London, Brighton, and Manchester. This is just the tip of the festival iceberg though as every city and town has a lot on offer.

8. See Stonehenge

Stonehenge , located just 15 minutes from Salisbury, is one of the oldest man-made structures in the world (dating to 2,500 BCE!). You can’t go up to the stones anymore, but it’s quite a fascinating site, especially since we still have very little idea how they dragged the stones there. The audio tour is worth getting so you can get some historical context on the site. Admission starts at 22 GBP.

9. Visit Old Trafford

I highly recommend a visit to Manchester United’s home stadium. With over 74,000 seats, it is the largest club football stadium in the UK and the 11th largest in all of Europe. The tour is awesome and takes you below the stadium seating into the player’s lounge, and even into the pitch-side dugout. Dig deeper into some football (aka soccer) history at the onsite museum. Admission is 35 GBP.

10. Admire Ely Cathedral

Also known as the ‘Ship of the Fens,’ this cathedral is visible everywhere in the small city of Ely in Cambridgeshire (and from miles around too). Originally built in the 12th century, it’s renowned for its Romanesque architecture, complete with a stunning entrance and an octagonal lantern tower. The Lady Chapel is the largest in all of England. The cathedral is also home to the National Stained Glass Museum, whose collection spans 800 years and includes stained glass from across the UK and Europe. Visiting the cathedral only costs 9 GBP (online, or 10 GBP on the day), entry to the museum is 5 GBP. Booking in advance is recommended if you want to join one of the tours which cost between 1.50-12 GBP.

11. Relax in Greenwich Park

Considered to be one of London’s largest parks, it is also one of the most beautiful — and a perfect escape from the city’s bustle. There are several historic sights here as well as a rose garden, meandering pathways, a tea house, the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, a café, and even a deer park. It is the oldest enclosed royal park in London and a relaxing place to spend a few hours with a book.

12. Hike Hadrian’s Wall

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian’s wall has been standing since the 2nd century. It was built by the Romans to keep the Celts out of Roman England (though that didn’t work so well). While you can make a brief visit to see the fortifications and ancient walls in many spots of the country, if you’re up for it, you can also hike the entire 83-mile (135-kilometer) length of the wall itself (most people do it in 6-8 days).

13. Go to Salisbury

Not far from Stonehenge is the beautiful town of Salisbury . Just 1.5 hours from London by train, it has a breathtaking 750-year-old cathedral that is home to the Magna Carta and tombs dating back to 1099. Salisbury is one of the few places that wasn’t bombed during the World War II Blitz so it is beautifully preserved. Cathedral Close and Market Square are both worth visiting in Salisbury as well as Old Sarum (what is thought to be the original site of Salisbury) and Salisbury Museum.

14. Stay in Chester

I love an under-visited destination and, for me, Chester is one of those places. Chester’s center looks like something out of an old novel by Charles Dickens. The homes in Chester are typically Victorian in design and the old taverns, hotels, and little shops all have retained their charm and original look. There’s plenty to do in Chester, including walking along the city walls and seeing the rows of medieval houses that showcase the historic architecture. Chester Cathedral is over 1,000 years old and well worth a visit (it has been added to and restored but has kept its medieval feel). For something a little more contemporary, go on a river cruise.

15. Visit the colleges at Cambridge University

Like Oxford, Cambridge University is made up of different colleges. Founded in 1209, the University is an architectural delight and wandering around the many buildings in the city. Most notable include the stunning buildings at Kings and Queens Colleges as well as the iconic quads at St. Johns and Trinity. There are lots of walking tours to choose from if you want to learn more about Cambridge’s history and some are even led by the students themselves. Expect tours to last around 90 minutes and cost 20 GBP.

16. Enjoy afternoon tea

Tea is a scene unto itself in England. With a history dating back through the centuries, this tradition can be enjoyed at every level of your budget. Starting with just the drink, you can find quaint tea shops literally all over the country. There you can try different types of tea and a selection of cakes to go with it should you need a sweet treat. In Devon and Cornwall, you can have cream tea which is tea with scones, cream, and jam (although these are now often served in other places too). Afternoon tea, or high tea, is a more lengthy affair and comes first with finger sandwiches and tiny savory pastries, then with scones (with cream and jam) and little cakes. Some places offer a glass of champagne to go with it. Most traditional tea houses offer afternoon tea but if you’re after more of a sense of occasion and your budget can stretch to it), the big hotels also offer it every day.

17. Visit Bristol

Many people only pass through Bristol on their way to Bath but it’s really worth a visit of its own. With a population of 500,000, Bristol is a hip college town with amazing eateries, great food, wonderful things to see, lots of green space, and plenty of things to do. Aside from taking a walking tour (my must-do in any city!), some of my favorite things to do include a tour of Bristol’s Romanesque Cathedral that was built in 1148, wandering King’s Street, and admiring Clifton Suspension Bridge. Bristol has a great museum and art gallery that is worth a visit and I also really enjoyed St Nicholas’ Market. Other things worth doing include the S.S. Great Britain, the Avon Railway, and Blaise Castle.

  For more information on specific cities in England, check out these guides:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Bristol Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide

England Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels cost 10-30 GBP a night for a dorm room. Amenities usually include free internet, breakfast, a common room, TV, and kitchen facilities. Private rooms in hostels start at around 50 GBP and go up from there. Campgrounds can be found all around the country, and most have basic facilities (such as bathrooms, electricity, and Wi-Fi). Expect to pay 10-20 GBP per night for a place to pitch your tent.

Budget hotels offer similar amenities and start around 60-80 GBP per night for a twin room but can be more like 120 GBP in peak season. Apartment rentals (like Airbnb) cost anywhere from 35-90 GBP per night for a private room depending on the city, while entire apartments/homes start around 90 GBP per night but average 110-120.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds in recent years, it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

A kebab costs around 5-6 GBP, burritos and sandwiches cost 6-10 GBP and traditional fish and chips cost about 10 GBP. Indian and Asian food can be purchased for 8-10 GBP. Pizza is usually 8-10 GBP. Fast food (think McDonald’s) is around 6-7 GBP for a combo meal.

A meal at a casual pub or restaurant costs 12-16 GBP and you can expect to pay at least 30-35 GBP for a three-course menu with a drink in a mid-range restaurant. A meal in a higher-range establishment costs upwards of 70 GBP.

Beer is around 6 GBP while a latte/cappuccino is 3-3.50 GBP. Bottled water is about 1.20 GBP.

A week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-60 GBP. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, veggies, and some meat. The best places to buy cheap groceries are Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco.

Backpacking England Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget, you need at least 55 GBP per day. On this budget, you can stay in hostel dorms, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, use public transit to get around, take the bus between cities, and take advantage of all the free sites in the country (free museums, parks, beaches, etc.). It’s a tight budget so if you want some more wiggle room, I’d add another 10-15 GBP per day, especially if you plan on drinking while you’re there.

On a mid-range budget of around 135 GBP per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or private Airbnb, cook some meals and eat out at cheap pubs or fast food stalls, do some intercity travel by train (if you book early), have a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi, and visit some paid attractions like Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London.

On a “luxury” budget of 255 GBP per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out wherever you want, drink more, take taxis and the train to get around, and do more tours and activities. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

England Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

England isn’t a cheap place to visit. You’re going to spend a lot of money here, especially if you stick to cities (and London will be about 30% more expensive than the rest of the country). However, there are plenty of ways to save if you know where to look. Here are my top ways to save money in England:

• Take advantage of the free museums – Public museums offer free admission in every city throughout England and the United Kingdom. It’s a great way to learn about influential artists, immerse yourself in the country’s history, and spend a rainy day without paying a cent.
• Book early – Book all transportation well in advance. You can find fares for around 2 GBP with a little planning. Megabus not only runs buses but also provides trains throughout England and is the best option for cheap travel throughout the country.
• Get a Taste of UK card – The Taste of the UK card offers up to 50% off and 2-for-1 deals at selected restaurants. You don’t need to be a United Kingdom resident to get the card and the first month’s membership fee is waived, which is perfect for most travelers.
• Eat pub food – Eating out in England can get quite expensive, but for good, cheap, and filling meals, visit the local pubs. Most serve food, and you can get a good meal for 10-15 GBP or less. Plus, the pubs are a great way to meet people!
• Take a free walking tour – Most major cities in England offer free walking tours. They usually last a few hours and are a great way to see the city. Some tours even have a specific focus, such as history, food, or architecture. Just make sure to tip your guide!
• Eat the lunch specials – Another way to lower your food expenses is to stick to eating out during lunch only. I typically do my eating out during lunch and then cook my dinner to lower my food costs.
• Visit the cathedrals – Many of England’s cathedrals are free to enter. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see some of England’s 15th to 19th-century architecture. just make sure to dress and act appropriately.
• Get a London tourist pass – If you’re planning to do lots of sightseeing in London, the London Pass provides access to over 80 attractions via its 1-10 day passes. Other passes available include the London City Pass from Turbopass (which includes an option to add transport costs), and the London Sightseeing Pass. Compare prices and activities to see which pass is the best choice for you and your budget.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in England

England has tons of awesome and budget-friendly hostels. Here are my favorite places to stay in England:

• Astor Hyde Park (London)
• St. Christopher’s (London)
• YHA Manchester (Manchester)
• The Full Moon Backpackers (Bristol)
• Seadragon Backpackers (Brighton)
• Embassie Liverpool Backpackers (Liverpool)

How to Get Around England

Public transportation – England has excellent transportation in nearly every town and city, including buses, trains, and trams. Getting a travel pass is often far cheaper than buying single tickets as well. For example, in London, a one-way fare on the tube in Zone 1 costs 6.30 GBP, but getting a Visitor Oyster Card reduces that to 2.50 GBP per ride.

Train – In the United Kingdom, the National Rail service is always expensive. It’s one thing the locals love to complain about. A journey from London to Liverpool can cost as little as 25 GBP or as much as 150 GBP! Who knows? Prices flucuate a lot! The earlier you book the better.

You can use the National Rail website or The Trainline to research schedules and prices.

A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option. For more information, here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work .

Bus – The cheapest way to travel around the country is via Megabus, where fares start at 1 GBP. You need to book at least a month in advance, but even if you miss that deal, fares are rarely more than 10-15 GBP. Flixbus also has cheap fares starting at just 3 GBP.

National Express is the other main bus company in England, and they offer great discount passes to full-time students and people under 26 years old. The passes cost 12.50 GBP and give 30% or more off adult fares.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Domestic flights around England are cheap when booked in advance. A flight from London to Manchester or Liverpool costs around 49 GBP and takes about an hour. However, once you factor in getting to and from the airport, it ends up almost always being faster to take the train unless you’re traveling far (such as from London to Scotland).

Car Rentals – Car rentals can be an affordable option in England, costing as little as 20-30 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. Don’t forget you have to drive on the left, and most cars are standard rather than automatic. Additionally, drivers need to be at least 21 to rent a vehicle here.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to England

Thanks to its temperate climate, visiting England year-round is enjoyable as there are very few weather extremes. Summer is peak tourism season, and temperatures are the warmest during this time — but rarely are they ever above 30°C (86°F). Although tourist sites and attractions are teeming with people, there’s also a great atmosphere in the air. People make the most of the warm weather, and there are tons of events and festivals happening all over the country.

Spring (late April-May) and autumn (September-October) are also fantastic times to visit, as temperatures are still warm and the crowds are a bit thinner. Plus, with the seasons changing, you either see gorgeous spring flowers in bloom or the leaves turning color in autumn. Just be prepared for a little rain.

Winter lasts from December to February and tourism crowds thin out dramatically. You can still do plenty of sightseeing, although further north (or in mountainous areas) some attractions may be closed for the season. Temperatures dip below 5°C (41°F) so dress warmly. Snow is not uncommon.

Keep in mind that England is famous for its gloomy, dreary weather. It can rain a lot, so make sure you pack some weather clothes and some waterproof gear no matter when you visit.

How to Stay Safe in England

England is very safe and the risk of violent crime here is very low. Scams and pickpocketing can occur around high-traffic areas, however, especially in London around tourist attractions like the Tower of London. Pickpockets tend to work in teams, so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

Solo travelers, including solo female travelers, should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

While break-ins are rare, if you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight just to be safe.

Scams here are rare, however, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

England Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of England.
• Fat Tire Tours – For bike tours, use this company! They have fun, interactive tours led by expert local guides. You’ll get to see all the main sights without breaking the bank!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

England Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

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• Where To Stay
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• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The UK Travel Guide

Welcome to this comprehensive UK travel guide, where I’ll take you on a journey through the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of The UK

We may not have the best weather, or the best food in Europe , but there are so many other reasons to visit the UK with this comprehensive UK travel guide. Firstly it’s full to the brim with history.

I don’t think I ever really appreciated just how much history I was constantly surrounded by in the UK. From Historic Bath to The Jurassic Coast . Stone Henge to The Beatles  to some of the best things to do in Cambridge too. Oh and let’s not forget about Harry Potter and Outlander!

But what I really miss is visiting various UK destinations for Christmas and the Great British outdoors. And yes, of course, visit London , then get on a train, bus, or go on a UK road trip using our travel guides UK.

In this UK travel guide, I’m going to share everything you will need to plan the perfect trip to the UK, including where to go, what to eat, and of course, what to pack !

Did You Get Insurance Yet?

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything!

The Insurance companies I personally recommend are Hey Mondo and  Safety Wing

Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single trip cover, annual multi trip cover, and long term travel cover.

Safety Wing is great value with monthly cover starting at $39. It’s super easy to use and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.

Read my full travel insurance post here where I go into detail about the companies. 

Pin For Later

Top 10 Things to Do in The United Kingdom

• Explore London
• Visit the Roman Baths
• Trek up to Arthur’s Seat in Cornwall
• Soak up the culture in Liverpool
• Catch a match at Wimbledon
• Explore York on foot
• Take a train to Hogwarts from King’s Cross
• Marvel at the masters in Tate Modern
• Visit the home stadium of your favorite Football clubs
• Go hiking in the Lake District

Click for place guides

Quick Tip:  Book accommodation, tours and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress. 

Best UK Tours : Click here to check out the top UK tours Best UK Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in UK Best UK Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in UK

United Kingdom Itineraries

Where to go in united kingdom.

UK travel guide won’t be complete without London . It’s where most people start their UK adventure after all! Spend at least a few days exploring the historic capital and don’t forget to get some great Instagram pictures !

2. Liverpool

The other big city you should explore if you’re wondering where to go in United Kingdom as part of your 10 days in England itinerary is Liverpool , the birthplace of the Beatles and home to the best Football team in the UK… yes, it’s also my home town so I’m totally biased.

But here in Liverpool , you will find some of the friendliest people, a buzzing music scene, and a lot of cultural activities (like museums and galleries) with free entrance, making it a great britain travel destination.

