UK Travel Tips

UK TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENTS

At a Glance | Trip Planning | Things to Do | What to Eat | Places to Stay | Latest

Land of hope and glory, the United Kingdom is a country misunderstood by many. More than simply England, a unique cultural blend of English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish bathes the land in spirit and excitement.

From the bustle of the streets of London to the silence of the valleys of Snowdonia, the UK is full of adventure. Enjoy the brisk weather and bracing winds as you traverse the mountains of the Scottish Highlands or the Lake District before enjoying a craft ale next to a fireplace in a quaint English village.

Soak up the culture of major historical cities like Edinburgh and Belfast or meccas of music culture like Manchester or Liverpool. Never far from a coastline, enjoy the wonderful wild terrains often written about in novels and get active in the waters surfing in the Gower or sailing in the Solent.

UK Quick Information

Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP)

Electricity Socket: 230V AC electricity. Power outlets are usually three rectangular prongs. To avoid having to purchase new adaptors everywhere you go, be sure to pack a universal travel adaptor with you so you can still use all your electronic gadgets.

Visa: When traveling to the UK, a visa is generally not required for stays of up to six months. This applies to all EU citizens and citizens from non-EU member states of the EEA and OCT. Most Asian citizens will have to apply for a visa ahead of time and can stay in the country for six months maximum.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check your visa validity beforehand. If you’re planning to stay longer than the six months, you will need to apply for a study, work, or another visa.

Safety: The UK is a very safe country to travel to. With a relatively low violent crime rate and lower petty theft rate than a lot of the other main European cities, the same advice is given to tourists: to just be aware of your surroundings and extra vigilant in crowds where pickpockets are more prevalent.

One factor that could be considered a risk to tourists is traffic. As people in the UK drive on the left side of the road, tourists often forget to cross safely so are more prone to road accidents. No matter how safe a place is, we always recommend travellers to get travel insurance. We recommend going with Safety Wing due to their extensive coverage.

Language: With English being the main language spoken in the entirety of the UK, tourists shouldn’t have any issues with communicating wherever they travel in the country.

The only thing to bear in mind is that the UK has a diverse range of accents which can make understanding everything a little trick! Areas with strong accents, in particular, are Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Liverpool and the West Country.

UK Trip Planning

Best Time to Go

You can visit the UK at any time of the year but avoiding the wet and cold months makes for a better experience (unless you’re a winter sports enthusiast!). The best time to go is from May to September (All of the UK is in summer).

In a nutshell, the weather in the UK can be broken down into three parts:

• Cold and rainy (Dec-Feb)
• Cool with a mix of sun and rain (April–May, mid Sep-Oct)
• Hot and sunny (Jun-Aug)

However, coming from someone who grew up there, even during the summer months, you can expect rain!

Rough Budget for the UK

The UK isn’t one of the cheapest European countries to travel around but it is possible to budget for as low as £80 ($97) per day, providing that you stay in a hostel, self-cater for the majority of the time, and use public transport. You will find that accommodation and transport will take a chunk out of your budget so plan accordingly and prioritize!

For a guide to different types of travel, here is a rough break down of costs:

What to Pack for Traveling the UK

Like the rest of Europe, you will need a variety of clothes to suit all weather conditions when you visit the UK. No matter the season, make sure to pack a few of both types of clothing to be prepared for both rain and sun, and always pack things that you can layer if you’re cold.

For a complete guide on what to pack for Europe, check out our full article.

Best Things to Do in the UK

Explore Vibrant London

The bustling capital city has to be at the top of your list of things to do in the UK, even if your budget has to stretch for it! With a plethora of history and culture all wrapped up in this beguiling place, you could spend days wandering the streets, discovering the local markets and parks, and absorbing the life of the city by visiting the famous museums.

While you’re here, don’t forget to see the ceremonial changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, visit the Tower of London, and check out one of the many local pubs for a cold pint of beer and a delicious British meal.

For the best things to do in the city, see our London City Break Guide! If you fancy doing a few adventurous things while you’re in the capital city, why not try ice climbing, stand up paddling, or going on a speedboat ride down the River Thames.

Get Your Fill of the Scottish Culture

You can’t get a proper idea of the melting pot of British cultures without visiting Scotland.

The UK’s most northernmost country, Scotland is full of natural beauty from its impressive glacial glens (valleys) to its bewildering lochs (lakes), home to ancient castles, the highest UK peak (Ben Nevis) and mythical monsters. As well as the stunning Scottish Highlands, Scotland also boasts two major cities: medieval Edinburgh and cultural Glasgow.

One of our favorite things to do in the area was when we rented a campervan and drove down the Northcoast 500.

Challenge Yourself in Snowdonia

Impressive Snowdonia National Park is a diverse region in Wales, home to glacial landforms and Wales’s highest mountain: Mount Snowdon.

