Ultimate Guide To The UK
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Are you looking to travel to the UK but don’t know where to start? Or are you simply looking for somewhere new to visit and looking for some inspiration? Your search is over!
I’ve put together this ultimate travel guide in order to give you an idea of the many wonderful places to visit and do in the UK, as well as giving you an idea of the range of things that are available.
There’s something for everyone, and I’m here to help you plan your perfect trip.
No more doing what everyone else does, I want to work with you to craft the trip of your dreams.
From major cities to quaint villages, countryside, and seaside resorts, I have included every destination you can imagine. I’ve broken everything down so you can make a decision about what the best option is for you.
So, let’s get started and discover all there is to know about holidaying in the UK.
Ultimate Guide To The UK: Quick Tips
Language
The most commonly spoken language in the UK is English. With at least 98% of the population speaking English, it is spoken across the country.
There are, however, a wide variety of accents across the country. There is also a percentage of Welsh speakers in Wales, and Scots and Gaelic in Scotland, although many of these speakers will also speak English too.
Currency
Great British Pound. 1 USD = 0.76 GBP. Credit and Debit cards are used commonly across the UK.
Most commonly used are Visa and Mastercard. Not everywhere accepts American Express, but most larger businesses will.
Plugs
Plug type G is used in the UK, operating on a 230v voltage and 50Hz. Purchase a universal adapter in order to charge your electronic devices.
Safety
The UK is one of the safest places to travel to and is generally safe for solo female travellers. Of course, you should still take all sensible precautions.
The most common threat to be aware of is that of pick-pockets and thieves in London, who will target crowds on the underground and around tourist hotspots and attractions.
Keep your belongings close and fastened at all times and you should have no problems at all.
When To Visit
The summer months are most popular for visiting the UK as it is the driest season with the most pleasant weather, temperatures averaging 15 to 25°C.
It can be rainy and windy in the other seasons, especially in Autumn.
Despite winter being cold, there are many Christmas markets and events around the holiday season, with snow often adding to the atmosphere – although this cannot be guaranteed every year!
Ultimate Guide: How To Get To The UK
Plane
The plane is the simplest and most common way to travel into the UK from abroad. London has multiple main airports, the biggest being London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
There are also airports in northern towns such as Manchester Airport, Newcastle Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow International Airport serve Scotland, while Cardiff International Airport is the largest in Wales.
Ferry
You may also wish to get the ferry into the UK, particularly from mainland Europe. Dunkirk and Calais in France offer links to Dover on the South Coast of the UK near London. DFDS offers ferry trips from £49.
Train
The Eurostar travels from Paris to London in just over two hours.
Whilst this takes slightly longer and only leaves from one location, this can be a wonderful option for those who dislike flying.
You have more chance of finding cheap tickets by booking early.
Coach
For those on a very strict budget, the coach may be the most ideal option.
The trip from Paris to London takes 9 hours, but taken overnight you can fall asleep in France and wake up in the UK!
You can buy tickets for under £20, making this an affordable option for travelling to the UK.
Transport
Each city has its own transport system, whether than be bus, tram or train. You will have to research this for each city, and we will cover this in more depth later. However, for travelling across the UK there are multiple ways to get around.
Train
The railway network in the UK is very comprehensive, with the ability to get trains to and from almost anywhere in the UK.
Whilst this is not the cheapest option it is probably the most regular and most reliable.
There are even overnight trains for long journeys such as that from London to Edinburgh. It is worth doing a bit of searching around for the cheapest ticket prices as these can vary by website and route.
Coach
Coaches are a popular and more affordable option for travelling around the UK. They don’t go to as many locations and usually take longer than the train.
However, these are definitely an option for those looking to save money, especially when travelling between cities such as Manchester or Bristol.
Megabus is renowned for its cheap prices, and in many cases they sell tickets for under £10.
National Express is another option with slightly higher prices but more links across the country.
Plane
While an uncommon way to travel due to the size of the country, you can also catch a plane for long journeys and cuts travel time enormously.
A flight from London to Edinburgh takes only 1h 20m and costs as low as £50. However, this method or travelling is uncommon for journeys any shorter than this.
What To Pack
Make sure to wrap up warm in the winter. Layers are the best way to conserve heat, so make sure to pack a big coat and jumper, as well as a cosy hat, scarf and gloves.
Weather is warmer in the summer, although it can be changeable so it is worth packing some options. At least one pair of shorts and a pair of jeans won’t go amiss. A light summer top is worth bringing, as is a lightweight jacket for the evenings.