York is often skipped over by people visiting the UK. There are so many things to do in York according to my travel guides UK, so please don’t skip it! It’s such a beautiful city full of history, plus it’s surrounded by beautiful landscapes so getting there is very pleasant. 

Bath is the UK’s only UNESCO city,  as our UK travel guides will tell you. The whole city is a UNESCO site thanks to the buildings all being built in the same style. Plus they have the Roman baths there. Although you can’t take a dip in the actual Roman baths, there is a delightful spa!

5. Edinburgh

In your trip to United Kingdom, please know that there is much more to Scotland than just Edinburgh. Don’t miss visiting here when in the UK. And if you have some extra time then I strongly recommend a trip to Dumfries and Galloway.

6. The Gower (Wales)

Cardiff is cool, and Swansea is meh (I lived there for 4 years so I can say that), but if you want to see Wales in all its beauty, go to the Gower. 

My UK travel blog will guide you to this hidden gem. You can stay in the Mumbles and drive out for the day, or take your tent and go camping in the summer.

7. Cornwall

I love Cornwall . I find myself binge-watching Poldark once a year, just so I can travel there in my mind. This United Kingdom travel guide will show you why it is breathtakingly beautiful. No really, the wind up on those rugged Cornish cliffs will quite literally take your breath away!

If you are going to Cornwall, you must also go to Devon , and pay a little visit to Plymouth on your way through. As well as the beautiful beaches, you also have Dartmoor moors and of course Exeter. Check out this travel blog UK to discover more about these fantastic destinations.

9. Brighton

Brighton is a famous seaside town in the Uk, which will definitely be included in this UK travel guide. But it’s also a cultural melting pot filled with some of the UK’s hottest artists from all disciplines.

You can discover Brighton when you wonder where to go in the United Kingdom with a short train ride from London and there are so many things to do in Brighton . Take a walk on the pier with some fish and chips and don’t forget to get an icecream!

10. The Lake District

When I was a child this is where we would go on family vacations, making it one of my great britain travel destinations.

Normally camping or staying ina caravan somewhere. Kendle mint cake, visiting Beatrice Potters house, Lake Windomear and Ambleside. You can check my full Lake District UK travel blog here .

Ah, so many memories. please go and visit this beautiful place, and don’t forget your hiking boots!

uk travel Guide Information

General information.

The United Kingdom, island country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe .

In this UK travel guides you will also discover the best time to visit United Kingdom. The United Kingdom comprises the whole of the island of Great Britain—which contains England, Wales, and Scotland—as well as the northern portion of the island of Ireland . The name Britain is sometimes used to refer to the United Kingdom as a whole.

The capital of the UK is London, which is one of the most popular & great britain travel and among the world’s leading commercial, financial, and cultural centers.

Other major cities include Birmingham, Liverpool , and Manchester in England, Belfast and Londonderry in Northern Ireland, Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland , and Swansea and Cardiff in Wales.

But the best of England can be found outside of its cities on  days out in The Peak District , The Lakes , Cornwall, Buckinghamshire , and the Jurassic Coast, to name but a few.

Wondering when is the best months to visit England? For pleasant weather and a balance of activities, May to September is generally considered the best time.

The currency in the United Kingdom is the Pound sterling (GBP).

The dialing code of the United Kingdom is +44

The water is safe to drink from the tap in the UK and Ireland. This will come as a relief to those traveling on a budget, since bottled water is charged at a premium, especially in London . So ditch the plastic and get a reusable water bottle .

UK Accommodation

Many UK travel guides will tell you that accommodation in the UK isn’t particularly cheap, it’s similar to most of Europe . But if you are on a budget you can find decent hostels in most cities with kitchens. If you go to more rural places then it will be B&B’s (bed and breakfasts), or campsites! You can save yourself a lot of money outside of the cities if you bring a tent with you!

If you are going for the campsite option, check the best time to visit United Kingdom and you will need to bring your own tent or buy one as it’s not common to have tents for rent in most campsites. That said you can also look at caravans or chalets (like little cabins). I once stayed in a delightful Airbnb caravan in someone’s garden in rural Cornwall once, and it was wonderful!

Pretty much all accommodation on your trip to United Kingdom is on Airbnb , Hostel World , or Booking.com , which makes it very easy to book.

For a bed in a dorm expect to pay £ 15 -20 ($18-25 USD) if you want a private room in a dorm then you are looking at around £40 ($50 USD). Or if you prefer to stay in a hotel expect to pay around £81 ($100 USD).

Food in The UK

Many travel guides UK can lead you to a lot of unique dining experiences, which is a must have during your great britain travel.

Food in the UK is good, mostly because so many people from other cultures have settled here and brought their food with them haha. No, but really, you won’t go hungry in your trip to United Kingdom, you probably just want to avoid eating too much traditional British Food as it’s often cooked in a lot of fat (lard) and not particularly healthy.

I wrote a whole post on food to eat when in the UK in this uk travel guides, but other than the more traditional British food, make sure you eat at least one British Indian curry while in the UK!

Best Things To Do In The United Kingdom

Regardless of many opinions on the best time to visit United Kingdom, There are so many great things to do in the UK during any season! But I’d say to make the most of your Great Britain travel you are going to need some hiking boots .

The UK may be cold and damp, but it’s also bloody beautiful, plus it has so many quaint little rural pubs (boozers as we like to call them) where you can always be guaranteed of a roaring fire in the winter and an ice cold cider in the summer.

Plus just before Christmas, the UK is full of Christmas markets, making it one of the best time to visit United Kingdom. It is always nice to wander around the London Christmas markets, which are always full of great food and interesting Christmas gifts. If you decide to escape London then take a look at this list of the best UK Christmas Markets and see if you can visit a few of them during your trip to United Kingdom.

If you enjoy hiking and wondering where to go in United Kingdom for a hike, you should check out Cornwall , Devon , The Lake District, The Welsh coast, Scotland, and the Yorkshire dales. There are other places too, but these are my personal favorite places in the UK. Also if you’re visiting for the adventure, don’t forget to check for the best months to visit England.

So other than hiking or bike riding on your trip to United Kingdom, it’s all about history and art. London is full of museums, but many of them you do have to pay for. However outside of London, in many places museums and art galleries are free of charge. Like in Liverpool or Manchester for example. There are also whole cities and towns steeped in history. Bath , York, and who could forget Stone Henge ?

UK budget per day:

Backpackers Budget – $55 GBP

Accommodation: 20 GBP Food: 15 GBP Activities & Transport: 20 GBP

Mid Budget – 135 GBP

Accommodation: 65 GBP Food: 35 GBP Activities & Transport: 35 GBP

Luxury Budget – 255 GBP

Accommodation: 100 GBP Food: 90 GBP Activities & Transport: 65 GBP

United Kingdom Safety Advice

The UK is like most European countries. It’s relatively safe. Cities have more safety issues with pickpocketing and petty crime, plus around tourist hotspots you will need to look out for scammers.

But out in the rural areas and small towns the crime risk decreases.

Whatever you do though make sure you have some sold travel insurance before traveling abroad. I wrote a whole post on the best backpacking insurance and you can read it here.

United Kingdom Money Saving Tips

As you browse many travel guides UK, you will realize that things in the UK can get expensive quickly! But there are some ways you can cut costs. The main things that are going to eat into your budget are transport and accommodation, which can get particularly expensive in the UK. A train from London to Liverpool can be 4 times as expensive as a flight to Spain sometimes!

Bring a tent

If you are planning to get out in rural England camping will save you a lot of money, also make sure to check the best months to visit england before your camp!

Make sure you have a waterproof tent and a decent sleeping bag . If you can splurge for a camping stove and a pot to cook with that will also save you a lot of money on food. Or look out for campsites with kitchens.

Use Couchsurfer

Using couchsurfer is pretty common in the UK. When I had my own place I was on there and had several cool people come and stay with me. Not only will it save you money, but most hosts are happy to offer advice about things to do in their town or city too.

Look Out For Hostels With Kitchens

If you want to save money by cooking for yourself then I would strongly suggest checking before booking.

Save money on accommodation using Worldpackers

It’s not expensive to join and if you join through my link and use the discount code in this blog post you get some money off… you’re welcome!

Eat In Pubs

If you do want to eat out while in the UK then in general eating in pubs rather than restaurants is generally cheaper, plus you can often get deals if there are two of you, and before 6pm you ill often find ‘early bird’ menus where meals are discounted. The pub food isn’t always the best quality in the cities, but in the rural areas, often this food is great quality and locally sourced.

Book Your Transport in Advance

Here’s the thing. No one really wants to book their whole backpacking journey months in advance. However, having a well-planned UK travel guide can really help. In the UK it really is the only way to save money, and I’m talking a lot of money here! Last time I was home I tried to book a train from London to Liverpool. Normal cost £300.

Book it a month in advance on an off-peak train and I paid £40 for a 1st class ticket, a standard would have been £30 but I was feeling Boujee AF. Trains are by far the best way to travel in your trip to United Kingdom, but if you don’t want to book too far in advance then you can also get some great deals on the National Express and MegaBus .

The only downside is that it oftern takes a lot longer than the train, and it’s not as comfortable. Honestly, the buses in Colombia and Mexico are better than the ones in the UK!

Don’t buy Bottled Water

Water is safe to drink directly from the tap, so be sure to bring a good water bottle with you.

United Kingdom Packing Advice

Wondering what to pack in this UK Travel guide? I got you. I’ve done a full blog post outlining everything you need to pack for the United Kingdom depending on the season.

The Complete Packing List For London (and the UK)

Or you can just skip ahead and download my free packing list using the form below.

Quick Tip : View my full UK packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my UK Essentials shopping list here.

Where to Stay in the United Kingdom

All of the places I recommend below are in the best areas and I have either personally stayed there, or I know someone that has and it comes highly recommended. 

Where to Stay in London

Astor Hyde Park Hostel in South Kensington

Leicester Square One

Z Hotel Trafalgar

Montagu Place Hotel

The Nadler Covent Garden

Where to Stay in Brighton

The Jays Guest House

Towed Town Camping

Radisson Blu Hotel

The Full Moon Backpackers

Where to Stay in Bath

St Christopher’s Inn  

Student Castle

Bathen House

Where to Stay in Cornwall

Granary Barn Hostel

St Christopher’s Inn Newquay

Palace Surf Lodge

Cohort Hostel

Where to stay in the Cotswalds

The New Inn

New Inn at Coln

The Holt Hotel

Where to Stay in Devon

Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa

The Hotel Balmoral

Ocean Backpackers

Mariners Guest House

Braeside Guesthouse

Where to Stay in Liverpool

Euro Hostel

The Nadler Hotel

Titanic Hotel  

Hard Days Night Hotel

Where to stay in Manchester

Hatters Hostel

Velvet Hotel

Roomzzz Aparthotel

Midland Hotel

King Street Town House

Where to Stay in Yorkshire

Trinity Guest House .

Holiday Inn

Hull Trinity Backpackers .

Where to Stay in The lake District

YHA Hawkshead

The Paddock Guesthouse

Another Place

Where to Stay in Scotland

Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Edinburgh

Hampton By Hilton Edinburgh

Jurys Inn Glasgow

Safestay Glasgow

Where to Stay in Wales

NosDa Studio Hostel

Jurys Inn Cardiff

Mrs Potts Hostel

The Alexander Swansea

Langland Road B&B

Map of Accommodation in UK

Traveling in the united kingdom.

The best way to travel around the UK is a mix of trains and cars. If you can book your trains in advance. Otherwise, bus and car.

When you’re considering the best time to visit the United Kingdom, take into account these transportation options for a smoother journey.

Trains in the UK

Trains are by far the best way to travel cross country in the UK. I can get from London to Liverpool in under 3 hours on a train. It would be double that to drive or take a bus. But the prices can also get insane! The trick is to book in advance and travel off-peak.

Don’t just expect to turn up at the train station and book a ticket on the next cross country train, unless you want your bank balance to take a bit hit. Even booking a few days in advance can make a big difference. Use one of the comparison sites to check the times and prices and then book the best price, these are normally at off-peak times when people don’t want to travel, like right in the middle of the day!

Buses in the UK

Buses are much cheaper in the UK than the trains, unless you get a good deal. So if you can’t find a good train or a good price then look for a bus. You can travel on the MegaBus for £1 on some journeys if you book in advance. So if time isn’t an issue for you and you need to make your £ stretch then take the bus!

Driving in the UK

The very best way to really see the UK is in a car. Traveling from city to city is easy (but expensive) by train. But if you want to visit the rural areas of the UK without a car it’s going to be very difficult as the local transport in places like Cornwall or The Lake District can by unreliable and infrequent at the best of times.

With a car, you can explore till your heart’s content without having to worry about missing a bus or getting caught in the rain while waiting for said bus.

You could either rent a car for the whole time you are in the UK, or you could do a mix of taking a train, then renting a car to explore the new place.

Remember though, us brits drive on the wrong side of the road!

Flying in the UK

There are lots of budget airlines in the UK, so flying is an option. But generally flying domestically is more expensive than flying internationally. Plus the baggage charges will make your eyes water! But I’d always check Skyscanner , just in case!

UK Travel Guide planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for UK?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to UK which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for UK on Amazon here .

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in UK?

I strongly recommend using Bookaway . You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in UK?

I recommend either Viator  or GetYour Guide . They have a lot of options!

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing  digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here . I personally use GlocalMe  as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim . Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com , Hotels.com , and Expedia  They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here . I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack . 

The Best Time To Visit The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom can be visited at any time of year, as its climate is relatively temperate and, in general, doesn’t experience extremes during either summer or winter.

Overall, spring (late March to early June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, when it’s usually warm and dry. At these times you’ll see beautiful spring flowers or the leaves changing hue in autumn, and avoid the much busier summer period.

Winter (December to February) can also be an enjoyable time to visit. Although some attractions close in mountainous areas and in the north, where there’s likely to be snow, the main cities remain fully open and will be quieter for sightseeing. The highest temperatures are experienced in the summer, but these rarely rise above 30°C (86°F).

What to Read in The United Kingdom

Lonely Planet's Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist

Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist is a great companion on your trip to the UK. You can get it before your trip to help you plan out all of the best places to go. It’s a go to bucket list of the not to miss places to visit in the UK.

It’s full of beautiful photography and it goes much further than just the typical tourist traps and includes everything from coastal walks, music festivals, and hidden away pubs you must visit. 

Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown

If you are interested in learning more about the upper echelons of the British aristocracy then this book abut the life of Anne Glenconner is a great read.

She has long been at the center of the royal circle as a life long friend of the Queen and her sister. Her father was the Earl of Leicester and controlled one of the largest estates  in England. 

