United Kingdom

Destination Guide

We couldn’t write a series of destination guides without including our home country. Although we may be biased, the UK really is one of the most beautiful countries that we have visited. For our readers around the world, the UK actually consists of four separate countries – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – which each have their own wonderfully unique cultures, cuisines and sights. In fact there is so much to see and do in the UK that it is impossible to cover it all in one short trip. We have lived here for most of our lives and we are still discovering new places to visit each year.

From the world-renowned capital of London, to the beautiful coastlines of Cornwall, Pembrokeshire and Fife, to the rugged countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and the Scottish Highlands. There really is something for everyone in the UK and we can’t get enough. In this destination guide we have given our exclusive top tips and highlights to help you make the most of your trip to the UK. For more in-depth advice and information check out our UK posts at the bottom of this guide.

What to Expect in the UK

Currency –  Pound Sterling.

Best time to visit – June to August for the best weather. However, the British weather can be very changeable even in the height of summer so it is always worth carrying an umbrella or a raincoat.

Accommodation – There are loads of places to stay in the UK to suit all budgets from luxury 5* hotels to cheap bed & breakfasts. If we’re looking for a base to visit family we tend to stay in a Premier Inn which is an affordable hotel chain with hotels across the UK. There are also a number of excellent yet affordable Airbnbs in the UK in great locations across the country.

Food – British food at its best is perfect for a cold winter’s day. It is hearty, filling and full of flavour. Think roast dinners in a country pub or fish and chips by the seaside. But Britain (and in particular London) has become a centre for some of the best food and cuisines the world has to offer and this means you can also find excellent options to suit your tastes. The UK is also pretty good and getting better for vegetarian and vegan travellers (again particularly in London).

Transport – Public transport is great in the UK (despite our commuting complaints). When we travel in the UK we tend to take the train. You can book ahead on thetrainline.com or find out more ahead of travelling on National Rail’s website. For travel inside London you can still pick up an Oyster Card but we would recommend using your contactless bank card instead as it is the same price and can be used on the tubes, buses and trains inside London. Just make sure you keep using the same card otherwise you may be charged twice and won’t benefit from the daily price caps! Taxis are generally quite expensive but Uber and other mobile taxi apps now cover most of the country.