Whatever you do, make sure to bring some comfy shoes so your feet don’t get sore while you explore!
Ultimate Guide: London
Transport
Tube
The London Underground (or the Tube) can seem confusing at first but is probably the easiest, simplest and quickest way to get around London.
With tube stops all over London, you will be able to reach anywhere you need to be as quick as possible.
Make sure to download a tube map before you go so you can figure out which stations you need to get on and off at.
You can pay by contactless card or Oyster card. You can travel within Zones 1-2 for £7.70 a day.
Bus
The bus is a more scenic and cheaper way of travelling around London. With single bus fares at £1.65, this is definitely the more affordable option.
Getting the right bus may seem intimidating at first, but simply put your destination into your maps app, select the public transport option and it will advise you on which bus you need to get and which stop to get off at.
Cycle
Cycling through the city may seem intimidating, but for the parks and along the canal paths this can be a fun and exciting way to see the city.
You can hire Santander cycle bikes throughout the city which cost only £2 to access – and you get your first 30 mins of travel free.
Accommodation
There are an extremely wide number of options for accommodation in London. It is worth doing some research as to where is cheapest to stay but, generally, the further away from the centre you are, the more affordable the options.
Airbnb offers many different types and prices of accommodation, and there are many different hotels on offer too, including some of the most luxurious in the world, if that’s your jam.
Otherwise, for the money-savers, you can find a bed in a hostel for £10 a night, even in the city centre.
Coach surfing and house sitting are also options, which takes away the cost of accommodation entirely.
Food And Drink
Once again, you will be spoiled for choice by the many options in London for food and drink.
You won’t be short of choice on cafés offering afternoon tea, or pubs offering Sunday roast. You will also find many famous celebrity chef restaurants in the city centre if you want to splash out.
Covent Garden is the place to head for a top market restaurant. Soho is a great place to go for bars and artsy eateries. Chinatown is also nearby, with the best authentic Chinese cuisine in all of London.
Finally, the stalls in Camden market offer many different kinds of street food from Mexican to Indian.
Attractions
Historical Sights
The sights of London, the traditional old buildings, and the classic landmarks are on many first-time visitors’ to-do lists.
Any ultimate guide to the UK would be useless without including this. Do not miss the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Tower of London. Luckily, they are all within about five minutes’ walk from each other!
Buckingham Palace is the main royal residence and very popular, and the quieter Kensington Palace is not too far away either.
Set aside an afternoon, pop your walking shoes on and give these a tour – they won’t fail to impress.
Theatre
London has the biggest theatre scene in all of England, and it’s one of the most renowned in the whole world.
The area of the city affectionately known as “theatre-land” is filled to the brim with musicals, plays and even pub theatres!
Take a stroll down Shaftesbury Avenue and see an award-winning musical in a 200-year-old theatre. Or, head to the National Theatre, the Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse, or the Hampstead Theatre to see a new and contemporary play.
Museums And Art Galleries
London is full to the brim with various museums and art galleries.
The Natural History Museum and the British Museum are two of the most popular for viewing historical artefacts.
The Science Museum is popular for learning about scientific and technological discovery.
The V&A is a museum of art and design and has many different sections such as paintings, fashion, photography, jewellery, sculpture and ceramics.
The National Gallery and the Tate Britain are perfect for seeing traditional paintings by famous painters both British and from across the world.
The Tate Modern is the place to go for modern art, and the Saatchi Gallery also offers work by contemporary artists and photographers.
Parks
London has been declared the greenest city in Europe, and there are plenty of parks that you can visit to get some space from the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets.
A narrow lake called the Serpentine separates Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. These are some of London’s largest parks and here you can view a number of different bird species – including ring-necked parakeets!
St James’ Park is next to Buckingham Palace and is also adored by birdwatchers, a highlight being the resident pelicans. This one’s convenient if you’re already in the city centre.
Regents Park is wonderful for viewing some beautifully manicured flower gardens.
Richmond Park, despite being slightly out of town, is also a favourite, and there is a chance of seeing some beautiful deer here.
Shopping
Oxford Street is the top place for shopping – one long street full of designer outlets and high street chains. They have some enormous department stores here, and if you’ve got money to spend then you could spend an entire day here doing just that.
If you fancy somewhere a bit quirkier, Camden Market is full of artsy market stalls selling a variety of unique products.
