United Kingdom Guide
To discover the United Kingdom, you have to go beyond London. Its four nations are gems worth exploring, from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands.
The United Kingdom is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations . Much of the country’s appeal lies in its diverse landscapes—from the English Channel coast to the Scottish moors to bustling Belfast—and its rich cultural heritage. The best places to visit in the UK range from beautifully preserved country estates and castles to numerous world-class art galleries and museums. Furthermore, the UK is a place where centuries-old traditions meet underground cultures in all walks of life, seamlessly blending together.
United Kingdom, Great Britain, England: what’s the difference?
It is worth noting that the full name of the country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . The United Kingdom is also known as Great Britain. This name is sometimes used to refer to the United Kingdom as a whole. However, there is a difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom is made up of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. Great Britain, on the other hand, consists of only England, Scotland, and Wales, excluding Northern Ireland.
Short description of the country
Capital : London
Head of State : King Charles III
Population : 67,363,000 (as of 2020)
Surface area : 242,495 km²
Currency : pound sterling
Why visit the United Kingdom?
The British boast a large number of unique and historical sites that attract tourists from all over the world. However, many people enjoy visiting the United Kingdom due to its abundance of activities that are sure to delight any traveler.
For its extraordinary landscapes
London has been in the top 10 most Instagrammed cities for several years. Some of its most popular landmarks include Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, and Buckingham Palace. But you can definitely explore more picturesque landscapes, which you can find in places like:
the Lake District in northwest England,
the Jurassic Coast in the south of England,
the Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland
Glencoe in the west of Scotland.
For its magnificent gardens
You don’t need to travel to a forest or a remote island to see nature in all its glory when you’re in the UK. London boasts the Royal Botanic Gardens , which are renowned as some of the best gardens in the world, boasting over 50,000 plant species. Look beyond London and visit Mount Stewart Gardens in Northern Ireland, the charming Colby Woodland Garden in Wales, or the Inverewe Tropical Garden in Scotland.
For its music festivals and sporting events
Whether you’re a music lover or a sports enthusiast, you can make the most of your visit to the UK by attending some of its top festivals and events. Held annually in the village of Pilton, England, the Glastonbury Festival showcases some of the world’s best contemporary art and music. On the sports front, witness the crowning of the world’s best lawn tennis players during Wimbledon , which takes place annually from mid-June to mid-July. For something more scenic, head to Scotland in the summer to experience the famous Highland Games, which feature log throwing, stone throwing, and other fun.
For its gastronomy
A trip to the UK wouldn’t be complete without sampling British favorites like fish and chips at Stein’s Fish and Chips. Why not try the full English breakfast at Hawksmoor Guildhall? Also try the Scottish Breakfast, which is similar to the English breakfast but comes with black pudding, Lorne sausage, and tattie scones. Word of Mouth in Edinburgh is one of the best places for a Scottish breakfast.
For his works of art
The most famous museum in the United Kingdom is the British Museum , which boasts the world’s largest collection of art objects. This London-based museum houses the works of famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Michelangelo. Another popular art museum is the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, which houses over 2,300 paintings. The Natural History Museum, meanwhile, provides insight into the evolution of life.
What are the places of interest in the United Kingdom?
British city breaks have something to suit every budget and taste . Plan your sightseeing adventures with our list of the best places to visit in the UK.
The Tower of London and Buckingham Palace
For those interested in learning more about the United Kingdom’s rich history, one of the best things to do in London is a visit to the Tower of London. Located next to the spectacular Tower Bridge, this former palace and prison boasts several attractions, including the Jewel House , which houses the Crown Jewels. Fans of the British royal family can visit Buckingham Palace, London’s royal residence since the reign of Queen Victoria.
Edinburgh: the capital of Scotland
The Scottish capital is known for its many well-preserved historic buildings, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle . It is a 13th-century royal fortress perched above the Old Town on a rocky promontory. From the castle, it is easy to explore the city’s other most important historical sites. Admire, among other things, the Old Town’s Royal Mile , with its exquisite architecture, shops, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries.
The Roman Baths in Bath
Although Bath is one of the UK’s smallest cities , it more than makes up for its smaller size with a wealth of things to see and do. Named after its famous Roman baths, this beautiful city has been attracting visitors to its healing waters for over 2,000 years. While it’s not possible to bathe in the original Roman baths, several spas located nearby allow visitors to enjoy the city’s famous waters.
