United Kingdom is a great holiday destination with fascinating history, vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, scrumptious food, epic music concerts and sporting attractions like Wimbledon and English Premier League. Sounds exciting? Want to know more about this enthralling nation? Here we come with our exclusive United Kingdom aka UK travel guide to help and guide you.
United Kingdom (UK) Travel Guide
Best Time To Visit United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is pretty much a year round destination as it experiences a temperate climate with moderate to high temperature during summer and cold winters. Rainfall is fairly even throughout the year. The best time to visit UK is in Summers. Here is a monthly break up of UK’s weather conditions to help you plan your UK trip accordingly.
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See United Kingdom Tour PackagesJune To August (Summer)
The best time to visit UK (United Kingdom) is from June to August. The weather is fabulous, the sun shines brightly, the cities are bustling and the streets are brimming with people. This is the perfect time to enjoy sightseeing, outdoor music festivals, agricultural shows, gardens and rooftop bars.
UK Travel Guide Tip: Packing an umbrella is a must.
September To November (Autumn)
The weather is extremely pleasant with crisp air and autumn leaves showing their best vibrant hues. Grab a sweater, sip some mulled wine and enjoy the calmness as the summer season ends. It is a great time to enjoy fun filled events like Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night with bonfires and firework displays. This is the best time to visit UK if you are looking to sink in the rich culture and traditions of the country.
December To February (Winter)
The weather during this time is very cold and the country observes a significant drop in tourist footfall making it a good time to enjoy without much crowd. Extravagant Christmas and New Year celebrations are held almost everywhere with live music, floats and firework displays. It is the best time to visit UK if you are a shopping enthusiast as you get some of the best deals around this time.
UK Travel Guide Tip: Be sure to carry your rain boots and thick jackets.
March To May (Spring)
March marks the beginning of Spring in UK with blossoming flowers and an extremely pleasant weather. This is a good time to enjoy The Royal Regatta, an event with boat races and picnics held in Henley and Glastonbury Festival, a music festival with renowned bands and singers held in Somerset.
So, UK is one of the most exciting holiday destinations in the world and no matter what time of the year you visit, you are bound to have an amazing time.
Travel Documents For your UK Trip
Travellers need the following documents for their UK trip:
- Passport that is valid for the whole of your stay in UK with at least two blank pages.
- Tourist visa is required.
- Confirmed return air tickets are required.
- Travel insurance for safe travel is essential.
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See United Kingdom Tour PackagesWhere To Stay In United Kingdom
From chic fashionable hotels to castles and coveted mansions, from farm stays to luxury five star hotels, you are bound to find your dream accommodation in UK (United Kingdom). If amazing up-to-the-minute five-star facilities are on your mind then wonderful hotels like Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, Four Seasons Hotel London, Hotel 41 and Bvlgari Hotel are definitely going to woo you with their superb services. If you are looking for independence amidst home comforts, consider staying in serviced apartments. Most of these apartments are fully equipped with facilities like kitchen and laundry. Perfect for long stays, these apartments are ideal for families and friends. If you are looking for a home away from home, bed and breakfast accommodation is available all over UK.
If you have always admired the splendour of imperial homes or the rustic charm of country houses, most of these places have transformed into unique luxurious accommodation and are great for pleasure-seeking indulgence. UK is blessed with many castles, often placed in spectacular locations. If you are a history buff and don’t mind splurging, these castles fall under the best accommodation in UK. If the water lulling you to sleep is your idea of holiday, then you will love the houseboat hotels. If you are on a budget, do not worry. There are a plenty of budget places to stay in UK. Budget travellers can consider staying in budget hotels, hostels or can go camping. Camping is a good way to save money amidst nature.
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See United Kingdom Tour PackagesTravelling Within United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has a vast network of public transport system which makes travelling simple and trouble-free.
Air: Air travel is quick, hassle free and very convenient. British Airways flies to more than 20 cities outside London including Manchester.
Train: There is a far-reaching rail network in UK that operates both intercity and inter-region. Trains are generally fast and very comfortable. Virgin trains offer a wide range of inter-city routes linking London with Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham.
Bus: Along with an extensive rail network, UK also has a widespread and a well-organised bus network. There are both inter-city and local bus services. Moreover, if you are on a budget long-distance buses prove to be much cheaper than trains. National Express is the main operator with frequent services between main centres.
Taxi: Taxis and mini cabs are a popular public transport both being quite iconic to the country. Metered taxis can be easily hailed in the streets while mini cabs can only be called by phone. Uber and Kabbee are a cheaper alternative to taxis which are growing drastically.
In London, there are ‘black cabs’ which are quite expensive and usually charge by distance and time.
