United Kingdom (UK) Travel Tips You NEED to Know! • 2024

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If you skipped geography class at school, the UK is made up of four countries, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Each country has its own flavour and it is definitely worth a visit to all four while travelling the UK.

BUT don’t make the mistake of not giving yourself enough time. My suggested amount of time would be a minimum of four weeks, giving you a week in each country. However, that will still end up being a fairly fast-paced trip. If you can manage to take off a couple of months. Do it.

Fast-paced travel can be tiring – I’d recommend slowing your travel down. That may mean seeing fewer places, but those that you do see, you can really dive deep into. My girlfriend and I spent 3 months adventuring around the UK and honestly, we could’ve kept exploring.

If you don’t have enough time for all four in one trip, I’d recommend choosing 1-2 countries to do at a time and coming back another time for the others.

For maximum sunshine and minimum downpours, I’d recommend timing your visit to enjoy the glory of the UK in summer (June-August). Longer days, glorious nature and all-around good vibes. The Brits seem to shake off their features and fiiiinally get outside! The pubs and parks flood with families and folks enjoying the sunshine.

I won’t lie, you will more than likely still see rain during this time BUT a lot less than at other times of the year. If the weather gets over 25 degrees, you’ll find it’s the talk of the town and sometimes, it might even make it onto the news. In other words, the vibes are high and it is the perfect time to visit the UK.

Summer in the UK is the perfect temperature to enjoy the parks, pubs, hikes and even beaches! (yep, you read that right)

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That leads me to my next UK travel tip… pack a rain jacket! Whatever time of year you visit it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Don’t be fooled, just because it’s summertime doesn’t mean you’ve escaped the rain, there is still the odd gloomy day or surprise downpour.

It’s essential to pack a good travel jacket. My favourite is the Patagonia Torrentshell jacket. It’s kept me dry in many a UK downpour and is a great size for travelling.

The UK is home to truly breathtaking nature waiting to be explored. From peaceful parks to majestic mountains, you won’t be short of places to get outside and fill your lungs with that crisp fresh air.

The National Parks in the UK are protected areas of natural beauty across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland offering a rich tapestry of nature, adventure, wildlife and history. Some of these places will make your jaw drop and you think “WTF, that’s the UK?!”

Whether you want a gentle stroll or something a bit more adventure-packed, you can explore the UK national parks in your own way. My absolute favourites are the Brecon Beacons in Wales and the Lake District in England.

So, pack yourself a good pair of hiking boots (shit can get muddy in the UK) and head to the hills!

You can’t visit the UK and not have a Sunday roast in a traditional pub. A plate pilled with crisp, golden roast potatoes, seasonal veggies, a Yorkshire pudding as large as your head, roasted meat and most important of all, swimming in Gravy. Loads of pubs also offer a veggie-friendly option too!

Enjoying this delicious traditional meal in a UK pub just adds to the atmosphere – add a crispy, cold pint on the side and you’ll leave feeling like a true Brit.

If you go for a roast lunch, don’t make too many plans for the afternoon – they feel like a Christmas lunch, and you’ll likely want to spend the afternoon horizontal, rubbing your tum.

You can find a Sunday roast at nearly every pub across the UK 🙂

Typically nestled in the majestic landscapes of the UK countryside, these rustic tiny homes are a truly magical way to experience the beauty of the UK.

Staying in a Shepard hut is one of my favourite ways to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy some time to recharge in a beautiful setting. Equipped with everything you need from a comfy bed, small kitchen, bathroom, log burning fire (some with hot tubs if you’re feeling fancy) provides a grounding way to enjoy the UK countryside.

This is one of my favourite Shepard Hut Airbnbs: Shepherd’s Hut, Off-Grid, Hot Tub and Beacons View. Nestled into the Brecon Beacons, it makes for the perfect romantic getaway.

Yes, you read that correctly. It may not be the first thing you think of when visiting the UK but I’m here to tell you that the UK has a STUNNING coast. We may not be blessed with the toasty sun like the Costa Del Sol but the beaches are pretty tasty if you know where to look.

My all-time favourite is the Dorset coast, I have been going here since I was little and it holds a special place in my heart. You should check out Studland Beach and Durdle Door (this one has a steep cliff walk to get down, so bring some good footwear).