Sadly Anne turned out to be “the greatest disappointment” to her father and she was unable to inherit his great estate and instead make her own way in the world while surviving the vipers of court life! And interesting read to see how the ‘other half’ live.

Victorious Century: The United Kingdom, 1800-1906 (The Penguin History of Britain Book 8)

The UK that you will see today is a product of the post WWII industrial revolution.

Nineteenth-century Britain experienced an unprecedented series of changes in the wake of the war. Cities grew fast and revolutions in transports, communication, science, and the way people lived happened in quick succession. 

Added to these changes was a growing skepticism of religion, a questioning of power resulting in political and social unrest.

In spite if these turbulent times Britain remained strong on a global level which saw it quickly rise as a global leader… this was of course before Brexit!

Bridget Jones's Diary

If you are looking for a light read to accompany yo on your UK vacation then Bridget Jones’s Diary is the perfect literary companion. Even if you have watched the movie , the book is soooo much better.

Sorry!: The English and Their Manners

Us brits are legit obsessed with manners to a fault. Seriously we love nothing more that throwing as many please and thank you’s in to a sentence as we can make fit. And don’t even get me started with our obsession with apologizing for EVERYTHING! 

But our obsession doesn’t just stop there, there is so much more to British etiquette most of which will confuse the hell out of visitors from foreign lands. 

In this book you will get an illuminating insight in to all of the social rules we are governed by, from never putting your elbows on the table to holding open doors. But this book goes deeper and shines a light on where this crazy obsession with good manners comes from. Its a interesting and quirky must read.

White Teeth: A Novel

Looking for a novel to sink your teeth into on those long cross country train journeys in the UK. White Teeth is it.

Set against London’ s racial and cultural tapestry, venturing across the former empire and into the past as it barrels toward the future, White Teeth  revels in the ecstatic hodgepodge of modern life, flirting with disaster, confounding expectations, and embracing the comedy of daily existence.

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Claire Summers

Hi I’m Claire!

At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldn’t fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road.

I started Claire’s Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. With no plans to stop anytime soon I’m always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano I’ll try (almost) anything once!

© 2023 Claire’s Itchy Feet  

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to the UK

Quick navigation, about the uk, best places to visit in the uk, best things to do in the uk, great adventure trips in the uk, the uk’s outdoors.

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• Frequently Asked Questions

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The United Kingdom is a magnet for bloody, intense, fascinating ancient and historical tales that go further back than the words printed in history books. You’ll find stories sketched into crumbling ruins, medieval churches, and hung up in museums—expect to hear faint murmurs of the past wherever you go, whether you’re exploring Hadrian’s Wall in England’s countryside, admiring the Scottish Highlands, or walking through charming villages and bustling cities. Spend your time reminiscing on stories old and new over a pint, along scenic countryside walks, or while walking the cobblestone streets lined under dim lights.

This UK adventure travel guide will let you in on the highlight reel of adventures in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, where epic outdoor wanderings, cultural sights, and city explorations await! Read on for a list of travel tips indicating where to go, what to do, and how to best experience this phenomenal part of the world.

Disclosure: This post contains references to products or services from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you buy one of these products or services. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page .

Let's start with the basics: the United Kingdom isn't another name for England. The island, which stretches across 242,495 km², amounting to slightly smaller than Oregon in the United States, boasts four countries—England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. And here's some terminology we should all know:

• Great Britain refers to England, Wales, and Scotland
• Britain refers to England and Wales

If you thought Britain was another name for England, you're not alone!

So how did these four countries come to make up the United Kingdom? In 1707, the Act of Union brought together Wales, England, and Scotland, but it wasn't until 1801 that these four countries became known as the United Kingdom when Ireland joined the union. In the 19th century, the UK experienced a power boom, thanks to their dominance at sea. During this time, there was peace among the Great Powers globally, but this "peace" came to a halt in 1914.

In World War I, Britain fought against Germany alongside France and Russia. By the end of the war, Britain was in a lot of debt. But that didn't stop them from battling against Germany again in World War II.

But you won't just see remnants of the world wars when you travel to the United Kingdom; you'll witness ancient outlines of bloody battles and fascinating stories harking back to medieval and prehistoric times peppered across its 242,495 km².

The dominant language in the United Kingdom is English. Around 95% of people speak solely English, but there are also hints of Celtic languages: Welsh, Irish, Scottish Gaelic. Get ready for some thick English accents when you go here!

Popular cities for tourists are London (England), Edinburgh (Scotland), Glasgow (Scotland), and Belfast (Northern Ireland). While Wales isn't as frequented as these countries and cities, it's still definitely worthwhile to visit, especially when you consider Snowdonia National Park , a great adventure playground.

Arrochar West Highlands Loch Lomond Scotland

With four countries replete with unbelievably scenic natural wonders, crumbling ancient architecture, rolling, charming countrysides, and bustling cities adorned with an explosion of history, museums, cobblestone streets, and lively pubs and nightlife, it makes it hard to choose where to go. When it comes down to it, there's a ton of best places to visit in the UK, so hopefully, this list helps to narrow down your choice (or you can always see all of them!).

London in England

Let's start with the most obvious choice on this list: London, England. This bustling city is a conglomeration of history, fun, beauty, and culture. The most popular tourist attractions: Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the British Museum, Big Ben, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park are all examples of the architectural wonders and the unique beauty sprawled across London. And Soho is where you want to be when the night sky takes over! Just outside of London, you'll find the Chilterns —an excellent area for scenic countryside walks.

Speaking of walks, one great way to bask in London's vibes is to meander around the city on foot! We have a list of the best walks around London , which give the choice of exploring culture, city parks, architecture, and more!

Snowdonia in Wales

It's rare for people to think of visiting Wales before exploring Scotland, England, or Northern Ireland, but trust us: Wales is worth it. One area you need to explore is Snowdonia. Stepping foot in this sweeping park will make you feel like you've stepped inside a storybook, where you're a side character on a journey brimming with dragons and knights. The setting adds to the mysterious fairytale wonder: towering mountains, stunning valleys, and charming Welsh villages.

Snowdonia is an adventure playground that offers hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and road biking.

The Lake District in England

Let the theme of mystery and fairytales continue with a splash of romance! For years, the stunning scenery has been inspiring writers, most notably the poets from the Romantic era (Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge). The glistening lakes, sprawling mountains, and small bodies of water nestled in glacially carved amphitheatres will not only provide creative inspiration but will present natural entertainment while inducing a relaxing escape from your everyday life.

Go kayaking, canoeing, hiking, swimming, biking in the Lake District !

Head hiking along cliffs South Downs UK

Peak District in England

Introducing the first national park in the UK: Peak District ! While you won't find a ton of peaks here—deceiving, we know—you'll win the scenery lottery in terms of valleys, gorges, plateaus, and hills. Who needs peaks, anyways? Most people participate in activities like cycling or walking to immerse themselves in the incredible natural surroundings.

South Downs in England

South Downs : where the countryside bleeds into the seascape. The best part (or one of) about South Downs is that it’s only two hours from London, making it an accessible outdoor destination for everyone. There’s nothing like planning a weekend away in South Downs National Park, where outdoor explorations, canopies of yew trees, seaside vistas backed by dramatic cliffs, and remnants of history will be a nice change of scenery from bustling city streets.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs in Scotland

Bordering the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs boasts of small mountains nestled with lochs and narrow valleys. The region is rich with walking trails and glistening lakes. However, most people flock to this area for Loch Lomond, the biggest freshwater lake in all of Britain. Meanwhile, The Trossachs add a mythical layer to the already-dramatic scenery, where Gaelic culture continues to thrive.

Edinburgh in Scotland

Want fun? Go to Edinburgh! Fall in love with the pub-centric atmosphere, where drinking fuels laughter. There's no sign of pretension here—Edinburgh is a bubble of laid-back, amusing times. You'll fall in love with the medieval architecture and turrets outside of the pints and pubs, which add a mysterious, gothic look to the city.

Cardiff Castle Wales Uk

Belfast in Northern Ireland

Expect to learn a lot about the iconic Titanic when visiting Belfast! We'll preface with one fact before this city unloads more on you: The Titanic was built here. But that's not all Belfast brings! Like Edinburgh, you can always expect to have intoxicating, crazy fun nights here. The live music helps to add to the entertaining atmosphere. To top it off, the restaurants here are tailor-made for foodies seeking creative, memorable dishes.

Cardiff in Wales

Lonely Planet says it best: "Spread between an ancient fort and an ultramodern waterfront, compact Cardiff seems to have surprised even itself with how interesting it has become." Cardiff gives visitors a chance to bask in Britain's culture in a more chilled-out way.

Inverness in Scotland

Inverness is the biggest city in the Scottish Highlands and is the closest city to Loch Ness, where you can escape the real world to a land where mythical scenery sweeps! The captivating imagery painted across Loch Ness will remain at the forefront of your memory for a long time. When you’re in Inverness, take some time to walk around the Old Town!

County Down in Northern Ireland

County Down, situated not-too-far south from Belfast, stretches across varied scenery and architecture, ranging from castles, forests, beaches, a Royal Palace, and into the intimidating Mourne Mountains. There's also the massive Strangford Lough, an eerie sea inlet. This is an excellent place for family adventures!

Chilterns old stone cottages just outside of London UK

The things to do in the UK are endless! Outside of basking in the pub atmosphere and exploring bustling city streets, there's a backyard of mountains, rolling hills, natural bodies of water, and seaside bliss brimming with outdoorsy activities. Hopefully, the following UK travel tips benefit your trip planning experience!

Day walks, and long distance walks in the UK

When it comes to walks carved into the undulating countryside and mystical mountains, the UK is wealthy. You’ll find a vast collection of half-day, full-day, short and easy walks sprawled all across the UK.

In England, you can escape the bustle of London and head to the nearby Chiltern Hills or South Downs for some easy-going countryside strolls. Some walks will get your heart rate up, but most don't require too much exertion, making these places great for families. A more challenging longer walk in South Downs is the 15.0 km East Dean , Beachy Head and Birling Gap Hike !

You can also find great walks in the Lake District and Peak District ! The Lake District walks are definitely more complex than Chiltern Hills or South Downs, but the views are phenomenal. A great hike to consider doing is the 13.6 km Helvellyn Walk . In Peak District, you'll find an ideal combination of easy and challenging, with one of the toughest being the 9.8 km Stanage Edge Walk .

Let’s move onto Wales!

Judging from the previous section of this article, you can probably guess which area we’re going to talk about: Snowdonia . The land of mystical scenery provides a perfect distraction from whatever is going on in the “real” world. We also believe that Snowdonia is home to one of the most stunning walks in the UK! The Snowdon Via Watkin Path is a 14.2 km hike that sees a gain of 1,013 m , but the views on this walk are unbeatable. The bundle of lakes nestled into mountains cloaked in greenery make for jaw-dropping photos.

And onto Scotland! Loch Lomond and The Trossachs will keep you entertained with their mini-mountains, glens, and mysterious-looking lochs. One of the best ways to experience this area's wonder is to attempt the Ben Lomond Walk . Seeking more intimidating Scottish Highlands? Stay in Inverness and seek out hikes surrounding the area!

Next stop? Northern Ireland. Experience a fusion of history and remarkable scenery here. And the perfect example of this is Hare's Gap carved into the Mourne Mountains in County Downs. You'll see the crumbling Mourne Wall while also admiring the scenery from a dramatic mountain pass. If you aren't in the mood to travel super far from Belfast but want some outdoorsy views, take on the Cave Hill Walk, which leads you to a vista of Belfast nestled into the lush, jagged landscape below.

You also can't miss visiting Kilbroney Forest Park in County Downs. Some say that this magical place may have been the inspiration for C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia!

Since we've spent a lot of time on this section, we'll shoot out a list of some of the best long-distance walks in the UK (and we will get more into some in the following section):

City Hall building in Belfast Northern Ireland

The Cotswold Way

Country: England Distance: 164.2 km How long? 6-11 days

The West Highland Way

Country: Scotland Distance: 154.5 km How long? 5-8 days

The Causeway Coast Way

Country: Northern Ireland Distance: 51.5 km How long? 2-3 days

The Cambrian Way

Country: Wales Distance: 479.0 km How long? 11-18 days

Country road winding through moss covered rocks Winnats Pass Peak District Derbyshire Valley

Canoeing and kayaking

Take your paddles to the sea, canals, lakes, roaring rivers for a journey replete with thrills and bliss. The beauty about taking up canoeing or kayaking in the UK is that you can cater your adventure to meet whatever you're feeling that day. Want a lazy, chilled-out paddle? You've got lakes and canals to help you out here. Want to scream at the top of your lungs? There are whitewater rapids for you. Want to breathe in sea-scented air? Done.

Do note that before you go paddling on canals, you'll need a license! Where you get your license depends on where you want to go:

• Go to British Waterways to get a license for paddling on canals and rivers such as Severn, Yorkshire Ouse, and Trent.
• Get your license at The Environment Agency if you have hopes and dreams of paddling along the River Medway, the River Thames, and all the rivers spanning East Anglia.
• For canoeing or kayaking, all broads laced throughout Norfolk or Suffolk, go to The Broad Authority to get your license.

Let’s take a look at some of the best places to go kayaking and canoeing in each country in the UK.

• Whitewater kayaking: Cornwall
• Calm, flat fresh water: Lake District
• Sea kayaking or canoeing: Studland Bay
• Human-made canoe and kayak waterway: River Wey Navigations in Surrey
• Freshwater experience: Loch Morlich
• Open water kayaking and canoeing: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
• Roaring rapids (more for advanced paddlers): River Orchy
• Best river for canoeing in Scotland: River Etive

Northern Ireland

• Great for sea kayaking: Strangford Lough
• One of the longest trails in Northern Ireland: River Foyle
• White water fun: River Mourne

Edinburgh Scotland city skyline

• Boasts of a mixture of lazy and thrilling options: Brecon Beacons National Park
• Awesome kid-friendly option: Llangollen and Montgomery Canals
• Offers surreal scenery: Snowdonia

The UK will introduce you to several incredible cycling paths! Some of the most epic trails spanning Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales are the incredibly scenic, can't-be-missed Lakeland Loop in the Lake District. It's a challenging 65.0 km circuit but so worth it.

In Wales, the best mountain biking routes—in our opinion—are in Elan Valley . Expect to find a range of paths that range from easy to hard and short to long.

One of the most epic road biking journeys can be found in Scotland! The Applecross via Bealach na Bà wheels to incredible highland views. This route isn't for the faint of heart, but the rewards will force you to forget all about how tired your legs and lungs are.

Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, County Down is where some of the best cycling routes are at, such as White Rock and Mahee Island Cycle Route, Country Down Tour, and Knockcree Cycle Route - Kilkeel.