Car: The best way to explore UK (United Kingdom) is definitely by driving. Renting a car is quite easy with car rental companies like Europcar, Thrifty and Avis operating from airports and major train terminals.
Places To Visit In United Kingdom
Wondering where to go in UK? Well, UK is blessed with many gorgeous places and it definitely is a daunting task to make your mind up. Don’t worry; here is a list of some of the best places to visit in UK.
1. London
London, the capital city of the United Kingdom is one of the most diverse and electrifying cities on earth that easily blends historic museums and art galleries with incredible shopping, bars, restaurants and nightlife. Do visit the London Eye to witness the world’s most iconic Ferris wheel and admire the impressive views of the city. If you are a history buff, be sure to visit the Tower of London which includes the legendary 1000 year old White Tower with displays of armours and weaponry. Harry Potter fans should certainly visit Warner Bros Studio to get behind the scenes and know how the movie was made.
Do not miss visiting Westminster Abbey, one of the most famous places to visit in London that is associated with Christianity since the seventh century. Fans of the Britain’s Royal Family should definitely visit the Buckingham Palace, London’s Royal home to see the Changing of the Guard. Whitehall Road area is another must visit place to witness the classic Big Ben and the Parliament Buildings. You simply cannot ignore the Victoria and Albert Museum that houses a Natural History Museum and Science Museum. London has an ultra modern vibe along with an old world charm and consequently one of the best places to visit in UK.
2. Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland is brimming with brilliant museums, captivating historical attractions and spectacular architecture. Soak up in the city’s Old Town where you are greeted by cobbled streets, long lanes, steep staircases, secret passageways and dark alleys. Head to the majestic Edinburgh Castle, one of the most visited tourist places in UK to see the Scottish Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny and to witness the One O’ Clock salute held daily from Half Moon Battery. From the castle it is easy to explore the Royal Mile and check out its fine architecture, various shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants and the splendid Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Do not miss visiting the Princes Street popular for the Royal Botanical Garden, National Gallery of Scotland and for its shopping and dining options. Edinburgh is also renowned for literary and arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe. If you happen to visit the city around New Year, you can get a chance to witness Hogmanay, the conventional Scottish celebration that includes fire balls and a procession. With so much to see and experience, Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of the most amazing places to go in UK.
3. Bath
Named after its 2,000 year old famous Roman Baths, the city of Bath is popular for its archaeological wonder and rewarding sightseeing. The city lures all its visitors with the healing waters from the hot springs. See the Great Bath, the Roman Temple and taste the mineral packed spa water and make the most of your time in Bath. Do visit the Royal Crescent to witness the sweeping arc of honey coloured Georgian townhouses.
Pulteney Bridge is a real rarity with a number of shops, cafes and restaurants inside. Fashion Museum is a must visit place for all the fashion freaks where one can admire the Victorian fashion and see more than 1,00,000 pieces of clothing and footwear. Alexander Park is one of the most beautiful places for great views of Bath and its surrounding countryside. Bath is absolutely an incredible city with stunning sights at almost every corner making it one of the best UK holiday destinations.
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Also Read: Got a day in London? Here’s your guide!
Things To Do In United Kingdom
1. Explore The Buckingham Palace
Your trip to UK is incomplete without strolling through Green Park to get a quick look at the splendid Buckingham Palace. This iconic palace is the residence of Her Majesty the Queen with 775 rooms including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms and the largest private garden in London. In fact, the walled oasis is home to 30 different species of birds and more than 350 different varieties of wild flowers. The key attraction here is the world famous Changing of Guard. This procedure takes place a few times everyday giving tourists a great chance to witness a significant historic tradition and the extreme discipline of the Royal Guard. Do not miss visiting this classic attraction as it one of the finest things to do in UK.
UK Travel Guide Tip: Reserve your tickets online and consider seeing the Royal Muse as well.
2. Visit The London Eye
Located in the heart of London, charmingly rotating over the River Thames opposite the Parliament Houses and the Big Ben, London Eye is one of the most exciting UK attractions. The Eye is a massive Ferris wheel, about 135 metres tall, offering breath taking 360 degrees view across the city. The gradual rotation takes about 30 minutes and gives you an ever-changing outlook of London. Within each glass capsule interactive guides allow you to explore the city’s classic landmarks in quite a few languages.
UK Travel Guide Tip: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the wait gets notably longer and try to visit it when it opens around 10 AM or at lunch time when everybody else is grabbing a meal.
