United Kingdom
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Meet Travel Lemming’s UK creators Brooke Horrobin, Louise Wylie, Ruthie Walters, and Alex Brotherton. Between London, Glasgow, Manchester, and Cardiff, Wales, our UK writers love exploring the country and have created dozens of travel guides to help you plan your dream trip!
Why We Love the UK: It’s undeniable – the United Kingdom has more scenery, culture, history, and travel opportunities than one could ever imagine. With over 50 cities, expansive countryside, castles, and cute small towns, it’s a great place to explore unique culture and history, regardless of your travel style. The UK is also home to a ton of coastal destinations equipped with delicious seafood, seaside shops, and beaches. There is so much to see and explore within the UK, and you’ll get a completely different experience everywhere you go.
Best of UK
🏙️ Destinations
From quaint countryside escapes to dreamy coastal towns, the UK is filled with destinations that are full of character. Some of the top places in the UK to visit include:
- London, England – The most popular place to visit in the UK, and the first stop for most visitors.
- Cambridge, England – One of the most prestigious and gorgeous places in the UK, you’ll want to tour Cambridge, whether by foot or punt.
- Brighton, England – Characterized by the iconic pier, rock beach, and colorful streets, Brighton is one of the top day trips from London.
- The Cotswolds, England – If you’re seeking a countryside escape that looks like you’re stepping into a fairytale, look no further than the Cotswolds.
- Margate, Kent, England – Filled with adorable independent shops, restaurants, and a nice sandy beach, add Margate to your UK travel list!
- Snowdonia National Park, Wales – Offering stunning views where you can see Ireland, Wales’ largest national park offers some of the best hikes in the UK.
🌆 Cities
The UK is home to several of the world’s most unique cities. Each of the top cities in the UK has something special to offer and has a completely different vibe.
- London, England – The UK’s capital city and global metropolis. Endless fun things to do like sightseeing, hitting the pub, or attending a world-renowned event.
- Edinburgh, Scotland – Historic and hilly, Scotland’s capital is filled with gothic neoclassical architecture, traditions, and whisky.
- Belfast, Northern Ireland – Northern Ireland’s capital and birthplace of the Titanic, with a visitor experience where you can learn about the sunken ocean liner.
- Manchester, England – The third biggest city in Britain, this vibrant city in the northwest of England is known for its nightlife and two famous football teams.
- Cardiff, Wales – The capital of Wales, and a great place to explore a castle or go white water rafting.
- Glasgow, Scotland – The largest city in Scotland, and a hub for cultural activities and friendly pubs.
✨ Things to Do
From coastal beaches and cliffs to mountains, world-class sporting events, and vibrant city life, the UK has it all.
- Wimbledon – The world’s most iconic tennis event filled with strawberries and cream, Pimms, and intense matches. A great spot to go with friends.
- Royal Ascot – Horse racing is a famous event in the UK and a great opportunity to get dressed up! Place your stakes and you could walk away a winner.
- National parks – One of the best things about the UK is its abundance of natural beauty, which you can see at the several different national parks.
- Tour historic castles – Explore the history of the UK with castles and medieval architecture, each equipped with a unique flair and story.
- Day trip to a seaside town – The UK is full of charming seaside towns that are sure to give you a relaxing, beachy escape.
🛎️ Best Hotels
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Whether you reach the UK by plane, train, or car, there’s nothing like settling into a relaxing and idyllic hotel. These are some of the UK’s most unique hotels:
- Grantley Hall – This historic 5-star hotel and spa near Ripon Castle in North Yorkshire is a country escape that will make you feel like royalty with its aesthetic interiors.
- Zetter Townhouse – 3 charming boutique hotels in the heart of London. Get the feeling of an exclusive residence plus incredible cocktails and artistic accents.
- Portmeirion Village & Castell Deudraeth – This 1925 castle hotel in North Wales will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale, equipped with 11 rooms and suites overlooking an early Victorian walled garden.
- Fonab Castle Hotel – Treat yourself to a relaxing 5-star castle and spa with a view after doing a legendary road trip around the Scottish highlands.
- Watergate Bay Hotel – Styled with an impressive interior design and situated on the edge of one of Cornwall’s best surf spots, this urban playground is fantastic for a beachy adventure.
🚗 Best Road Trips
Grab your friends, throw on a great playlist, and indulge in snacks en route to an awesome UK destination on one of these road trips:
- Giant’s Causeway – A UNESCO world heritage site in Northern Ireland, this must-see spot is characterized by over 40,000 black basalt columns rising from the sea.
- Yorkshire – England’s largest historical county, Yorkshire is a great spot for a road trip to learn all about history and architecture in the UK.
