United Kingdom Travel Guide: What to do, Where to Stay & More

Europe’s regal crown jewel, the United Kingdom, is quite the place for travel and history enthusiasts from all around the globe. From my entire tour, one thing is clear as a crystal that its museums are a haven for those fascinated by colonial history, art, and architecture! 

Indulging in the European Gothic architecture of the cathedrals, obsessing over the British afternoon tea, and getting glimpses of European beauty was a wholesome experience. 

I am pretty content with the way my family explored the UK, so I have mentioned the best time to visit the United Kingdom, budgeting tips, along a roadmap. Keep reading and unfold the UK trip of your dreams!

A Deep Insight into the United Kingdom – Geography & Climate

With the formation of the United Kingdom, an intriguing tapestry of Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales was woven. These previously separate nations have endured and witnessed important wars and eras together, which makes their union so incredible. 

They’ve gone through the testing periods of the Viking invasions, the Norman conquests, and the union of the crowns. Similar culture, customs, and traditions in parts of the United Kingdom make them a must-visit. 

Here are a few basic details about the United Kingdom that you must know before moving forward:

Names of Endearment	UK, Britannia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Currency	Pound Sterling
Time Zone	GMT +1
Best Known For	Sports, popular literature & novelists, afternoon tea, music, fashion & film
Official Language	English

What is the Difference Between the United Kingdom, Great Britain & England?

Many often assume Great Britain, England, and the United Kingdom are the same, but there are territorial differences between the three. Great Britain is an island whose northern part is Scotland and the southern part is England. The term United Kingdom is used to refer to the island of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 

The United Kingdom’s Geography & Climate

The United Kingdom rarely experiences extreme temperatures, and rainfall is common throughout the year. Although the summers are drier than the rest of the months, the west is more humid than other parts of the island. 

Due to being surrounded by water, the UK experiences a maritime climate with high humidity, with October as the wettest month. The temperature range during summers fluctuates between 9 °C and 18 °C, and in winters stays between 2 °C and 7 °C. 

This complicated weather pattern makes it hard to determine the best time to visit the United Kingdom. Unwind more about it in the next section.

Best Time to Visit the United Kingdom 

The best time to visit the United Kingdom is during summer; however, in the last few years, due to global warming, the summers have started falling in the spectrum of “slightly hot” from “warm and fuzzy.” 

Peak seasons are crowded anyway, so it is best to explore the United Kingdom in the shoulder seasons—the spring (March to May) and the autumn (September to November). 

• Peak Season: June to August is when the United Kingdom sees the highest number of visitors. 

• Shoulder Season: The United Kingdom sees two shoulder seasons, one in spring (March to May) and the other in autumn (September to November). 

• Low Season: Winters (December to February) remain a low season due to precipitation (rain and snowfall), with the festive time of Christmas and New Year seeing a surge in tourists. 

Now that we’ve discussed the best time to land in the United Kingdom, find out what things to explore on the island in the next section. 

How to Explore the United Kingdom’s Cities?–Things to Do in the UK

London is the tourist’s first city of choice for landing, and the rest of the journey continues from there. Since London is well-connected with the rest of the United Kingdom via flights and trains, it acts as a good starting point. 

Here are a few cities to explore, along with their attractions and activities that shouldn’t be missed. 

1. Witness the Magnificence of London

London is a historical city and the epicenter of the Industrial Revolution, which makes it worth exploring. Moreover, Britain’s colonial past has made the capital, London, into the souvenir box of some of the most precious antiques from its former colonies. Visit the British Museum to see those items in the permanent collection, which is free to all visitors. 

Top Attractions in London: The Big Ben, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and more. 

Things to Do in London: Adventure rides at Madame Tussauds, museum exploration, Thames River cruise, and a London hop-on hop-off tour.

2. Experience the Vibrancy of Edinburgh 

Edinburgh is full of architecture reflective of the city’s glory, and so are its numerous festivals and rich cultural events. It is a sanctum for creative people, hosting the world’s largest art festival – Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Edinburgh also has some great variations in tours, like ghost tours, hop-on hop-off tours, the John Knox House tour, and more. 

Top Attractions in Edinburgh: National Museum of Scotland, Canongate, the People’s Story Museum, Palace of Holyrood House, Our Dynamic Earth Museum, and more. 

Things to Do in Edinburgh: Visit the Grassmarket, horror/ghost tours, see St. Giles Cathedral, John Knox House Tour, and hike up Arthur’s Seat. 