Carnaby Street can also make for something a bit different, with independent boutiques and up-and-coming designer outlets making up the selection.
Head to Bond Street if you want to go really upmarket (and maybe spot some celebs while you’re at it), or take a stroll through Seven Dials for some eccentric lifestyle and food stores.
Make sure to read my Ultimate Guide to London for more info on your UK visit.
Ultimate Guide: Other UK Cities
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and another wonderful place to visit. It is 4 ½ hours from London by train, and you can also get the Caledonian Sleeper for overnight travel.
You can also catch a plane which takes just over 2 hours. Edinburgh is a historical town with many sights to see. The most impressive of which is Edinburgh Castle, and you can also visit the Museum of Scotland to learn about Scottish history.
You can also visit the National Gallery is of Scotland and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery to observe both European and native Scottish painters.
For the walkers, Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano that offers views across the entire city.
Make sure to walk the Royal Mile and see the historical buildings of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Many people travel to Edinburgh specifically for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. This is the world’s largest arts festival and offers many kinds of shows from theatre to comedy to dance.
Check out my post on Edinburgh to find out more.
Cardiff
For those wanting to experience Wales, Cardiff is a great place to start. The capital city offers multiple museums castles and parks and is only a two-hour train journey from London.
Visit Cardiff Castle for a traditional Welsh historical experience, or Castell Coch for a more fairy-tale castle visit.
You can also tour the principality stadium, the home of Welsh rugby.
Cardiff City Centre is full to the brim with High Street shops and shops selling items connected with Welsh culture.
Once the main filming studios for the BBC, you may also recognise locations from your favourite TV shows in the town centre.
You can also take a walk around the historic Cardiff Bay. This now features a modern shopping centre with views across the docks.
A cultural hub, Cardiff is home to a number of music venues and theatres. This is the perfect place for soaking up the arts and talent that Wales has to offer.
Check out my post on Cardiff to find out more.
Liverpool
This is one for music lovers. The birthplace of The Beatles, there are many sites to see relating to them and other classic rockers from the era.
Top of the list must be Matthew St. Here you can find the Cavern Club, The Beatles Shop, and the Hard Day’s Night Hotel.
The Cavern Club is where The Beatles famously used to play in their early years. There is free entry in the daytime with continual music acts playing the band’s famous songs inside.
You’re also able to visit the bandmembers’ childhood homes. You can even enter and look around John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s old houses.
You can also visit Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane, and the grave of Eleanor Rigby, found at the churchyard where John and Paul first met.
Booking a trip on the Magical Mystery Tour can ensure you don’t miss any of these iconic spots.
Besides all this, Liverpool has a bustling city centre and a rich history. The docks, in particular, offer scenic views and a wide selection of interesting shops.
For Beatle fans, my guide to Liverpool is a must read.
Manchester
Manchester is another of the UK’s largest cities and contains plenty to keep you entertained.
This city was also home to many iconic bands including Oasis, Stone Roses, The Smiths, and Joy division. The city remains a hub for the arts holding many concerts at various venues and producing theatre, a highlight being the Royal Exchange theatre.
Manchester also has a rich and complex history which you can learn about at its museums. This includes the People’s Museum and the Science and Industry Museum.
Historical sites include Chatham’s library. This is Britain’s oldest library, where Marx and Engles are known to have met on that visit to Manchester.
Manchester Art Gallery is also worth a visit, particularly for those who are fans of the pre-Raphaelite painters.
Manchester is in the north of England which is notable for having a different culture to the South. In fact, each northern city has its own distinctive culture and is worth visiting to get a taste of something different.
Check out my post on Manchester to find out more.
York
If you’re looking for the picturesque, quaint old image of England then look no further than York.
This is a city that appears to be frozen in time – if only by appearance alone. It is now filled with contemporary shops, restaurants, bookshops and cafés, but the buildings themselves are as old as they come.
Visit the impressive York Minster – the old Cathedral in the centre of town, or the ancient city walls.
You can also walk down the Shambles – a cobbled street line with towering medieval buildings.
This really is the place for history lovers. An old tower is the only part of the old castle that remains. It towers high enough that you can often see the wide-open countryside of the North York Moors in the distance.
There are many nearby historical sites including Dracula’s Whitby Abbey, Fountains Abbey, and Scarborough Castle.
Ultimate Guide: UK Countryside
Snowdonia
Snowdonia is a mountainous national park covering almost the entirety of most Northern region of Wales. Mount Snowdon itself is the busiest peak in the entire UK.
