The United Kingdom brings together England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It combines royal palaces, historic cities, green countryside and wild coastlines. Moreover, each nation has its own identity, traditions and accent. So, there is always something new to discover.
Most first trips start in London. Then, travellers add Edinburgh, Bath, the Cotswolds or the Scottish Highlands.
Read more about the United Kingdom
London
First, the capital mixes royal heritage with modern energy. See Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. Also, many great museums, such as the British Museum, are free. Nearby, Windsor Castle makes an easy day trip. Read our London guide.
England
- Bath: Roman baths and elegant Georgian streets.
- Stonehenge: A mysterious prehistoric stone circle.
- Oxford and Cambridge: Historic university towns.
- York: Medieval walls and a stunning minster.
- The Cotswolds: Honey-coloured stone villages.
- Lake District: Lakes, fells and walking trails.
- More: Liverpool, Cornwall, Stratford-upon-Avon, Canterbury and Hadrian’s Wall.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, Edinburgh has a castle on a volcanic rock, while the Highlands offer lochs and glens. In Wales, Snowdonia is perfect for hiking. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway has thousands of basalt columns.
A Short History of the United Kingdom
First, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans all shaped the islands. Then, England and Scotland united in 1707. Later, the British Empire became the largest in history. Today, the monarchy remains a symbol of the nation.
Food in the United Kingdom
First, try fish and chips, a full English breakfast and a Sunday roast. Also, afternoon tea with scones is a must. In Scotland, taste haggis and whisky. Moreover, traditional pubs are perfect for a pint.
Practical Tips
- Apply for an ETA: most visitors now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation.
- Use contactless payment: it works on London transport and almost everywhere.
- Book trains early: advance tickets are much cheaper.
- Bring an umbrella: the weather changes often.
For more ideas, see the official VisitBritain website.
Basic Words and Expressions to Use in the United Kingdom
Even if you speak English, British slang can be surprising. Words differ between regions, too. So, here are the expressions you will hear in pubs, shops and streets.
Finally, the British love queuing and saying “sorry”. So, join the queue and apologise often.
United Kingdom Travel FAQ
We recommend 10 to 14 days for a first trip. That way, you can see London, Bath, the Cotswolds and Edinburgh. With a long weekend, however, London alone already works well.
Count €120 to €250 per person per day. London is very expensive. However, many museums are free, and advance train tickets save money.
The best period is May to September, with long days and milder weather. In contrast, winter is cold and dark, but Christmas markets and cosy pubs are charming.
Most visitors now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), applied for online. Others need a visa. So, always check the latest requirements for your passport.
Yes, around 10 to 12.5% is usual, and it is often added as a service charge. In pubs, however, tipping is not expected.
Trains link most cities quickly. In London, use the Tube and buses with a contactless card. For the countryside and the Highlands, a rental car is ideal.
In short, the country offers royal history, charming villages and wild landscapes. So, combine London with Scotland or the countryside. Explore our detailed guides for each destination.