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10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

TripSavvy / Ashley Nicole DeLeon

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom (UK) probably seems pretty easy. The language is almost never a problem, the  visa requirements  are not particularly onerous for vacationers from North and South America, Australasia or Europe, and there's a good choice of ways to arrive and get around.

And, you know, it probably is as easy as all that. You could pop over to London  and take a few  day trips  in the immediate area, then spend a day or two venturing a bit further afield—to  Oxford  or the Cotswolds or  Stratford-upon-Avon —and, hey presto, what a great vacation you've had.

But whether you buy your vacation basics online for yourself or use a travel agent to book a tour, a little advance planning can open your eyes to corners of the UK you never even heard of, let alone thought of visiting.

It's all a matter of asking yourself the right questions. Considering who you really are (from a travel perspective at any rate) and what you really enjoy seeing and doing can turn an okay trip into a great one.

But where do you start? The 10 questions that follow should help keep your vacation planning in sharp focus.

Who Is Going?

Unlike some vacation destinations that are more suitable for couples than families, or older than younger people, the United Kingdom has something for everyone. It's just a question of choosing wisely for your party. Time to zero in on your travel profile.

• A couple planning a romantic trip?  Think about romantic things to do and see , the best places to smooch in Britain or some very nice spots to pop the question .
• A family traveling with children? Young and old will enjoy all the treasures on the Harry Potter trail , the fun at Legoland Windsor, the farm holidays, family cycling, and camping trips. The UK has one of the world's best (and its first) safari parks . And there's even a rich family schedule at the world famous Edinburgh Festival.
• A large group? Plan a trip for   a sports team, a hiking party, a group of cyclists, a clan reunion, a class trip by checking out hostels or the new, more glamorous "poshtels." Or consider large  vacation rentals ; there are some remarkably luxurious homes, suitable for a big family reunion, that are good value on a per person basis.
• Outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure? The UK's varied national parks have some of the best free hill walks, mountain hikes and sheer cliff climbs in the world. Go fossil hunting on the  Jurassic Coast  and check out the surf on the beaches of Cornwall. Some of the UK's most remote parks in England, Scotland and Wales are now registered as world-class Dark Sky Reserves where you can go star gazing in blissful peace. And if it's an adrenaline rush you're after, check out the Northern Hemisphere's fastest zip line in Wales.
• Millennials and party animals? The UK has some of the best rock and pop festivals in the world and almost every UK city worth its salt has great clubs and venues for live music and hot DJs.
• Mature and looking for peaceful surroundings? Try one of the UK's lovely country house hotels, where accommodations range from traditional to modern boutique, where spa retreats and pools are common and where the food is almost always superb.
• Pet owners? Learn about the UK Pet Travel Scheme  that makes it easier than ever to bring the family pet along on your travels.

Being clear about exactly who is going to the UK—to the members of your party, yourself, and your travel agent —narrows the infinity of choices and makes planning your UK trip that much easier.

How Much Can You Spend?

How much will a vacation in the UK cost? There's no upper limit and minimums depending on the season, the last minute deals you can find, where you are starting out from, and so forth. Consider these prices as approximate guidelines.

Getting There

The round trip fare for two people flying to London from an East Coast USA departure point varies from about $1,200 to more than $4,000 depending upon the time of year.

• How to save: The price of some package tours (including car and hotel) can be less than booking a flight alone. Most of the big transatlantic operators, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic, offer good value packages. Before you book a hotel, flight, and car separately, spend some time searching for cheap packages.

Getting Around

Renting the smallest car with a manual transmission will cost between $350-$500 for a couple of weeks. To that, add the cost of gasoline and you'll see that renting a car, in a country with excellent trains and public transportation, may not be such a good idea.

You can save by using other ways to get around. Take the Underground in London , try Britain's rail services, and  take the train . For total freedom, buy a BritRail pass . Even cheaper:  hop on a bus .

Accommodations

The average price of a night in a UK hotel in 2020, was just under £100—but the average price of acceptable hotel accommodation in most major cities was still above £100, with London and Edinburgh leading at about £200. Check out some of these ideas on how to save on accommodations. And if your aim is London, have a look at some cheaper places to stay just outside the capital.