Let's get to the highlight of planning a vacation: choosing your adventure trip in the UK. The following pre-planned tours can act as a guide for your personal trip planning, or one may stick out to you, prompting you to book your future holiday without any planning necessary! Take a look at the following adventures in the UK and choose your favourite.

Complete Cotswold Way in 9 Days in England: Have you always wanted to explore England's storied countryside on foot? Now's your chance! The self-guided Complete Cotswold Way in 9 Days tour will have you traversing 160.9 km , passing through and by quaint villages and a collection of notable parks and landmarks. Rest your body in cosy farmhouses that hark back to centuries ago in the evenings!

The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal Tour in Northern Ireland: Misty, mysterious, and magical—these three words sum up the haunting (okay, four words) scenery cloaking The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal Tour. Discover Glenveagh National Park, the Giant’s Causeway, and the Slieve League Cliffs on this unreal guided adventure tour in Northern Ireland.

Glencoe and the Highlands Walking Tour in Scotland: This guided tour weaves rugged adventure with luxury! Spend the day exploring the fascinating, mythical scenery blanketing the Highlands by day and revel in luxury in your hotels by night. Expect to visit the ever-so stunning Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and to enjoy time in two historic Scottish villages.

Inverness traditional stone houses on the river in Scotland

Mountain Biking Across Scotland Tour : Dive deep into adventure on this epic guided mountain biking tour! You’ll spend 5-6 hours biking each day, winding to and through incredible scenery, including a stop at the Loch Ness area, where you spot Nessie, the lake monster. You’ll also spend time exploring some storied villages, such as Drumnadrochit, Spean Bridge, and Fort Augustus.

Hadrian’s Wall & the Lake District Tour in England: Spend some days walking along the ancient Hadrian’s Wall, encountering Roman ruins en route, before spending a couple of days exploring and basking in the dramatic, inspiring beauty sweeping the Lake District on the self-guided Hadrian’s Wall & the Lake District Tour.

Find Even More Amazing Adventures in the UK

• England adventure tours
• Northern Ireland adventure tours
• Scotland adventure tours

Behind Big Ben and other notable city landmarks sprawled across the UK, you'll find a charming, eerie blend of an adventure-scape. Just look at the mythical Sottish Highlands or England's undulating countryside, or the dramatic coastline sweeping all four countries spanning the UK. The UK's outdoors are a diverse wonder worth exploring!

If you're planning on going to the UK for wildlife viewing, you're in the wrong place! You won't find many big mammals here. The red deer is the largest mammal you'll discover! Another deer to look out for is the roe deer.

One source from 2015 says that cows are the most dangerous animal in the UK! (The article discussing cows in the UK writes: "Australia has the box jellyfish, the US has bears, and we have Daisy.") However, when it comes to smaller critters and fish, you'll have to look out for the lesser weever along the shoreline and the false widow spider.

That got dark fast.

Let's end on a better note: the rarest animal in the UK are Scottish wildcats!

Nestled between the North Sea, Irish Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean, the UK is flanked by roaring seaside scenery. The English Channel also acts as a connector between the UK and mainland Europe. When it comes to the general landscape, the UK comprises primarily rolling hills, but you can change up the views by heading to Scotland and Wales, which boasts more mountainous areas than the rest of the UK. However, you'll find the Pennine Hills in England, which take on the role as the country's backbone.

Looking to take a dip? Outside of seafront spots, you'll find a couple of lakes sprinkled across the UK, with the largest situated in Northern Ireland: Lough Neagh. Other notable bodies of water include Windermere in England's Lake District and Loch Lomond and Loch Ness in Scotland.

Lake District hiking Little Langdale Cumbria Slater Bridge stone walking bridge over small river

UK Travel Costs

The following information on UK travel costs are based on averages calculated by number, experiences from our 10Adventures' team, and various online sources. Just a heads up that adventures in the UK can be expensive, so you'll definitely want to save up before going. You don't want to eat at Wetherspoons the entire time, do you? (Okay, the pub environment is fun, and the food is good, and the drinks are great, and it's cheaper than most spots, so why not spend a lot of time here? One of our team members did!)

Food and drink

In general, it costs 12.00 £ for an average meal and a three-course meal for two people costs around 50.00 £. But at the supermarket, you can buy super cheap (and amazing) cheddar cheese for 2.00 £, and cheap beer and ciders! It’s beneficial to mix eating out with eating in or at a park when it’s not raining.

Transportation

Try to avoid paying for a taxi in the UK. It can get expensive. One of our team members couldn't get on the train during rush hour to make her bus to Belgium, so she had to pay for a taxi to travel about 10km in London, and it was double the price of her bus ride. Try to stick to public transport!

A one-way ticket for local transport costs around 2.50 £, a standard tariff for the start of a taxi ride is 3.00 £, and gas averages around 1.26 £ per litre.

Accommodation

The average cost of a hotel room per night across the UK's biggest cities ranges from 79.00 £ to 172 £. However, websites like Airbnb, booking.com, vrbo.com, and hostelworld may offer prices that cater more to your budget.

It's common to tip around 10% of the total bill price during table service. It's not common to tip the bartenders just for pouring drinks. Many bartenders in classic pubs might not accept a tip after serving you a drink. If the bar service was good, it's more custom to buy a drink for the bartender, who would usually pick a drink for himself and have it after his shift.

UK Travel Safety

When it comes to UK travel safety, most people tend to leave the area unscathed. However, travel advisories warn you to exercise a high degree of caution due to the potential of terrorism. Stay tuned to the local news and media for updates on this. But we do want to reiterate that the UK is generally a super safe place to travel!

Loch Lomond Arrochar West Highlands Scotland

Best Time to Visit the UK

The best time to visit the UK depends on whether you prefer hot weather and busy streets or a warm climate and not-as-busy streets. For the latter, head to the UK between April and June or September to November. In spring, an array of wildflowers blanket the land, including the fairy-tale-like bluebelles. It’s stunning!

However, the sweet spot to visit the UK is in September when the weather is still warm and the crowds have filtered out!

Best Ways To Get Around the UK

Taxi, Uber, the tube and double-decker buses (best for getting around London), the train, and cycling are some of the best ways to get around the UK. Riding in a taxi or an Uber will have you dishing out more pounds than the buses, tube, or train.

If your main go-to ride is Uber , you'll find this taxi service in the UK's biggest cities, such as Cardiff in Wales, Belfast in Northern Ireland, Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland, and London and Manchester in England, to name a few.

For longer distances, bus services like Blabla Bus or Flixbus offer comfy seats, WiFi (usually) and are super inexpensive. Like we mentioned above, it was cheaper for one of our team members to travel from London to Brussels via Flixbus than it was to take a taxi 10.0 km across London (not recommended unless you're loaded with cash and find the tube repulsive).

Another option for travelling long distances is to rent a car. For this, we recommend using rentalcars.com or europcar.co.uk . Or, if you're bent on taking the train, head to Omio for decent train travel deals. Surprisingly, one of the cheapest options for travelling hundreds of kilometres may be via RyanAir . However, it almost costs more to store baggage under the plane than it does to fly, and the carry-on size rules are strict. You may have to wear layers of clothes to keep your carry-on light. Think of that scene with Joey on Friends, where he donned all of Chandler's clothes.

Best Places to Stay in the UK

Let's kickstart some of the best places to stay in the UK with cheaper, budget-friendly accommodations before moving onto the swanky places steeped in culture, luxury, and history.

One of the best websites to find unreal deals for cheaper places to stay in the UK is hostelworld.com . Plus, hostels usually bring the party, making them ideal for people seeking non-stop fun while meeting new people. Dorms in London may range from 18 CAD to 40 CAD. Not bad, right?

Not into hostels? Travelodge UK or Comfort Inn may fit your budget needs while giving you a little more luxury than hostels.

Okay. Moving onto the more average places to stay for those seeking mid-range to more upper scale prices. Some notable chains in the UK are Best Western GB and Apex Hotels .

Now onto the fun stuff! The majority of us probably won't stay in the following places, but it never hurts to dream, right? Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry, England, twists upscale modern day amenities with 12th-century royalty. It's an unbeatable combination! More into darker vibes? The Witchery by the Castle in Scotland is ancient gothic adorned with luxury all in one.

London England palace parliment Big Ben River Thames

While we've shared some fantastic useful travel tools already, we figure it's good to put them all in one place, making it easy to come back to this article to find the list of incredible travel tools for your adventures in the UK.

To Book Accommodation

Find the best accommodation for your trip in the UK via the following websites:

• Booking.com
• Expedia.com

To find a bed and breakfast that caters to your travel style, check out vrbo.com .

To Book Flights

The websites below perform online scans to grab you the best current deals:

• CheapOair.com
• Skyscanner.com

To Rent a Car

So you want to avoid long distance public travel and drive around the UK? We totally get it. Our team members like using rentalcars.com or europcar.co.uk for this!

To Get Gear

To take your adventures in the UK to the next level, you need the right gear! We love to advocate for the following brands for outdoor equipment, shoes, clothes etc.:

• Blacks.co.uk
• Cotswoldoutdoor.com
• Goutdoors.co.uk
• Trail Outdoor Leisure
• Ultimate Outdoors
• Running Room

Other Useful Travel Services

Americans and Canadians travelling to the UK may find Airportparkingreservations.com useful! This service gives you a chance to snag deals for leaving your car in an ideal spot while you're away. Other helpful travel services already mentioned in this article are Flixbus, BlaBla Bus, Omio.

Looking down across the Miners Trail Snowdonia National Park

Visa Requirements When Travelling to the UK

Despite Brexit, the UK is still relatively easy to get into, even for EU citizens. People from the EU and EEA countries can get into the UK using their passport or national identity card. Despite not being an EU country, Switzerland also has the same travel rights as EU and EEA citizens. People travelling outside of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland will have to provide a passport upon arrival at the airport. However, some nationalities, such as Americans, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, can get into the UK upon arrival and stay up to six months with a tourist visa. You can always check if you need a visa to enter the UK by following this link .

Interesting Facts About the UK

The UK is a fascinating place! Here are some interesting facts about the UK:

• The very first King of England declared that everyone had to follow an 8 pm bedtime. Talk about strict!
• Everywhere in Britain is within 120.7 km from the coast.
• The United Kingdom created several sports we love today: soccer, golf, rugby, and cricket.
• Windsor Palace is the oldest occupied palace worldwide.
• Brits have declared Chicken Tikka Masala as their national dish.
• The UK administered the world's first speeding ticket! In 1896, someone was driving eight mph in a two mph zone. Living on the edge!
• Brits consume around 165 million cups of tea a day.
• One town in Wales is called Llanfairpwllgwyngyll-gogerychwyrndrobwlllllandysiliogogogoch.

Frequently Asked Questions About the UK

Discover some UK travel tips in the answers to the following frequently asked questions:

1. Is the UK one country?

The United Kingdom is a political union shared between Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. However, these four nations are also classified as countries.

2. Is the UK a part of Europe?

In January 2020, the UK left the European Union. This involves a lot of complex discussions on trading, goods, and taxes, but in terms of travelling, this means that people from the UK now need a visa to stay longer than 90 days (during a 180-day period) in the EU.

3. How is England connected to Europe?

You can get to mainland Europe from England via the Channel Tunnel (or the Chunnel).

4. How long has Queen Elizabeth II reigned?

She has reigned since 1952, making Her Majesty the longest-reigning living monarch.

We hope this UK adventure travel guide improves your trip planning process!

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Travel Guide England

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No one enjoys knocking England more than the English, but – modesty and self-deprecation aside – it’s a great place to visit or explore, and whether you’re a resident or tourist the country retains a boundless capacity to surprise, charm and excite. England has always had a history and heritage to be proud of, and a glorious regional diversity – from coast to hills, festivals to foodstuff – with few parallels. But for all the glories of the past, in recent times it’s had an injection of life that makes it as thrilling a destination as any in Europe.

Where to go in England

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20 days  / from 3018 USD

The Great British Road Trip

Get ready to explore Britain on this unique self-drive road trip. Choose the car of your liking before you hit the road: from the Cotswolds and its picturesque villages over the Beatle's favorite hang-out in Liverpool to Scotland's capital Edinburgh: this trip includes many highlights to be explored

7 days  / from 1361 USD

Magical 7-Day Family Adventure in Scotland and England : From Harry Potter to Loch Ness!

Searching for an unforgettable family adventure? Scotland is the perfect destination! With a perfect balance of nature, adventure, and Scottish culture. This 7-day trip offers a delightful mix of activities that everyone in the family will enjoy. Get ready to create life long lasting memories!

5 days  / from 643 USD

Refreshing English Countryside Break

Outside of London, England is known with a countryside full of history, picturesque villages, patchwork hills, and winding country roads. Explore the countryside with its castles, parks, and historical cities such as Oxford.

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As more and more people choose to holiday at home, it’s worth recalling just how much England has changed in the last two decades for locals and visitors alike. Who could have predicted city breaks and shopping sprees in Leeds and Bristol, or the all-conquering march of music and arts festivals, or that camping would become cool? Accommodation and food in particular, the two essentials on any trip, were once a lottery, with many English hotels and restaurants seemingly intent on removing hospitality from the hospitality industry. Not any more. In boutique B&Bs, designer hotels and yurt-festooned campsites, there’s an embarrassment of rich beds for the night, while an ever-expanding choice of real English food and drink – locally sourced and championed in cafés, restaurants and pubs, at food festivals and farmers’ markets – challenges every lazy stereotype.

The English also do heritage amazingly well. There are first-class museums all over the country (many of them free), while what’s left of England’s green and pleasant land is protected with great passion and skill. Indeed, ask an English person to define their country in terms of what’s worth seeing and you’re most likely to have your attention drawn to the golden rural past . The classic images are found in every brochure – the village green, the duckpond, the country lane and the farmyard. And it’s true that it’s impossible to overstate the bucolic attractions of the various English regions, from Cornwall to the Lake District, or the delights they provide – from walkers’ trails and prehistoric stone circles to traditional pubs and obscure festivals. But despite celebrating their rural heritage, the modern-day English have an ambivalent attitude towards “the countryside”. Farming today forms only a tiny proportion of the national income and there’s a real dislocation between the population of the burgeoning towns and suburbs and the small, struggling rural communities.

