The one that gives you the best of British culture, topped off with The Emerald Isles
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UK TRIPS
Travel to UK with Contiki
Want to explore the United Kingdom with fellow 18-35 year olds? Our UK trips will not disappoint. From vibrant Scottish festivities to national parks, iconic castles, walking city tours and more, we’ll be hitting all the main attractions and then some. Friendly expert trip managers, local guides and a group of young, like-minded travellers are all part of the experience. Choose your favorite UK trip and come explore England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland the social travel way.
Top UK trips
4.7
In-Depth Explorer
Great Britain and Ireland
16 Days
24 Places
5 Countries
$3,205 pp
From
$2,724
pp
4.3
In-Depth Explorer
Scotland
6 Days
8 Places
1 Country
The one that keeps your spirits high in The Highlands, with all things quintessentially Scottish
$1,215 pp
From
$1,094
pp
4.6
England and Scotland
9 Days
13 Places
2 Countries
The one that gives you trendy cities, charming landscapes, & the birthplace of The Beatles
$2,119 pp
From
$1,801
pp
3.7
Short Trips & Festivals
Hogmanay
5 Days
2 Places
2 Countries
The one that gives you 5 days of vibrant Scottish festivities, kicking off in London
$925 pp
From
$786
pp
4
Detour
Surf and Yoga in Devon
3 Days
1 Place
1 Country
Soak up Devon’s wellness vibes as you surf, swim, hike and do yoga
From
$965
pp
Active
Active Scotland
6 Days
5 Places
1 Country
The one that's a hiking adventure through the wild and wonderful Scottish Highlands
$2,055 pp
From
$1,644
pp
In-Depth Explorer
Real Scotland
8 Days
9 Places
1 Country
The one that uncovers Scotland's most spellbinding landscapes, from Loch Ness to Skye and ends with a magical steam train trip across the Glenfinnan viaduct.
$1,549 pp
From
$1,401
pp
3.6
Short Trips & Festivals
London Explorer
3 Days
1 Place
1 Country
The one that keeps it short and sweet, hitting the key London highlights over 3 days
From
$355
pp
![Travellers taking the Underground, London]()
Explore London
Set majestically along the banks of the meandering River Thames, the UK's bustling, cosmopolitan capital is one of the greatest cities on the planet. It would take a lifetime to fully explore, but you can tick off a few of its most iconic sights in a couple of days with our London Explorer trip. These include Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and the big-hitter of the bunch, Buckingham Palace. Get a bird's eye view of the lot with a ride on the London Eye or a trip up The Shard, Europe's highest skyscraper.
![Stonehenge historical landmark]()
Get spiritual at Stonehenge
This ancient ring of gigantic standing stones is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the UK. It was built around 4000-5000 years ago, and its origins are shrouded in myth, mystery and legend. Many of the larger stones are 9m in height and weigh in at a whopping 25 tons, and are thought to have been dragged here from a distance of around 20 miles. No one knows how. Or why.
![Couple celebrating Hogmanay]()
Bring in the bells at Hogmanay in Edinburgh
New Year's Eve is celebrated enthusiastically throughout the UK, but nowhere more so than in Scotland, where it's known as Hogmanay. Excitement reaches a fever pitch in Edinburgh, host to the country's largest and most spectacular New Year’s Eve party. With our Hogmanay trip, you can expect live music, fireworks, processions, and an inimitable festival atmosphere as the clock strikes 12.
Things to do in the UK
The hardest part of any UK trip is deciding what not to see. Read on for our top 5 of the country's most essential sights.
Glastonbury
Held in a picturesque valley in southwest England, this gigantic city-sized festival might just be the world's best. It offers the works: theatre, arts, dance, comedy, cabaret and top level musical entertainment from many hundreds of acts, along with a heavy smattering of downright weirdness.For more info on the Glastonbury Festival, click here.Hay Festival
Haye-on-Wye
This 10-day festival of literature and arts is held annually in the town of Hay-on-Wye in Wales, attracting writers and literary enthusiasts from all over the world. Expect readings, musical entertainment, and plenty of heated debate.For more information on Hay Festival, click here.Green Man
Brecon Beacons
Famed for its beautiful setting and alternative, non-corporate ethos, Green Man offers a left-of-centre lineup of folk, Americana, indie, rock and dance music, with plenty of big name acts in attendance. It's held in the beautiful Brecon Beacons in Wales each August.For more information on Green Man festival, click here.Bestival
Isle of Wight
Bestival takes place in early September, in a beautiful country park on the Isle of Wight. It features a winning lineup of top-level musical entertainment along with a spirited party ethos and an annual fancy-dress theme, making for one of Europe's most lively festival experiences.For more information on the Bestival, click here.
