This guide provides all the essential information you need for a short-term trip to the United Kingdom, from bustling cities to scenic countryside. Whether you’re exploring the iconic landmarks of London or the rolling hills of Scotland, this checklist will guide you through your journey.
Want more UK content? Make sure to check out my Bristol Guide here.
🇬🇧 Welcome to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧
The United Kingdom, consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and cultural diversity. From medieval castles to modern cities, the UK offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
The Essentials
Weather
The UK has a temperate maritime climate, meaning mild temperatures and frequent rain throughout the year.
- Spring (March to May) – Mild weather with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 15°C.
- Summer (June to August) – Warm, with temperatures averaging between 14°C to 25°C.
- Autumn (September to November) – Cooler, with beautiful autumn foliage and temperatures from 9°C to 18°C.
- Winter (December to February) – Cold and often rainy, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C . Snow is possible, especially in Scotland.
Money Matters
- Currency: British Pound Sterling (GBP)
- Credit and debit cards (Such as Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and attractions. Contactless payments, including Apple Pay are popular.
Top Tip – Tipping is not mandatory, however in restaurants it is becoming more common. I would recommend 10-15% if the service is good, however just make sure to double check on the bill to see if it includes “service charge” which is the same as a tip.
Language
Official Language: English
Regional languages like Welsh, Gaelic, and Scots are spoken in parts of Wales and Scotland, but English is widely spoken throughout the UK.
Connectivity and Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. Most cities and towns have reliable internet access.
- SIM cards are available at the airport and convenience stores. Providers like EE, Vodafone, and O2 offer data plans.
- An alternative to SIM cards are eSIMs, an eSIM is a digital SIM card that you can download on your phone and use for the duration of your trip click here to find out more information about my favourite eSim Provider Airalo!
Plug & Sockets
The UK uses plug type G, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. A universal adapter is recommended.
Safety and Emergency Numbers
- Police, Fire and Ambulance: 999 or 112
- The UK is generally a safe country for tourists, but it’s always wise to stay cautious in busy areas and take care of your belongings.
Travel and Transport
Air
The UK has several major international airports, including: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester Airport as well as Edinburgh Airport. These all have great links to Europe as well as further afield.
Each of these airports have great connections to city centres via public transport and car.
Public Transport
Trains: The UK has an extensive rail network that connects cities and towns. National Rail, Trainline and Great Western Rail are useful for booking tickets.
Underground: The London Underground, or “Tube,” is the quickest way to travel around London. Other cities like Glasgow also have metro systems.
Buses: In cities, buses are reliable and frequent. Coaches like National Express and Megabus offer affordable travel between cities.
Taxis: Black cabs in London are iconic and reliable. Apps like Uber and Bolt are also widely used.
Fun fact: Black cab drivers in London undergo one of the toughest taxi driver training programs in the world, called “The Knowledge.” Drivers must memorize 25,000 streets and thousands of landmarks, restaurants, and attractions. With this process taking between 2 and 4 years!
Car Rental
Renting a car is a good option for exploring rural areas like the Scottish Highlands, the Welsh countryside or the Cotswolds. Remember that in the UK, driving is on the left side of the road.
Looking for a road trip adventure? Make sure to check out 6 day trips to take from Bristol for more inspiration here!
Food and Culture
The UK’s food scene is a blend of traditional British fare and international influences. Here’s a couple of must tries on your UK adventure:
🍳 Full English Breakfast – A hearty breakfast plate with eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, toast and sometimes the addition of black pudding
🐟 Fish and Chips – Fried fish served with thick-cut chips, often accompanied by mushy peas or tartar sauce.
🥧 Sunday Roast – A traditional meal consisting of roasted meat, potatoes, and vegetables, served with Yorkshire pudding and gravy.
🍮 Sticky Toffee Pudding – A rich dessert made from sponge cake, dates, and toffee sauce.
🍺 Pub Grub – Classic dishes like shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and ploughman’s lunch, often found in traditional British pubs.
Top tip: Tap water is safe to drink in the UK, and you can ask for it in any restaurant.
Packing List
Before heading off, make sure you have these essentials for your trip to the UK:
🧴 Umbrella and waterproof jacket – The UK is known for its unpredictable weather, so be prepared for rain at any time of year.
🧣 Layered clothing – Pack for all seasons, as the weather can change quickly. Bring light layers for summer and a warm coat for winter.
👟 Comfortable shoes – Essential for exploring cities and walking through the countryside.
🎒 Backpack – Handy for day trips and carrying essentials like a water bottle and snacks.
Useful Apps
📲 Citymapper – My go to for navigating public transport in London and other major cities. Download here.
📲 Trainline – Book train tickets across the UK with ease. Download here.
📲 Uber – For convenient taxi rides, especially in cities like London. Download here.
📲 Google Maps – Ideal for walking, driving, and public transport directions. Download here.
📲 Deliveroo – The go-to app for food delivery in the UK. Download here.
Still have questions or need some more recommendations? Drop me a line here or message me on Instagram @lizzieontour and I’ll make sure to get back to you! Safe travels and make sure to bookmark this page or send to your travel buddy!
Lizzieontour 
Leave a comment