So perhaps the heart of England is found in its towns and cities instead? Many, it’s true, have a restless energy and a talent for reinvention. So for every person who wants to stand outside the gates of Buckingham Palace or visit the Houses of Parliament, there’s another who makes a beeline for the latest show at Tate Modern, the cityscape of downtown Manchester or the revitalized Newcastle waterfront. Yet this flowering of urban civic pride is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it’s been steady since the Industrial Revolution, and industry – and the Empire it inspired – has provided a framework for much of what you’ll see as you travel around. Virtually every English town bears a mark of former wealth and power, whether it be a magnificent Gothic cathedral financed from a monarch’s treasury, a parish church funded by the tycoons of the medieval wool trade, or a triumphalist civic building raised on the back of the slave and sugar trades. In the south of England you’ll find old dockyards from which the navy patrolled the oceans, while in the north there are mills that employed entire town populations. England’s museums and galleries – several of them ranking among the world’s finest – are full of treasures trawled from its imperial conquests. And in their grandiose stuccoed terraces and wide esplanades, the old seaside resorts bear testimony to the heyday of English holiday towns, at one time as fashionable as any European spa.

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To begin to get to grips with England, London is the place to start. Nowhere else in the country can match the scope and innovation of the metropolis, a colossal, frenetic city that’s going through a convulsion of improvements as it gears up to host the 2012 Olympics. It’s here that you’ll find England’s best spread of nightlife, cultural events, museums, galleries, pubs and restaurants. However, each of the other large cities – Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester and Liverpool – makes its own claim for historic and cultural diversity, and you certainly won’t have a representative view of England’s cities if you venture no further than the capital. For the most part it’s in these regional centres that the most exciting architectural and social developments are taking place, though for many visitors they rank a long way behind ancient cities like Lincoln, Canterbury, York, Salisbury, Durham and Winchester – to name a few of those with the most celebrated of England’s cathedrals – or the university cities of Cambridge and Oxford, arguably the two most beautiful seats of learning in the world. Most beguiling of all, though, are the long-established villages of England, hundreds of which amount to nothing more than a pub, a shop, a gaggle of cottages and a farmhouse offering bed and breakfast. Devon, Cornwall, the Cotswolds and the Yorkshire Dales harbour some especially picturesque specimens, but every county can boast a decent showing of photogenic hamlets.

Evidence of England’s pedigree is scattered between its settlements as well. Wherever you’re based, you’re never more than a few miles from a majestic country house or ruined castle or monastery, and in many parts of the country you’ll come across the sites of civilizations that thrived here before England existed as a nation. In the southwest there are remnants of a Celtic culture that elsewhere was all but eradicated by the Romans, and from the south coast to the northern border you can find traces of prehistoric settlers, the most famous being the megalithic circles of Stonehenge and Avebury.

Then of course there’s the English countryside, an extraordinarily diverse terrain from which Constable, Turner, Wordsworth, Emily Brontë and a host of other native luminaries took inspiration. Most dramatic and best known are the moors and uplands – Exmoor, Dartmoor, the North York Moors and the Lake District – each of which has its over-visited spots, though a brisk walk will usually take you out of the throng. Quieter areas are tucked away in every corner of England, from the flat wetlands of the eastern Fens to the chalk downland of Sussex, the latter now protected as England’s newest national park. It’s a similar story on the coast, where the finest sands and most rugged cliffs have long been discovered, and sizeable resorts have grown to exploit many of the choicest locations. But again, if it’s peace you’re after, you can find it by heading for the exposed strands of Northumberland, the pebbly flat horizons of East Anglia or the crumbling headlands of Dorset.

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Discover more places in England

• Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• The Northwest Travel Guide
• Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds and around Travel Guide
• The West Midlands and the Peak District Travel Guide
• Yorkshire Travel Guide
• Devon and Cornwall Travel Guide
• The Northeast Travel Guide
• The Southeast Travel Guide

• As part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (“the UK”), England is a parliamentary democracy, with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. Its traditional industries – fishing, farming, mining, engineering, shipbuilding – are all in decline and business today is dominated by banking and finance, the media and technology, steel production, oil and gas, and tourism.

• Bordered by Scotland to the north and Wales to the west, England is the largest country in Great Britain, occupying an area of 50,085 sq miles (129,720 sq km). The terrain is diverse, from plains to peaks, cliffs to beaches, though the superlatives are all modest on a world scale – the largest lake, Windermere, is 10 miles (16km) long, the highest mountain, Scafell, just 3205ft (978m) above sea level.

• The population of nearly 52 million is dense for a country of its size, but settlement is concentrated in the southeast around London, and in the large industrial cities of the Midlands and the North.

• This is one of the world’s most multiethnic countries, made up largely of people of Anglo-Saxon, Scots, Welsh and Irish descent, but with sizeable communities from the Caribbean, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, China, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.

However long you spend in England, you’ll never figure out its inhabitants. The famous English reserve, sarcasm and sense of humour, the belief that a cup of tea is a universal panacea, the all-consuming obsession with weather – all form a nigh-on impenetrable barrier to the English soul. So we’ve come up with a list of unique places and experiences that might help lift the lid on the national character. At the end, you may be no closer to knowing what the English are really like – but you’ll have seen another side to the country than just Big Ben and Beefeaters.

A day at the seaside Blackpool. The quintessential coastal trip is to England’s loudest, brashest and best resort, where the sun never sets on the rollercoasters, karaoke bars and candy-floss kiosks. Fake breasts and party wig optional.

A nice snack Melton Mowbray. France gives protected status to its champagne, Italy to its succulent ham from Parma, and England? Step forward the humble but heroic pork pie.

The Olimpick Games Chipping Campden. Never mind London 2012, what you really need from a world-class sports meet is rustic wrestling, shin-kicking contests and dancing around in Tudor dress.

Cerne Abbas Giant Dorchester. Flummoxed by the English love of Carry On films and tabloid double-entendres? A visit to see a large naked man carved into a Dorset hillside is in order.

On the pier Southwold. Arcade games on the traditional seaside pier get a makeover in Southwold’s brilliantly inventive Under the Pier Show of handmade slots and simulators.

Full steam ahead Haworth. Time was, every right-thinking English boy a) had a thing for Jenny Agutter in The Railway Children and b) wanted to work on a steam railway. Here’s where they get to indulge both passions.

Snowshill Manor The Cotswolds. Eyes glazing over at the fancy plates and Old Masters at stately home Number 32? Charles Paget Wade collected the stuff we really want to see, from beetles to boneshaker bikes.

Travel advice for England

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to England

• Eating and drinking in England
• Sports and Outdoor activities in England
• Travel Tips England for planning and on the go
• Getting around England: Transportation Tips
• How to get to England
• Shopping tips for England
• Best time to visit England

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United kingdom travel guide.

Few places cram in as much scenery, history and culture as the United Kingdom. It’s a busy, eccentric and unique destination; a land of daft humour, tea-and-cake clichés and a thousand and one different personalities; a land where thrusting cities like London, Glasgow and Manchester share map space with the peaks of Snowdonia and the colossal slopes of the Highlands.

Four component nations make up the UK, and the end result is as many-layered as that fact would suggest. Its arts scene continues to be one of the most creative and successful in the world, its passions still run high on everything from politics to sport and its overall character is as modern as it is multicultural. Even the food’s good these days.

London remains the natural focal point. Its skyline, mixing medieval turrets with soaring steel, is a good marker for the place as a whole. From its markets to its museums, its pubs to its palaces, it’s a bona fide world city packed with diversity. But you don’t have to look far to find other great urban centres – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all home to richly engaging cities full of heritage, music and nightlife. Some, like Bath and Edinburgh, offer postcard-perfect medieval skylines. Others, like Belfast and Liverpool, are handsome in places but just as notable for their indelible personalities.

As a country, of course, the UK’s urban centres are just one part of its allure. Britain is often extremely beautiful. Seaside towns, national parks and honey-stoned villages still fill the guidebooks, and the scenic pull of areas like the Cornish coast, Giant’s Causeway and the Lake District is as strong as it’s ever been. Once you factor in the endless cultural associations that Britain throws up – from Henry VIII to Hogwarts, The Beatles to Braveheart, male voice choirs to Monty Python – it stands as a country very much its own.

242,514 sq km (93,635 sq miles).

65,111,143 (UN estimate 2016).

266.4 per sq km.

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HM King Charles III since 2022.

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UK Travel Guide

The United Kingdom is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. And rightly so! With its fascinating history, royal sights, iconic landmarks, breathtaking coastal views, world-class museums, and rich culture, UK has something to offer to all kinds of travelers.

If you are planning a trip to the UK and are looking for some travel inspiration, info, and useful tips for your trip, this guide should give you some ideas where to go and how to plan your trip.

We have been to the UK quite a few times and one of our writers lives in the UK as well. So on our blog, you can find some of our personal travel experiences and also insider’s guides to some popular destinations in the UK. This is by no means a complete guide to visiting the United Kingdom – far from it. Rather a selection of blog posts from some of our favorite destinations in the UK.

From the main landmarks or the hidden gems of London, beautiful coastal regions in England to the most beautiful places in Scotland – get inspired to visit Great Britain and plan your dream trip with our UK travel tips and advice. Take a look!

*This page contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More info:  Disclosure .

UK Travel Tips & Destination Guides

Where to go: Best Cities to Visit in the UK

• Must-see:  Best Things to Do in London: Top Sights & Tourist Attractions
• Off the beaten path: Hidden Gems of London
• Good to know: London Travel Tips
• Where to stay: Where to Stay in London
• 1 Day in London
• 2 Days in London
• Views :  Best Views in London
• London with Kids
• Free & Cheap Things to Do in London for Families
• Family-friendly British Afternoon Tea in London
• Nearby:  Best Day Trips from London
• Best Things to Do in Camden Town
• Camden Market
• Best Things to Do in Greenwich
• Queen’s House & Tulip Stairs
• Old Royal Naval College & the Painted Hall
• Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
• Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
• 1 Day in Edinburgh
• Glasgow: 1 Day in Glasgow
• Whisky: Scotland Whisky Tour
• Isle of Skye: Isle of Skye Itinerary
• Best Places to Visit in Cornwall  
• Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Yorkshire:  Yorkshire Day Trips
• Best Things to Do in Liverpool
• How to Visit Liverpool from London + 1-day Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Manchester
• 1-Day Manchester Itinerary
• Must see: Best Things to Do in Blackpool
• Good to know: Blackpool Travel Tips
• Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blackpool
• Nearby: Best Places to See near Blackpool
• British Food: Best Traditional Dishes to Try in the UK
• Best Food Tours in London

Accommodation

If you are visiting the UK in the high season (May – September and at around Christmas – New Year), it’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance. Best price/quality accommodations are always gone first.

Booking.com  is our first resource when booking accommodation for all our trips, also in the UK. They have the best selection of hotels, B&Bs, and privately-owned accommodations. Furthermore, they also have the most transparent booking system with the biggest flexibility in terms of cancelations.

TIP: Using the map below, you can also compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations for your vacation. Simply insert the place, travel dates, and your group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

Getting Around

If you are visiting the cities in the UK, you really do not need a car. You can easily visit all the bigger towns by train .

However, if you are traveling in smaller places, often, having a car is so much easier. There are so many amazing areas that would be very difficult to see without a car. Sometimes it might make sense to rent a car for just a part of your trip. Here you can find the best deals for car rental .

In general, driving in the UK is comparable to driving in other European countries = busy. Furthermore, they drive on the left side of the road in the UK and it might be overwhelming if you’ve never done it before.

If you don’t feel like driving by yourself, you can also consider organized tours . There are lots of nice day tours from all the major cities in the UK(see our guide to the best day trips from London ).

In addition, you can also find plenty of wonderful multi-day trips . One of the best local operators has an amazing selection of multi-day tours in England and in Scotland . We did this Scotland whisky tour from Edinburgh with them. Their itineraries might give you some inspiration on how to plan your self-drive trip as well.

Tours & Skip-the-line Tickets

Many destinations and tourist attractions in the UK are so popular that it’s absolutely essential to book skip-the-line tickets in advance . Sometimes, you have to pay a bit more for a fast-track ticket, but it’s often well worth it, especially if you have limited time and want to see as much as possible.

TIP:   For our own trips, we book pretty much all our tours and organized activities via the  GetYourGuide website . It’s our favorite one-stop shop for all tickets and tours because they have the best customer service and the most flexible cancelation policy we have ever seen.

Best Time to Visit

There is no bad time to visit the UK and all seasons have something special and unique. In general, the best time to visit the UK is from April to October . That’s when the weather is at its best and there are all kinds of outdoor events.

However, it can get really busy in the summer months, especially in the most popular cities and coastal areas.

Our favorite time to be in the UK is May-June or early fall. The weather is usually nice for sightseeing and there are fewer tourists. This is actually one of the best times to travel anywhere in Europe !

Christmas can also be magical in the UK, and also New Year’s fireworks in London or Edinburgh are amazing. In fact, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the most special New Year celebrations in the world, with 3-day celebrations.

If you found this guide useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

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UK and Great Britain Tours & Trips

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Essential Britain & Ireland

Very nice itinerary ... jam packed days and evenings. I chose not to do any of the extra evening excursions that were offered so I was able to use the time to explore every overnight stop on my own. The tour guide was amazing... so full of knowledge about all the countries/areas we visited.

Britain and Ireland Experience (12 Days)

Fast paced tour, covered a lot. Stuart was an excellent driver and Hamish a very knowledgeable guide, both got us from A-B safely & on time. Breakfast were all good, three set dinners okay. Hotels clean, comfortable but locations mostly remote.

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

We had an awesome experience, made possible by our tour director Damian and driver Dave. Damian’s knowledge was exceptional and Dave was an amazing driver.

England, Scotland and Ireland end Dublin

Our experience with Tourradar has been excellent. Everything ran smoothly. Perfect itinerary for our trip to London, Scotland and Ireland. Jose the tour guide, from Europamundo services was very professional and helpful. He took good care of everything for us and went out of his way to help us books a few more days staying in Dublin.

Best of UK & Ireland

Our tour leader Branden was excellent. Very knowledgeable & kept everything running smoothly. He was very helpful & knew the best places for comfort stops in between destinations. The destinations we visited were all pretty cool. Wish that we could have spent more time at some of them (like Stratford Upon-Avon). The main thing that I would say would make the tours better would be the quality of the hotels. A few of them were very nice (Mercure Cardiff, The Clayton, The Moxy), but some of them were very poor....the 2 Ibis hotels were awful. The beds were uncomfortable (a mattress topper, not even a true mattress) & the 2nd one the carpets were deplorable (stains all over). The Hotel Arrochar left a lot to be desired. The only good thing about it was the view. The place smelled of mold/water damage. I understand that it is a "historic" hotel, but it should be kept up properly for the safety of the guests. I would have rated the tour experience "Excellent" had it not been for the low quality of some of the hotels.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Wonders of Britain and Ireland (12 Days)

Emma was amazing. Most of the accommodation was excellent especially Apex. Most places were great dealing with my dietary requirements.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Britain & Ireland Explorer (Classic, 13 Days)

We had a great holiday and highly recommend insight tours . We had lovely hotels and a fantastic tour guide who was very knowledgeable with places and the history.

