United Kingdom

Travel Guide
Inverness showing night scenes, heritage architecture and a bridge
The land of long-held traditions packs a lot into a small space, including a famous metropolis and scenic landscapes, from the cliffs of Dover to remote Scottish isles.

The United Kingdom, composed of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is really four countries in one. Each country has its own unique atmosphere and culture. Journey to England to see the home of the Queen, visit Scotland for its rugged highlands, go castle-hopping in the Welsh hills and discover the story of a famously ill-fated ocean liner in the Northern Irish shipyard where it was constructed.

Visit London, the nation’s capital, to discover a fast-paced world of booming business and instantly recognizable attractions such as Buckingham Palace. Take a spin on the London Eye Ferris wheel overlooking Big Ben, walk along Southbank to listen to street performers and watch boats cruise by on the Thames. Go shopping in Covent Garden and see a musical or play in the West End.

To the north of England is Scotland, known for its friendly locals, delicious whisky and incredible scenery. Explore the former royal residence of Edinburgh Castle, which towers over the country’s capital, Edinburgh, and immerse yourself in the art and music scene of Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. In the winter, take a trip to the north of Scotland’s mountainous region for thrilling skiing in Glencoe.

Wales occupies the westernmost portion of the island of Great Britain and is a playground for nature lovers. Go hiking in national parks such as Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast. Signs may be in both Welsh and English, with Welsh dominating in northern Wales and English being more popular in the south.

A trip to the United Kingdom isn’t complete without exploring Northern Ireland. Visit the Titanic Experience in the capital of Belfast to learn more about the cruise vessel that tragically sunk after hitting an iceberg in 1912.

To get to the U.K., fly into any of the country’s international airports. London is home to several airports, though other cities, including Belfast, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Bristol, also have international airports of their own.

After exploring the mainland, head to one of the smaller offshore islands such as the Isle of Wight for unparalleled natural beauty and remote wilderness.

Popular cities in United Kingdom

London showing a high-rise building, night scenes and a city
London
Known for Museums, Theatres and Historical
Big Ben, Nelson’s Column, the Tower of London and Abbey Road; every corner in London has a tale to tell.

Reasons to visit

  • London Eye
  • London Bridge
  • Natural History Museum
Arthur\'s Seat showing a city, heritage architecture and a sunset
Edinburgh
Known for Historical, Castle and Tours
Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, nestled between extinct volcanoes and hills, is almost fairytale in appearance, with its medieval buildings in the Old Town and the wide streets and spacious homes Georgian New Town, and the spectacular castle looking down from its cliff. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, which only begs the question: why did it take so long?

Reasons to visit

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Royal Mile
  • Princes Street
Victoria Square featuring heritage architecture, a city and flowers
Birmingham
Known for Dining, Bars and Shopping
Birmingham is the largest and most populous British city outside of London, located in the West Midlands often referred to as the geographical heart of Britain. Birmingham, the city where the great industrial revolution began in the 1800s, was a thriving city attracting workers from around Britain as the industry grew. Today Birmingham has undergone something of a transformation with industrial manufacturing being replaced with services. Museums, galleries, high end hotels and excellent shopping facilities have all contributed to Birmingham becoming a popular destination for a short weekend break.

Reasons to visit

  • Birmingham Hippodrome
  • International Convention Centre
  • Symphony Hall
Royal Liver Building which includes heritage architecture and a city
Liverpool
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Shopping
Home to some of the biggest and best British bands in history, top museums and with a rich maritime history, this compact northern English city is one of Britain’s finest cultural destinations.

Reasons to visit

  • Liverpool Pier Head Ferry Terminal
  • Cavern Club
  • Royal Albert Dock
St. Peter\'s Square featuring a square or plaza, a city and railway items
Manchester
Known for Friendly people, Shopping and Business

Reasons to visit

  • Old Trafford
  • Canal Street
  • Manchester Opera House
SSE Hydro featuring night scenes and mist or fog
Glasgow
Known for Shopping, Theatres and Live music

Reasons to visit

  • OVO Hydro
  • Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre
  • University of Glasgow

Popular places to visit

United Kingdom

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