3. Get Your Spirits High in Liverpool

Liverpool is known for its zest for sports, especially football. This sporty energy is at its pinnacle during the Northwest Derby matches (FC Liverpool vs. FC Manchester). With music festivals just as wild and lively as the football matches, Liverpool really is a blob of fun and energy. The globally renowned band, The Beatles, is often considered synonymous with Liverpool, as they emerged out of here. 

Top Attractions in Liverpool: Liverpool Cathedral, the Beatles Story Museum, Walker Art Gallery, Anfield, Sefton Park, Knowsley Safari, World Museum, and more. 

Things to Do in Liverpool: The Beatles Tour, explore Liverpool Christmas markets, take a ferry ride across the Mersey, visit the museums, and much more.   

4. Sway with Manchester’s Rhythms 

Manchester is renowned for a few of the same things that Liverpool is known for, like music and Manchester City and Manchester United, two of its most famous teams. Liverpool and Manchester are the definition of “same same but different different.” 

Top Attractions in Manchester: Etihad Stadium, Manchester Museum, Main Library, National Football Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, and more. 

Things to Do in Manchester: Cruise Lake Windermere and the canals of Manchester, attend music festivals, learn festive crafts, and taste the seasonal treats. 

5. Admire the Beauty of Glasgow 

Glasgow is Scotland’s second-largest city and also one of the most lively ones. With mesmerizing architecture, rich history, and the currents of music flowing down the city, Glasgow is one of the best places to visit in the United Kingdom. 

Taking a day trip to Glasgow is highly recommended for its enchanting beauty and the enigma behind Nessie—the Loch Ness Monster. 

Top Attractions in Glasgow: Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Science Center, Riverside Museum, Provand’s Lordship, City Chambers, and more. 

Things to Do in Glasgow: Cruise down the River Clyde, take the Glasgow Highland Cow Trailer Tour, explore Loch Lomond in spring, and more. 

Finding places to stay in the United Kingdom within a decent budget can be tricky, which is why you must read the next section to make this task easy. 

Where to Stay in the UK?

Finding places to stay in the United Kingdom isn’t a tough task due to the availability of Airbnb, hotels, and guesthouses. Hostels are the best option for budget travelers, solo travelers, and those who are likely to run out of money by the end of their trip.

Here are my top picks from each city, and the amenities provided at these hotels at the costs quoted are suitable for couples, families, and solo travelers: 

1. Accommodations for Families in the United Kingdom

Since the United Kingdom is composed of distinct neighborhoods, it is important to choose a hotel/Airbnb in the right locality. Here are a few suggestive areas that ensure a safe and comfortable stay for families:

• Edinburgh: Old Town is the best place in Edinburgh for families, and you can find affordable stays easily, like St. Christopher’s Inn. 

• Glasgow: The city center and the west end make the best areas for a safe and comfortable stay in Glasgow. 

• London: South Bank and Paddington have some of the best family stays, and are ideal also due to the proximity to attractions like the London Eye and SEA LIFE, with a complimentary city view.

• Liverpool: Albert Dock and the Baltic Triangle were amazing places to stay. The safety enabled me to explore the scenic walks with my daughters. 

• Manchester: I enjoyed my stay at the Didsbury Inn with my family, and the experience was very peaceful. 

2. Places to Stay for Budget & Solo Travelers in the United Kingdom

Contrary to popular belief, there are quite a few promising stays in the United Kingdom, well-suited for backpackers and solo travelers. Hostels are abundant and in reputable areas of the following cities: 

• Edinburgh: Royal Mile Backpackers is renowned for providing affordable stays to solo/budget travelers in Old Town. 

• Glasgow:  Glasgow Youth Hostel is a very vibrant stay, designed with solo travelers and youngsters in mind, while providing affordable stays. 

• London: As I always say, London is a place where you can splurge in one area and save in the other. London Backpackers is just another hostel, enabling a great experience on a budget. 

• Liverpool: The best-rated hotels in Liverpool are YHA Liverpool Albert Dock and Hatters Hostel Liverpool, which is worth every penny spent. 

• Manchester: When in Manchester, choose the YHA Manchester Hostel. Another promising option with good views and access to the streets is the Rahman Hostel. 

3. Luxury Stays in the UK

Splurging in the United Kingdom gets you a tasteful luxury experience, one of the most distinguished in my opinion, after Paris and Florence. Here are a few suggestions for each city:

Edinburgh: Don’t mind if I get a little too excited while talking about the Witchery. Staying here feels like being thrown into the world of Macbeth. 

Glasgow: European Gothic architecture has always fascinated me, especially after watching Bridgerton. The fantasy finally came true with the stay at Sherbrooke Castle Hotel in Glasgow. 

