Best in May
United Kingdom
Bath
Moderate
From $128 /day
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a rich tapestry of ancient heritage and cutting-edge modernity, where centuries-old castles stand alongside glass skyscrapers. You can wander through the rolling green hills of the Cotswolds in the morning and experience the high-octane energy of London's West End by night. From the misty lochs of the Scottish Highlands to the rugged white cliffs of the South Coast, the diversity of the landscape is matched only by the depth of its history. Whether you are tracing the footsteps of literary giants in Stratford-upon-Avon or exploring world-class museums in the capital, the UK offers an endlessly layered experience. It is a place where traditions like afternoon tea are still cherished, yet the cultural scene remains a global trendsetter in music, fashion, and art.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
6 cities
23 guides
$79 – $128 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
London
Languages
English
Currency
Pound Sterling (GBP)
1 £ ≈ 1.35 $
Plug Type
Type G (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Left
Dial Code
+44
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) / BST (UTC+1 in summer)
Emergency
999 or 112
Why Visit United Kingdom
Iconic Historic Landmarks
Stonehenge, the Tower of London, and Edinburgh Castle offer tangible links to thousands of years of human history. You can explore Roman ruins, medieval fortresses, and grand royal palaces all within a single trip.
Breathtaking Natural Beauty
The UK boasts diverse landscapes, from the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia in Wales to the serene waters of the Lake District. Coastal paths in Cornwall and the rugged glens of Scotland provide world-class hiking and photography opportunities.
World-Class Free Museums
Many of the country's premier institutions, including the British Museum and the National Gallery, offer free entry to their permanent collections. This allows you to see global treasures and masterpieces without spending a single euro.
Legendary Music and Arts
As the birthplace of The Beatles and Shakespeare, the UK is a pilgrimage site for lovers of culture. You can visit the Cavern Club in Liverpool or watch a play at the Globe Theatre in London for an authentic experience.
Traditional Pub Culture
A visit to a local pub is a window into the heart of British social life. These historic establishments offer cozy atmospheres, local ales, and hearty food that reflect the community spirit of the region.
Unique Heritage Rail
The UK is a paradise for train enthusiasts, featuring scenic routes like the West Highland Line. Heritage steam trains still run on many preserved lines, offering a nostalgic way to view the countryside.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in United Kingdom
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Greater London
The sprawling capital is a global center for finance and the arts, housing iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye. You can spend weeks exploring its diverse neighborhoods, from the royal parks of Westminster to the trendy markets of Camden.
The Scottish Highlands
This northern region offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in the British Isles, characterized by misty mountains and deep lochs. It is the perfect destination for those seeking solitude, outdoor adventure, and a glimpse into ancient clan history.
South West England
Home to the stunning Jurassic Coast and the rolling limestone hills of the Cotswolds, this region is quintessential England. You can visit the Roman baths in the city of Bath or enjoy the surfing beaches and seafood of Cornwall.
Northern England
Encompassing the industrial heritage of Manchester and the medieval streets of York, this region offers a perfect blend of city and nature. It also features the Lake District National Park, famous for its glacial ribbon lakes and rugged fell mountains.
Wales
Defined by its own distinct language and culture, Wales is famous for its high density of medieval castles and the soaring mountains of Eryri. The Pembrokeshire Coast offers stunning maritime scenery and world-class hiking trails.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the UK is from May to September, when the weather is mildest and daylight hours are longest. Spring and autumn offer a scenic balance of colorful landscapes and fewer crowds than the summer peak.
Peak Season
Jul, Aug
July and August bring the warmest weather (20–25°C / 68–77°F) and major events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Notting Hill Carnival. Accommodation prices are at their highest and popular sites can be very crowded.
Shoulder Season
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Spring is ideal for blooming gardens, while autumn features vibrant foliage, especially in the Scottish Highlands and Lake District.
Off-Peak
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Winter is cold (2–9°C / 36–48°F) and daylight is short, with sunset as early as 16:00. However, this is the best time for budget travel, cozy pubs, and festive Christmas markets in cities like London and Manchester.
Getting Around
The UK has an extensive and efficient public transport network, making it easy to travel between major cities without a car. Regional connectivity is strongest in England, while rural areas in Scotland and Wales are best explored by car.
Train
The National Rail network connects almost every major town. Booking in advance via services like Trainline can save significant costs, as walk-up fares for long distances can be expensive (~$59–$177 / £44–£131).
Bus
Intercity coaches like National Express and Megabus are the most affordable way to travel between cities. Local buses in cities like London and Manchester are frequent and typically accept contactless card payments.
Metro
London features the world-renowned 'Tube' network, while Glasgow and Newcastle also have smaller underground systems. Trams are available in cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, and Nottingham.
Car
Renting a car is recommended for exploring the Cotswolds, the Lake District, or the Scottish Highlands. Driving is on the left, and many rural roads are narrow and winding.
