The United Kingdom

Introducing the United Kingdom

Visiting the United Kingdom gives you variety at every turn whether it’s the iconic cities, the landmarks and their history and heritage, or the beautiful countryside, the rugged coastline, the inspiring peaks, the ancient woodland, the vast moors, and then all the activities within – there will always be something for you to enjoy.

The United Kingdom is divided into four very different nations – England – is the home of Shakespeare, Sherlock Homes, and football. Scotland – for Edinburgh, the Lochs, the Highlands, and its finest export – Whisky. Northern Ireland for Giants Causeway and the Titanic Visitor Attraction. Wales for the Celtic Welsh language, the rugged coastline, and national parks, Tom Jones, and rugby.

Each nation offers the visitor something truly special.

Key Information

Getting Around

The best way to explore the UK is out on the open road allowing you to head off the beaten path and discover hidden coves and pretty little welcoming villages.

The train services are pretty good throughout the country if a little expensive, particularly in London and the South East.

The bus network is wide and on the whole excellent in the main cities although in some of the outlying villages and the country they are infrequent hence why the freedom of car hire is recommended.

Cycling is very popular in the main cities where cycling lanes are becoming more usual or out in the country which is popular for those seeking adventure health and activities.

Regional flights are common from the 20+ airports dotted around the United Kingdom. As always the earlier you book the better the prices.

Top Places To See & Things to Do

Bath, England
Known for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, this beautiful city has been luring visitors to its healing waters for more than 2,000 years.

Belfast & The Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
Famous all around the world for its columns of layered basalt, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Canterbury, England
just an hour from London, Canterbury has been a draw for pilgrims for more than 1,500 years. The pedestrianized centre of the town with its many preserved, historic, timber-framed buildings and the Canterbury Tales where you can uncover the life of the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer.

Cotswolds and Lake District, England
The Cotswolds provide visitors with a true taste of rural English life and is ideal for hiking, walking, and biking. The Lake District National Park is an area with 12 of the country’s largest lakes and again a great place to explore and hike including Scafell Pike – the tallest mountain in England.   

Edinburgh, Scotland
A beautiful city with at its heart Edinburgh Castle and then the Old Town’s Royal Mile with its fine architecture, boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, and art galleries, plus Holyrood house and Princes Street for shopping.

Leeds, Yorkshire
A powerhouse of the north the city of Leeds in Yorkshire provides a wide range of attractions including the Leeds City Museum, The Victoria Quarter for shopping, lively nightlife, and the gentle River Aire to just sit back and relax.

Liverpool and Manchester, England
The North West of the UK gives us two cities that are an ideal gateway to the North and Scotland. Manchester is popular for its well-preserved Victorian houses, canals, and Roman ruins, as well as the many old warehouses now serving as trendy shops, hotels, and restaurants. Liverpool offers cultural sights and through its association with the Beatles an opportunity for ’60s music lovers to visit the famous Cavern Club. Both cities also come with a fine history of football success. 

London
When visiting the UK a visit to London is a must with a wealth of attractions for all. The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, and several world-class museums of different interests. For places to eat how about checking out this great site www.eatinginlondon.co.uk

Salisbury, England
The medieval city of Salisbury has one of the country’s most iconic cathedrals and then 12 miles out of town the World Heritage Sites of Stonehenge.

Scilly Isles
Take a trip to the United Kingdom far west and visit the charming Isles of Scilly.

Snowdonia, Wales
The mountains of the Snowdonia are a popular attraction for those seeking nature and hiking. The mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the park’s estuaries, lakes, rivers, slate mines, and villages.

University Towns of Cambridge & Oxford, England
The two most famous university towns in England are Cambridge and Oxford. Each has plenty of attractions and a rivalry in the annual boat race held on the Thames every spring.

Windsor, England
Home to Windsor Castle which is one of the finest royal castles in the UK. The town also has beautiful gardens, top shopping, the Thames walks, and is not far from Royal Ascot, one of the UK’s top horse racing courses. It’s also home to Oakdale Bees, a recent experience I enjoyed.

York and its Minster, England
York Minster is one of the UK’s oldest and most celebrated churches while visitors can also explore the ancient city walls and a town famous for its welcoming tearooms and restaurants.

Pre-bookable Excursions in the United Kingdom

More Information

Contact the Visit England or your local travel agent for more information on holidays to the United Kingdom.