Cornwall is a surfer’s paradise (minus the hot weather) with beautiful sandy beaches and rolling waves it’s the perfect place to grab a board and hit the surf. It’s one of the best surf beaches in the UK. Just be sure to pack (or hire) a thick wet suit, it can get chilly out there!

Whether you’re a surfing pro or learning to stand up, the waves of Cornwall offer something for everyone. If you’re unsure if it’s a safe day to learn, just get chatting to any of the surf schools in town, they can let you know what the conditions are like during your visit.

Fistral Beach in Newquay is the perfect place to practise your skills, from paddling to learning to balance. I’d recommend checking out this Surfing Experience at Fistral Beach with the professional instructors at Fistral Beach Surf School. You’ll be in safe hands as these legends have been teaching people how to ride waves for years – they got me standing on my first session!

The UK is home to some of the best festivals in the world. If you are visiting in the summer time you will have your pick of some monster UK festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, Boomtown and many more. You will have to plan ahead and get your tickets in advance as they are LIKELY to sell out or chance your luck and attempt to get a ticket on the day.

The music scene in the UK is HUGE. So even if you don’t make it to one of the bigger festivals, I’d recommend seeking out a local gig or two. Especially if you’re visiting the likes of Bristol, Brighton or Glasgow.

Now, If there is one thing the UK has no shortage of its breweries. It’s fair to say that we Brits love a good beer. From Hopy IPA to deep dark stouts, there’s some top-notch liquid gold being produced here. If you go into most pubs across the UK, you’ll find at least a few crafties on tap.

Why not combine a bit of history with your beer-drinking and check out an underground beer-tasting tour? Head down to the hidden vaults, tasting local beers and learning about the history of the breweries. One of my favourite tours is the Underground Beer Tasting in Edinburgh.

I’m not much of a city lover, give me the rolling hills and fresh country air any day. However, there’s no arguing that London is an iconic hotspot that you cannot miss if you plan to travel in the UK.

It draws travellers from all corners of the globe with its famous tourist attractions like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Covent Garden, and Buckingham Palace. Sometimes, you just have to go full tourist mode and there’s no shame in it. Just remember there is a world outside of London and plenty of beautiful places to see in the UK. Don’t spend too long here, get in, see the sites, get out. Your wallet will thank you for it.

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world and cheap isn’t in the vocabulary. Fortunately for you, I’ve got you covered, if you plan on staying in the big smoke, there are heaps of hostels in London which will help stretch the budget.

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Escape the city and head for the hills! Although there is plenty of rain in the UK, it means that when the downpours subside, we are blessed with LUSH green landscapes that could impress even the toughest UK critics.

To many travellers’ surprise, the UK is a hiker’s paradise with amazing tracks and beautiful landscapes itching to be hiked. There are plenty of trials no matter your fitness level – whether you are looking for a gentle stroll or something a bit more challenging.

If you’re searching for a slightly more advanced hike, I’d recommend trotting on up to the highest peak in Wales and England, Snowden. This peak offers breathtaking views of Snowdonia National Park and the Welsh countryside.

Or, you can head to the Lakes District in the UK. It’s a land of rolling hills, misty mornings and more sheep than people! It’s one of the coolest places to visit in the UK (in my humble opinion).

The earlier you start your hikes the better, not only will you beat the crowds scrambling up the like of Scareful Pike and Helvellyn but you’ll get that magical morning mist and feel like your Bilbo Baggins on your grand adventure.

There is nothing that will offend the Scottish, Welsh and Irish more than being called English. It’s a guaranteed way to get your tea spat in. You don’t want to piss off a Scot, I tell ya that much.

I’m kidding (kind of), you’re not going to get your tea spat in (hopefully). However, each country within the UK has a strong, unique culture and identity. During your travels, I encourage you to chat with the locals and find out a bit more about what makes their culture different from the others.

We all know that the UK at Chrismas is famous, it’s a bloody magical time to visit. The UK has some of the best Christmas Markets in the world. Especially places like London, Edinburgh, Bath, York and Cardiff – but to be honest, there are incredible markets all over the UK. I’m from Bristol, so Bath markets are my yearly go-to and they never get old.