Food & Drink
British cuisine is built on hearty, comforting ingredients and a long tradition of seasonal cooking using local produce. While international flavors have transformed the modern dining scene, traditional dishes remain the soul of the country's culinary identity.
Must Try
Fish and Chips
Freshly battered white fish served with chunky fries, traditionally accompanied by mushy peas and a dash of malt vinegar.
Full English Breakfast
A substantial morning meal typically including eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and black pudding.
Sunday Roast
A classic family meal of roasted meat served with Yorkshire pudding, roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and savory gravy.
Haggis
Scotland's national dish made of savory meat pudding, traditionally served with neeps and tatties, which are mashed turnips and potatoes.
Cornish Pasty
A portable D-shaped pastry filled with beef, potato, swede, and onion, originally created as a convenient meal for tin miners.
Afternoon Tea
A refined mid-day ritual featuring tiers of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of delicate cakes.
Shepherd's Pie
A comforting dish consisting of minced lamb cooked in a rich gravy with vegetables, topped with a golden crust of mashed potatoes.
Scotch Egg
A hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until crispy, often served as a popular snack or picnic food.
Money & Costs
The UK is generally expensive, with London significantly more so than northern cities. A typical daily budget for a mid-range traveler is ~$106–$177 / £79–£131, including meals and transport.
Tipping
A 10–12.5% service charge is often added to restaurant bills; if not, tipping 10% is customary for good service. Tipping is not expected in pubs or for taxis.
Cards
Card acceptance is near-universal. Contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay are the standard for everything from coffee to bus fares.
ATMs
ATMs (Cash Machines) are widely available and usually free to use, though some 'convenience' ATMs in small shops may charge a fee (~$2.36–$3.53 / £1.75–£2.62).
Culture & Etiquette
The British are known for their politeness, subtle humor, and deep-seated respect for tradition and social order. Navigating daily life involves understanding the importance of personal space and the frequent use of courtesy words in every interaction.
✓
Always join the back of a queue and wait your turn patiently, as jumping the line is considered highly offensive in British culture.
✓
Say please and thank you frequently to shopkeepers, servers, and transport staff to match the local level of expected politeness.
✓
Order your food and drinks directly at the bar in most traditional pubs rather than waiting for table service.
✕
Don't talk loudly on public transport, especially in designated quiet carriages on trains where silence is strictly expected.
✓
Stand on the right side of escalators in the London Underground to allow people to pass on the left side.
✕
Don't feel obligated to tip in pubs or for taxis, though rounding up the bill to the nearest euro is often appreciated for drivers.
✓
Keep your voice at a moderate level in restaurants and public spaces, as being overly boisterous can be seen as intrusive.
✕
Don't initiate conversations about sensitive topics like personal income or intense political debates with people you have just met.
Safety & Health
The UK is very safe for tourists, though standard precautions against petty crime should be taken in major cities. The national terrorism threat level is often 'substantial', so travelers should stay alert in crowded areas.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are required beyond routine childhood immunizations such as Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio and MMR.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Overcharging by unlicensed rickshaws (pedicabs) in London's West End.
- ⚠ Fake police officers asking to check your wallet for 'counterfeit' currency.
- ⚠ Costumed performers (e.g., in Leicester Square) demanding payment after a photo.
- ⚠ ATM 'tapping' scams where strangers offer help to use a machine to capture your details.
Healthcare is excellent through the NHS, though visitors must pay for non-emergency services. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.
Language
English is the primary language spoken nationwide. While there are regional accents and dialects (such as Scots or Welsh), tourists will have no trouble communicating in English anywhere in the country.
English Spoken: Widely spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you / Cheers | Cheers | cheerz |
| Hello / How are you? | You alright? | yoo uh-ryte |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Sorry | so-ree |
| Goodbye | Cheers / Ta-ta | cheerz / tah-tah |
| The bill, please | Could we have the check, please? | koohd wee hav thuh chek pleez |
| A pint of beer | A pint, please | uh pynt pleez |
| Friend | Mate | mayt |
Visa & Entry
From 25 February 2026, many visitors who previously travelled visa-free (including citizens of the US, Canada and many European countries) must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Requirements depend on nationality—check the official guidance before travel.
Max Stay
Up to 6 months (Standard Visitor rules)
Passport Validity
Valid for the entire duration of stay
Visa-free for
USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU/EEA countries, Japan, South Korea (most require ETA from Feb 25, 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the United Kingdom safe for tourists?
How expensive is a trip to the UK?
When is the best time to visit the UK?
Do I need a visa for the UK?
Is English spoken throughout the UK?
What should I eat in the UK?
How do I get around the UK?
What side of the road do they drive on?
How do I pay for the London Underground?
Do I need to carry cash in the UK?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Ready to explore United Kingdom?
Browse our 6 city guides with budget tips, itineraries, and seasonal recommendations.