- Norfolk Coast – This beachy destination contains 90 miles of coastline, and offers everything from beaches to cliffs, making it a great summer escape.
- Peak District National Park – Drive 3 hours from London to reach this national park and pass winding roads overlooking vast green valleys.
- North Coast 500, Scotland – This scenic route around Scotland’s north coast stretches for 516 miles and begins and ends at Inverness Castle.
⛱️ Best Beach Destinations
Weather permitting, the UK is filled with a variety of quaint coastal towns and packed promenades. Be sure to get your fill of fresh seafood and water sports at any of these spots.
- Durdle Door, Dorset, England – This Jurassic Coast spot is most recognized by its majestic limestone arch. It was England’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Southwold, England – This cute coastal town in the county of Suffolk is worth a visit for its colorful bathing boxes and some of the best fish and chips in existence.
- Newquay, Cornwall, England – This breathtaking spot on the north coast is the go-to destination for catching a wave in the UK.
- Isle of Wight, England – Enjoy beautiful beaches and year-round activities like walking and cycling paths, cottage escapes, and excellent spots for stargazing.
- Tenby, Wales – Known to be the most popular seaside town in Wales, this prehistoric fishing village will bring an extra splash of character to your beachy holiday.
⛰️ Best Hikes
Despite not being a top European hiking destination, you will indeed be surprised by the UK’s national parks, cliffs, and views found within the country.
- Arthur’s Seat, Scotland – A simple and rewarding hike right in the heart of Edinburgh, the views from the top are sure to amaze you.
- Mount Snowdon, Wales – This mountain in Wales contains six walking routes that will get you to the summit, reaching the highest point in the country.
- Lake District National Park, England – Located in Cumbria, The Lake District is England’s largest national park and a popular destination for hiking lovers.
- Isle of Skye, Scotland – Skye is 50 miles long and is known for its breathtaking landscape of lochs, mountains, and medieval castles
- Seven Sisters Cliffs, England – A hike disguised as a coastal walk along a wall of chalk sea cliffs, you’ll be greeted by wildlife along your adventure.
🖼️ Best Museums
You are practically guaranteed to find a UK museum or gallery that interests you, whether your passion lies in history, arts and culture, fashion, or something else entirely.
- The Tate Modern – This London modern art museum along the Southbank features contemporary prints, thought-provoking statement pieces, and more.
- Titanic Belfast – This museum in Belfast, Northern Ireland has become a world-renowned attraction diving into the history of the sunken ship.
- The British Museum – This London museum contains one of the largest collections in the world (over 8 million works) and has something for everyone.
- Natural History Museum – This scientific museum in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea boasts extensive collections ranging from dinosaurs to volcanoes.
- National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh – This diverse award-winning museum in Scotland’s capital features unique exhibits and events about anatomy, geometry, design, and much more.
🍽️ Best Restaurants
The UK is not short on offering up some of the best dining spots in the world. Several restaurants across the country have earned Michelin Stars for their culinary excellence.
- Number One, The Balmoral – This fine dining restaurant in the luxury Balmoral hotel, offers artistic dishes and a multi-course tasting menu with some of Scotland’s best seafood, meat, and produce.
- Manteca – A cozy pasta joint in East London and a great date spot or place to dine with friends. It also boasts an in-house salumeria.
- The Muddlers Club Restaurant – This Michelin Star industrial-chic restaurant in the historic Cathedral Quarter of Belfast features wine-paired tasting menus.
- Ynyshir – This 2 Michelin Star Welsh dining institution will satisfy your palate and provide an immersive experience.
- Moor Hall – This award-winning restaurant has 2 Michelin Stars. Menus by the head chef are produce-focused and inspired by the surroundings of the restaurant.
UK Travel Advice
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
The UK has something exciting to offer any time of the year and it is best to plan your visit accordingly to ensure you’re able to partake in that season’s activities.
- 🍂 Fall – Fall in the UK is very cozy, making it arguably the best season to visit. Temperatures don’t get that cold and the parks look extra pretty this time of year.
- 🌞 Summer – The UK comes to life in the summer with warm and sunny weather. The climate has a reputation for being damp, but there are often a few nice weeks to soak up the sun.
- 🌼 Spring – Around mid to late April, the cherry blossoms come out, brightening up the city and welcoming warmer weather. Just make sure you have an umbrella for those April showers.
- ❄️ Winter – Although winter is the least popular season, the UK is still fantastic, as the temperatures are relatively mild and Christmas markets make the country an enchanting place to be.