Sip your way around the markets on either mulled wine or a Baileys hot chocolate, as you explore the sweets, decorations and other quirky Christmas stalls.

Winter in the UK can be COLD, but it can be absolutely beautiful if you embrace the good ol’ Christmas spirit.

You haven’t got to worry about hunting down ATMs in the UK. The majority of places will take card payment and in some places, it’s even unwelcome to pay in cash (oh, how the world has flipped, eh?) Cafes, bars, and shops have ditched the notes and gone all in on the digital way, especially since COVID times.

However, some of the more remote places or local markets may only accept cash, so it’s always handy to have a few quid (AKA pounds) on you.

If there’s one the Welsh love more than anything, it’s their rugby. Watching a game at the Principality Stadium is a right of passage and diving into Welsh culture head first. The heroes that have stepped foot on that pitch and with an atmosphere so electric you can feel the buzz is an unforgettable experience and a great day out.

If you plan your visit at the time of a Six Nations game – even better!! Win or lose, you’ll finish off with a pint in a local pub and enjoy the post-game vibes with the enthusiastic locals.

Visiting the UK seaside and missing fish and chips is a crime against food. Nothing better than perching up overlooking the coast and tucking into that deep-fried, crispy, goodness. Now, if you want to experience the true UK fish and chips you’re going to need to order yourself some mushy peas and a side of curry sauce, don’t knock it till you try it.

Vanlife is one of my favourite ways to explore a place. You get to see a country from a different angle than most tourists. You end up passing through random towns that see tourists once in a blue moon and look at you like a new species that’s been found on Mars. It’s a chance to get off the beaten track, explore the unexplored road and see some pretty epic landscapes.

So, why Scotland in particular? Scotland is unique in that it welcomes freedom/ wild camping – which pretty much means you can park up and sleep anywhere you like. It’s called “Right to Roam Camping” and it is allowed on most unenclosed land. This includes open moorland, forests, fields, and some coastal areas – however, there are some restrictions to brush up on if you do try it out!

There is no shortage of castles in the UK – you can find them in nearly every bloody town! They are pretty spectacular and are brimming with history and many boast epic views. I’d recommend checking out some of the most famous castles during your visit:

• Warwick Castle (England)
• Bamburgh Castle (England)
• Dover Castle (England)
• Conwy Castle (Wales)
• Conwy Castle (Wales)
• Edinburgh Castle (Scotland)
• Balmoral Castle (Scotland)
• Carrickfergus Castle (Northern Ireland)

You can also go one step further and STAY in one!! Dollarbeg Castle (near Edinburgh) allows for overnight stays and offers an incredible view, towering over the capital and is surrounded by the forested mountains of Kintail. Lock in a stay at Dollarbeg Castle and spend a night livin’ like royalty!

Check out the Dollarbeg Castle Stay

Now, if you’re planning on transporting your way around the UK (which I imagine you are) then the buses are going to be your best friend. Especially if you’re travelling on a budget!

Don’t even get me started on the UK train prices, the UK charges ridiculous amounts for an average train fare and you don’t even get to hang out of the doors (if you’ve been to Sri Lanka, you’ll feel me, if not… you should go hang out train doors in Sri Lanka ;))

The good news for you budget backpackers is you can get to pretty much any city in the UK with either the Flixbus (my go-to and the cheapest), Megabus or the National Express. Tickets will cost you a fraction of what you’d spend on the train and you can book online. Simple.

It may take a little longer, but download a good podcast, look out the window and relax and you venture around the UK bus-style.

However, if your pockets are super deep or you are on a time crunch, the trains are comfy and fast. You could also check out the flights which can every now and then go on sale and are semi-affordable.

Okay, I’m about to be completely biased, after all, I was born in Bristol. But fuck it, Bristol is hands down the coolest city in England and an absolute must-visit. And I’m not just saying that.

Bristol is like a mini-London (but WAY cooler), it’s packed with loads of different areas that all offer their own sprinkle of British spice. If you want to check out the posh side of the UK, you’ll want to head to Clifton, there are gorgeous boutique shops, fancy pubs – that whip up delicious British grub – and beautifully manicured houses.