Offering breathtaking views of Wales and across the sea to Ireland, this challenging mountain lures in many hiking enthusiasts year after year. With an extensive network of trails, stunning nature, and the longest zip line in Europe and the fastest in the world, is there any wonder why this is a top attraction while in the UK?

The outdoor activities in Wales are some of the best in the UK, so why not check it out?

Get Active in The Lake District

For outdoor enthusiasts, the beautiful Lake District is not to be missed. Located in northern England, this stunning destination is the perfect place for hiking the mountains, cycling through the forest or sailing on the lakes. Although crowded during the summer, the weather makes for a truly magical visit.

Travel Around Charming Towns in England

England is a place that is full of charming and quaint places.

From the rolling hills and small fishing towns of Cornwall to the bustling port cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, you can be sure that you will soak in all the best aspects of British culture whilst also enjoying some of the best views.

Other recommended places to add to your itinerary would be a visit to the many castles in Dorset and the chilled Isle of Wight in the South, which offers stunning nature and some of the best foods in the country.

The Cotswolds is another must visit while in the UK. Here are a few of our best guides.

• Things to do in Bourton on the Water
• Best Afternoon Tea in the Cotswolds

Discover the Beauty of Wales

While there are plenty of places to visit in Wales, an under-appreciated region is the Gower , which is definitely a hidden jewel just waiting to be discovered.

With some truly amazing surf surrounded by beautiful rolling sand dunes and hills, this place is an adventurer’s paradise. A perfect location for enjoying the quiet and quaint Welsh countryside, the Gower also isn’t far from the up and coming coastal city of Swansea.

Apart from that, check out our other guides around Wales:

• Things to do in South Wales
• Things to do in New Quay
• Best Beaches in Tenby
• Best Campsites in Tenby
• Best things to do in Tenby

Festivals and Celebrations

England is known for its festivals, so if you can plan your travels around some of the biggest such as the Glastonbury Festival, then you’ll be in for a treat! If you love music whilst drinking beer and traipsing around a muddy field in your wellies, then you need to experience a true British festival in all its glory.

Travel Must: We love renting cars whenever we travel — it just gives you so much freedom to explore at your own pace. Click here to compare car rental prices. You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is!

What to Eat in the UK

Due to the temperamental (and often cold!) weather in the UK, the food reflects what the British people want in those times: warm, comforting, and hearty grub! Bringing a whole new meaning to comfort eating, these classic dishes have now become increasingly popular and are widely eaten throughout the whole of the country.

To get your hands and taste buds on some of the best, here are a few traditional dishes you need to try:

Fish and Chips

The most popular British meal and a staple diet for a Friday night is the much-loved fish and chips! You will find this delicious dish in almost every pub and restaurant and, of course, fish and chip shop, so don’t leave without trying it with a lot of salt and vinegar.

Roast Dinner

A long-standing tradition for a Sunday is the classic roast dinner. Also known as Sunday Dinner or Sunday Roast, you will see this in every pub and restaurant on a Sunday for those people who want to venture out for their hearty fix. With a plate full of meat, stacked with vegetables and potatoes, and smothered in gravy, you can be sure that you will never forget your first and it won’t be your last.

Full English Breakfast

Yes, the warmth and heartiness begins at breakfast too! Wherever you are in the UK, imagine your plate piled with greasy goodness comprised of sausages, eggs, beans, toast, hash browns, tomatoes and more!

Steak and Ale Pie

Another British favorite is the belly-warming steak and ale pie. With a crispy and flaky exterior packed full of meat, cheese, and Guinness, this generous dish is the food equivalent of a cozy blanket and a roaring fireplace.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Apparently invented in Glasgow, this creamy Indian dish is always packed with flavor and served with a savory rice and herby naan bread. You can find this in every Indian and every pub and you can be sure it will be amazing!

Bangers and Mash

There is nothing like a ‘stodgy’ meal like sausages and creamy mash to warm your insides and give you that truly satisfied smile! Although one of the simplest meals to make, you won’t be disappointed with this dish whether at a pub or at a local’s home. In fact, you will definitely be going up for seconds!

Places to Stay in The UK

Accommodation can be quite expensive in the UK, especially if it’s last minute, but there are plenty of options to choose from. From couch surfing and camping all over to hostels, BnBs, hotels and Airbnbs, you will always be able to find a place to stay whether in the city or countryside.

Talking about the countryside, if you’re heading to the Lake District (and we highly recommend that you do!), make sure to check out The Lakeland Cottage Company which offers stunning holiday cottages that will make your trip worthwhile.

If you’re traveling during peak season or holidays, it is best to book your accommodations in advance. We recommend checking sites like Booking.com and Agoda.

For those heading to London, make sure you check out our guide on where to stay in London.