⚠️ Safety
The UK tends to be quite a safe country, and the strict gun laws mean that gun crime is very low in relation to other parts of the world. Safety in the country can vary based on what region you’re in. That being said, the level of security is very high, making even metropolitan areas a place visitors can feel safe traveling. It is best to always be aware of your surroundings and travel in numbers if possible.
🚌 Getting In & Around
There are many ways to tour around the UK, so what you choose is really up to your preferred style of transport. If you’re in a city, you may want to go by foot or bike, whereas the countryside may be more suited for a scenic drive amongst the many winding roads surrounded by nature.
- ✈️ Airports – There are 10 major airports in the UK, plus a few smaller ones. These are sprinkled throughout the main regions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- 🚗 Driving – Road tripping can be a great way to see the UK and offers convenience! Car rentals are affordable, and I would recommend booking in advance.
- 🚇 Public Transit – The public transit system in the UK is one of the best in the world, especially in London where it is well-connected.
- 📲 Ride Share – Uber can be a bit pricey in the UK but is worth it when traveling to destinations that require multiple modes of transport. Bolt sometimes offers cheaper rides.
- 🚴♀️ Biking – Travelling by bike is a great way to explore the vast landscapes of the UK, especially in the countryside regions.
- 🛴 Scooters – Electric scooters are available in bigger metropolitan areas and are a great way to do self-guided tours.
- 🚶♀️ Walking – I highly recommend walking around the area of the UK you’re visiting so you can truly take in the history and culture, while also getting your steps in!
👉 Tips & Things to Know
- 🚙 – UK Drives on the Left Side of the Car – One of the few countries in the world to do this, the UK drives on the right side of the car and left side of the road.
- 🍷 – The Drinking Age is 18 – In the UK, you must be 18 years or older to consume and purchase alcohol, regardless of which region you’re in.
- 💰 – The Local Currency is the Great British Pound (GBP) – It’s best to check exchange rates before you travel to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Currently, the pound is worth $1.27 USD (subject to change).
- 🚆- You Can Visit Other European Countries By Train – From London, you can take the Eurostar train to Lille and Paris France, Brussels Belgium, and Amsterdam Netherlands, making these countries even more accessible to visitors.
- 🍎 – Groceries Are Cheap – Groceries tend to be cheaper in the UK than in North America. I recommend picking up groceries if you’re staying longer or if your accommodations have a kitchen. You’ll also come across unique treats.
🧳 What to Pack
- 🔌 UK Travel Adaptor – Don’t forget to bring an adapter for your trip to ensure you can plug in your electronic devices safely. Note that the UK uses different outlets than the rest of Europe.
- 🌂 Umbrella – Due to the damp climate of the nation, an umbrella is highly recommended to have in your bag at all times, to be prepared.
- 🌧️ Rain Jacket – In addition to the above, packing a rain jacket or wellies surely doesn’t hurt and will ensure you stay dry while touring around the UK.
- 👖 Mixture of Clothing – UK weather is generally mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°F. There can sometimes be an overlap in seasons so pack a mixture of clothing items.
- 📝 Travel Visa – Some countries will require a temporary travel visa to enter the UK. Visit the UK government website for further guidance on entry requirements.
🤓 Facts & Info
- Population (2024) – 69.23 million
- Capital – London
- Largest Metro Areas – London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff
- Time Zone – Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), British Summer Time (GMT+1) during daylight savings
- Airports – London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW), London City Airport (LCY), London Stansted Airport (STN), London Luton Airport (LTN), Belfast International Airport (BFS), Cardiff International Airport (CWL), Edinburgh Airport (EDI), Glasgow International Airport (GLA), Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ)
- Colleges & Universities – Cambridge, Oxford, London School of Economics, University College London, The University of Edinburgh, Cardiff University, University of St Andrews, Queen’s University Belfast
- Nickname – Old Blighty
- Demonym – Brit
- USPS Abbreviation – GB
- Prime Minister – Keir Starmer
💵 Costs & Budgeting
- 3-Star Hotel Room – Approx. £290
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Rental – £200
- Rental Car – from £180 / week
- Public Transit Ticket – ~£9 daily cap (£20 to airport from center)
- Take Out Meal for Two – £50
- Sit Down Dinner for Two – £70
- Draft Beer – £6
FAQs
Is the UK safe for tourists?
The UK is generally a safe country due to the level of security in larger metropolitan areas and the low crime rates. That being said, it’s always good to prepare and be aware of your surroundings at all times when traveling, especially if you are solo.
Do you need a Covid test to enter the UK?
You do not need a Covid test to enter the UK, nor do you need to complete a form before traveling or a quarantine upon arrival. These rules that previously existed during the height of the pandemic have now been waived.
