Your guide to United Kingdom
Top destinations in United Kingdom
Edinburgh
Edinburgh can feel like a beautiful maze of cobblestone streets and 12th-century castles. Spend your days touring whisky distilleries and museums before exploring lochs and highlands.
London
The UK’s capital lives up to the hype. See Roman ruins, soak up world-class art, shop at stylish boutiques, then sit down with a pint and plot your next visit.
Manchester
Northern England’s post-industrial metropolis is one of the UK’s most talked-about travel destinations, with indie shopping, bohemian cafes and a thriving arts scene.
Newquay
England’s surf capital has more than perfect waves. Explore nature and history, feast on fresh seafood and enjoy the nightlife scene in Newquay.
Jersey
This pint-sized island between England and France offers golden sands, green countryside and medieval castles. And don’t miss its world-renowned potatoes.
Northern Ireland
Home to the iconic Giant’s Causeway and the vibrant port city of Belfast, Northern Ireland is where natural beauty mingles with fascinating heritage and culture.
England
From chocolate-box villages to medieval castles, England brims with historical charm. But it looks to the future too, with modern metropolises like London and Manchester.
Scotland
Home to a vast wilderness of rugged mountains and crystal-clear lochs, Scotland is an outdoor playground. Discover its cultural pulse in cool cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Wales
Whether you’re scaling legendary peaks, admiring Gothic ruins, hiking in the countryside or exploring quaint seaside towns, Wales promises an unforgettable adventure.
United Kingdom: fast facts
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | British pound (pound sterling) (£) |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (GMT) and UTC+1 (BST) |
United Kingdom highlights
Take a walk
One of the best things to do in the UK is to explore the country on a walking adventure. Tackle sections of the 1,014-kilometer South West Coast Path between Somerset and Dorset. Or take in the Cotswolds’ chocolate-box villages and the city of Bath along the Cotswold Way. For a challenging climb, trek up the Lake District’s Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.
Visit ancient landmarks
Discover some of the UK’s earliest history with a visit to Stonehenge in Wiltshire, the country’s most famous and mysterious prehistoric site. Not far from Stonehenge, you’ll find Bath, named for its Roman baths built in the first century AD. For more Roman history, travel to Northumberland and Cumbria to see the remains of Hadrian’s Wall.
Hit the pub
Pub culture is more than just going to a bar — it’s an important part of everyday British life. Visiting the UK over the weekend? Head to a pub for a pint and a traditional Sunday roast of meat with gravy and vegetables. If you’re travelling as a family, children are usually allowed in pubs before 9pm with adult supervision.
Things to do in United Kingdom
Top attractions
Watch the changing of the guard outside Buckingham Palace, the British monarch’s official London residence. And take in sweeping city views from Edinburgh Castle, perched on an ancient volcanic rock. Prehistoric Stonehenge continues to be one of the world’s great mysteries. Visit at sunrise or sunset to see the ancient megalithic circle bathed in golden light.
Beaches
The UK’s coastline is lined with beautiful beaches, from Cornwall up to the Isles of Scilly. Families love the beaches in Kent, like Margate’s Main Sands and Broadstairs’ Viking Bay. And Wales’ Aberfforest Beach is known for its dolphin and seal sightings. Here to surf? Try Whiterocks in Portrush, Northern Ireland, or Woolacombe in Devon.
Nature
There’s a treasure trove of natural wonders to explore in the UK. Marvel at the Durdle Door arch on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, or discover the cliffs and show caves around Somerset’s Cheddar Gorge. Outside of England, the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is one of the UK’s most famous natural sites, as is the Scottish Highlands’ iconic Loch Ness.
Culture and museums
Whether you’re after art, history, science or pop culture, there’s no shortage of museums in the UK. London’s V&A and the Tate Modern boast some of the country’s best art. And the British Museum’s vast collection spans over two million years of culture and history. Music lover? Check out the Liverpool Beatles Museum, or take a music-themed walking tour of Manchester.
