United Kingdom holidays

Made up of four distinct nations — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — the United Kingdom’s culture and scenery are as variable as its weather. But for all its regional differences, you’ll find plenty of unifying characteristics, like a love of pubs, sarcasm and a well-made ‘cuppa’. Once we spill the tea on everything you need for the ultimate holiday to the UK, you’ll see why one visit is never enough.

Top destinations in United Kingdom

Edinburgh

Edinburgh can feel like a beautiful maze of cobblestone streets and 12th-century castles. Spend your days touring whisky distilleries and museums before exploring lochs and highlands.

London

The UK’s capital lives up to the hype. See Roman ruins, soak up world-class art, shop at stylish boutiques, then sit down with a pint and plot your next visit.

Manchester

Northern England’s post-industrial metropolis is one of the UK’s most talked-about travel destinations, with indie shopping, bohemian cafes and a thriving arts scene.

Newquay

England’s surf capital has more than perfect waves. Explore nature and history, feast on fresh seafood and enjoy the nightlife scene on your holiday in Newquay.

Jersey

This pint-sized island between England and France offers golden sands, green countryside and medieval castles. And don’t miss its world-renowned potatoes.

Northern Ireland

Home to the iconic Giant’s Causeway and the vibrant port city of Belfast, Northern Ireland is where natural beauty mingles with fascinating heritage and culture.

England

From chocolate-box villages to medieval castles, England brims with historical charm. But it looks to the future too, with modern metropolises like London and Manchester.

Scotland

Home to a vast wilderness of rugged mountains and crystal-clear lochs, Scotland is an outdoor playground. Discover its cultural pulse in cool cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Wales

Whether you’re scaling legendary peaks, admiring Gothic ruins, hiking in the countryside or exploring quaint seaside towns, Wales promises an unforgettable adventure.

United Kingdom: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

British pound (pound sterling) (£)

Time zone

UTC+0 (GMT) and UTC+1 (BST)

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United Kingdom holiday highlights

Southbank (River Thames South) Walkpath.

Take a walk

One of the best things to do in the UK is to explore the country on a walking adventure. Tackle sections of the 1,014-kilometer South West Coast Path between Somerset and Dorset. Or take in the Cotswolds’ chocolate-box villages and the city of Bath along the Cotswold Way. For a challenging climb, trek up the Lake District’s Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.

Visit ancient landmarks

Discover some of the UK’s earliest history with a visit to Stonehenge in Wiltshire, the country’s most famous and mysterious prehistoric site. Not far from Stonehenge, you’ll find Bath, named for its Roman baths built in the first century AD. For more Roman history, travel to Northumberland and Cumbria to see the remains of Hadrian’s Wall.

Hit the pub

Pub culture is more than just going to a bar — it’s an important part of everyday British life. Visiting the UK over the weekend? Head to a pub for a pint and a traditional Sunday roast of meat with gravy and vegetables. If you’re travelling as a family, children are usually allowed in pubs before 9pm with adult supervision.

Things to do in United Kingdom

Buckingham Palace

Top attractions

Watch the changing of the guard outside Buckingham Palace, the British monarch’s official London residence. And take in sweeping city views from Edinburgh Castle, perched on an ancient volcanic rock. Prehistoric Stonehenge continues to be one of the world’s great mysteries. Visit at sunrise or sunset to see the ancient megalithic circle bathed in golden light.

Beaches

The UK’s coastline is lined with beautiful beaches, from Cornwall up to the Isles of Scilly. Families love the beaches in Kent, like Margate’s Main Sands and Broadstairs’ Viking Bay. And Wales’ Aberfforest Beach is known for its dolphin and seal sightings. Here to surf? Try Whiterocks in Portrush, Northern Ireland, or Woolacombe in Devon.

Nature

There’s a treasure trove of natural wonders to explore in the UK. Marvel at the Durdle Door arch on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, or discover the cliffs and show caves around Somerset’s Cheddar Gorge. Outside of England, the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is one of the UK’s most famous natural sites, as is the Scottish Highlands’ iconic Loch Ness.

Culture and museums

Whether you’re after art, history, science or pop culture, there’s no shortage of museums in the UK. London’s V&A and the Tate Modern boast some of the country’s best art. And the British Museum’s vast collection spans over two million years of culture and history. Music lover? Check out the Liverpool Beatles Museum, or take a music-themed walking tour of Manchester.