3. Feel Like A Star In Madame Tussaud’s
Madame Tussaud’s is one of the most visited UK tourist attractions, continually reinventing and updating itself. It is a popular wax museum created by the wax sculptress Marie Tussaud. Tourists get a chance to get-up close and personal with life like figures of royal celebrities, film stars, pop stars, sports stars, models, politicians and historical icons. Come face-to-face with the world’s most famous faces, hug them, kiss them, click selfies and make the most of your time at the Madame Tussaud’s. There are thrilling, interactive zones, a ride and the Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience combining glitz and glamour with history.
UK Travel Guide Tip: The museum opens daily at 9 AM in the morning and closes by 6 PM in the evening.
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See United Kingdom Tour PackagesWhat To Eat In United Kingdom
British food is simple, hearty, satisfying and every bite of it is absolutely worth its salt. Here are a few most luring UK delicacies.
- Start your UK journey with the most popular Fish and Chips. It is basically lightly battered and then fried until crispy fish served with French Fries. It is traditionally eaten with mushy peas and garnished with salt and vinegar. Poppy’s and Shoreditch are the best places to eat in London.
- Do try Haggis, a traditional Scottish sausage dish made from the stomach, heart, liver and lungs of a sheep. Mixed with onions and oatmeal it has a nutty flavour. Edinburgh is the best place to have it.
- You have to try Scotch Eggs or hard boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, coated in bread crumbs and deep fried.
- Bangers and Mash is another must have dish. It is basically a simple dish of sausage and potatoes but it will keep you full happy and warm the entire day.
- Do not leave UK without trying the Scottish Whisky that is aged for at least three years in casks within Scotland.
- Do try Beer, the most popular drink of UK.
- Other appealing delicacies include Steak and Kidney Pie, Bacon Sandwich, Beef Wellington, Welsh Cawl, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Apple Crumble, Bread and Butter Pudding, Cream Tea and Shepherd’s Pie.
Also Read: Top experiences in London you must have
Nightlife In United Kingdom
UK is famed for its electrifying nightlife and beats to a different rhythm after dark. Offering top-notch clubs pubs and bars, world class theatres and Karaoke booths, UK nightlife is absolutely unbeatable. Check out the top UK party destinations.
London: London has a bustling nightlife brimming with pubs, rooftop bars, comedy clubs, gigs and play. Head to places like Brixton, Soho, Camden and Brick Lane for some extremely trendy parties. Pacha near Victoria Station is best for an Ibiza kind of an experience. If you fancy live music, then KOKO in Camden is the best place. Other happening places include Kensington Roof Gardens, The Book Club, Happiness Forgets and Funky Buddha.
Bristol: Bristol is very popular drum and bass hub with young booming student population. The Full Moon, The Canteen, Dojo Bar and Timbuk 2 are the best places to party. The best part is that you can party till the sun rises.
Edinburgh: You simply cannot afford to miss Edinburgh if you are a party animal. With a diverse mix of party venues, Edinburgh in true sense is‘dusk till dawn city.’ Why Not Nightclub, Edinburgh Pub Crawl, BrewDog Edinburgh, Sandeman’s New Europe and Evol are the most appealing places.
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Communication And Connectivity In UK
Heading to United Kingdom? Here is a guide to help you to ensure that your phone is working properly while you are holidaying in UK. In UK, all mobile networks use GSM. So, if you have a GSM phone and SIM card then you can easily use the UK mobile networks. Just make sure to check the charges with your carrier before your travel. Alternatively, if your phone is unlocked it is best to buy a local SIM card and make use of it.
If you are using a CDMA handset, you will not be able to make or receive calls on your handset via any UK network. However, you can connect with your family and friends back home if you have access to a Wi-Fi connection. In fact, if you have an Apple iPhone, you can use Wi-Fi to make and receive calls.
If you have a different brand of smart phone, you can simply use applications like Skype or Watsapp to make internet calls and send free messages.
You can also rent an international cell phone. Pay-as-you-go mobile phones are very popular and there are several places to pick up a pay-as-you-go cell phone with many plan options.
Money In United Kingdom
The official currency of the United Kingdom is Pound Sterling. Notes come in the denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50. The country is very technology friendly and almost all major debit cards and credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. ATMs are available at every corner and are operational 24*7. Currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureau de change.
UK Travel Guide – Important Tips For Your Tour
- Be sure to carry your original passports with you at all times.
- UK traffic drives on the left.
- Electricity in UK is 230 V AC.
- No matter the season, be sure to pack a few both types of clothing.
- Do carry a reusable water bottle so that you can refill it in sinks and water fountains instead of purchasing bottled water.
- In case of an emergency, dial 999.
Mesmerised? Yes, we know! UK certainly knows the art of luring and allures all its guests. Plan your UK trip as soon as possible and remember to go through our UK travel guide.
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