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Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland

A little disappointed in the Glasgow hotel and the Holiday Inn in York, both were not up to standard with cleanliness issues and a bed which sagged into the middle at York. I also think the tour started an hour too early and finished an hour too early each day.

Best of Britain (11 Days)

this tour exceeding our expectations, the Guide ( Jacquline Green )and Bus ( Lee ) driver went over and above to make sure every member of tour was included, comfortable and made this trip to UK even more memorable. The Guide gave us plenty of information regarding history and was extremely informative on every location we passed and stopped at. we loved the local treats supplied by the Guide as well. The bus was comfortable, the intinerary was perfect and kept us busy including as much as possible. The accommodation was excellent. I would definitely recommend this company and way of travel to others. and we would use Trafalgar again in the future.

The Best of Britain & Ireland

Well organized, lots of great information! Out tour guide Hugh was a wealth of information! I was pleased to have gluten free foods available to me at hotels. I hate the early starts but do appreciate the need to beat traffic and keep to in some cases a time sensitive schedule! All in all very memorable!

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days)

This is the first tour we have ever been on and with the expertise and knowledge that Greg has on both these countries made our trip a once in a lifetime experience! I can’t say enough about how fun it was for us because of Greg.

Highland Fling

Had an amazing week doing the Highland Fling tour with Haggis Adventures/Highland Explorers. Our driver and guide Tom was fantastic navigating us safely around the country. We also had the pleasure of new guides Sophie and Cliff. All 3 guides were extremely knowledgeable, funny, great story tellers and very helpful with all questions, local advice and insights. We really enjoyed seeing and hearing the folklore about the beautiful landscapes of Scotland and being immersed in the culture on this intimate tour. Highly recommend. Thanks for a great tour!

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Celtic Highlights

This was my first trip overseas & traveling alone & I would do it again in a heartbeat. My experience with Globus through the tour director, Peter Dundon, and the bus driver, Ein, will have me traveling again using Globus. From the time we entered the bus each day and exited each night he kept us informed on every city, Castle, ruins, myths, legends, history and more. He had a vast knowledge to share with us and also read poetry and sang local songs. Our bus driver was also very helpful as well as excellent behind the wheel through LOTS of narrow streets. Well done Globus.

10-Day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

We selected this tour as it had, for us, the right combination of highlights and varied activities, included both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and was a small group tour. This tour absolutely exceeded our already high expectations! The itinerary proved to be excellent, but a lot of the credit for the success of this tour, has to go to Finn, our exceptional guide. Like any good teacher, he is truly passionate about his subject — his country and sharing all it has to offer! He shared his knowledge and love of Irish history, literature, culture, sports, and music throughout the tour which added so much depth and color to our adventure. Finn is competent, personable, patient, funny and flexible — to name a few of his many virtues. Finn proved to be an excellent driver as we traversed many winding, narrow and challenging roads! He kept us on schedule, made modifications when needed, and provided us with a smooth running tour and a once in a lifetime experience for our group! We highly recommend Finn and the 10-Day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour! We made new friends and enjoyed a lot of fun and laughter along the way!

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Best UK Travel Books for 2023 (Travel Guides & maps)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: October 8, 2022

Looking for a guide book to supplement all the great information available on this website? Look not further! Below you will find an updated selection of the best UK Travel Books available in 2022 covering the UK, London, Great Britain, England, Wales and Scotland!

The popularity of travel guide books is once again on the up and if you are looking for a resource to help plan your travels they are great place to start.

Combining a guide book or two with information provided on this website will ensure you have everything you need to start planning your trip.

In this article I have gathered together all the best guide books for UK travel including those for specific nations (England – Scotland – Wales – Ireland), as well as popular cities and regions.

Rick Steves Guidebooks

Lonely planet, rough guides, dk eyewitness.

• Fodor's Essential

Which regions of the UK do you need a guidebook for?

Other things to consider, best uk maps, best guide books for london 2021 and beyond, best london maps, best travel guide books for great britain, best travel guide books for england, best travel guide books for scotland, best guide books for wales, best guide books – ireland, uk guide books – historical interest, uk trip planning.

Tips for choosing the best UK travel guidebook for your trip

What are the characteristics of the main guide books available.

Guide books are not all the same and you can find a wide variation of styles written for travellers with different interests and budgets.

For example do you prefer a guide book with lots of photos, one that is more text heavy, one that covers the main sites or perhaps one that includes off the beaten track destinations?

Rick Steves provides an excellent introduction to the main sights (which he rates in order of importance for visitors) plus his books offer sound practical advice.

Written for an American audience his popularity has led to many of the places (hotels and restaurants) he recommends often becoming overbooked.

If you want more detailed information for specific areas or are looking for hidden gems or off the beaten track destinations one of the other guide books may be a better option (or used to supplement Rick’s guides)

Quick picks – Top 3 Rick Steve Guide Books for the UK

• Great Britain – Rick Steves Great Britain
• London – Rick Steves Pocket London
• Edinburgh – Rick Steves Snapshot Edinburgh

Lonely Planet are the biggest publisher of guide books in the world. The have a good range of guide books for the UK which provide detailed information for all travel budgets.

I find their smaller pocket guide books particularly useful. The Lonely Planet Pocket Guide to London covers all the main sights with practical information and tips. As the name suggests it also fits into your pocket or bag for easy reference when out and about.

Quick picks – Top 3 Lonely Planet Guide Books for the UK

• London – Pocket Guide to London
• Main sights – Lonely Planet Best of Great Britain 
• Road Trips – 36 road trips around Great Britain

Rough Guides offer practical advice supplemented with beautiful photographs and useful maps.

They have produced some excellent guides to specific regions and areas of the UK written by those with a detailed local knowledge.

Quick picks – Top 3 Rough Guide Books for the UK

• Rough Guide to the Lake District
• Rough Guide to Yorkshire
• Rough Guide to Dorset

With beautiful photographs, maps and hand drawn illustrations the DK Eyewitness travel guides are my personal favourite. They are easy to use providing detailed and practical information about destinations.

The DK ‘Top 10″ series of guide books are excellent offering information in a concise, visual and user friendly way (and are small, light ad easy to carry around)

Quick picks – Top 3 DK Guide Books for the UK

• London – Top 10 London
• London – Family Guide to London
• Great Britain – DK Guide to Great Britain

Fodor’s Essential

Written by locals Fodor’s travel books have been around for over 80 years. They include detailed maps, itineraries and travel recommendations for all tastes and budgets.

As you will discover below there is a wide selection of guidebooks for UK travel. Some are pretty straightforward as they cover one nation, city or area of the UK such as

• Guidebooks for London
• Guidebooks for England
• Guidebooks for Scotland
• Guidebooks for Wales
• Guidebooks for Ireland (including Northern Ireland)

However there are also guidebooks which cover Great Britain . This means that they will include travel information for England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland will not be included in these guidebooks as it is not geographically part of Great Britain.

• Check the date of publication – Buy the most up to date version to ensure access to current information.
• Check that the book covers the areas you plan to visit – especially when purchasing for the UK!
• If you are planning to take a guide book with you consider the weight and size! I often purchase a larger more detailed guide book to help with planning but pack a pocket size guide book for the trip. Many of the books are also available to purchase to download onto your Kindle or other e reader device.
• If you plan to take a map you may find that some guide books have a pullout map included.

Click links for prices – Marco Polo Map | Lonely Planet Planning Map | UK Scratch Map

Click links for prices: Rick Steves London | Fodor’s London Guide | Not For Tourists London | Rough Guide to London | Fodor’s 25 best London Guide | Eyewitness London | Frommers London | Thrifty Traveler’s London | Rick Steves Pocket London | DK Family Guide to London

A map of London is essential and I always carry one with me (and I have lived in the capital and visited many times!)

Click links for prices – Streetwise London | Lonely Planet London City Map | Street Smart London | Knopf Mapguides London | Streetwise London Underground Map | London Bus & Underground PopOut Map

Note that these guide books cover England, Scotland and Wales only.

Click links for prices – Rick Steves Great Britain | Back Roads Great Britain | Lonely Planet Great Britain | Lonely Planet Great Britain’s Best Road Trips | Fodor’s Essential Great Britain | Lonely Planet Best of Great Britain | DK Eyewitness Great Britain

There is a good range of guide books for England including those which are more area or city specific which may be useful if you are planning to spend some time in a specific area e.g the Cotswolds , the Lake District etc

Click links for prices – Rick Steves England | Lonely Planet England | Rough Guide to England | Fodor’s Essential England | Rough Guide to The Cotswolds | Rough Guide to Devon and Cornwall | Rough Guide to the Lake District

Click links for prices – Rough Guide to Scotland | Rough Guide to the Scottish Highlands and Islands | Lonely Planet Scotland | Rick Steves Scotland | Fodor’s Essential Scotland | Rick Steves Edinburgh | DK Eyewitness Scotland

Click links for prices – Rough Guide to Wales | Lonely Planet Wales | Wild Guide to Wales | Wales Coast Path Walks – Isle of Anglesey

Click links for prices – Fodor’s Essential Ireland | Everything travel guide to Ireland | Rick Steves Ireland | Back Roads Ireland

Click links for prices – Jane Austen’s England | The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England | Wales Castles and Historic Places | Castles, Palaces and Stately Homes of Great Britain

This guide to the best UK guidebooks will have provided you with the best options for your trip. As you have seen there are a lot of UK guidebooks to choose from but we are confident you will find the right ones for you and your itinerary.

If you enjoy reading about a destination before you go or simply want some reading inspiration my best books to read about England or best books to read about Scotland are a great place to start.

You can find more information to help you to plan your UK trip in these articles:

• London Travel Guide
• England Travel Guide
• UK Accommodation Guide (England, Scotland, Wales & N Ireland)
• How to plan your UK travel budget
• How to get around the UK (Complete Guide to Transportation in the UK)
• Best Gifts for Anglophiles

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

The experts: travel agents on 20 ways to book a sustainable and sensational summer holiday

Keen to get away? Here is how to find a great deal, pick the perfect destination and support the local community

A holiday should be relaxing, but booking one can be a fraught experience, with days lost to endless scrolling, comparing reviews and prices. How can you be sure you are getting a good deal? Travel agents share their tips for the most affordable, sustainable and memorable trips.

1. Book like an agent

“Everybody views themselves as a travel agent and they can be up to a point,” says Paul Sharp from Newcastle upon Tyne, who operates as part of the Travel Counsellors network and has 30 years’ experience in the industry. He says the rise of budget airlines and online booking have led to people feeling confident about organising trips themselves. What is the one thing we should know when doing so? “It is a false economy to book things separately because you have no protection,” Sharp says. He gives the example of someone planning a trip to South Africa to watch rugby, who booked flights with the airline and hotels directly and rugby tickets elsewhere. The game was cancelled but the flights and hotel were non-refundable. If they had been booked together, the trip would have been covered under package travel regulations. “Book with a company you trust and know – there are a lot of sites that crop up and you don’t really know their provenance,” he says.

2. Be an early bird

“Planning in advance is always going to be better value,” says Helen Youngman , an independent travel agent and partner at 360 Private Travel , based near Norwich. “Late deals do exist, but a lot of hotels use ‘dynamic pricing’, which means prices increase as availability goes down. Flights are only going to increase in price the closer you get to the departure date because the fuller the flight gets, the more expensive it will be.” Sharp adds: “Don’t hang on for a last-minute deal because you could end up disappointed. Scheduled flights tend to be available about 11 months in advance, so that is the best time to book. Also, at that stage, a lot of hotels and accommodation providers will have early-bird specials.”

3. If you do book late, be flexible

Jessica Bollinger, who works in the Bristol branch of Danish travel agent Kilroy , which specialises in youth and adventure holidays, agrees that late deals are now something of a myth. “They are not unheard of, but with a last-minute deal there are certain things you’re not going to get. So you have to be really open-minded as to where you’re going to go,” she says.

4. Avoid peak season

The cheapest time to travel is always outside the school holidays, says Youngman, with Christmas and new year the most expensive times. Can you get a good deal if you fly on Christmas or New Year’s Day itself? Sometimes, she says, “but a lot of people are catching on to that trick”. If you have to go in the school holidays, be open to going somewhere off the beaten track. “Being clever about destinations is a good plan,” says Youngman. “In Europe, look farther east at places such as Montenegro, Albania and Georgia. And Morocco is a good summer destination for families.”

5. Midweek can be more affordable

“Midweek can be cheaper, it just depends on availability,” says Youngman. “A Thursday to Monday trip is going to be slightly more expensive than Monday to Friday, but all travel fares are based on availability, so the further in advance you can book, the better.”

6. Take out travel insurance when you book

A lot of people sort out their insurance at the airport, says Sharp, but it is best to do it as soon as you have booked your trip. He says: “Travel insurance doesn’t just cover you if you lose a bag or are poorly while you are away. It also covers you should you need to cancel for an insurable reason before you travel.” This includes illness or a bereavement.

7. On solo trips, consider a group tour

If you are travelling alone, “pretty much anywhere is possible”, says Youngman. “Embarking on your first solo trip can be daunting, which is why small group tours are an amazing way to travel with like-minded people. Some companies I work with are doing specialist female-only tours with visits to female entrepreneurs, co-operatives, makers and bakers. Small group tours are great because they handle all the logistics, include really immersive experiences and are safe. They pick you up from the airport, and from that point onwards, you’re travelling with other people and you’ve got an expert guide.”

8. Have a daily budget

“We advise setting a daily limit for yourself while travelling and then multiplying that number by the days you are away to get the amount to save for your spending money,” says Bollinger. “When you work it out like this, it makes a lot more sense in people’s minds, especially young people who don’t have much budgeting experience. It also keeps you accountable to yourself, so you don’t blow everything right at the beginning and then have nothing left for the end.” To stick to a tight budget, she says: “Cook food as you go along and use public transport instead of tourist buses – this will really help you save money.”

9. Consider all-inclusive options

“If you are going to spend a lot of time eating and drinking in the hotel, I recommend upgrading to an all-inclusive option if possible,” says Youngman, “especially if you’d like a cocktail or two and you’re grazing throughout the day. Otherwise it can all add up and when you check out it costs a fortune.” With active holidays such as skiing or safaris, she adds: “If you have the option to choose an all-inclusive package that includes the activities, food and drink, that is usually a more cost-effective way of travelling. Because sometimes they will really sting you on the extras and it will be more expensive.”

10. Work your way around the world

“A working holiday is a great way to fund your trip,” says Bollinger, who helps people book travel to Australia, New Zealand and Canada by organising working holidays so they can extend their stay. “A lot of jobs will be hospitality-related, but if you go to a more rural spot you can do farm work, and if you have qualifications already, sometimes those can be used. Working holidays in Canada are often at ski resorts near Vancouver, so you get the added benefit of being in a beautiful place to take advantage of the winter sports.”

