United Kingdom Travel Guide

Notable Places

Discover the UK

Use the map to explore the country, and start your itinerary in London!

United Kingdom Quick Guide

Currency: British Pound Sterling (£)
Language: English (plus Welsh in Wales, Scots Gaelic in parts of Scotland)
Time Zone: GMT (UTC +0) / BST in summer (UTC +1)
Fun Fact #1: The UK is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – also known as the British Isles, or Great Britain
Fun Fact #2: London’s underground is the oldest subway system in the world (opened in 1863)
Fun Fact #3: You can drive from England to France via the Channel Tunnel—under the sea!
Tipping: 10–12.5% in restaurants if not included; not required in pubs
Emergency Number: 999 or 112

Where to Stay in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom offers diverse accommodation options, from historic castles and countryside cottages to trendy city hotels and cozy B&Bs. Whether you’re exploring London’s landmarks, hiking the Scottish Highlands, or relaxing in a Cornish village, there’s a perfect place to stay that suits every style, budget, and travel experience.

Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. British cities are well connected with public transport so you are unlikely to get stuck in a remote place, unless that is what you want to do! We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.

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How to Get Around the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has an extensive and well-connected public transport network. Trains operated by various providers link major cities like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Cardiff, while regional rail services and long-distance coaches (like National Express and Megabus) reach many smaller towns. Within cities, you’ll find buses, trams, and underground systems, especially efficient in London with the famous Tube.

That said, a rental car becomes useful when visiting rural or coastal areas with limited transport links. The Lake District, parts of the Scottish Highlands, North Wales, and villages in the Cotswolds or Cornwall are often best explored by car. Driving lets you take scenic routes like the North Coast 500 or uncover hidden gems like remote castles, hiking trails, or lesser-known beaches. Just remember: in the UK, you drive on the left, and some country roads can be narrow and winding.

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Must-Visit Places in the United Kingdom

Seaside Gems & Hidden Coastal Towns: From Brighton and Folkestone to Norfolk’s hidden gems of Sandringham and Wells-next-the-Sea, soak in beaches, wildlife, and charming seaside culture.

England

London: Iconic capital with the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum – rich in history, art, and urban buzz.
Bath & Stonehenge: Explore Bath’s UNESCO-listed Roman Baths and stroll through Georgian architecture, then head nearby to the enigmatic Stonehenge stone circle.
Cotswolds & Castle Combe: Wander honey-colored villages like Castle Combe and Bibury in this charming Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Cheddar Gorge, England: Britain’s largest limestone gorge with dramatic cliffs, caves, rock-climbing, and ancient history including Gough’s Cave.

Scotland

Edinburgh & Scottish Highlands: Discover Edinburgh’s majestic castle and festivals, then venture into the Highlands with Ben Nevis, Loch Lomond, and scenic trails .
Isle of Skye & Glenfinnan Viaduct: Marvel at fairy-tale landscapes like the Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools, and the iconic Harry Potter filming bridge.

Northern Ireland

Giant’s Causeway & Dark Hedges: Explore the hexagonal basalt formations at this UNESCO site and the atmospheric beech-tree avenue from Game of Thrones.

Wales

Portmeirion: A whimsical Italian-inspired village nestled in North Wales – a surreal, colorful getaway resembling the Mediterranean.
Snowdonia National Park: Hike Mount Snowdon or ride the famous mountain railway, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and historic castles.

Stay Connected

Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.

🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.

Find the cheapest eSIM

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British Food to Sample

The United Kingdom’s food scene blends comforting classics with rich regional traditions. From hearty pub fare to sweet treats and coastal specialties, each area offers something unique and delicious. Here are some iconic British foods to try – along with the region where they shine:

Full English Breakfast – Nationwide (especially England): A hearty plate of eggs, sausage, bacon, baked beans, mushrooms, toast, and tomatoes.
Fish and Chips – Coastal towns across England: Deep-fried battered fish with thick-cut chips, best enjoyed by the seaside.
Cornish Pasty – Cornwall: A baked pastry filled with beef, potatoes, and onions – once a miner’s lunch, now a regional classic.
Haggis, Neeps & Tatties – Scotland: Savory dish made with minced offal, oats, and spices, served with mashed turnips and potatoes.
Welsh Rarebit – Wales: Toast topped with a savory cheese sauce made with mustard and ale.
Ulster Fry – Northern Ireland: A regional breakfast variation including soda bread, potato bread, bacon, sausages, and eggs.
Scotch Egg – England: A boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, breaded and fried—found in pubs and picnics.
Lancashire Hotpot – North West England: A slow-cooked lamb and potato stew traditionally topped with sliced potatoes.
Eton Mess – England (Eton): A light dessert of crushed meringue, strawberries, and whipped cream.
Sticky Toffee Pudding – Lake District (Cumbria): A moist sponge cake made with dates, served with toffee sauce and custard or cream.

Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip

Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

Top Day Tours to Discover the United Kingdom

Cotswolds and Oxford: Get out of the cities to these quintessential English countryside sights. Visit the beautiful villages of the Cotswolds and tour the top sites of the world’s oldest university city.
Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath: Another great escape outside of London. Discover Windsor Castle, the ancient Stonehenge, the historical city of Bath, and its 2000-year-old Roman Baths. Admire sights like Bath Abbey and the romantic Pulteney Bridge.
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door: Head further down the coast to the iconic sights along the Devonshire coastline. Spend a day at the beach if the weather suits, or hike along the clifftops to see these amazing formations overlooking the English Channel.
Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle, and White Cliffs: The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight in the UK, take a trip to visit them alongside the ancient Dover Castle and the incredible Canterbury Cathedral. All accessible in one day.