London: London has numerous 5-star hotels to choose from, and you can pick your stay depending on the vibe that resonates. The Ritz London is known for its luxurious finesse, whereas Portobello has a countryside vibe to it. 

Liverpool: Titanic Hotel Liverpool is hands down the best luxury hotel in town and one that is a familiar name to the locals and tourists. 

Manchester: I decided to stay at a family hotel in Manchester with my family, but if I were traveling solo, I’d have stayed either at the Cow Hollow Hotel or at the Hyatt House Manchester. 

Finding the estimated daily expense is an important part of international travel, and the next section will assist you well with the same.

Average Daily Expense in the United Kingdom 

Prices of most amenities, from food to hotels, see a surge as you move closer to London and Edinburgh. The prices mentioned below are an average estimate and may vary from city to city:

Hotel Price Per Person	£57 –  £90 per night
Cost of Food Per Meal	£7 –  £20 per meal
Travel Expenses	£15 –  £17 per day
Miscellaneous	£20 –  £22

Note 

The cost of entry to various attractions is not mentioned in the table above. Add them while calculating an estimate.

Costs may also vary depending on the area you choose to stay in, the places you choose to dine, and the number of attractions that will be covered in a day. 

Now that we’ve dusted off the budget by getting an estimate of the daily expense, let’s watch the menus of the UK unfold in the section that follows. 

A Culinary Guide to the United Kingdom 

Seafood in the United Kingdom, particularly the staple fish & chips, is hard to miss. There’s, however, more to the menu than just the English breakfast, Scotch from Scotland, Irish coffee, and hummus. Here’s a more descriptive remark on the dishes you must not miss from the distinct parts of the UK:

England: I grew fond of the classic English breakfast (eggs, sausages, bacon, baked beans, & grilled tomatoes), fish & chips from a local chippy, and Sunday roast (tender roast beef, crispy potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy). 

Drinks to Try – Pimm’s cup, afternoon tea, and craft beer. 

Scotland: Haggis with Neeps and Tatties (sheep’s pluck served with mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and turnips) is a traditional Scottish comfort food. Arbroath Smokies (smoked haddock), Cullen Skink (smoked haddock soup), and Cranachan (dessert with raspberries, cream, and oats).

Drinks to Try–Scotch is a big part of Scotland’s identity. Also try the gins and ales, Irn-Bru (soft drink), and Drambuie (sweet whiskey). 

Northern Ireland: Try the Ulster Fry, a traditional Irish dish and an enduringly popular, fully cooked breakfast. Irish stew, champ (mashed potatoes with spring onion, milk, and butter), fish & chips, and fifteens (dessert made with marshmallows, digestive biscuits & glacé cherries).

Drinks to Try – Don’t miss the Irish coffee, Armagh apple cider, Harp Lager (pilsner-style beer), and of course, whiskey. 

Wales: Laverbread (seaweed paste) makes for the best breakfast, while Welsh Rarebit (cheesy dish served on toast) and Cawl (lamb/beef stew with seasonal vegetables) make for a satiating afternoon/evening meal. 

Drinks to Try–Spirits, ciders, and locally brewed beer.

Best Food Markets in the United Kingdom 

One unique thing I’ve noticed about the markets in the United Kingdom is that they are representative of its multicultural population. Hence, you will find not only famous British, Irish, and Scottish street food in these markets but also renowned dishes from other countries: 

1. Seven Dials Market: Amazing market in London for Korean and Thai food, with the best pizzas and desserts. 

2. Maltby Street Market: An outdoor weekend street market in London with views of 19th-century railway arches and a cozy community experience. 

3. Stockbridge Market: This Sunday market in Edinburgh is laden with fresh artisanal produce from local vendors in the city. 

4. The Dockyard Social: With a promising nightlife and the most savory food in the entirety of Glasgow, the Dockyard Social Market is open from Friday to Sunday. 

5. The Piccadilly Street Food Market: Every Wednesday to Saturday, this market in Manchester offers the most scrumptious food available in the city. 

6. Duke Street Food Market: This one in Liverpool is a trendy food hall that has a variety of food being fired up in the kitchens from multiple cuisines. 

With the summation of the havens for food mongers in each city, move forward to find out how to make your trip to the United Kingdom a smooth one! 

How to Get Around in the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom is well-connected via various modes of transportation. Flying from one part of the country to another is quite easy, and the cities are all connected intricately via the oldest rail network that has stood the test of time. 

Mentioned below is how you find your way to and from any part of the UK on your own:

• Railways: As mentioned above, the rail network in the United Kingdom is pretty dense and easy to figure out. 