But my favourite side to Bristol (and the reason I think you’ll love it), is that it has this grungy, bad-ass, street-art vibe to it – I mean it is the home of Banksy after all. If you want to channel your inner hipster, head to Glouster Road – this is where all the cool kids hang out. This place is packed with quirky bars, INSANE thrift shops, delicious street food, funky cafes and pumpin’ nightlife (but tbh, you’ll find that on every corner in Bristol).

And as with most places in the UK, Bristol is steeped in history. When you’re not thrifting or sipping coffee, you can marvel at the Clifton Suspension Bridge, stroll the cobbled streets and check out the SS Great Britain Ship.

Oh, just as you thought we were done with the UK coast, think again. Pembrokeshire in Wales is well known for its rugged coast, sandy beaches and clear waters. Head to Tenby, a colourful town with a stunning beach and heaps of seaside charm.

If you want to take a scenic stroll you’re in luck, the Pembrokeshire coastal path is 186 miles of coast stretching as far as the eyes can see, offering the ideal track for a gentle plod.

It’s no secret that the UK is an expensive place to travel. So, hostels in the UK will become your best friend as you explore your way around. Not only are hostels a great way to stretch the budget, but they are also a great opportunity to meet new travel buddies.

The UK is well-trodden in terms of tourism and is packed with amazing hostels, especially in the larger cities like London and Edinburgh. But if you’re travelling more off-the-beaten-track, don’t worry, you’ll find that when you venture to smaller towns there are more low-key family-run hostels and Airbnbs.

Here are my top picks for the best hostels across the UK:

• Best Overall Hostel in the UK – Seadragon Backpackers (Brighton)
• Best Hostel in the UK for Solo Travellers – Castle Rock (Edinburgh) 
• Best Cheap Hostel in the UK – Astor York (York) 
• Best Party Hostel in the UK – The Full Moon Backpackers (Bristol)
• Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in the UK – Wombats City Hostel (London) 

Overall, the UK is generally safe for travellers but that doesn’t mean things can’t go wrong. Even to the best of us backpackers. However, I ALWAYS recommend getting good travel insurance as it’s better to be safe than sorry and you never know what might happen.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Ahh, enjoying a proper pint of Guinness is a must when visiting the island of Ireland. Guinness and Ireland go hand-in-hand – whether that’s the North or the Republic. The Irish have been brewing Guinness since 1759, so it pretty much flows through their veins.

Find yourself a cosy pub, order yourself a Guinness and enjoy sipping on that thick, creamy liquid gold. If the pub has a fireplace, the smell of stale beers and sticky floors is even more authentic.

Driving through Northern Ireland’s Causeway coastal route is the perfect place to fill up your camera roll. Starting in Belfast and making your way north you’ll be struck with the rugged coast, green hills and beautiful waters.

It’s the perfect road-tripping route with endless opportunities for scenic shots, adrenaline-pumping clifftop walks, beach hopping and marvelling at the incredible geology along the coast.

As soon as the sun comes out, hitting the coast is the best place to be. By renting a car, you’ll get to adventure off the beaten track a little and visit a few hidden gems in the UK. It may cost a little more, but invite a couple of mates and split the cost, or book in shoulder seasons so you can get a bargain. It’s worth it!!!

Staying connected as soon as you touch down is pretty damn handy, especially when you’re in a new city with no idea where to go. I recommend loading up with those juicy bars of connection and getting yourself an eSim.

• You can grab an international eSIM ahead of time; it’s super easy and you’ll be sorted with data as soon as you land. It’s a bit more expensive but a great option.
• You can pick up a local SIM card in mobile phone shops, local shops, supermarkets or I’ve even seen SIM vending machines—crazy, I know! A local SIM is almost always the cheaper option, but it can be more admin to get sorted.

And that my friend, brings us to the end. I hope my UK travel tips have been helpful and will help to guide you through your journey through my homeland! I know I’m slightly biased, being born and raised in England, but I truly believe the UK is a magical place. Each country is full of unique, beautiful, weird and wonderful places to see and things to do.

No matter where you stay and what you get up to, I know that the United Kingdom will not disappoint.

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