Will I need cash or can I use a card?
Many places in the UK take cards, however, it is good to have some cash on you, particularly for smaller areas that may not accept cards.
How long can I stay as a visitor?
You are allowed to stay up to a maximum of 6 months per visit to the UK. You will not be able to stay any longer than 6 months at a time without a proper visa.
Is the UK expensive?
Unfortunately with inflation rates and the pound being worth slightly more than the US dollar, the UK can be quite an expensive place. That being said, if you’re staying in a non-metropolitan area, the prices tend to be significantly lower than in the major cities.
Meet Our United Kingdom Travel Expert
Brooke Horrobin
Brooke Horrobin is a London, UK-based freelance travel writer who originates from Ontario, Canada. She has a passion for travel, so much so that she decided to move her life to the UK in 2020 to take on new adventures. She loves giving recommendations, and her time in London so far has inspired her to share her favorite activities, places and culture with others.
Louise Wylie
Louise Wylie is a freelance writer from Glasgow, Scotland. Her love of travel led her to live in Cartagena, Spain, and enjoy the Mediterranean way of life. When not ticking off bucket items around continental Europe, Louise is attempting to explore all the highlights of Scotland and eat the best vegetarian food on offer. She never travels with fewer than two books on hand and loves to swim outdoors wherever she can.
Ruthie Walters
Ruthie Walters is a freelance writer from Cardiff. She is passionate about sharing travel tips for Wales and is always excited to discover new Welsh destinations. When not exploring her home nation, she can be found in far-flung corners of Europe, or farther afield. Ruthie has a background in languages, communications and campaigning. She’s now pursuing her love of writing and writes about travel and other topics on her site Thought Bubbles.
Alex Brotherton
Alex Brotherton is a sports and travel writer from Manchester, United Kingdom. His first travel experiences were summer vacations as a kid with his family, and now he’s always eager to experience new places, cultures and cuisines. When he’s not writing about why his hometown of Manchester is better than London, he’s watching and writing about soccer, trying out new local food spots or enjoying a pint in one of Manchester’s historical pubs.
📰 UK Travel Guides
Check out our guides for London to plan where you want to stay, eat, drink, and explore on your visit to the Big Smoke.
- 36 Cafes in London You Should Try (According to a Local)
- A Local’s Favorite Pubs in London
- 23 Bars in London You Should Try, According to a Local
- Is Cardiff Safe for Travel? (Practical Advice from a Local)
- 19 Scotland Travel Tips to Know Before You Go (By a Local)
- My Favourite Neighbourhoods in Cardiff
- Glasgow on a Budget – How to Eat, Stay, & Do It Cheaply (By a Local)
- 4 Day Edinburgh Itinerary (Planned By a Local, With a Map)
- Where to Stay in Cardiff (Best Places, by an Area Local)
- 23 Best Places to Visit in Wales (By a Local)
- The 22 Restaurants in Cardiff I Recommend Most (As a Local)
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- 21 Cool Things to Do in Shoreditch
- 32 Fun London Date Ideas (By a Local)
- How to Visit London on a Budget (A Local’s Guide)
- This is What to Pack for London (28 Things You Might Forget)
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- Edinburgh on a Budget – How to Eat, Stay, & Do It Cheaply
- 59 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh (By a Local)
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- The Best Time to Visit Cardiff (A Local’s Guide)
- A Local’s Favorite Museums in Wales
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- 48 Best Things to Do in London (By a Local)
- 33 Essential Things to Do in Cardiff (By a Local)
- A Glasgow Local’s Suggested Day Trips
- Where to Stay in Glasgow (Best Places, by a Local)
- 29 Things to Do in Wales – A Local’s List
- Where to Stay in Scotland (A Local’s Guide)
- A Local’s Perfect 3 Day Glasgow Itinerary
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- Your Guide to Where to Stay in Wales (By a Local)
- My 28 Favorite Restaurants in Glasgow (As a Local)
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- A Local’s 7 Day Itinerary for Wales
- The 21 Best Places to Visit in Scotland (By a Local)
- 23 Museums in London to Visit, According to a Local
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- Where to Stay in Manchester (According to an Area Local)
- Manchester Neighbourhoods – A Local’s Guide
- The 17 Markets in London I Think You Should Visit
- A London Itinerary By a Local (5 Days Perfectly Planned)
- The Best Time to Visit London (By a Local)
- A Local’s Guide to Exploring the Cities of Wales
- These are the London foods & dishes you must try
- My Favorite Parks in London
- My Favorite Day Trips from Cardiff as a Local