• Airways: The country is abundant in terms of airports as well, with just London being home to 6 airports alone! 

• Metro/the Tube: Within the big cities, you can find a strategic network of underground metros that connects all the important nodes of the respective cities. 

• Buses: Those who aren’t the biggest fans of brisk walking may consider the London Public Transport buses. It is a quick, easy, and cheap way of getting around the city, especially if you get the Oyster Card issued at the beginning of your trip. 

• Walking: Brits are all about completing that step count every day. As admirable as this lifestyle choice may seem, it is hard to blend in instantly, so if you have to take my advice, pack comfortable footwear.  

Hop onto the next section to find the nuggets about traveling to the UK that I’ve collected through my experience. 

The Silver Key to Hacking a Trip to the United Kingdom

Traveling across the United Kingdom isn’t a small feat; therefore, here are a few lessons from my travel experience that will pave the way for the most comfortable UK trip: 

1. Take Hop On Hop Off Rides: Hop on hop off rides, especially the evening tours that are inclusive of the river cruises, are very cost-effective. It is also a nice way to familiarize yourself with any city, especially if the time at hand is less. 

2. Charger/Adapter: The adapters with three rectangular pins are the standard plugs in the United Kingdom. Buy a G-plug before landing to charge all your electronic gadgets with ease throughout the trip.  

3. Invest in an Umbrella: Do not ignore this one, as the “unpredictable weather” rant of the Brits is genuine. Since it does rain throughout the year, do carry an umbrella along if you want to avoid falling sick halfway through the trip. 

4. Access the Internet: Use public Wi-Fi or data roaming with your existing provider. Other ways to get access to the internet are to invest in a pocket Wi-Fi or an e-SIM; however, these are slightly more expensive than using international roaming. 

5. Trains are a Huge Convenience: Get a BritRail Pass first thing after landing, as this enables unlimited travel through the British Railway Network across Wales, Scotland, and England. Trains are best for intercity travel, and the Tube (metro) is the haven for commuting within the city. 

6. Unspoken Civic Rules: Civic sense is not just appreciated, but also expected from tourists in the United Kingdom. Follow basic manners, stand on the right side of the escalators, and be polite by using “excuse me,” “sorry,” and “thank you” wherever required. 

7. Renting Vehicles: Use the Turo app or the Virtuo app to rent vehicles at reasonable prices. Santander cycles in London are also a huge convenience and often fun to ride early in the morning. 

Slide on to the subsequent section for some clarity on the visa requirements for traveling to the United Kingdom. 

Which Visa Do You Need for the United Kingdom?–New Requirements After Brexit & ETA

In the aftermath of the historic move of Brexit, the United Kingdom has released new visa requirements, namely, ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). 

The required documents, application fees, and date of implementation are mentioned below, along with other details. 

1. What is ETA?–Documents Required, Date of Implementation, and More

The Electronic Travel Authorization is mandatory for travelers from all nationalities, including those who were previously exempted from the visa requirement (travelers from the EU member nations, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada). 

New rules are applicable from 8th January 2025 for all the non-EU countries that previously did not need a visa, and for EU citizens from 2nd April 2025. If you’re still confused, check the visa rules on the official government website. 

Application Fees for ETA: £10 is the standard application fee for ETA in the United Kingdom. 

Required Documents: These are the necessary documents to obtain an ETA for the UK:

• Passport (with more than 6 months of validity left)
• Digital Photo
• A valid e-mail address
• Ensure an electronic payment method is in place for payment of the £10 fees. 

Note

Travelers who have obtained a visa to the United Kingdom are not required to get an ETA to enter the country. 

2. Standard Visa Application for UK & Documents Required

Travelers from non-visa-exempted nations require a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the country for short courses, tourism, business meetings, and academic conferences for up to 6 months.

The following are the documents that need to be presented during the visa application:

• Valid Passport & Personal ID
• Proof of financial strength (bank statements)
• Proof of ties to your home country
• Blueprint of the travel itinerary 
• Accommodation details/hotel bookings

These were all the insights and lessons from my travel experience to the United Kingdom, and it seems we’ve reached the ending notes. 

The United Kingdom in a Nutshell

Make your trip to the United Kingdom a memorable one by keeping in mind the suggestions made above. Traveling through the crown’s home is like witnessing a wonderful tapestry woven with the threads of glory, brilliance, and ideas that later became the harbinger of societal progress. 

Once you’ve stepped into the land, experiences just flow, and the more you learn to go along with it, the more memorable your trip will be!

Happy Journey! 

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