Land of hope and glory, the United Kingdom is a country misunderstood by many. More than simply England, a unique cultural blend of English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish bathes the land in spirit and excitement. From the bustle of the streets of London to the silence of the valleys of Snowdonia, the UK is full of adventure. Enjoy the brisk weather and bracing winds as you traverse the mountains of the Scottish Highlands or the Lake District before enjoying a craft ale next to a fireplace in a quaint English village.
Explore Vibrant London
The bustling Capital city has to be at the top of your list of things to do in the UK, even if you’re budget won’t allow it! With a plethora of history and culture all wrapped up in this beguiling place, you could spend days wandering the streets, discovering the local markets and parks, and absorbing the life of the city by visiting the famous museums.
While you’re here, don’t forget to see the ceremonial changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, visit the Tower of London, and check out one of the many local pubs for a cold pint of beer and a delicious British meal. For the best things to do in the city, see in our London City Break Guide! If you fancy doing a few adventurous things while you’re in the capital city, why not try ice climbing, stand up paddling, or going on a speedboat ride down the River Thames.
You can’t get a proper idea of the melting pot of British cultures without visiting Scotland. The UK’s most northernmost country, Scotland is full of natural beauty from its impressive glacial glens (valleys) to its bewildering lochs (lakes), home to ancient castles, the highest UK peak (Ben Nevis) and mythical monsters. As well as the stunning Scottish Highlands, Scotland also boasts two major cities: medieval Edinburgh and cultural Glasgow.
Explore Bath, UK
Immerse yourself in history and see how Bath’s former residents relaxed all those centuries ago. Interactive exhibits and CGI reconstructions bring this unique ancient site back to life, showing how important the baths were to our Roman ancestors.
Bath is a deep treasure chest of museums and galleries (far too many to list here). Dive into Bath’s culture at The Holburne Museum, relive the Georgian era at No.1 Royal Crescent, soak up style at the Fashion Museum and visit Victoria Art Gallery for classic and contemporary art in a splendid Victorian setting.
Take the Bath Abbey Tower Tour to see the different, working side of this iconic landmark. Ascend 212 steps to the top, and you will climb past the ringing chamber to the bell chamber, to have the chance to stand above the Abbey’s vaulted ceiling and sit behind the clock face. Once you reach the roof, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the city and surrounding countryside.
To get the most out of your visit to Bath consider hiring a chauffeur service such as Cars Exec. Travel in style with a customized tour, under the care and guidance of a private chauffeur. Now that’s true British style! And of course if you need Bath airport taxi transfers then the same chauffeur service will accommodate those needs.
Take a stroll on the Bath Skyline Walk. Just a short distance from the city centre, this six-mile route takes you through lush meadows, secluded valleys and ancient woodlands. Alongside the natural splendour, you’ll also take in some spectacular wide-angle vistas of beautiful Bath.
You can find many other areas of exploration in Bath at the visitbath.co.uk website.
Challenge Yourself in Snowdonia
Impressive Snowdonia National Park is a diverse region in Wales, home to glacial landforms and Wales’s highest mountain: Mount Snowdon. Offering breathtaking views of Wales and across the sea to Ireland, this challenging mountain lures in many hiking enthusiasts year after year. With an extensive network of trails, stunning nature, and the longest zip line in Europe and the fastest in the world, is there any wonder why this is a top attraction while in the UK? The outdoor activities in Wales are some of the best in the UK so why not check it out?
For outdoor enthusiasts, the beautiful Lake District is not to be missed. Located in Northern England, this one stunning destination is the perfect place for hiking the mountains, cycling through the forest or sailing on the lakes. Although crowded during the Summer, the weather makes for a truly magical visit.
The South of England is a charming and quaint place and the better weather makes for a better time too! From the rolling hills and small fishing towns of Cornwall to the bustling port cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, you can be sure that you will soak in all the best aspects of British culture whilst also enjoying some of the best views! You will also find the luscious New Forest and the chilled Isle of Wight in the South, which like the rest of the region, offers stunning nature and some of the best foods.
An under-appreciated region of Wales, the Gower is a hidden jewel just waiting to be discovered. With some truly amazing surf surrounded by beautiful rolling sand dunes and hills, this place is an adventurer’s paradise. A perfect location for enjoying the quiet and quaint Welsh countryside, the Gower also isn’t far from the up and coming coastal city of Swansea.
Festivals and Celebrations
England is known for its festivals, so if you can plan your travels around some of the biggest such as the Glastonbury Festival, then you’ll be in for a treat! If you love music whilst drinking beer and traipsing around a muddy field in your wellies, then you need to experience a true British festival in all its glory.
Due to the temperamental (and often cold!) weather in the UK, the food reflects what the British people want in those times: warm, comforting, and hearty grub! Bringing a whole new meaning to comfort eating, these classic dishes have now become increasingly popular and are widely eaten throughout the whole of the country. To get your hands and taste buds on some of the best, here are a few traditional dishes you need to try:
Fish and Chips – The most popular British meal and a staple diet for a Friday night is the much-loved fish and chips! You will find this delicious dish in almost every pub and restaurant and, of course, fish and chip shop, so don’t leave without trying it with a lot of salt and vinegar.
Roast Dinner – A long-standing tradition for a Sunday is the classic roast dinner. Also known as Sunday Dinner or Sunday Roast, you will see this in every pub and restaurant on a Sunday for those people who want to venture out for their hearty fix. With a plate full of meat, stacked with vegetables and potatoes, and smothered in gravy, you can be sure that you will never forget your first and it won’t be your last.
Full English Breakfast – Yes, the warmth and heartiness begins at breakfast too! Wherever you are in the UK, imagine your plate piled with greasy goodness comprised of sausages, eggs, beans, toast, hash browns, tomatoes and more!
Steak and Ale Pie – Another British favorite is the belly-warming steak and ale pie. With a crispy and flaky exterior packed full of meat, cheese, and Guinness, this generous dish is the food equivalent of a cozy blanket and a roaring fireplace.
Chicken Tikka Masala – Apparently invented in Glasgow, this creamy Indian dish is always packed with flavor and served with a savory rice and herby naan bread. You can find this in every Indian and every pub and you can be sure it will be amazing!