11. Travel as sustainably as possible

“You can get to most places in Europe by train , so if you are open to slowing down and having a more relaxed itinerary, not only are you travelling more sustainably, but you have more time to absorb the culture surrounding you,” says Youngman. “Be good to the environment you are travelling to see.” She stresses the importance of limiting flights as much as possible, especially internally, and avoiding indirect long-haul options. “We highly recommend ‘open-jaw flights’, which means you fly into one destination and out of another, to limit the number of flights,” says Bollinger. “We also promote travelling for longer in one destination as opposed to trying to go to many in a short time, and travelling overland when possible, instead of taking multiple flights.”

12. Offset carbon emissions with a reputable company

When considering carbon from flights, says Thomas Power of Pura Aventura , a B Corp sustainable travel company in Brighton: “Don’t believe the airline schemes, or anyone else who promises you absolution for a few quid. While 85% of offset schemes may be worthless, there are high-quality carbon credits starting at about £20 a tonne.” These can be bought to compensate for CO 2 emissions. Companies such as “ C Level ​ ​help you at least take positive action to balance your impact”, says Power.

13. Think of responsible travel as a ‘fair exchange’

When travelling, says Power, consider: “What are we giving and what are we receiving? Is it a fair exchange? Is somebody getting something in return for what I am receiving in this transaction?” This applies to everything from “taking a cruise to Venice and not giving anything to the city, to going camping in Sussex and getting a supermarket delivery to your tent instead of going to the village shop or buying eggs from the house down the road”. This concept of “fair exchange” can be beneficial for everyone, he says, by giving you access to unique experiences. “In terms of the economy, the less money that leaves the village, town or city, the better,” he says.

14. Embrace the great outdoors

If you camp out “you are closer to nature than any other accommodation option”, says Brodie Farrow, of the online camping and touring travel agent Pitchup . There are many benefits to this, she says: “It is really good for mental health. It is also a much more sustainable option: the carbon footprints of outdoor holidays tend to be much lower than hotel stays, as people travel by car rather than flying and it promotes local produce and low-impact activities such as hiking in the surrounding area. The accommodation or pitches are much less carbon intensive than hotels, too. And you have a positive impact on the community that you are visiting: camping attracts a higher number of customers at a lower cost than hotels do, which can help to underpin the viability of local facilities such as the shop, the bar and takeaway, and that benefits the wider community.”

15. If you are camping-phobic, glamp

“There really is something for everyone,” says Farrow. “You can get glamping accommodation with four-poster beds if you prefer camping in luxury, or you can go really wild and remote, with no facilities, out on your own and back to nature. I think you would be hard-pressed to say that there is nothing that appeals.” Although glamping has become a fairly pricey option, she says: “Some types are much cheaper than others. You can get some ‘pod-only’ camping accommodation, where you bring your own bedding, starting from £15 a night.”

16. If the weather is terrible …

… And you are under canvas, “try to keep your bedroom a wet-gear-free zone”, says Farrow. “Store and dry wet stuff in your porch area rather than in your bedroom compartment. Protect your equipment by putting it in plastic bags or dry bags. Don’t let anything touch your tent walls or you will have soggy socks.” For activities, she suggests, “swimming in the sea, because you are wet already, or going to the pub”. If you are disappointed by the weather on a non-camping holiday, “as annoying as it is, try to embrace it”, says Sharp. Many people come back from their holidays exhausted because they try to see and do everything when they’re away. Instead, he says: “Have a lie-in, ask local people which is the best restaurant for a long, lazy lunch and, most of all, relax and recharge your batteries – it’s a holiday after all.”

17. For best value destinations, try …

“Go for Belgrade over Berlin,” says Youngman. “It has an underground culture scene very similar to Berlin 20 years ago.” For backpackers, Bollinger suggests: “Some places in Central America can be really affordable. Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala are good options for someone wanting to think outside the box.” Sharp says there are more affordable options in “Cyprus, Bulgaria, Turkey and Egypt, compared with Spain and the Balearics, which are becoming increasingly expensive due to cost of living increases”. If you are looking for a staycation, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Cornwall are some of the most popular UK locations on Pitchup, says Farrow, which can inflate the price. Locations such as Pembrokeshire and the Isle of Wight are cheaper.

18. For a trip of a lifetime that doesn’t cost the earth …

“North Macedonia is just amazing,” says Youngman. “Ohrid has beautiful cobbled streets, Ottoman architecture , fantastic food and wine and you can visit the most biodiverse lake in Europe.” Farrow says: “I camped at the foot of Ben Nevis last year before hiking up it. The weather was terrible but it was worth it for the unreal views.” While Bollinger’s most memorable trip was “Interrailing in Europe and finding a way to do things on my own. It was before smartphones, so it was a very interesting experience and built up my confidence in travelling.”

19. If in doubt, follow local people

“Live like a local person by taking local buses and eating in local spots,” says Bollinger. “It is going to save you money, and will also let you experience life in a different way.” Power adds: “People want to go to Peru but they never come back talking about Machu Picchu, they come back talking about the people they met. Buy local and connections will happen for you. In the absence of interaction with your host community, the things you see are just wallpaper.”

20. And remember: you get what you pay for

“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” says Sharp.

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A Fashion Insider's Guide to Cornwall: What to Eat, Where to Stay and Everything to Pack

Welcome to Out of Office… Who What Wear UK's chic travel guide that provides you with the most stylish take on any given destination by tapping creatives who know where to stay, what to eat and, more importantly, which items to pack. This month, Who What Wear UK Contributor Jessica Skye shares her tips for a memorable trip to Cornwall.

You’re probably use to seeing me on your screens talking all things fashion, but this time I’m coming to you with something slightly different; my top recommendations for things do, what to eat and where to shop in Cornwall if you’re looking to visit in the spring and summer months (which by the way I totally recommend you do!)

If you already don’t know, I moved to Cornwall in December 2023. It’s been a total lifestyle change and I am loving every second of it. The season is generally quite quiet from December to March with lots of places closed for the winter months, but now spring has sprung the array of wonderful and unique offerings here in Cornwall are now in full bloom. I’ve only touched the surface of what this beautiful part of the U.K. has to offer and I can’t wait to explore more over the summer. But for now see my top recommendations of places I have *actually* experienced.

1. Where to Stay

Lets kick things off with places to stay. These are my tried and tested accommodations that I have actually stayed at and would recommend. Whether you’re travelling alone, with a partner, a group of friends or family these beautiful staycations are a must.

Atlanta Trevone Bay - The Net Loft: Incredible decor, designed and curated by HAM interiors, stunning views of Trevone Bay directly from the living room the window and sleeps 4.

Carbis Bay Cottage - Brook Cottage: Perfect for travelling solo, a couple or for you and your bestie to book a weekend away. Sleep 3and on the doorstep to Carbis Bay beach.

Kip Hideaways - The Bell Tower: $ A bright and spacious apartment in the centre of Penzance, a stones throw away to all the shops and restaurants, everything is on your doorstep.

Unique Homestays - The Hide: A totally unique place at the end of a Cornish country lane, combined both modern and luxury, internally and externally. Sleeps 2 and allows dogs.

Kip Hideaways - Arabia Cottage: One of the most stylish homes I have had the experience of staying in, centred in the small fishing town of Port Issac, Arabia cottage is the perfect home away from home.

2. What to Pack

Spring has sprung... just about. So, if you’re thinking of visiting Cornwall soon I would recommend bringing some stylish causal clothes, layering is key - think jeans, T-shirts, jumpers, trainers and some mucky boots for walking. And don’t forget to bring a puffer coat or rain jacket because the weather can turn quite quickly. If you’re open to a bit of swimming then definitely bring your swimsuit - there’s nothing quite like a spring summer swim in the ocean.

3. Where to Eat

I’ve been making my round lots of cafes and restaurants over the past few months, in preparation for this very question. Cornwall really is a very unique and special place for this, not only do they offer unique dinning experiences but the community warmth in each place is so welcoming.

45 Queen Street: Nestled in the middle of Penzance town 45 Queen Street is an absolute go-to. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner this unique space has something for everyone, from great wine to the best kim-cheese toasties on the planet, and they even have a deli inside to grab your morning coffee and pastry.

Harbour House Flushing: Not sure what to do on a Sunday? Head to the Harbour House for a roast dinner. You could always take a walk around Falmouth town in the morning and then jump on the Flushing ferry straight over to Flushing (It’s only a ten minute ride) Not only is the food drool-worthy the interiors and atmosphere is just as nice-I recommend booking a table.

Silco: Lunch at Silco is an absolute must, the crab fries are like no other. I like to park at Lelant and take a walk along the beautiful coast line all the way over to St Ives, It’s roughly a 1.5 hour walk but totally worth it for the views.

Argoe: An intimate and cosy restaurant in the small town of Newlyn, A tribute to its town fishing heritage, Argoe offers the most delicious seafood ( + more) straight from the sea to your table, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Flora: A family run cafe, bakery and restaurant in the historic Trelowarren Estate. I visited here for coffee and cake and was blown away by the most delicious Hazelnut and Vanilla danish, you’ll thank me later.

Harbour View: St Ives really does have some of the most amazing cafes and restaurants and Harbour View House is no exception, the interiors are incredible - the perfect spot for brunch and coffee.

4. Where to Shop

Seven Stone Store: I can’t leave this shop without buying something. I recently bought a pair of white Carhartt dungarees from there.

Zennor Wild: Serves coffee, cakes and smoothies but also has the sweetest gifts including candles, books and flowers.

Roos Beach: Always the best fashion finds, enter with caution as you won’t leave empty handed.

Fishboy PZ: A beautiful and well put together independent clothing store for both men and women, offering a curated and considered collection of branded clothing.

5. What to Do

Apart from eating and shopping your way around Cornwall, there are lots of other activities to do. Of course there are plenty of beaches to visit, too!

Ollahiki Sauna: Fancy a bit of hot and cold therapy? the Ollahiki Sauna On The Beach is a top must-do.

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Garden: In the centre of St Ives town, the wonderful and totally tranquil Barbara Hepworth Museum is definitely worth a visit.

Koru Kayaking: If you would like to dip your in some water activities then I really recommend SUP (that’s stand up paddle boarding to me and you) along the Helford River. It lasts approx 2 hours and on a sunny a day a swim is scheduled.

Clay Trap: Clay Trap offers an array of clay making classes for beginners and groups.

Now I need one, too.

By Natalie Munro

It's £40, people!

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London Marathon 2024 travel guide: Start times, route and celebration spots

Spectators can watch runners race through the capital on 21 april, article bookmarked.

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The London Marathon 2024 will weave through the streets of the capital from Greenwich to Westminster on Sunday 21 April, and thousands of spectators are going to be lining the route for a glimpse of their running friends.

Over 50,000 people are expected to take on the mammoth two-foot tour of London landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge.

Since the inaugural 26.2 mile event in 1981, the fundraising race has raised millions for charities each year, and, with sunshine on the forecast for now, celebrations of the charitable and physical feat will take place across the city.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan the day if you’re running  or  supporting this year’s London Marathon.

London Marathon 2024 start time and date

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The London Marathon 2024 will take place on Sunday 21 April.

Exact timings for this year’s races are yet to be confirmed but staggered start times from around 8.30am are the norm, with the masses setting off in waves at 10am and all start lines closed from 11.30am.

The finish line on The Mall closes at 7.30pm and is then moved to St James’ Park until midnight.

London Marathon route

Largely unchanged since 1981, the start line for the race is in Blackheath at the top of Greenwich Park .

From here, a leg to Woolwich, jog past the Cutty Sark and stretch around Bermondsey takes runners to cross the river over Tower Bridge .

After a ring around the Isle of Dogs, it’s a relatively straight stretch along the Thames through the City of London to the Westminster finish line on The Mall.

Will there be train and tube strikes?

There is a planned overtime ban for Aslef members working for LNER on Friday 19 and Sunday 21 April (marathon day), as well as strikes on Saturday 20 April, so those travelling into London from the northeast will likely face cancellations.

Substantial road closures across the capital to make way for the race mean spectators should travel on foot or by tube – roads will reopen as and when all runners have cleared the area.

Marathon participants will receive free travel home up to 6.30pm on marathon day on the London Underground and Overground, buses and DLR.

TfL said that a modified DLR service will start at 5.30am from Tower Gateway to Lewisham so runners arrive on time to the start line.

Rail services out of London to the midlands and the northwest are also expected to be extremely busy from 6pm due to an FA Cup semi-final taking place at Wembley Stadium.

The best spots to watch the London Marathon in person

If the live BBC coverage won’t cut it and you’re coming to support from the sidelines, spectators can watch along most parts of the route, including The Highway in Wapping, where runners will pass twice.

To be in the heart of the action, the halfway point of Tower Bridge at mile 13, and the finish line at The Mall are bound to be exciting but busy. For a quieter spot to cheer, stay east and line up in Deptford or the Isle of Dogs.

Track friends and family taking part using their marathon number on the TCS London Marathon app to best position yourself to catch them on the go.

Marathon organisers advise that some areas, including those by the Cutty Sark and St James’ Park, are likely to be very busy on the day.

Five accessible viewing areas also dot the course for those with disabilities: in Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Rainbow Row, Tower Hill and Victoria Embankment.

Where to celebrate along the route

London has plenty of pubs and bars to quench the post-marathon thirst, whether you’ve been running or cheering.

In Greenwich, The Gipsy Moth has Cutty Sark views, The Angel in Bermondsey sits on the Thames and halfway pub, the Tower Bridge Arms, raises pints of IPA to passers-by.

Wet your palette in Wapping’s local Turner’s Old Star, ride the high at Pergola on the Wharf for city views, or refuel at Hung, Drawn & Quartered in Tower Hill with pies and ales.

At Victoria Embankment, board pub boat Tattershall Castle to cheer runners on for the final mile and savour a cold one at The Westminster Arms just before the finish line.

Once the race has been run, Inn the Park restaurant in St James’ Park is ideal for a light bite or head into Mercato Mayfair for a street food party in a restored church.

How to sign up for the London Marathon 2025

After a  record number of entries  signed up for the 26.2-mile race in 2024 – 578,374 applicants according to event organisers – next year’s London Marathon is bound to be another popular event.

To take on the challenge, entry is available through a ballot, international tour operators, charity spaces and athletics clubs.

The public ballot for the 2025 TCS London Marathon will open on Saturday 20 April and close the following Friday (26 April). Winners will be drawn at random and emailed in July ahead of the 27 April 2025 marathon.

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A guide to LGBTQ+ travel in Latin America

With museums, culture, nightlife, family outings and safe spaces to  relax in, Latin America has much to offer LGBTQ+ travellers. 