Cuisine
The restaurants in the UK sometimes get a bad rap. Yes, you’ll find haggis and black pudding on menus, but British food isn’t all offal. Head to Scarborough and Whitby for freshly battered fish and chips. And eat some of the best curries outside of Asia in Birmingham and Bradford. Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Nothing beats a scone with jam and clotted cream.
Family friendly
Watch history come to life on a tour of the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels and the famous Bloody Tower. LEGOLAND Windsor theme park gives you all the building blocks you need for a fun day out with the whole family. Travelling with an animal lover? Spot puffins on Skomer Island off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales.
Find the best time to visit United Kingdom
Weather in United Kingdom
March – May: Spring brings mild temperatures and a mix of sunshine, showers and chilly breezes. Pack layers and an umbrella for the unpredictable weather.
June – August: UK summers are generally warm and sunny, but the odd rain shower or thunderstorm isn’t uncommon. Heatwaves have become more frequent, especially in London, with temperatures often pushing 30°C.
September – November: Expect cooler temperatures and more rain towards the end of the season. It’s the perfect time for cosy pubs and spotting autumnal foliage in the New Forest National Park — just don’t forget your waterproofs.
December – February: Winters are cold, damp and overcast, though snow is rare outside the northern regions. Beat the winter blues by visiting Edinburgh for Hogmanay, Scotland’s famous New Year celebration.
Events in United Kingdom
Glastonbury Festival (June): This world-renowned music and performing arts festival in Somerset features musical acts, theatre, comedy and circus performances. Past headliners include David Bowie, Beyoncé and Dolly Parton.
Wimbledon (June and July): Cheer on top athletes at the world’s oldest tennis tournament. Can’t score tickets? You’ll find a lively atmosphere around the grounds and in pubs televising the matches.
Notting Hill Carnival (August): This celebration of Caribbean culture sees crowds flocking to West London for Europe’s biggest street festival. Expect parades, costumed performers and food stalls selling everything from jerk chicken to curry goat.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August): Head to the Scottish capital for the world’s largest arts festival. Stages across the city host comedy, theatre and musical performances.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Brits may be fluent in sarcasm, but beneath the dry humour lies a deep respect for politeness, humility and subtlety. Queuing is almost treated like a national sport, so join the line politely and wait your turn. Taking the London Underground? Always stand on the right side of the escalator and let people off the train before boarding.
Health and safety
There aren’t any UK-specific immunisation requirements, but it’s a good idea to be up to date with routine vaccinations. The weather is famously temperamental and can change quickly. Bring appropriate clothing and gear when hiking and walking in remote areas. Air conditioning is a rarity nationwide. If you’re visiting during a summer heatwave, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
LGBTQ+ travel
The UK is generally a safe destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, backed by thriving queer communities in cities like London, Brighton, Manchester and Edinburgh. Head to Soho in London or Kemptown in Brighton for some of the best gay bars and clubs. Visiting in summer? Time your stay with London’s Pride celebrations, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Budget
An affordable time in the UK is possible with some careful budgeting. London is more expensive than other UK cities, but in general, you’ll spend about 15 British pounds (£) on an inexpensive meal and less than £5 on a local beer. A short taxi ride is around £6, but public transport is usually cheaper.
Getting around United Kingdom
Public transport
Buses: National Express and Megabus offer affordable and convenient long-distance routes between major towns and cities, including London, Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh. Individual regions also have local bus services operated by private companies.
Trains: A vast network of reliable trains covers the UK’s major cities and towns. Prices can be steep, so book tickets in advance to get the best deals. Planning multiple train journeys through Great Britain? Consider buying a multi-day BritRail Pass for unlimited travel on most National Rail services.
Boats: Ferries link the mainland with islands like the Isle of Wight, the Channel Islands, Scotland’s archipelagos and across the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers provides quick transportation along the River Thames, connecting key landmarks in London.
Domestic flights
Carriers like British Airways, easyJet and Loganair offer quick alternatives to long train journeys on cross-country routes like London to Belfast and Edinburgh to Newquay.
Driving
Hiring a car gives you the most flexibility to explore remote parts of the country. Be prepared for regular traffic jams and parking fees. Remember to drive on the left and take extra care on narrow country lanes.
