Dive into a country rich in history, culture, tradition and modernity. A trip to the United Kingdom is so much more than just the famous and bustling London, it will take you through the green Scottish hills, majestic medieval castles and picture-perfect landscapes!
The United Kingdom, made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, will surprise you with its incredible geographical and cultural variety, its cosmopolitan atmosphere, iconic pop culture and endless adventures waiting to be lived.
The best time for your trip to the United Kingdom
If London is known for its frequent rain, the UK weather as a whole is famously unpredictable, and that’s part of its charm. The truth is, every season is a great time to visit!
- Spring (March–May): longer days, blooming parks and mild temperatures. A great time for city strolls and visiting historic gardens…just don’t forget your umbrella!
- Summer (June–August): outdoor events, festivals of all kinds and concerts, summer is the warmest and sunniest season, and boredom is simply not an option.
- Autumn (September–November): often the quietest season for tourism. Parks light up with stunning autumn colours and the weather begins to cool down. Still a good idea to carry an umbrella, but for cultural trips and museum visits, this might be the best season of all.
- Winter (December–February): if you love Christmas, don’t miss the UK’s magical holiday season. From twinkling lights and snow to themed menus in cosy pubs and festive city streets, it’s a real winter wonderland.
10 unmissable places and experiences for your UK trip
The countries that make up the UK are closely connected, yet wonderfully diverse! Choosing just ten highlights wasn’t easy, ideally, you’d explore each country in depth. But for a first-time trip, here are our top 10 picks:
London
One of the most iconic and visited cities in the world, London is a mix of history and innovation. Every corner has something to offer: from the British Museum to Tower Bridge, from the famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to the vibrant Camden markets, packed with international street food.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the London Eye, the royal parks, or a scenic walk along the Thames.
👉 Recommended experience: book an evening river cruise with dinner to admire the London skyline all lit up.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its gothic charm makes that no surprise!
The Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are must-sees, and these picturesque spots even inspired J.K. Rowling to write Harry Potter.
Edinburgh is beautiful year-round, but August’s Fringe Festival and New Year’s Eve celebrations are particularly memorable.
👉 Recommended experience: join a spooky ghost tour through the city’s old underground tunnels!
Bath
Roman baths and Georgian architecture, Bath, in southwest England, is perfect for a relaxing yet cultural break. Explore museums, enjoy traditional afternoon tea in historic parlours, or wander through its leafy parks.
👉 Recommended experience: spend a day at the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa.
Oxford
Home to one of the world’s most famous and oldest universities, Oxford is both an architectural and cultural gem.
With historic libraries, beautifully kept gardens and ancient colleges, Oxford offers a glimpse into authentic British academic life, and its streets feel like something out of a movie.
👉 Recommended experience: take a tour of the Harry Potter filming locations and the historic libraries.
Cambridge
Oxford’s historic rival, Cambridge has a similar charm but a more laid-back vibe.
In addition to visiting the colleges and the Natural History Museum, be sure to check out the cosy cafés and get a feel for student life. It’ll feel like stepping into a coming-of-age series!
👉 Recommended experience: book a punting tour on the River Cam with a local guide.
Liverpool
The birthplace of The Beatles and home to two legendary football clubs, Liverpool is a paradise for music and sports lovers alike.
But the city has even more to offer: in the Docks area you’ll find fantastic free museums and authentic pubs to enjoy the local nightlife.
👉 Recommended experience: take a musical tour and don’t miss The Beatles Story museum.
York
With its ancient Roman walls, narrow cobbled streets and magnificent cathedral, the York Minster, this northern city feels frozen in time.
It’s the perfect stop for history lovers and anyone fascinated by medieval settings.
👉 Recommended experience: go for a sunset walk along the city walls.
Cardiff
Wales’ capital is all about castles, Celtic culture and sports!
Cardiff Bay has been fully redeveloped with modern spaces and museums, while Cardiff Castle stands proud and untouched, a true dive into Welsh history.
You’ll even hear the locals speaking Welsh, making the experience even more authentic.
👉 Recommended experience: explore the bay and old town by bike.
Belfast
Northern Ireland’s capital has gone through an incredible transformation, from industrial city to creative and cultural hub.
You’ll find vibrant street art, steampunk-inspired pubs and standout attractions like Titanic Belfast.
👉 Recommended experience: join a political mural tour and don’t miss the Titanic Belfast museum.
Lake District
A must for nature lovers! The Lake District is perfect for a day of hiking among green hills and shimmering lakes.
It’s no wonder that poets like Wordsworth were inspired by this stunning region, it’s the ideal place to reconnect with nature.
👉 Recommended experience: enjoy a picnic in the hills and a relaxing boat ride on Lake Windermere.
How to get internet in the United Kingdom
Having mobile data while abroad is essential! With a stable connection, you can find your way around, check transport apps, find the best-reviewed restaurants (and avoid tourist traps), and even translate conversations, because let’s be honest, even if you speak English well, some of those local accents can be really tricky!
So, what are your options for getting online in the UK?
- Free Wi-Fi: available in hotels, cafés, pubs and train stations, but often slow and not always secure
- Local SIM cards: available at supermarkets and phone shops, but registration can be time-consuming and you might not get the best deal
- International roaming: you could use your home plan’s roaming option… but beware of sky-high charges
- UK eSIMs: a digital SIM you can buy before your trip that connects you to local networks with the best data plan for your needs
eSIM.sm – the smartest way to stay connected during your trip to the United Kingdom
We may be biased, but there’s no doubt that eSIMs are now the best way to stay connected when you travel!
At www.esim.sm, you can buy eSIMs for over 190 countries, including all UK nations, with just one eSIM!
Why choose eSIM.sm?
- No physical SIM, you can buy your data plan online, up to 90 days before your trip
- We offer packages for all needs, from 1GB to 50GB
- You can top up your data anytime from your personal dashboard
- Not sure how much data you’ll need? Go for the unlimited plan
- Travelling across multiple countries? Our Europe eSIM covers 31 countries with a single eSIM
- It takes less than two minutes to install the eSIM on your phone (check compatibility here), and once you arrive, just activate it to go online instantly
- Easy QR Code installation
- You can use your eSIM as a hotspot for your other travel devices
- Up to 5G speeds
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Need we say more? We could mention we offer the best value for money out there, and our users love us on Trustpilot (go check it out!).
Make your UK trip smarter! With reliable internet and a support team always ready to assist you.
