United Kingdom

Castles, pageantry and prestige

In a fast changing world, the United Kingdom remains a fascinating destination to visit. Despite the waves created from Brexit and the loss of the beloved Queen Elizabeth II, the country continues to march on with a stiff upper lip. It’s this quirk of the British psyche and many others that make it such a beguiling destination to visit. Close to Europe but most definitely outside of Europe, you’ll find an intriguing mix of people and places to explore. The country has such a rich history, that you’ll never be far away from famous and familiar sights and places. 

The capital cities of the 4 nations of the United Kingdom are the cultural and commercial heart of the country. London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast are all steeped in history and feature world class museums, galleries and venues. London in particular has enough attractions to keep you entertained for a week or more. Outside of the capitals you’ll find a host of historic cities, the wonderful green countryside, splendid towns and villages with their famous pubs and miles upon miles of spectacular coastline. Despite it’s relatively small size, there’s much to explore and experience. Many fall under the countries spell and return again, particularly when they fully discover quite how much there is to see and do in this special country.

Tower of London
The Tower of London set on the Thames and famous as a prison palace and place of torture.

Orientation

The United Kingdom is located in Northern Europe and is separated from continental Europe by the English Channel. It is made up of 4 member nations, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, each with their own devolved government with varying levels of autonomy. England is the southern most nation with Wales to the west, Scotland to the north and Northern Ireland to the northwest across the Irish Sea. While the separate nations are closely integrated on many levels, there are strong national and even regional identities that often come to the fore. This is never more the case than during international sport events, where national fervour can reach fever pitch.

Best Time to Visit the United Kingdom

The big draw for most visitors to the United Kingdom is the country’s history, culture scene and the great outdoors. While the countless museums, galleries and historic sights can be seen any time of the year, it’s generally a much more enjoyable trip if you visit from spring onwards. The countries temperate climate means winters are often cold and wet, while spring through autumn is generally mild with longer days and a decent dose of sunshine. The spring time  is also the time that popular outdoor destinations such as the Lake District, Cotswolds and Cornwall open up for business. Peak season is during July and August, which coincides with school holidays. While this time generally has the best weather, it’s also the busiest and most expensive. A visit during May or June is often best if you’ve got the flexibility in your schedule. 

The famous stone circle of Stonehenge
The mysterious stone circle of Stonehenge is one of the UK's top attractions

Best Things to see in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom boasts many great cities to explore, alongside coastal towns and quaint countryside villages. Whatever the type of vacation you’re planning, there’s going to be plenty of options for you to indulge in. There’s also a wealth of historical sights and natural attractions for you to explore and even the most remote destinations aren’t far away from some spectacular sights. 

View of Lulworth Cove on the Jurassic Coast
The perfectly circular Lulworth Cove is one of the Jurassic Coasts top sights.

Best Cities in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is home to some of the finest cities in the world. From museums, to historic sights and latterly fine eating establishments, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy.

Our top 5 cities to visit in the United Kingdom are:

  1. London
  2. Edinburgh
  3. Cambridge
  4. Bath
  5. York

Best Historic Sights in the United Kingdom

An area where the United Kingdom doesn’t fall short is in historic sights. From the stone age onwards, there’s countless churches, castles and monuments to explore. 

Our top 5 historic sights to visit in the United Kingdom are:

  1. Stonehenge
  2. Tower of London
  3. Edinburgh Castle
  4. Houses of Parliament
  5. Hadrians Wall

Best Natural Attractions in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom’s rolling green hills and rugged coastline feature plenty of spectacular scenery and natural beauty. 

Our top 5 natural attractions to visit in the United Kingdom are:

  1. Lake District, Cumbria
  2. Jurassic Coast, Dorset
  3. Scottish Highlands
  4. Giants Causeway, County Antrim
  5. Cotswolds, south west England

Explore our UK trip ideas and itineraries

Long Weekend in London

UK Guide and Blog Archive

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