UNITED KINGDOM TRAVEL GUIDE
The United Kingdom is made up of four very different regions, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island. Each have something unique to offer and the landscape varies dramatically over over the whole country.
The entire United Kingdom encompasses so much history and culture, in every corner, from historic monuments, ancient ruins and century old castles. It’s also home to some of the best countryside in the world (trying not to be biased here!). From countryside to city, the UK is full of culture with a huge variety of scenery on offer.
England
Home to the capital city of London- this is where most travellers will arrive. London is a huge city, with so much to see and do from museums, galleries, attractions like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds and so much more. The shopping is also some of the best in the world, with locals and tourists alike flocking to Oxford street at Christmas. Aside from the cathedrals, skyscrapers, pubs, bars, live music and busy streets, you can also take time out in one of London’s many parks.
As much as I love London though, there is sooo much more to see in England. Head South West and you will eventually arrive at in beautiful Devon and Cornwall. With pretty fishing harbours, rolling countryside, stunning beaches and small quaint villages, it has it all.
Head further North and find yourself in the Yorkshire Hills or the Lake District. Perfect for walkers and anyone who loves the outdoors, the scenery here can be quite spectacular. Not for getting the Peak District, New Forest, the Cotswolds and the historic city Bath, there’s thousands of sights on offer.
Scotland
From the Scottish Highlands and mythical lochs to cosmopolitan cities like Edinburgh, Scotland encompasses some dramatic scenery. Stunning mountain views and vast wilderness gives Scotland a real rugged and authentic feel. This is the perfect place for outdoor adventurists.
Head to the capital Edinburgh and indulge yourself in its history, delicious haggis, art, bagpipes, antient castle and beautiful parks. A perfect weekend getaway.
Wales
Wales is a beautifully green place (the positive side of rain!) and is less populated than England, in fact there may be more sheep than people. For miles you will see rolling green hills, complete with sheep, cows and horses. It also has a stunning and rugged coastline, with some of the beaches having the softest sand I’ve ever felt.
Everything moves at a slower pace in Wales, which makes for a delightfully peaceful holiday. The locals are friendly and there’s many things to do from cycling, sailing, walking in the stunning Snowdonia National Park, boat trips, kayaking and relaxing at the beach.
Northern Ireland
One of the safest places for solo female travellers, the friendly locals will welcome you to this beautiful district. Also rugged and green, Northern Ireland’s home to some gorgeous countryside and trendy cities like Belfast. Wander around some of the smaller towns and pop into a traditional Irish pub for a drink of Guinness. Or take a self-drive tour down the stunning coastline.
SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL IN THE UK
Definitely on my list for one of the best countries for solo female travel. Obviously there will be some areas that aren’t quite as safe, although most likely you wont be visiting those! The UK is perfectly safe for women travelling alone and an excellent place to start for first time travellers as there is so much you can do by yourself.
There’s so much to see and do you won’t have time to be bored. English is the main language, transport is easy to book and widely available (can be a lot cheaper if booked in advance) and there is plenty of accommodation for all budgets. So what are you waiting for?!
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE UK
Anytime! Each season has something different to offer.
Spring: March to May have some rain but it does make everything so green. The country air is so fresh, with lovely floral smells from the flowers. Plus, this is when all the baby animals are born (I can’t resist a cute baby sheep!).
Summer: Perhaps the best time to go if you want to be outdoors and by the beach. It will be warm and dry (mostly) and perfect for outdoor activities.
Autumn: Another pretty time for outdoor activies in the countryside. The leaves will be changing to red, orange and yellow hues, making it pretty for walking. You can also get some nice warm days at the start of the season.
Winter: Not the best time for the countryside (although it’s still nice for walking), this is a great time to visit the big cities. Each will have their Christmas markets up, making this time feel rather magical- there’s an excitement in the air. Just be sure to bring a coat or two as it will be freezing!
POSTS FROM THE UK
18 Top Touristy (and local) Things to do in London
London is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the world, with a seemingly endless number of things to see and do. My mum has lived in greater London since before I was born and still says she’s finding new things to do at the age of 66! Whether you’re a first-time
The Line, London: Walking the Art Trail from Greenwich to Stratford
The Line, London was created in 2015 by Megan Piper and Clive Dutton, and is London’s first dedicated art walk, currently consisting of 22 stops/ art and sculptures. Past artists have included Damian Hurst and Bill Viola. Tracey Emin is one of the current artists on display and her work ‘A Moment Without You’, which
Mole Gap Trail – Leatherhead to Dorking Walk in Surrey
If you are looking for a varied walk in the Surrey area, then the Mole Gap trail is a pretty and fairly easy one. It will take around 3 hours (but allow longer for taking pictures, stopping for lunch etc), and follows the river Mole all the way to Dorking. Once at Dorking you could
London To Eastbourne Day Trip (Birling Gap Walk)
If you are looking for a lovely day trip from London, then the London to Eastbourne route could be your answer. Easily accessed by public transport, this can be a nice place to get away from the city and see some different scenery. The walk I did was from Eastbourne pier to Birling Gap, which
Cave Dale Circular Walk from Castleton (Peak District)
Cave Dale is a little hidden gem, situated in the popular village of Castleton in the Peak District. With several hikes and walks accessible from the village this is a wonderful place to stay for your Peak District adventure. The Cave Dale walk is fairly easy, which gradually slopes uphill and then back down over
Autumn Walk at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey, UK
Winkworth Arboretum was founded by Dr Wilfred Fox, in the early 20th century, and covers 95 hectares. The garden has been set up for those beautiful Autumn colours, with all kinds of red, orange, yellow and brown leaves making a striking impact. In 1938, Dr Fox planted more than 1000 species of trees, to create
London to New Forest Day Trip: Cycling in Brockenhurst
The New Forest is packed with ancient woodlands, picturesque villages, pretty harbour towns, and cosy pubs. It’s the perfect place to explore for all you nature lovers and outdoor junkies! You can get from London to the New Forest in a day, which is what I did, however if you have the time and/or money
A Visit to Chatsworth House and Gardens
Chatsworth House and Gardens is one of the finest stately homes in the whole of the UK. I remember seeing a documentary on Chatsworth House at Christmas and it just looked incredible. I did not make it for the festive season but if you can, then I would imagine it is just magical! About Chatsworth
Things to Do in Castleton: Peak District
The picturesque village of Castleton in the Peak District is one of the most popular places with walkers, looking to make the most of the surrounding walking routes and spectacular scenery. Castleton is a quiet little haven, away from the hustle and bustle. The closest train station to Castleton is Hope (Derbyshire), which is a