United Kingdom
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all claim to be different and distinct. Taken as a whole, the United Kingdom boasts more heritage per square mile than any other nation, tracts of stunningly beautiful countryside, a coastline to die for, and some of the most vibrant, multicultural cities on the planet.
London is typically the starting point for many travellers, and there is plenty to see and do here for weeks. The Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral are must-see attractions. Madame Tussauds also draws large crowds, although the reason for its popularity may not be immediately apparent
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The city of Bath is the second most visited city in the UK. It is a peaceful city made of quarried stone, providing a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the capital. The city is also much smaller in size, making it easily navigable on foot. When it comes to choosing among the UK's attractions, it can be a tough decision. The city of Oxford, which is easily accessible from London, is more than just home to its renowned university. It is a beautiful city known for its golden stone buildings. Similarly, Cambridge also has its own unique charm with its granite architecture, best explored by bicycle as it's situated on a plain.
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Head west to Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall for stunning coastal views. Travel into Wales for a more secluded experience. Visitors often overlook the cities in Wales, as the country is better known for its untamed and beautiful interior and undeveloped coast. The White Cliffs of Dover are best viewed from the sea, and Kent is renowned as 'the garden of England' for good reason: its picturesque villages and rolling countryside are meticulously maintained.
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Heading north, the countryside opens into meadows dotted with villages, castles, and stately homes. The Lake District, immortalized in poetry over the centuries, lives up to its picturesque image. You can escape the crowds by embarking on a challenging hike. Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is dominated by the castle at its heart. Every summer, it comes to life for its world-famous comedy festival.
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Northern Ireland is centered around bustling Belfast and is also home to numerous castles and the impressive hexagonal stone columns of the Giant’s Causeway. Of course, there is so much more to explore in this amazing destination. The best way to decide which places to visit is to experience it for yourself. Start packing!
When to go
Summer (late June-September) brings the warmest weather and least rain – though clouds can appear at any time. Through the summer holidays crowds at popular attractions are largest and accommodation booked out. Travel between late May and mid-July, or again in September and the crowds will have eased.
Spring (March-May) brings flowers and showers, while autumn (late September-November) sees beautiful red and golden tree foliage and soft lighting. Winter is cold and usually damp; there’s some skiing in Scotland but nothing to match Europe’s ski resorts.
Forget Winter. There’s not much to recommend the UK in winter. Daylight hours are too short to enjoy outdoor sights and the weather can be foul. Don’t expect to share in the country’s most celebrated festival, Christmas: it’s very much a family affair and everything shuts
International airports
Heathrow Airport (LHR) is 24km west of central London.
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is 48km south of central London.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is 13km west of the city centre.
Travelling around
Domestic flights with various airlines link major cities. Most large cities have airports, many offering international flights to Europe and further afield.
The UK’s rail service is extensive, with regular trains run by numerous private operators serving most parts of the country; it is, though, expensive – especially when booked on the day of travel. Save money by booking well in advance. Timetables are online at nationalrail.
Comfortable coaches, notably those operated by National Express, cover most of the country; they’re cheaper but slower than trains.
Car hire and fuel are both pricey, though self-drive is the only way to reach some remote areas. Some outlying islands are reached by ferry or helicopter.
If you're in London for more than a day or two, consider getting an Oyster travel card for significant savings on underground (subway), bus, and train fares in the capital.
Accommodation
The United Kingdom offers various accommodation options including campsites, budget hostels, B&Bs, guesthouses, and boutique and top-end hotels. Camping is primarily suitable for the summer season as many campsites close between October and April. It's also worth checking online booking sites for potential discounts on hotel rates.