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WHY BOOK A TRIP TO THE UK
Many see the UK as simply London – Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, cups of tea and Mary Poppins. The capital is an endlessly entertaining cosmopolitan behemoth and, yes, we do drink an awful lot of tea, but the UK is so much more.
England itself is a vast and varied land, from the surfer-friendly waves of the Cornish coast to the sheer beauty of the Lake District, quaint countryside towns in the south and spirited cities up north.
Then there’s the magical, mystical beauty of Wales. With misty mountains, medieval castles and one of Europe’s oldest languages, it’s no wonder that the mythic quality of this land has inspired countless poets, bards and fabulists.
Across the Irish Sea is Northern Ireland, where the emerald greens of the countryside clash with the lively blues of its craggy coastline. There’s Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges and Belfast, a capital with more character than most.
And last but certainly not least, stretching high into the North Sea, are the rugged wilds of Scotland. Some of the landscapes here are unlike any you’ll find elsewhere in the UK, from the dramatic peaks of the Highlands to the otherworldly splendour of the Hebrides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the best time of year to visit the UK?
Summer, from June to September, has the hottest, driest months. Expect the beaches to be packed, pub gardens to overflow, and plenty of music festivals to be taking place. Opt for springtime for fewer crowds and cheaper prices, but wrap up warm if you’re planning to come in winter.
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How many days do you need to tour the UK?
That very much depends on what you want to do. A city break to London or Edinburgh can be done in 3-4 days, while a week is enough to explore the smaller nations – Wales and Northern Ireland – or regions like the Scottish Highlands, southwest England and northern England. 10 days or two weeks means you can combine a few of your priorities together but, if you want a really thorough exploration of the UK, you probably need a good month to see it all properly.
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What’s the climate like?
The UK generally runs on four seasons. Winter (December to February) is chilly with regular ice and snow, particularly in the highlands of Scotland and Wales. Spring (March to May) can be cool with the odd warm day. Summer (June to August) is typically warm, with prolonged hot spells and occasional thunderstorms. Autumn (September to November) has the most rain and unpredictable weather, as the summer warmth fades away.
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What’s the currency in the UK?
Pound sterling
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What languages are spoken in the UK?
English is spoken throughout the UK, but there are a range of indigenous Celtic languages still spoken across the country. In Wales an occasional “diolch” (“thank you”) will go down a treat with native Welsh speakers, while Gaelic is still spoken in some remote parts of Scotland. Some Irish Gaelic is spoken in Northern Ireland, and in the far southwestern region of England you can find the critically endangered Cornish language.
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What is the time difference in the UK?
The UK all falls under one time zone, Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0), which is 5 hours ahead of New York, 8 hours ahead of LA and 9 hours behind Tokyo.
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Major Airports in the UK:
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- London Stansted Airport (STN)
- London Luton Airport (LTN)
- Manchester Airport (MAN)
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
- Birmingham International Airport (BHX)
- Bristol Airport (BRS)
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What are the top destinations to visit in the UK?
- London – Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, the River Thames, and a pub on every corner
- Manchester – Museums and galleries, sporting rivalries and an ever-evolving music scene
- England’s South West – Rugged coastal paths, surf breaks and Roman baths
- Scotland – Lochs, mountains and culture-rich cities
- Northern Ireland – Ancient history, mystery and ravishing scenery
- Wales – majestic beaches, ancient castles and serene mountain landscapes
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What local foods should I try in the UK?
- Roast dinner – a combo of meats and veg, typically with roast potatoes, and all drowned in gravy
- Fish and chips – battered white fish, usually cod, and chips. Plenty of salt and vinegar on top. Opting for mushy peas or curry sauce is up to you
- Cornish pasty – a pastry pocket stuffed with beef, swede, onion and seasoning. If it’s filled with anything else, it ain’t a proper pasty
- Cawl – a hearty Welsh lamb and leek broth, best served with mature cheddar cheese and hunks of generously buttered homemade bread
- Full English breakfast – bacon, sausages, eggs how you like them, hash browns, baked beans, mushrooms, tomatoes and toast. Served with a bottomless pot of tea – the breakfast of champions
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Is the UK and Great Britain the same?
Almost but not quite! In many cases people do use the terms interchangeably, but technically that is incorrect. Great Britain, or simply Britain, is the island consisting of England, Scotland and Wales. The United Kingdom is the official state of those three countries and Northern Ireland. Its full name is The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – which you’ll notice during the Olympic Games – because Northern Ireland is on the island of Ireland, not Britain.