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. 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.
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UNITED KINGDOM
TRAVEL IN UK
It might be small, but an unbeatable combination of history, heritage and beautiful countryside makes the UK one of the world's most varied and action-packed holiday destinations. Fancy the great outdoors? Conquer peaks like Snowdonia and Ben Nevis, or explore the Lake District National Park. Ready to party? Hit the town in trendy Manchester or lively Liverpool, or prop up the bar in one of the many excellent London pubs. Want to shop? Browse through Borough Market, or head to Harrods for your designer goods fix. It’s all here.
Fast Facts
Language: English
Currency: Pound sterling
Electricity: 240V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a UK visa.
Dialing Code: +44
Time Zone: (GMT+00:00)
Currency: Pound sterling
Electricity: 240V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a UK visa.
Dialing Code: +44
Time Zone: (GMT+00:00)
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about Contiki
See more about Contiki
THINGS TO DO IN THE UK
The hardest part of any UK travel adventure is deciding what not to see. Read on for our top 5 of the country's most essential sights.
EXPLORE LONDON
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 how.
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. Expect live music, fireworks, processions, drinking and an inimitable festival atmosphere as the clock strikes 12.
VISIT BATH, THE UK'S ANCIENT ROMAN SPA TOWN
This UNESCO World Heritage listed spa town is famed for its beautiful Georgian architecture and its hot springs. It was founded in the first century by the Romans, who built the thermal baths that are still standing today. Pay them a visit and learn about their history, see Bath Abbey and the magnificent Royal Terrace and explore the winding streets of one of England's most beautiful towns.
COMMUNE WITH NATURE AT THE EDEN PROJECT
Located in the beautiful Cornish countryside in the far southwest of England, the Eden Project is a true UK travel 2016 must-see. Safely housed within the protective confines of its huge, futuristic biodomes you'll find flourishing tropical and Mediterranean ecosystems, happily unmolested by the native UK weather. A series of summer concerts and close proximity to Cornwall's many stunning beaches nicely sweetens the deal.
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TOP 5 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 5 UK festivals.
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.
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.
For more information on Hay Festival, click here.
FESTIVAL NO.6, PORTMEIRION
This intimate festival of music and arts takes place in early September in beautiful Portmeirion; a small Welsh coastal village built eccentrically in the style of a town from the Italian Riviera. The village and its surrounding woodlands provide a truly magical setting.
For more information on Festival No.6, click here.
For more information on Festival No.6, 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.
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.
For more information on the Bestival, click here.
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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.
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.
For more information on the Victoria and Albert 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 2015 must-do.
For more information on the Natural History Museum, click here.
For more information on the Natural History 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.
For more information on the British 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.
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.
For more information on the National Gallery, click here.
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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.
CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
TIt 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 9PA
FULL 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, Manchester
SUNDAY ROAST
The traditional Sunday dinner is a British institution, and a UK travel 2015 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, Brighton
CREAM 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 Devon
FISH & 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
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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!
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.
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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