Cuisine

The restaurants in the UK sometimes get a bad rap. Yes, you’ll find haggis and black pudding on menus, but British food isn’t all offal. Head to Scarborough and Whitby for freshly battered fish and chips. And eat some of the best curries outside of Asia in Birmingham and Bradford. Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Nothing beats a scone with jam and clotted cream.

Family friendly

Watch history come to life on a tour of the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels and the famous Bloody Tower. LEGOLAND Windsor theme park gives you all the building blocks you need for a fun day out with the whole family. Travelling with an animal lover? Spot puffins on Skomer Island off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales.

Find the best time to visit United Kingdom

Weather in United Kingdom

March – May: Spring brings mild temperatures and a mix of sunshine, showers and chilly breezes. Pack layers and an umbrella for the unpredictable weather.

June – August: UK summers are generally warm and sunny, but the odd rain shower or thunderstorm isn’t uncommon. Heatwaves have become more frequent, especially in London, with temperatures often pushing 30°C.

September – November: Expect cooler temperatures and more rain towards the end of the season. It’s the perfect time for cosy pubs and spotting autumnal foliage in the New Forest National Park — just don’t forget your waterproofs.

December – February: Winters are cold, damp and overcast, though snow is rare outside the northern regions. Beat the winter blues by visiting Edinburgh for Hogmanay, Scotland’s famous New Year celebration.

Events

Glastonbury Festival (June): This world-renowned music and performing arts festival in Somerset features musical acts, theatre, comedy and circus performances. Past headliners include David Bowie, Beyoncé and Dolly Parton.

Wimbledon (June and July): Cheer on top athletes at the world’s oldest tennis tournament. Can’t score tickets? You’ll find a lively atmosphere around the grounds and in pubs televising the matches.

Notting Hill Carnival (August): This celebration of Caribbean culture sees crowds flocking to West London for Europe’s biggest street festival. Expect parades, costumed performers and food stalls selling everything from jerk chicken to curry goat.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August): Head to the Scottish capital for the world’s largest arts festival. Stages across the city host comedy, theatre and musical performances.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

Brits may be fluent in sarcasm, but beneath the dry humour lies a deep respect for politeness, humility and subtlety. Queuing is almost treated like a national sport, so join the line politely and wait your turn. Taking the London Underground? Always stand on the right side of the escalator and let people off the train before boarding.

Health and safety

There aren’t any UK-specific immunisation requirements, but it’s a good idea to be up to date with routine vaccinations. The weather is famously temperamental and can change quickly. Bring appropriate clothing and gear when hiking and walking in remote areas. Air conditioning is a rarity nationwide. If you’re visiting during a summer heatwave, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Budget

A cheap holiday in the UK is possible with some careful budgeting. London is more expensive than other UK cities, but in general, you’ll spend about 15 British pounds (£) on an inexpensive meal and less than £5 on a local beer. A short taxi ride is around £6, but public transport is usually cheaper.

FAQs about United Kingdom holidays

The UK is a safe, tourist-friendly destination. Even so, it’s wise to exercise caution, especially in larger cities, where pickpocketing and phone snatching are common. Don’t forget to reduce your speed and use your headlights in heavy fog and rain.
London can be pricey, but the UK has other, more budget-friendly destinations to choose from. To save on costs, visit during the shoulder seasons and take advantage of free attractions like museums, galleries and national parks.
The UK’s official currency is the British pound (£). Be aware that Scotland and Northern Ireland’s banknotes look different from those issued in England and Wales. When dining out, plan to leave a 10% tip unless a service charge is included in your bill.
English is the most widely spoken language in the UK, but it’s not the only national language. You may also hear Welsh in Wales, Cornish in Cornwall, Gaelic and Scots in Scotland and Irish and Ulster Scots in Northern Ireland.
The best time to visit the UK is in the spring or autumn — temperatures are mild, and there are fewer tourists than in the peak summer months of June to August. Throughout the year, the UK’s weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to pack a ‘brolly’ (umbrella) just in case.
London is hard to beat with its history, architecture and iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. Prefer a quieter scene? Try the Scottish Highlands for rugged mountains, deep lochs and medieval castles.