The UK travel guide

See the Historic Attractions in London

Whether you spend only two days in London or five days, there is an astonishingly high number of historic landmarks you have to see. 

See Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the British Museum, and Trafalgar Square for starters. 

Read Next: Things to Do in London

Visit the Gorgeous Beaches in Cornwall

Out on a limb, geographically speaking, Cornwall is renowned for its beautiful coastline and incredible beaches. Its reputation as a mecca for surfers is well deserved, with a multitude of beaches regularly offering great conditions for beginners and old-hands alike.

There’s more to Cornwall than just beaches, try superbly panoramic coastal walks, explore its rich industrial past and take a stroll in one of a number of breathtaking gardens too. Take a road trip around Cornwall to discover just how fabulous it is.

The town of Newquay is a great place to base yourself for your Cornish adventures.

Read Next: Things to Do in Cornwall

Spend a Weekend in Edinburgh

Let’s not beat around the bush. There’s a lot to enjoy in Edinburgh, making it the perfect weekend break while you’re in the UK. 

Featuring beautiful stone architecture, the city boasts a castle, many museums and galleries and some great food and drink (there are three Michelin starred restaurants).

If you fancy something more adventurous then you could hunt for ghosts, sample the best Scotch Whisky, and climb an extinct volcano.

Read Next: 36 Hours in Edinburgh

Explore the Lake District

Home to England’s largest national park, its highest mountain and its largest and deepest lake, the Lake District is full of superlatives.

Named after the 14 lakes and tarns which characterise its rugged beauty, the Lake District, beloved by romantic poets and writers such as William Wordsworth, is the perfect outdoor destination.

Whether you favour hiking in the Lake District’s unspoiled beauty, indulging in some water sports (or a more relaxed boat trip) on one of the lakes, or simply pottering in one of countless picture postcard villages, the Lake District has it all.

Read Next: Walking in the Lake District 

Discover the University Cities of Oxford and Cambridge

Oxford and Cambridge hold a special place in my heart. I went to university in Oxford and am just as smitten with it today as I was the first time I laid eyes on it as a teenager. 

Head to Oxford for beautiful sandstone architecture and willow tree-fringed river views – it’s an easy day trip from London.

Who could say no to wandering around the famed St. Johns or Trinity Squares of Cambridge?

Read Next: The Best Things to do in Cambridge

Step Back in Time in Canterbury

With more to offer than its famous cathedral and Geoffrey Chaucer, Canterbury is a great day trip from London. This compact, walled city is steeped in history, with a maze of alleyways and streets which wind through medieval buildings.

Lose yourself for a few hours in a world of quirky bookshops, pocket-sized restaurants and more history per square inch than you thought possible. 

Read Next: Day Trips from London

See the Northern Lights in Scotland

Yes, you read that right. Although there is an abundance of reasons you should visit Scotland, a standout is to see the Northern Lights. Easily one of the world’s most famous natural phenomena, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Read Next: Things to do in Scotland

City Break in Bath

England’s most famous spa-town (actually it’s a city), Bath is named after the Roman baths that were built on natural hot-springs in around 60AD.

Pretty much the entire city centre is constructed from beautiful yellow sandstone with Georgian architectural landmarks and museums aplenty.

Beau Nash left his mark in many buildings, most famously The Royal Crescent, The Circus and The Pump Room.

No trip to Bath would be complete without visiting the Roman Baths and whilst you can’t actually take a dip you can sample the very minerally-tasting waters.

Take a Jaunt Around Northern Ireland

Think of Northern Ireland and you probably think big; The Giant’s Causeway, the industrial might of Belfast (the city that built The Titanic) and the Dark Hedges (aka The Kings Road from Game of Thrones).

There is, of course, much more to this region than these headliners; rugged landscapes featuring loughs, mountains, valleys and waterfalls abound for the adventurous.  For something more genteel, then a visit to Hillsborough Castle or Mount Stewart house and gardens is highly recommended.

Northern Ireland has a vibrant, burgeoning foodie scene, independent breweries and distilleries are thriving. Read about a perfect two-day Northern Ireland itinerary here.

Sure, there are many ways to make the most of your United Kingdom travels. Here are some of the best trip itineraries.

Road Trip through The Cotswolds

10 Days

Stonehenge and Bath – The Cotswolds – Chipping Campden – Stratford-upon-Avon – London 

Explore The Cotswolds as you visit some of the UK’s most outstandingly beautiful sights.

Rail around Great Britain

2 Weeks

London – Cardiff  – Liverpool – Windermere – Glasgow – Edinburgh – York – Birmingham

Get your rail tickets and head out exploring the best of Great Britain from London to Wales and Scotland.

Road Trip through the UK

21 Days

London – Bournemouth and The Jurassic Coast – Bath – Bristol – The Cotswolds – Oxford – Warwick – Liverpool – The Lake District – Newcastle – Edinburgh

Get a taste of the best in city life and escape into nature as you hit the road to see the glory of the UK.

