This Ultimate UK Travel Guide is here to make travel in the UK a breeze. The United Kingdom is made up of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Most tourists spend all of their time in England’s capital, London, when they visit the UK. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, as there’s so much to do in London. There are plenty of iconic landmarks including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge, as well as great shopping, food, and museums.
However, I’m here to help you also explore all of the other incredible places that deserve a visit in the UK. Despite being a small island, it offers a whole host of different destinations. From the beautiful mountains of the Lake District, to the quaint English villages of the Cotswolds, to the old university city of Cambridge.
Check Out the Best Destinations:
When is the best time to visit the UK?
If you’re looking for some rare sunshine, then the summer months between June and August are your best bets. This is the perfect time to check out the beautiful beaches of the South Coast in Devon, Cornwall, and Brighton.
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If, however, you’re a Christmas enthusiast, then you’re better off visiting during the festive season. Towards the end of November is when most of the Christmas markets open in cities such as London, Birmingham, Bath, and Edinburgh.
Good to Know:
- Language: the main language spoken in the United Kingdom is English. Although you will find some areas that speak other languages. Many people in Wales, for example, speak both Welsh and English. You’ll also find that accents differ across the UK!
- Currency: the currency in the UK is the British Pound (GBP)
- Plugs: the plugs in the UK are type G, with a standard voltage of 230 V and frequency of 50Hz. I always recommend purchasing a universal adapter for your travels, so you’re never caught out!
- Safety: the UK is widely considered to be one of the safest countries in the world, particularly for solo female travellers. As always err on the side of caution and make sure to keep your whits about you. But you shouldn’t encounter too many problems. I have a whole guide on how to stay safe in London.
Budgeting Tips:
- Make use of the free museums – most of the museums in the United Kingdom are completely free to enter. You can check out a list of free things to do in London here.
- Consider purchasing an English Heritage membership – they offer an Overseas Visitor Pass, which gives you access to over 100 places including Stonehenge and Dover Castle in a 9 or 16 day period.
- Stay in hostels or airbnbs – you can get £50 off your first Airbnb stay by following this link.
- Eat pub food – pub food often tends to be a lot cheaper than restaurant food. If you’re really looking for a cheap and cheerful meal, head for the classic – Wetherspoons!
