Looking for a UK travel guide?
Whether your perfect idea for a holiday is a UK weekend break in a bustling city, a week staying in a UK holiday cottage at a countryside retreat or a few days' sailing by the coast, the UK is sure to have something for you. Regardless if you're a domestic tourist or are visiting the country from overseas, the wide range of activities and accommodation on offer means there is bound to be something that matches your interests. The scope of UK holiday activities is vast, but hopefully you will find that the Travellers Club UK travel mini guides can help you choose the right kind of UK break to best suit you.
Take in the views with a cottage holiday break in the country
Britain is home to vast areas of countryside, so if you want to get back to nature taking UK cottage holiday advice and staying in a rustic rural property may be an ideal way to spend a few days - or weeks - off.
You could choose to head to northern England, where by seeking out our Lake District holiday guide could lead you to taking in magnificent views and astounding lakes such as Windermere and Ullswater.
Alternatively, choosing our UK south coast holiday guide may mean you stay in the beautiful villages and towns that can be found in counties such as Devon, Cornwall and Hampshire. Seeking out travel advice for Devon and Cornwall may be especially advisable if you like taking part in adventurous pursuits during your holiday. The two counties are particularly popular hotspots for water sports. So if you want to try your hand at surfing or sailing in the UK, Devon and Cornwall could be the perfect place for you to visit.
However, if you prefer for your physical activities to be based on dry land, then why not take to the golf course? There are a variety of areas that offer golf holidays in the UK, with both Cornwall and Devon home to a number of resorts.
Head to London - the UK's capital city
A city soaked in history, a trip to London - the UK capital - should be something that all those on a holiday in the UK should try at least once.
With a wide variety of museums and art galleries - many of which are free to enter - spending time taking in the numerous exhibits could be a perfect way to spend UK weekend breaks. These include the Royal Academy of Arts and Tate Britain, but as there are cultural institutions located throughout the capital something that is captivating is certain to be just around the corner.
There are a number of UK sightseeing tours that take in the various attractions of the capital, so if you want to get some holiday advice for London this may be an ideal activity to be involved with. Such tours could see you take in the likes of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye, giving you inspiration and UK holiday advice for the remainder of your trip.
Location & geography
The United Kingdom is a sovereign island country located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe. The UK spans the island of Great Britain, the northeast part of Ireland, and many small islands. Apart from this North Irelands land border, the UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel and the Irish Sea. Great Britain is linked to France by the Channel Tunnel. The United Kingdom has a temperate climate, with plentiful rainfall all year round.
Capital city
London is a metropolis overflowing with people of all races and brimming with contrasts of old and new, offering some of the world's most famous sights and an unrivalled nightlife. The historic capital was the centre of the British Empire for generations and is rich in culture. London offers something for everyone – fun for families at top tourist attractions, shopping, clubbing and vast parks spanning the city.
Natural world
The UK has a diverse pattern of natural vegetation. Oak, elm, ash, and beech are the most common trees in England. Pine and birch are most common in Scotland. Almost all the lowland outside the industrial centres is farmland. Wild vegetation consists of the natural flora of woods, fens and marshes, cliffs, chalk downs, and mountain slopes, the most widespread being the heather, grasses, gorse, and bracken of the moorlands.
Common small mammals are foxes, hares, hedgehogs, rabbits, weasels, stoats, shrews, rats, and mice; otters are found in many rivers, and seals frequently appear along the coast. There are few reptiles and amphibians. Roughly 230 species of birds reside in the UK, and another 200 are migratory. Rivers and lakes abound in salmon, trout, perch, pike, roach, dace, and grayling. There are more than 21,000 species of insects.
Food & drink
Historically, British cuisine was thought of as ‘unfussy dishes made with quality local ingredients, matched with simple sauces’. However, Britain has absorbed the cultural influence of those that settled in Britain, predominantly Indian food. Traditional Dishes include:
‘Sunday roast’ ( Roast Beef –or chicken- with roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and vegetables)
Fish & Chips (popular seaside dish of battered fish and chips to ‘take away’)
Bangers & Mash (Pork sausages, rich onion gravy and mashed potato)
Afternoon Tea (Traditional set of tea, jam, scones, cream and buffet foods)
Health and safety
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to the UK and food and water can be considered safe. It is generally safe to travel throughout the UK, although travellers are advised to take special care of personal belongings in central London, where pick-pocketing is often reported. There is a risk of international terrorism and security at all UK airports has been tightened and restrictions on hand luggage introduced.
Travelling
Tips of 10 to 15% are expected in restaurants and upmarket hotels if a service charge hasn't been included. Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone new. Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, including pubs and restaurants, and on public transport. There is a strict etiquette on escalators - stand on the right, walk on the left.