Stonehenge and the medieval city of Salisbury
A pilgrimage site for over 4,500 years, Stonehenge is one of the oldest megalithic monuments and is a must-see. The site features a state-of-the-art visitor center, giving you insight into Stonehenge’s construction and history. Also, take time to explore the medieval city of Salisbury, located just 10 miles south of Stonehenge.
The historic town of Windsor
Located a short train ride west of London, the historic town of Windsor is beloved for its charming location on the River Thames. In addition to the many medieval half-timbered buildings that line its old cobbled streets, the town is also home to the spectacular Windsor Castle . It is the most famous of the United Kingdom’s royal castles.
The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It consists of columns of layered basalt that emerge from the sea and coastline like a giant staircase, hence its name. In total, there are some 4,000 of these polygonal steps to see and climb. Formed over 60 million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity, they are an impressive sight.
How to visit the United Kingdom?
Great Britain is a small country, which makes getting around easy. Whether you want to travel alone or with friends , it’s easy to use public transport to explore the UK.
By train
The train is the fastest way to travel in the UK, especially for long journeys. When traveling by train, you can admire the lush British countryside from the window and pack a picnic for the journey. From the country’s capital, it’s only a 90-minute journey to the beautiful city of Salisbury, for example.
A bus
Coaches are generally the cheapest way to travel to British cities and popular tourist destinations. To get the best prices, book in advance. National Express is the UK’s leading coach company. Megabus also offers low-cost coach travel between major cities. You can get a ticket from £1!
To help you prepare a travel budget, don’t hesitate to use our tool to easily calculate your itineraries.
By taxi
Taxis are readily available at stations and train stations in every city. London’s famous black cabs are as much an institution as the big red buses, and are well worth experiencing. They are very safe and reliable, as all drivers must pass strict tests. All are wheelchair accessible and accept credit card payments.
By bike
Cycling is, of course, one of the most environmentally friendly ways to get around British cities. Even small towns have places where you can rent bikes. Many city roads have cycle lanes and their own traffic lights. You can also take your bike on trains. If you get lost, ask someone . The British are friendly and helpful .
What about the UK’s climate?
Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the climate of the United Kingdom is temperate and humid , with relatively little temperature variation between winter and summer. As it is a vast territory, its climate varies slightly from one country to another, but overall, each country has a unique climate.
If you’ve seen any films set in the UK, you’ll notice that it often rains in them. Rainfall is common throughout the country, but it’s more frequent and heavier in the north and west.
Near England’s western border or in the Lake District, it can rain even during the coldest winter months. In western Scotland, rainfall reaches 1,500 millimeters per year, and there are about 200 rainy days. The southeast is less rainy . In London, only 600 mm of rain falls annually.
When is the right time to go to the UK?
The best time to visit the United Kingdom is summer, from June to August. The days are very long, the country is in bloom, and there is no shortage of rain and clouds, but they alternate with sunny periods. Midsummer (July-August) is pleasantly warm in the central and southern regions. Between showers, the sun can make an appearance.
In the north and west of Scotland, there is an increase in rainfall and a decrease in sunshine in July and August. Here, the sunniest month is June, which is, however, cooler than the two midsummer months.
Be aware, however, that the sea is cold even in summer ! In August, the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean reaches only 12°C in the Shetlands, 13/14°C in Scotland, and 17°C in the English Channel and Cornwall.
What should I bring?
In summer, pack clothes for spring and autumn: a jacket and sweater, as well as a raincoat or umbrella. In the London area, it’s more likely that some days you’ll be able to wear lightweight clothing, a T-shirt and shorts.
In winter, bring warm clothing , such as a sweater, coat, windbreaker, and raincoat. For Scotland and the Highlands, and for colder periods, bring gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
Good to know
For many visitors to the United Kingdom, the first port of call is England. It’s the homeland of Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes, football, and the Beatles. It’s no wonder some people still confuse England with the United Kingdom. Be careful, as this can be offensive to a Scottish or Welsh citizen.
Activities specific to the United Kingdom
Unlocking the secrets of the Loch Ness monster
Although legends of mythical monsters have been largely disproven, the spectacular Loch Ness remains an extremely popular tourist attraction. For those interested in learning more about the region’s many legends, the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition traces its history, as well as that of its monster.
Discover Liverpool, the city of the Beatles
Due to its association with the Beatles, Liverpool offers many cultural activities related to the band, such as The Beatles Story , in the renovated Albert Docks area. Also, check out the famous Cavern Club, where the band got their start. Visiting the former homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney is also worth a visit.