You are able to make a more relaxed journey to the summit via the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
The area is filled with hikes and cycle routes, with astonishing views over the landscape, complete with lakes and waterfalls. For the more adventurous there is even white-water rafting.
There are a number of castles and ruins to visit. Additionally, the myths connecting King Arthur to many of the locations add to the magic. This is one of my personal favourites, so I had to include it in my UK ultimate guide.
If you want to read more about Snowdonia, check out my guide here!
Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons are another mountain range in Wales, this time in the central region. Whilst still providing dramatic scenery, it is slightly less dramatic than Snowdonia.
Instead of the high peaks you will find up north, the Brecons are made up of rolling hills and valleys, and may be more suitable for the casual walker who still wants to enjoy the outdoors.
There are still a number of beautiful waterfalls, lakes and rivers to enjoy.
There are also a number of picturesque Welsh towns to visit here including Crickhowell, home to the popular Green Man Festival, and Hay-On-Wye, a town renowned for its high number of bookshops.
Check out my post on the Top 10 Bookshops in Hay-on-Wye here.
Lake District
The broad landscapes of the Lake District have inspired many a writer, including William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Beatrix Potter.
The Lake Distract even served as the inspiration for Wordsworth’s “I wandered lonely as a crowd…”, one of the most famous poems ever written.
For literature lovers, walk the same paths that inspired the poets, or visit Beatrix Potter’s house.
As the name suggests, the Lake District is full of large and impressive lakes and is the perfect place for water-based activities such as kayaking canoeing, fishing, and wild swimming.
The dramatic ridges also draw climbers to the area, and gorge scrambling is another particularly popular activity for the adventurous visitor.
As a poetry lover myself, my ultimate guide to the UK had to include this location.
Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are the most northern and may be considered the wildest part of the UK.
You can climb the highest peaks in the UK, but there are also walks for the whole family too. You can also view the glorious wide-open spaces by train, with old steam trains travelling along the grand old bridge and offering a luxurious way to see the area.
This is the top place to go for wildlife lovers, local wildlife including seals, whales, pine martins, red deer, puffins, and golden eagles.
You can also visit Loch Ness and see if you can spot the Loch Ness Monster!
An honourable mention goes to the Isle of Skye, attached to the mainland by a bridge and known as one of the most magical places in the UK – complete with fairy pools. It has its own unique, traditional culture and is not to be missed.
Cotswolds
If you’re looking for more flat, wide spaces rather than mountain ranges, then the Cotswolds are the place to go.
Open meadows mean the views stretch on for miles and miles. This makes for much easier strolls and rambles than the other locations on the list.
Cotswold Farm Park also allows you to get up close and personal to a number of farmyard animals. Here, you can also view live lambing from February – March.
Unique to the Cotswold are the number of picturesque country villages and towns in the area. Most beautiful are the houses made out of the pretty white Cotswold stone.
Many of these towns are recognisable as filming locations for productions such as Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter. See the most pretty of England’s villages all in one area.
Check out my post on the Cotswolds to learn more!
Ultimate Guide: UK Historical Sights
Stonehenge
One of the most recognisable historic landmarks in the world, the standing stones of Stonehenge must be included in this ultimate guide to the UK.
This pre-historic stone circle is steeped in legend, supposedly moved from Ireland to England by the wizard Merlin. However, more likely someone will have moved the stones here using an impressive feat of engineering.
The age and size of Stonehenge both make the stone circle one of the most impressive in the UK and make this a must-visit for all history fans.
Warwick Castle
A perfectly preserved medieval castle, this attraction has fun for all the family. Look around the original castle grounds and explore the inner workings of a medieval castle.
This castle has been crafted into a medieval theme park of sorts, with medieval princesses and jousting tournaments happening on the castle grounds.
It is great fun for children, and a great way for the whole family to immerse themselves in medieval life for a day.
Hadrian’s Wall
A 2000-year-old Roman frontier that reaches from coast to coast across the North of England, this sprawling ancient wall is sure to impress. It is the perfect way to combine history and walking.
Follow the wall along it’s countryside walking trains and arrive periodically upon Ancient Roman monuments, including observation towers and forts.
It is now a World Heritage Site, with the most access of any site in Europe.
Spanning the entire width of the UK, it is worth researching different areas along the wall, as each section offers something different.
