United Kingdom

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all claim to be different and distinct. Taken as a whole, the United Kingdom boasts more heritage per square mile than any other nation, tracts of stunningly beautiful countryside, a coastline to die for, and some of the most vibrant, multicultural cities on the planet.

London is typically the starting point for many travellers, and there is plenty to see and do here for weeks. The Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral are must-see attractions. Madame Tussauds also draws large crowds, although the reason for its popularity may not be immediately apparent

The city of Bath is the second most visited city in the UK. It is a peaceful city made of quarried stone, providing a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the capital. The city is also much smaller in size, making it easily navigable on foot. When it comes to choosing among the UK's attractions, it can be a tough decision. The city of Oxford, which is easily accessible from London, is more than just home to its renowned university. It is a beautiful city known for its golden stone buildings. Similarly, Cambridge also has its own unique charm with its granite architecture, best explored by bicycle as it's situated on a plain.

Head west to Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall for stunning coastal views. Travel into Wales for a more secluded experience. Visitors often overlook the cities in Wales, as the country is better known for its untamed and beautiful interior and undeveloped coast. The White Cliffs of Dover are best viewed from the sea, and Kent is renowned as 'the garden of England' for good reason: its picturesque villages and rolling countryside are meticulously maintained.

Heading north, the countryside opens into meadows dotted with villages, castles, and stately homes. The Lake District, immortalized in poetry over the centuries, lives up to its picturesque image. You can escape the crowds by embarking on a challenging hike. Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is dominated by the castle at its heart. Every summer, it comes to life for its world-famous comedy festival.

Northern Ireland is centered around bustling Belfast and is also home to numerous castles and the impressive hexagonal stone columns of the Giant’s Causeway. Of course, there is so much more to explore in this amazing destination. The best way to decide which places to visit is to experience it for yourself. Start packing!

When to go

Summer (late June-September) brings the warmest weather and least rain – though clouds can appear at any time. Through the summer holidays crowds at popular attractions are largest and accommodation booked out. Travel between late May and mid-July, or again in September and the crowds will have eased.

Spring (March-May) brings flowers and showers, while autumn (late September-November) sees beautiful red and golden tree foliage and soft lighting. Winter is cold and usually damp; there’s some skiing in Scotland but nothing to match Europe’s ski resorts.

Forget Winter. There’s not much to recommend the UK in winter. Daylight hours are too short to enjoy outdoor sights and the weather can be foul. Don’t expect to share in the country’s most celebrated festival, Christmas: it’s very much a family affair and everything shuts

International airports

Heathrow Airport (LHR) is 24km west of central London.
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is 48km south of central London.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is 13km west of the city centre.

Travelling around

Domestic flights with various airlines link major cities. Most large cities have airports, many offering international flights to Europe and further afield.

The UK’s rail service is extensive, with regular trains run by numerous private operators serving most parts of the country; it is, though, expensive – especially when booked on the day of travel. Save money by booking well in advance. Timetables are online at nationalrail.

Comfortable coaches, notably those operated by National Express, cover most of the country; they’re cheaper but slower than trains.

Car hire and fuel are both pricey, though self-drive is the only way to reach some remote areas. Some outlying islands are reached by ferry or helicopter.

If you're in London for more than a day or two, consider getting an Oyster travel card for significant savings on underground (subway), bus, and train fares in the capital.

Accommodation

The United Kingdom offers various accommodation options including campsites, budget hostels, B&Bs, guesthouses, and boutique and top-end hotels. Camping is primarily suitable for the summer season as many campsites close between October and April. It's also worth checking online booking sites for potential discounts on hotel rates.

Sussex, UK

Go for: cozy new openings and a buzzy creative scene

Like a certain ’90s rock band, East and West Sussex have been battling it out ever since splitting up more than five centuries ago. Well, not actually tussling in a War of the Roses way; more an amiable tug-of-war on the village green before bonding over a few local ales. East Sussex has the salty attitude, of course, with Brighton its seaside star, where the Regency-style No. 124 Brighton opened in autumn 2024—the latest from the family-owned GuestHouse group—while in nearby Rottingdean, the clifftop White Horses saddled up over the summer. But it also has a reclusive side, with quiet South Downs villages such as the one that gives The Alfriston its name; the fourth in the Signet Collection (The Mitre, Retreat at Elcot Park) lands in March, complete with a bistro and spa. West Sussex, on the other hand, is a little more artful, with brilliant shows guaranteed at Petworth’s Newlands House Gallery. You can explore its coastline on the recently opened King Charles III England Coast Path from Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne, but it’s inland where the action is. This autumn, the Swann Inn reopens in Fittleworth after being lovingly restored by Angus Davies, formerly of The Hollist Arms in Petworth. With 12 bedrooms and a dining room (girolles on toast, Sutton Hoo chicken, local fizz from the Ambriel estate), along with gardens by House & Garden rising star Elizabeth Tyler, it’s set to be as fashionable in 2025 as it was in its 19th-century heyday when Turner and Constable were regulars. “The area is a hotbed of creatives, with designer Martin Brudnizki, florist Millie Proust, and Mumford & Sons’ Ted Dwane all living nearby,” says an insider. Could West Sussex take the 2025 title of the new Cotswolds? “You never know—we’ve certainly got plenty more vineyards.” —Rick Jordan

How to plan it: When completed, the King Charles III England Coast Path will become the longest managed coastal path in the world. The trail is designed to be as accessible as possible for everyone, with minimal use of stiles—though the natural composition of the trail means some parts remain difficult to access for those with reduced mobility or using a wheelchair, local authorities can provide advice on how best to tackle your route. Getting to Sussex from major international transport hubs like London is easy: Thameslink trains depart from London Bridge to Brighton, and trains serving West Sussex depart from Victoria. Plan for at least a long weekend if you plan to explore just East or West Sussex respectively, and closer to a week if you’re visiting in tandem. —Sarah James