Discover the taste of the UK
Rich history, iconic landmarks, spectacular culture, quaint countryside, buzzing cities, fine art and ancient heritage, the United Kingdom should be on every traveler’s bucket list!
Explore UK by clicking on a region
UK at a glance
WHY GO
- The United Kingdom (UK) is comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. While the UK has a shared culture and history, each country adds their own distinct local flavors, customs and traditions which contribute to the wonderful diversity of this island nation. Due to its small size, it’s easy to get a feel for this beautiful region in a short period of time.
- The UK offers some of the most idyllic scenery in the world. Its notoriously rainy weather creates lush, green countryside, Instagram-worthy landscapes and spectacular views. From the rolling green hills of Wales to the romantic glens of the Scottish highlands to the gorgeous English Lake District, you won’t have to go far to experience breathtaking landscapes. The UK is filled with majestic mountain ranges, undulating farmlands, wild heaths and moors, exquisite lakes and lochs and gentle valleys and streams. The beautiful coastline is never far from reach on this island nation, from powerful oceans breaking against dramatic cliffs to serene beaches lapped by calm waves. A popular activity in its many charming coastal towns is rambling – meandering through gorgeous winding clifftop paths while taking in epic views of lush rolling hills and blue green waters.
- Even the cities and towns of the UK offer uniquely beautiful scenery from London’s grand old buildings to the pretty thatched roofed cottages of the Cotswolds. London is one of the world’s greatest cities, and must not be missed on any trip to the UK. London is the land of Big Ben, the royal monarchy, iconic red telephone boxes and double decker buses, but it is also so much more. A buzzing, cosmopolitan city that harmoniously blends its rich history with a modern sensibility, London is truly one of the most interesting cities in the world. Central London is a sightseers dream, with famous landmarks and beautiful buildings seemingly on every corner. Get a taste of royalty and watch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, stroll across the ancient Tower Bridge, hear the echoed cries of convicts at the Tower of London, see where laws are written and debated at the Houses of Parliament then savor it all from a bird’s eye view on the London Eye. For those interested in art, London is spoiled for choice; from the fashion displays at the Victoria and Albert Museum to intriguing WWII history at the underground Churchill War Rooms to fascinating modern art at the Tate Modern, you could spend days just exploring London’s art scene.
- There is something for everyone in London. Enjoy a musical or show in London’s famed West End or for a more historical perspective, head to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater and see one of Shakespeare’s classic plays in the atmosphere which it was intended to be seen. The Kensington area of London is a shopper’s Mecca with its high end department stores like Harrod’s and rows of boutique shops along Kensington High Street. There are world-renowned Michelin starred restaurants and greasy spoons strewn across the city in every type of cuisine you can imagine. As Samuel Johnson said, “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’. Once you’ve had your fill of this buzzing metropolis, hop on a train and head to the countryside for an idyllic retreat.
- Like its beauty, the UK’s history is never far from reach. The UK boasts many UNESCO world heritage sites including the ancient sites of Stonehenge and Avebury as well as the Georgian city of Bath and its eponymous Roman Baths. Cap off a visit to the UK and feel like royalty by spending a night in a Lord’s enchanting castle in the countryside. For those interested in movies and TV, take a special Harry Potter or Downton Abbey tour and relive some scenes from those classic British films. While in England, make sure to partake in that most quintessential English past time of afternoon tea, fill up on a hearty English breakfast, and tuck into a traditional lovely Sunday roast. Grab a pint at one of the many pubs and watch a football game for a truly authentic British experience.
- For a change of scenery, take a train to the land of tartan, golf and whiskey, Scotland. History is everywhere in this scenic country, where you can explore forgotten castles, play a round on the world’s oldest golf course, learn the art of distilling whiskey, and search for the fabled Loch Ness monster. Scotland’s capital and the UK’s ‘second city’, Edinburgh has its own unique British style and character. Stroll along the city’s beautiful Old Town, marvel at the Crown Jewels at Edinburgh Castle, climb Arthur’s Seat for a spectacular view, and end the day with your favorite dram in a charming whiskey pub.
WHEN TO GO
- You can visit the UK anytime of year, though April – October is typically the best time to visit, particularly the countryside while there are longer hours of daylight. The cities however can be visited anytime of year.
- Crowds are at their peak in July and August.
- Summer temperatures rarely get out of the upper 70s/low 80s at the hottest, and the winters are mild, rarely getting snow.
- Weather is generally unpredictable though and you should pack for all 4 seasons and bring your rain gear anytime you go.
WHAT TO KNOW
- Currency: Great British Pounds (GBP) – Scottish GBP and English GBP however are different and can only be used in their respective countries.
- No visa needed.
- Everyone speaks English, but note that regional accents can vary and it can sometimes be difficult to understand someone with a heavy brogue or accent. Scottish accents in particular can be difficult to understand so it may be useful to known some often used expressions that will endear you with locals.
- The British are a friendly people but you cannot expect the same level of chattiness and warmth from people there. British culture is a bit more reserved than American.
- The train system and public transportation including the London Underground and buses are fantastic. They are all quite affordable and very user friendly.
- The UK drives on the left side of the road (opposite of the US). Due to this difference, be very careful if you decide to a rent a car to explore the countryside. We suggest obtaining an international driver’s license.
- Brits take queueing (lining up) very seriously – one must never cut a line or else face the wrath of dirty looks!
- It is very easy to travel to other parts of Europe from London or Edinburgh.
GALLERY
SONY DSC
SONY DSC
