Hotels in United Kingdom

Made up of four equally interesting countries in Europe, a visit to the United Kingdom means having endless opportunities to have fun and experience something new or different. The diverse scenery, rich history, and cultural heritage of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland draw millions of visitors wanting to see some of these countries’ popular tourist spots like the famous palaces of Buckingham and Edinburgh, Big Ben, Stonehenge, and Canterbury.

Fast Facts

Visa

European Union citizens and citizens of 56 countries including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan have visa-free entry to the UK. Meanwhile, citizens of the following countries: Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates may get an electronic visa waiver (EVW) online.

There are also other special cases where you can be exempted from showing a visa when you visit. This includes holding a diplomatic or service category passports. Citizens from Bahrain, Indonesia, Turkey, and Vietnam are some of the countries under this type of condition.

How to Get There

The United Kingdom has several major airports, most of the busiest are found in England. Heathrow Airport, or London Airport, is the most popular airport to fly in regardless of where you are in the world. Other airports in London welcoming millions of passengers are Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport, and London Luton Airport. Other busy airports in England include Manchester Airport, Birmingham Airport, and Bristol Airport.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport are the busiest in Scotland. If you’re going to Northern Ireland, you will be arriving at Belfast International Airport. Lastly, Cardiff Airport is the top one in Wales.

Getting Around

There are several public transportations available in the UK so you can get around with ease. Hop on one of the most comprehensive railway systems in the world and get to even the small towns hassle-free. The key is to plan your itinerary thoroughly because you can save time and money when you book tickets in advance. You can also take advantage of rail passes for bigger savings.

Another popular option is to take the bus or the coach, depending on where you want to go. You can buy tickets directly from a bus driver. However, if you plan on riding a coach, you should book the tickets beforehand. In London, they have an iconic double-decker bus to get you around.

Travelling with a group or don’t want to bother with public transport in the big cities, then getting on a taxi or a ride-sharing vehicle is a better alternative. You’ll find the black taxis or cabs in London very popular. Meanwhile, ferries are necessary for when you are travelling to the isles in the United Kingdom.

Things to Do in the UK

England, the largest among the four countries that make up the UK, is also the most popular destination. Millions of visitors go to London, the capital city, to see its iconic sites such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, to name a few. People also want to experience the exciting metropolis and its dynamic culture.

Scotland, on the other hand, has more to it than the bagpipes and kilts that come to mind when its name is mentioned. From its remote yet hauntingly beautiful islands to the panoramic Highland views and the bustling Lowlands, go beyond and discover more to this charming country. The historic cities of Edinburgh and Belfast are some of the popular tourist destinations.

On to the hilly western part of Great Britain is Wales. Its ancient Celtic language and culture, scenic views of the mountains and valleys, and the imposing castles draw tourists to know more about Wales. And with Northern Ireland’s colourful history, natural attractions, and friendly locals, your visit will be interesting and memorable.

Where to Stay in the UK

Tourists will find a wide range of different accommodations when going to the United Kingdom. Finding the best one for your stay will largely depend on your budget, how many you are in a group, and of course, your personal preferences. Hotels are the main type of accommodation in the UK. You can choose from budget to midrange to luxury.

Hostels, the more affordable version of a hotel in the UK, are also a popular option nowadays. This is ideal for solo travellers and those travelling in a big group and are comfortable staying in a dorm-like property. Many of the amenities are shared including the bathroom and toilets. An advantage though is the communal cooking and dining area. This will help you save money further since you can cook your own meals. There are also alternative accommodations you can stay at including serviced apartments or flats, guesthouses, and B&Bs.

Nightlife in the UK

Nightlife in the United Kingdom is one of the best in Europe, especially in major cities like London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Edinburgh. There are various bars, nightclubs, pubs, and other surprising venues like underground and behind inconspicuous doors (or curtains) where you can enjoy great and live music, food, and booze.

Whether you’re a party animal ready to have fun all night long, or looking for a relaxed atmosphere where you can hang out with your friends or meet new people, or you want to experience new night entertainment, then going to the UK will not disappoint.

UK Travel Tips