The UK might seem small on the map but there is a lot to explore. Whether you live in the UK or visiting there are some things worth knowing. We’ll go over basic information, cuisine tips, types of travel and what to bring, and much more.
The Basics
The UK is comprised of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This means there is a lot of different cultures to soak up. It is unlikely to take in all of this in one trip so plan ahead accordingly and decide what you want to see beforehand.
While each country has bustling cities, hiking, camping and historic places of interest, it is up to you what kind of trip you want. For an overview of historic sites for each country, follow the links below!
Whatever you decide there will be a lot of options to choose from. Of course, we would recommend hiring a car as it allows flexibility and makes things all the more convenient. However, the UK is a well-connected place with many train and bus options too.
For most EU countries a visa is not required for the first 6 months of stay. However, it is always recommended to check ahead of time to see any current travel restrictions. Gov.co.uk has regularly updated information.
Finally, the UK is considered a very safe place for domestic travel. While violent crime rates are comparably low it is always best to exercise caution, particularly in bigger cities and at night. It is also well worth looking into travel insurance whether travelling from abroad or travelling as a citizen.
Budget
The UK is unfortunately not the cheapest place for tourists. However, things can be reasonably priced when budgeted properly. This can include anything from where to stay, what to eat and how to travel. Prices will differ depending on location so it’s always best to plan in advance. However, here are the average prices for some key things:
Food
The UK is a land of pubs that offer British staples at reasonable prices, while there are also cheap fast food options, bakeries and many supermarkets. Of course, high-end restaurants are also available but can be very expensive in the main cities like London.
Average Meal Price: £8 – £12
Loaf of Bread: £1.09
Average cost of a pint: £4.44 (London) – £3.69 (avg. UK)
Accommodation
There are many options in the UK on where to stay. Visitors can choose from high-end hotels to the many camping areas dotted across the countryside. Prices will differ and you can expect an average hotel in London to be much more than a Bed and Breakfast in small villages. It should also be noted that even if camping you will have to pay a rate as almost all land is privately owned.
Average Hotel Price: £40 – £110+ a night
Average Hostel Price: £15 – £30 a night
Camping: £6 – £22 a night.
Travelling by Train in the UK
The UK train system can be expensive at times depending on journey time, date and distance. It is good to know the different types of train tickets. Generally, it is better not to book too far ahead. Anytime & Off-Peak fares are sold up to 12 weeks ahead of departure and can be sold without reserving a specific seat. Because of this, there is no real advantage to buying this type of ticket. It is better to wait for Advance Fares, sold 8 – 10 weeks ahead. These often offer much cheaper fares as they operate on the reservation system.
We of course offer top-quality hire cars at affordable prices. If you want the freedom of travel consider hiring with SIXT for at least part of the journey. We have stations across the UK and have flexible hiring options, from long-term to short-term.