Top festivals in the UK
From gigantic gatherings like Glastonbury to more intimate literary events like Hay-on-Wye, the UK festival scene is alive and kicking and has something to offer all comers - just don't forget your wellies! Read on for our pick of the top festivals you need to attend on your next trip to the UK.
Victoria and Albert Museum
London
The V&A is comfortably the world's largest museum of art & design. It's located in west London a short walk south of the Royal Albert Hall, and in its collection you'll find everything from Ancient Greek and Byzantine sculpture to Islamic art.For more information on the Victoria and Albert Museum, click here.British Museum
London
Established in 1753, this museum of art, culture and human history boasts one of the largest and most extensive collections in the world, with a staggering 8 million exhibits calling the place home. You'll find it in the Bloomsbury area of central London.For more information on the British Museum, click here.Natural History Museum
London
You'll find the Natural History Museum a mere stone's throw from the V&A, and you'll be glad you did. Located in a magnificent ornate building, it's home to a vast range of specimens and many excellent interactive exhibits, though it's most famed for its extensive collection of dinosaur bones. Visiting it is a true UK travel must-do.For more information on the Natural History Museum, click here.Tate Modern
London
This branch of the Tate Gallery is the go-to place for anyone interested in modern art. It's located in a former power station on the south bank of the River Thames and houses a truly vast collection, with highlights including some large and moody canvases by Mark Rothko.For more information on the Tate Modern, click here.National Gallery
London
Located on Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is home to one of the UK's premier art collections, and is one of the most visited art museums in the world. Amongst its treasures you'll find celebrated works by the likes of Turner, Van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci.For more information on the National Gallery, click here.
Top 5 Museums and Galleries in the UK
If you like arts & culture, you've come to the right place: the UK is home to some of the very best museums and galleries on the planet, many of which offer free admission! Read on for our pick of the country's cultural offerings.
Chicken tikka masala
It might seem strange, but this prized national dish originated in the UK and is every bit as British as fish & chips. It comprises tender chunks of chicken marinated in yoghurt and spices, then cooked in a clay tandoor oven. It's served with rice and hearty unleavened naan bread.
Best eaten at
Punjab, 80 Neal St, London WC2H 9PAFull English breakfast
Depending on your viewpoint, this calorific classic is either a hangover-busting godsend or a heart attack waiting to happen. It consists of bacon, sausage, eggs, baked beans and toast, though don't be surprised if you find sautéed mushrooms, the occasional grilled tomato or even a cheeky slice of black pudding thrown into the mix.
Best eaten at
Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street West, ManchesterSunday roast
The traditional Sunday dinner is a British institution, and a UK travel must-try. It consists of your choice of roasted meat - lamb, chicken, beef and pork are the usual suspects - with roast potatoes and a variable cast of boiled vegetables, covered in rich gravy.
Best eaten at
The Shakespeares Head, 1 Chatham Place, BrightonCream tea
Nothing says 'England' quite like a cream tea. It consists of a warm fruit scone cut in half then smothered liberally with clotted cream and strawberry jam, served with a piping hot pot of tea.
Best eaten at
Sandleigh Tea Room & Garden, Moor Lane, Croyde, North DevonFish & chips
Found everywhere from upscale restaurants in London to the lowliest local chippie, fish & chips is the definitive UK dish. Look for crispy batter and well-cooked chips, and plump for a sundry like a pickled onion or even a pickled egg!
Best eaten at
Anstruther Fish Bar, 42-44 Shore Street, Anstruther, Fife
Food in the UK
Gone are the days when the term 'UK cuisine' was a joke. Thanks to its colonial past and its huge and varied immigrant population, modern UK food is a colourful mix of culinary cultures from around the globe. Once known for such dubious delights as jellied eels and bread & butter pudding, it's now home to a thriving contemporary dining scene and more Michelin starred chefs than you could shake a stick at.
What To Pack?
A raincoat and umbrella - The UK's reputation for damp, drizzly weather is not unfounded. Bring a shower-proof jacket, and don't forget your brolly when packing for your UK trip!
An adapter plug and transformer - You'll need an adapter to use the UK's 3-pin plug sockets. The voltage here is 240V, so anything running on 110V will require a step-down transformer.
Comfortable walking shoes - Walking is the de rigueur mode of transport here - this isn't the USA! Comfortable shoes will make life that bit more pleasant.
A credit or debit card with chip & PIN - So you can use automated ticket machines at train and tube stations, thereby skipping those long ticket window lines.
Wellie boots - You may know them as 'rain boots', but here they're wellies. Essential if you're attending one of the many excellent UK festivals, but also handy for tramping the rainy streets.
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