Travel Guide - The United Kingdom

Take a canal boat ride, bike or walk the pathways along the canals, and through the parks .. it's a beautiful way to explore London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom.

A journey to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has the historical tug of generations past for me, (and many of you), there is a sense of a 'bit-of-me' coming home, so lets look into the dynamics of the United Kingdom ...

Some quick facts about the United Kingdom .. the UK!

Located in Northwestern Europe, it comprises Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with approximately 69,700,000 people calling it home. The capital of both England and the United Kingdom is the historical city of London, with a history dating back to Roman times. The total area of the United Kingdom is approximately 243,610sqkm (94,058sqm) which is inclusive of the main island of Great Britain, the northeastern part of the island of Ireland, and over 6,000 smaller islands. A fun fact is that New Zealand is slightly larger than the United Kingdom in land area, yet has thirteen times less the number of inhabitants.

The regions of the UK

• England: Known for its historic cities, countryside, and landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. A great place to explore history, museums, theatre, shops, parks, art, cuisine and sporting arenas. Visit Shakespeare's Globe Theatre to watch a show like they did back-in-the-day or travel further afield and see his hometown. Hire a canal boat and explore the locks, or don your favourite football team colours and join the supporters in the stands of a premier league club... with a pint at the pub afterwards.

• Scotland: Famous for its stunning landscapes, castles, and the city of Edinburgh. Explore the Highlands, listen to the shrill of bagpipes, sip some whisky, taste the haggis, search for the Lochness monster, play some golf at the home of the game, and maybe find out what actually is under those famous Scottish tartan kilts. Think about timing your visit to see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo .. August 2026. As a side-note: there is a special 75th-anniversary show performed in February 2026, in Brisbane, Australia and Auckland, NZ.

• Wales: Renowned for its rugged coastline, mountainous national parks, and unique culture. With more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring this historic architecture and is the reason that Wales is known as the castle capital of the world. When you are done with castles then join the passionate rugby supporters, for some sporting culture or visit the Eisteddfod Festival or The Storytelling Cafe, for some storytelling, poetry or music.

• Northern Ireland: Known for its beautiful landscapes and the capital city, Belfast. When visiting Northern Ireland, explore the Giant's Causeway, the ship-building legacy of Belfast with its infamous Titanic, plus the Peace Walls and the remnants of religious battles, any one of the many Game of Thrones filming locations, or go hiking in the Mourne Mountains. Maybe take a trip around the rest of the island of Ireland by crossing into the Republic of Ireland, and exploring this separate sovereign country.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Travel Tips for a visit to the UK

Of note for tourists: the official currency is British Pound Sterling (GBP), the official language is English, with a number of regional and migrant languages also spoken, including Welsh, Irish and Scottish dialects, and driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Current passports are required and a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for entry, so check this against your passport type. The timezone is GMT0:00 and GMT+1 over the summer months.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Transportation: The UK has an extensive public transport system, including trains, buses, and the London Underground.

Local Cuisine: Try traditional dishes like fish and chips, shepherd's pie, a sunday roast at the local pub and afternoon tea of scones and cream. Explore the taste of haggis, Welsh rarebit, and whisky; and if you go to the Republic of Ireland, remember to give their famous Guinness Beer factory a visit.

10 of my must-see attractions in the UK

• The British Museum - London: Home to a vast collection of world art and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles, this museum offers a journey through history without an entry fee.

• Stonehenge - Wiltshire: This iconic prehistoric monument, with its mysterious stone circle, continues to captivate visitors with its ancient history and astronomical significance.

• The Tower of London - London: A historic castle that has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury, it's famous for its Crown Jewels and tales of intrigue.

• Edinburgh Castle - Edinburgh: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers stunning views of the city and is rich in Scottish history, including the Stone of Destiny.

• The Roman Baths - Bath: An ancient bathing complex that showcases Roman architecture and engineering, allowing visitors to step back in time to the days of Roman Britain.

• Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament - London: An iconic symbol of London, the clock tower and the stunning Gothic architecture of the Parliament buildings are a must-see for any visitor.

• The Lake District - Cumbria: A picturesque region known for its stunning lakes, mountains, and charming villages, perfect for hiking, boating, or simply enjoying nature.

• York Minster - York: One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, this magnificent structure is renowned for its stunning stained glass and impressive architecture.

• Giant's Causeway - Northern Ireland: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this natural wonder features unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity, steeped in local legend.

• Cardiff Castle - Cardiff: A historic castle with Roman and medieval roots, it offers fascinating tours and beautiful gardens in the heart of Wales' capital city.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring vibrant cities or serene countryside, by-gone days or the modern era, there's something for every traveller to enjoy, whether on a hop-on/hop-off bus around one of the cities, an organised tour, a cruise, or by car, train or canal boat, you will find something to get excited about on this small island that packs a mighty punch.