Whirlwind Around the UK 

16-18 Days

London – Stonehenge and Bath – The Cotswolds – Cardiff –  Stratford-upon-Avon – Manchester – The Lake District – Edinburgh – York – Cambridge – London 

Road trip through the north and south of England and the capitals of Wales and Scotland.

These are the best-hidden gems for your United Kingdom travel guide.

Walberswick

The tiny village and civil parish of Walberswick is the self-appointed capital of catching crabs (or crabbing), and during August, the annual World Open Championships take place. So visit and test your crabbing skills. 

Luskentyre Beach

A pristine slice of coastal heaven on the coast of Scotland, Luskentyre Beach is idyllic, and its white sands meet turquoise and aquamarine waters is buzzworthy. From here, you can easily visit the island of Taransay, often part of tours from Inverness.

The Broads

Much of the allure of visiting the UK lies outside of its urban city streets, and once you see its largest protected wetlands, you’ll agree. The Broads comprises a network of navigable rivers and lakes between Norfolk and Suffolk. Here you’ll find some of the rarest animals and plants in Britain.

Polperro

A jewel of the Cornish coast, Polperro delivers the promise of a picture-perfect fishing village. Wander through and admire the collection of cottages that cling to the cliffside before you make your way to Talland Bay Beach.

Dishes to try

Fish & Chips – Deep-fried fish in a crispy batter with a side of chips.

Sunday Roast – Roast meat with roasted potatoes and veggies.

Cornish Pasty – Savoury meats and veggies in a shortcrust pastry.

Crumpets – Soft and bouncy risen pancakes.

Drinks to try

Pimms & Lemonade – The quintessential British summer drink, served laden with summer fruit and preferably lots of sun. 

Expect to spend between £135 and £150 / $171 and $190 per day per person in the UK on a mid-range basis. Add £125 / $160 if you’re travelling on a luxury basis.

Average Daily Costs 

• Hotel 
  • Mid-Range between £100 and £150 / $129 and $175
  • Luxury between £150 and £400 / $175 and $480
• Food between £30 and £90 per day / $44 and $114
• Public Transport between £15 and £25 per day / $19 and $31
• Attractions between £20 and £40 / $25 and $51
• Tour prices differ based on your tour selection.

Safety

As you travel the UK, you’ll quickly realise that it’s a very safe destination and the risk of violent crimes is very rare. 

Be aware of pickpocketing around busy high-traffic areas and general tourist scams. If you’re a solo traveller, standard rules apply, and in an emergency, the number to remember is 999.

Health

While you don’t need specific vaccinations when you visit the UK, consult your doctor before your trip to make sure, and stock up on prescription medications. Follow general guidelines, and tap water is safe to drink.

Tipping

You’ll read in most UK travel blogs that tipping is generally voluntary, and this is completely true. Nowadays, the service fee gets included in your bill but you can tip on top of this if you wish. 

Tips for travelling

1. Get a London Go City Pass if you’re planning to go sightseeing in the city.
2. Indulge in classic pub food as often as you can to save money
3. Don’t push or shove when standing in a queue and wait patiently.
4. Respect the difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England. Scotland, England, and Wales are part of Great Britain, while Northern Ireland is not. It’s a country and part of the United Kingdom.
5. Stand on the right for escalators – flout this one at your peril.

How to see the best for free

The best way to plan a trip to the United Kingdom and save a penny is by taking free tours. 

For the outdoorsy, explore the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh or a guided tour of Bath led by a local.

Literary fans can tackle the Potter Trail through Edinburgh or the Tolkien Walk in Birmingham. Sports fanatics should visit the National Football Museum in Manchester or the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

Packing

Packing for your UK trip? Don’t forget…

• A pair of comfortable trainers for when you’re roaming around.
• A suitable daypack that can store all your electronics. 
• This reusable water bottle makes sure you don’t go thirsty.
• A travel umbrella as rain is always around the corner.
• A nifty powerbank to help keep your devices charged.

Travel insurance

You should only plan a trip abroad if you invest in appropriate travel insurance, even if you only travel in the UK, which is a relatively safe destination. 

Covering aspects from emergency medical expenses right down to other unforeseen things such as theft, I choose AXA Travel Insurance to safeguard my trips.

Suggested guidebooks

• Unusual London: A Guide to The City’s Secret Spots
• The Rough Guide to Great Britain
• Lonely Planet Great Britain

Interesting facts

• The world’s first postage stamp comes from England, known as the Penny Black.
• The London Underground is the oldest underground railroad system in the world.
• Queen Elizabeth II was the second-longest reigning monarch in the world.
• The Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square is an annual gift from the Norwegian Government.

Time zone

The UK falls into the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and daylight savings affects summertime. The clock shifts one hour ahead to British Summer Time (BST), and once done, they go back to GMT.

Electricity and adapters

You’ll need a type G power plug in the UK, while the standard voltage is 230V and 50Hz. Consider getting a universal travel adapter to avoid unnecessary hassles.