Latin America is a vast region of over 656 million inhabitants. Stretching across two continents, it’s a storied location where people and cultures from Europe, Africa, the Americas and elsewhere mixed and settled. Spanish and Portuguese, vestiges of two rival superpowers, are the dominant languages. The ancient empires, Aztec, Incan, Mayan and others, still make their presence known — from the archaeological highlights of museums to the living spectacles of carnivals, parades and religious celebrations, like the macabre Day of the Dead and the continued worship of goddesses like Yemanjá brought from the West African coast.

The region’s powerhouse cities are where LGBTQ+ nightlife, culture and political progress are most visible, from the Beaux-Arts streets of Buenos Aires to the sun-kissed Rio de Janeiro, with its spectacular natural setting of mountains and beaches. Indeed, it’s these sandy stretches many tourists come to Latin America for, whether they’re seeking the golden shores of the Caribbean coast or the dramatic, mountainous landscapes that butt against the Pacific, creating conditions that every surfer dreams of.

One of the most thrilling of all Latin American destinations, glamorous Buenos Aires should be the starting point of every Argentine adventure. It’s also one of the world’s leading countries on LGBTQ+ human rights issues — it passed a national same-sex marriage equality law in 2010, five years before the US and three before the UK. Peppered with French Beaux-Arts architecture, Buenos Aires is crisscrossed by grand boulevards and marble-embellished monuments. Visitors will find hundreds of bookshops to explore, the most famous of which, El Ateneo Grand Splendid, is housed in a former theatre. There are cafes, museums and a glittering opera house. To walk along any street, especially the Nueve de Julio, is a dizzying experience.

Where to go at night in Argentina? Buenos Aires is home to some of the best LGBTQ+ nightlife on the continent, and it’s not for the faint hearted. Things don’t get going until past midnight, with locals out long after sunrise. Club Amerika in the Almagro neighbourhood is the city’s largest nightclub and a centre point of LGBTQ+ nightlife. El Lugar Gay is a small, men-only budget hotel located in the historic San Telmo neighbourhood, an area known for its Sunday antiques fair and tango performances.

Where to see Argentinian culture? Though a controversial figure in Argentina, former First Lady Eva Perón, better known as Evita, remains one of the country’s most well-known figures — a Dior-clad gay icon to many LGBTQ+ locals, with stars like Madonna, Patti LuPone and Elaine Paige having portrayed her. Her myth, mystery, legend and wardrobe are explored at Museo Evita in the elegant Palermo neighbourhood.

Where to go with family in Argentina? This nightlife-oriented city has plenty for queer family gaycations, from watching the famous ‘cat ladies’ take care of felines in Recoleta Cemetery to the Abasto neighbourhood’s Museo de los Niños , with educational science activities for children. Argentina’s Patagonian region makes an excellent option for skiing or hiking trips in Bariloche. Those of drinking age will enjoy Mendoza, an important wine region, where the Malbec grape reigns supreme.

Few places in Latin America rival the powerhouse experience that is Brazil. One of the largest countries in the world, this South American nation pulsates with a landscape as diverse as its people, with thousands of miles of beachfront, metropolitan cities, mountains and the Amazon rainforest, to name just a few points of interest. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to choose what to start with first in Brazil, and many LGBTQ+ travellers make repeat visits.

Where to go at night in Brazil? Rio is an effervescent metropolis and former capital where neighbourhoods jostle between mountains and beaches, the giant art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado mountain rising above it all. The highlight of the year is Carnival — the largest such celebration in the world — in February or March, depending on the Easter calendar. It’s all about the beaches here and two are main centres of LGBTQ+ life — Ipanema, especially its Rua Farme de Amoedo gay beach, and the densely urban Copacabana beach, where locals and visitors alike pose for sunset photos with the curvaceous Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. A Brazilian cultural highlight is in Rio’s Flamengo Park, which is home to the Carmen Miranda Museum , celebrating the actress whose oversized fruit-covered headdresses inspired many a drag queen.  

Where to explore in Brazil? Visitors will find urban charm in São Paulo, with its contrasting wealthy and impoverished neighbourhoods operating within walking distance of each other. Every May, it hosts a massive gay pride parade with millions of spectators lining Avenida Paulista. Salvador, in the northeastern state of Bahia, is a hotspot for Afro-Brazilian culture. Statues of Yemanjá, mother of orishas (divine spirits) in the Yoruba religion, are everywhere — a nod to the area’s past. A visit to Pelourinho is a highlight for many, its cobblestone streets lined with colourful buildings stretching to stunning vistas.

Where to go with family in Brazil? For LGBTQ+ family travellers with kids, no trip to Brazil is complete without visiting Iguazú Falls, a series of waterfalls in the country’s south where it edges against Argentina and Paraguay. Several times larger than their North American counterpart, legend says Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed, “Poor Niagara!” upon seeing them.

Visitors to Mexico should start in its glorious capital, filled wih museums and cultural venues like Palacio de Bellas Artes, with its Beaux Arts facade and art deco interior, or the fascinating National Anthropology Museum. Once the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, the city is centred around the massive Zócalo, a square where Spanish buildings were constructed over ancient temples and pyramids.

Where to see the best of Mexican nightlife? Only in Zona Rosa — literally the Pink Zone — can travellers find such a dense concentration of LGBTQ+ nightlife. Near the Angel of Independence monument along Avenida de la Reforma, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other venues popular with LGBTQ+ tourists and locals abound, along with some of the city’s best hotels.

Where to see Mexican culture? The Frida Kahlo Museum is located in the bohemian Colonia del Carmen neighbourhood. Known as the Casa Azul, this tribute to the bisexual artist has been open to the public since the late 1950s.

Where to explore nature in Mexico? Mexico’s coastlines offer a wide array of beaches to explore. Cancun and the Riviera Maya on the Yucatán peninsula are among its jewels and the source of much of the country’s income from tourism. Storied Puerto Vallarta, one of Latin America’s most popular LGBTQ+ beach destinations, overlooks the Pacific.

Peru is geographically diverse, with beaches, mountains and the western stretches of the Amazon jungle, making it a must-visit spot for nature-seeking travellers.

Where to see the best of Peruvian nightlife? Peru’s capital, Lima, is a gastronomic paradise, with native cuisine like ceviche, a raw fish and citrus dish, and drinks such as the pisco sour a popular choice. The country’s large and influential Japanese population has also impacted the culture and the cuisine. The main LGBTQ+ area is garden-like district Miraflores, the name of which means ‘look at the flowers’. Sadly, two prominent gay nightlife spots, Lola Bar and Discoteca Legendaris, have recently closed; luckily, a number of new joints are in the works. However, ValeTodo DownTown , a bar central to the strong gay residential presence here, remains open and thriving.

Where to go on an outdoor adventure in Peru? One of the reasons many visitors come to Peru is to trace the country’s ancient Incan roots. Two of the world’s most coveted bucket-list destinations are in Peru: the ancient Andean temple complex Machu Picchu with its stunning views, and Cusco, which was a capital of the Incan Empire. Visitors will come across colonial buildings representing the Spanish conquest built on top of ancient temples, the periods of architecture instantly recognisable via differing stonework. A rickety train traverses a stunning mountain pass to connect Cusco and Machu Pichu, allowing for day trips. More adventurous travellers can hike the various Inca Trails over several days, finding lesser-known historic ruins along the way.

While certain parts of Latin America might be known for a degree of brashness, travellers will   find a more reserved destination when they visit Chile. Santiago, the capital, stretches along the city’s main thoroughfare, Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, and sits either side of the Mapocho River.

What to do at nighttime in Chile? The gay heart of Santiago is in the quaint district Barrio Bellavista, much of which dates to the 1920s. Chile is a former Spanish colony, and these influences can be seen in much of the area’s architecture, from the terracotta shingles to the white stucco walls. At night, the district comes alive with music and partying, as locals and visitors head to clubs, restaurants and bars, many with live music. The neighbourhood is dominated by San Cristóbal Hill and its statue of the Virgin Mary, a symbol of the city, connected by a not-always-functioning funicular.

Where to see Chilean culture? Argentina’s Mendoza on the other side of the Andes might be South America’s better known wine region, but Chile has one of the continent’s largest. What makes it even more ideal for visitors to the capital is that there’s no need to fly to a second destination. The wine region surrounds Santiago, most of it within an hour-and-a half drive by car or organised tour to Casablanca Valley, the Maipo region or the Central Valley, where wineries like Concha y Toro create magical elixirs from Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and other grapes.

Related Topics

• LGBT-FRIENDLY TRAVEL
• FAIRS AND CARNIVALS
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• FAMILY TRAVEL

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Using Dual SIM with an eSIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to use a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical nano-SIM. Learn how to set up and use Dual SIM. 1

How can you use Dual SIM?

Use one number for business and another number for personal calls.

Add a local data plan when you travel outside of the country or region.

Have separate voice and data plans.

Both your phone numbers can make and receive voice and FaceTime calls and send and receive messages using iMessage, SMS, and MMS. 2 Your iPhone can use one cellular data network at a time.

If you want to use 5G with Dual SIM on iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, or iPhone 12 Pro Max, make sure that you have iOS 14.5 or later .

What you need

An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later with iOS 12.1 or later

A wireless carrier that supports eSIM

To use two different carriers, your iPhone must be unlocked . Otherwise, both plans must be from the same carrier. If a CDMA carrier provides your first SIM, your second SIM won't support CDMA. Contact your carrier for more information.

If you have an enterprise or corporate cellular service plan, check with your company administrator to see if they support this feature.

Set up another cellular plan on your iPhone

Use two phone numbers

Learn about Dual SIM status icons

Change your cellular data number, manage cellular settings.

Erase your eSIM

All iPhone models that support eSIM can have multiple eSIMs and use Dual SIM with two active SIMs at the same time.

You can use Dual SIM by using a physical SIM and an eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later also support two active eSIMs. iPhone models without a physical SIM tray support two active eSIMs.

Learn how to activate a cellular plan on an eSIM .

Label your plans

After your second plan is activated, label your plans. For example, you can label one plan Business and the other plan Personal.

You'll use these labels when you choose which phone number to use for making or receiving calls and messages, to designate a number for cellular data, and to assign a number to your contacts so you know which number you will use.

If you change your mind later, you can change your labels by going to Settings, tapping either Cellular or Mobile Data, and then tapping the number whose label you want to change. Then tap Cellular Plan Label and select a new label or enter a custom label.

Set your default number

Choose a number to use when you call or send a message to someone who isn't in your Contacts app. Choose which cellular plans you want to use for iMessage and FaceTime. You can choose either or both numbers.

On this screen, choose a number to be your default, or you can choose which number is to be used only for cellular data. Your other number will be your default. If you want your iPhone to use cellular data from both plans, depending on coverage and availability, turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching.

Use two phone numbers for calls, messages, and data

Now that your iPhone is set up with two phone numbers, here's how to use them.

Let your iPhone remember which number to use

When you call one of your contacts, you don't need to choose which number to use every time. By default, your iPhone uses the same number that you used the last time you called that contact. If you haven't called that contact, your iPhone uses your default number. You can also specify which number to use for your calls with a contact. Follow these steps:

Tap the contact.

Tap Preferred Cellular Plan.

Tap the number you want to use with that contact.

Make and receive calls

You can make and receive phone calls with either phone number.

When you're on a call, if the carrier for your other phone number supports Wi-Fi calling, you can answer incoming calls on your other number. When you're on a call using a line that isn't your designated line for cellular data, you need to turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching to receive calls from your other line. If you ignore the call and you have voicemail set up with your carrier, you’ll get a missed-call notification and the call will go to voicemail. Check with your carrier for Wi-Fi calling availability and find out whether additional fees or data usage applies from your data provider.

If you're on a call and your other line shows No Service, either your carrier doesn't support Wi-Fi calling or you don't have Wi-Fi calling turned on. 3 It could also mean Allow Cellular Data Switching is not turned on. When you're on a call, an incoming call on your other phone number will go to voicemail if you set up voicemail with your carrier. 4 However, you won't get a missed-call notification from your secondary number. Call Waiting works for incoming calls on the same phone number. To avoid missing an important call, you can turn on call forwarding and forward all calls from one number to the other. Check with your carrier for availability and to find out whether additional fees apply.

Switch phone numbers for a call

You can switch phone numbers before you make a call. If you're calling someone in your Favorites list, follow these steps:

Tap the current phone number.

Tap your other number.

If you're using the keypad, follow these steps:

Enter the phone number.

Tap the phone number, near the top of the screen.

Tap the number you want to use.

Send messages with iMessage and SMS/MMS

You can use iMessage or SMS/MMS to send messages with either phone number. 5 You can choose a number to use before or after you start a conversation. Here's how.

Choose a number before you send an iMessage or SMS/MMS message

Open Messages.

Tap the New button, in the upper-right corner of the screen.

Enter your contact's name.

Switch numbers during a conversation

Tap the number you're using, near the top of the screen.

Choose the number you want to use instead.

The icons in the status bar at the top of the screen show the signal strength of your two carriers. Learn what the status icons mean .

You can see more status icons when you open Control Center .

When Carrier 1 is in use, the other line will show No Service.

The status bar shows that the device is connected to Wi-Fi and Carrier 2 is using Wi-Fi Calling.

With Allow Cellular Data Switching turned on, the status bar shows that Carrier 1 is using 5G, and Carrier 2 is using the cellular data of Carrier 1 and has Wi-Fi calling enabled.

One number at a time can use cellular data. To change which number uses cellular data, follow these steps:

Go to Settings.

Tap either Cellular or Mobile Data.

Tap Cellular Data.

Tap the number you want to use cellular data.

If you turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching, then while you're on a voice call on your voice-only number, that number automatically switches to use voice and data. 6 This lets you use both voice and data while on the call.

If you turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching and you're active on a voice number that isn't your designated cellular-data number, then cellular data won't work while you're on the call.

To turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching, follow these steps:

Tap Mobile Data.

Turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching.

To change your cellular settings for each of your plans, follow these steps:

Tap the number you want to change.

Tap each option and set it as you normally would.

Use Dual SIM with an eSIM and your Apple Watch .

If you can't set up your eSIM or if you have trouble using your eSIM, learn what to do .

eSIM on iPhone is not offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), and iPhone XS feature eSIM. Learn about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao .

This uses Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) technology, which means that both SIMs can make and receive calls.

Or if you're using iOS 12, update to iOS 13 or later to receive calls when you're using your other number.

4. If data roaming is on for the number that uses cellular data, then Visual Voicemail and MMS will be disabled on your voice-only number.

Additional fees might apply. Check with your carrier.

Your data line switches automatically for the duration of your call. This cellular-data switching won't work if you're currently using Data Roaming. Check with your carrier for availability and to find out if additional fees apply.

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