Roman Baths
Located in Bath, Somerset are a number of ancient Roman baths. These have been perfectly preserved and allow us a true insight into the lives of Romans living in Britain.
Go and visit these grand old monuments, view ancient artefacts, and listen to the audio guide.
The city of Bath itself is very picturesque, the Georgian Architecture accentuated by the use of golden Bath stone.
The city also has a strong literary history, with links to Charles Dickens, Mary Shelley, and Jane Austen. The Jane Austen Museum a great visit for any literature lover.
Check out my post on visiting Bath here.
Shakespeare’s House
Located in historical Stratford-Upon-Avon is the childhood home of William Shakespeare and the home of his wife Anne Hathaway.
You are able to explore both of these properties and learn more about the background old the most famous playwright in history.
The town itself is home to many historical, Tudor-era buildings. You are also able to walk along the River Severn with many scenic views.
Located here is also the Royal Shakespeare Company. This theatre regularly stages Shakespeare’s plays and is one of the most critically acclaimed theatres in the country.
This is a must-see for any literary fan visiting the UK, and the ultimate guide wouldn’t be complete without it.
St. Andrews
St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland is famous for its golf course, with golf fans across the world travelling to play here. However, it is also a must see for anyone with an interest in the royal family, as this is where Prince William met Kate Middleton while at university.
You can go and see the university halls the prince stayed in during his time there, and the pubs he used to frequent. It is a small, pretty town with a rich history.
Highlights include two sandy beaches, the remains of the castle, and the remains of the large medieval cathedral.
At the cathedral ruins, you are able to climb the only remaining tower – St. Rules Tower – and enjoy views that stretch out across the entirety of St. Andrews and beyond.
Check out my post on why you must go to visit St Andrews.
Ultimate Guide: UK Seaside Resorts
Cornwall
Cornwall is on the South Western tip of the UK. It has the mildest weather on the whole island and it is the only county surrounded by the ocean.
This is a perfect destination if you want a British summer holiday, complete with sandy beaches and surfing. St. Ives in particular is popular for its surfing culture. Newquay has some of the loveliest beaches in the whole country.
It is the home of the Cornish pasty and the scone with clotted cream.
There’s plenty of marine wildlife to see, including seals and dolphins, and lots of history too.
Visit Tintagel to see the birthplace of King Arthur, or Penzance to learn about the history of pirates in the UK.
Brighton
Brighton is one of the closest and most popular seaside towns to London, only 1hr 45m on the train.
This is the perfect option if you want to take a day trip to experience Britain’s seaside.
The high street is full of contemporary stores, while the side streets are filled with eccentric independent shops.
Brighton is well known for being liberal, artsy, and diverse. It is also the national hub for LGBTQ+ culture.
Filled with creatives and old hippies, feel free to let your hair down and be your authentic self in Brighton.
Dorset
One of my previous homes, I couldn’t leave Dorset out of my UK ultimate guide. Dorset is home to both seaside resorts such as Bournemouth, and more wild locations along the Jurassic Coast.
Stretches of white cliffside and stretches of sandy beaches make up the coastline.
There are lots of popular locations for fossil hunting, allowing you to dig into Britain’s Jurassic history.
With countryside walks, cathedral cities, and ferry rides across to Brownsea Island, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in this county.
Highlights include Corfe Castle, and Durdle Door – one of the most highly photographed locations in all of the UK.
Check out my post on Dorset here.
Cardigan Bay
Found along the West Coast of Wales, Cardigan Bay is home to many breath-taking cliffside coastal walks, and little Welsh villages.
Most notable though, Cardigan Bay is known for its wildlife. It’s known as the best place for dolphin-watching in the UK, but you can also see seals, porpoises and turtles.
It is also a great place to visit for birdwatchers. There are a wide variety of waterbirds to see, as well as the impressive Red Kite.
Cardigan Bay is also bracketed by a number of islands, including Bardsey Island, Skomer and Ramsey Island. Here you can see puffins and grey seals, making for a unique experience.
If this sounds like your dream trip, check out my post on Cardigan Bay for wildlife watchers here.
Thanks For Reading!
I hope you’ve found some inspiration from my ultimate guide so you can start planning your perfect trip to the UK. I really do believe there’s something for everyone here. With so much on offer, I hope I’ve given you a hand in narrowing things down.
Make sure to leave a comment letting me know which part of the UK sounds the most interesting to you. You can also sign up to the email list to keep updated on my latest posts.
Thank you for reading and ta-ta for now x
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