Food and Drink

Expect to pay a minimum of £25-£30 per person per day. If you're really on a very tight budget, these are some ways to save on food and drink .

From £10 to £25+ per adult, per attraction. You can save a great deal by buying a UK discount pass . Some of them are only available to overseas visitors and are remarkably good value.

How Much Time Do You Have in the UK?

Trying to fit too much into your UK vacation is bound to leave you feeling rushed and unsatisfied. But you probably don't cross oceans very often so you will want to make the most of the time you have. Consider these planning approaches.

The Short Break

If you have a week or less, you could either:

• Plan a two-center vacation : You might visit two cities that you find interesting—London and Edinburgh or London and Glasgow are popular combinations—or plan a short city break with some adventure at the beach or in a national park. 
• Use a city as a hub : If you base yourself in one of the UK's main urban hubs you can explore it and take one or two-day trips to nearby towns or scenic regions. Most UK cities are well connected, by bus and rail, to their surrounding region.

If you make your hub city or your vacation centers places with good international airport connections , good rail hubs, and good road connections for venturing further afield, you'll have more stress-free time to spend on your vacation. These locations are all well connected:

• Manchester  (handy for Liverpool too)

The Longer Vacation

If you have two weeks or more... You should have plenty of time to visit one of the UK's leading cities and do some touring as well. You might:

• Try using several cities, in different parts of the UK as a base for further exploring. Combine London with York and Edinburgh, for example, Cardiff with Birmingham and Manchester or Glasgow. There are loads of opportunities for exploring historic sites, family attractions , castles , and stately homes within an easy train or car journey of most UK cities.
• Spend a few days in a city and then take off on an in-depth exploration of a region. Some adventurous fell walking in the Lake District , for example, combines well with the UK's indie music city, Manchester. Edinburgh or Glasgow pair well with Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. London makes a good partner for some time spent exploring Suffolk —the England of dreams, and East Anglia .
• Take on a long distance hike , cycle or mountain bike trek along one of the UK's national paths, like The South Downs Way or the 7stanes Trails.

When Do You Want to Travel?

The UK has pretty much a two-season climate . Spring and autumn are both just brief, passing hints of summer and winter. Which of the two main seasons you choose will influence the price you pay and what you'll be able to do.

Visiting the United Kingdom in Summer

Summer is the high season. Prices for accommodation, flights, and local tours are at their most expensive. If you come in the summer—essentially from May through mid-September—here's what that premium price will get you:

• Very long days so more time for touring and outdoor activities. Through mid-August, it will be light enough to be outdoors until after 10 p.m. in some parts of the country
• English gardens at their best and open longer hours
• The Edinburgh Festivals
• Glastonbury and lots of other music festivals

Visiting the United Kingdom in Winter

Prices are lowest from mid-October to the end of March, but the days are also shortest. In mid-winter, lights may be on all day in bad weather. Sunset before 5 p.m. is typical of December and January.

If you enjoy indoor activities, shopping, museums, theatres, dining out, and nightlife, you can save a bundle and have a very good time in the United Kingdom in the winter. Here's some of what you can look forward to:

• European-style Christmas markets all over the country
• The best and the newest theatre in all the big cities
• Bargain rates or bargain breaks at hotels and other accommodations
• Wonderful Christmas choir concerts in the UK's historic cathedrals
• Fire festivals in England and Scotland
• Hogmanay , Beer Festivals, and Up Helly As a Viking festival all over the place.

Where Do You Want to Go?

People sometimes forget that there's a lot more to the UK than England. This is, after all, a United Kingdom of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. And each nation of the UK has its own distinctive personality.

Probably the most varied of the UK's nations, England offers urban lifestyles, country living, empty beaches, rugged coasts, national parks, historic touring, markets, shopping, lakes, hikes, riding, cycling—a kind of United Kingdom in miniature.

Scotland is the emptiest of the nations of the UK with great, beautiful stretches of highlands, dramatic lochs, rolling borderlands and upland moors. It also has two of the UK's most exciting cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and some of it's wildest holiday celebrations.

Wales is more rural than most of the UK. It has storybook pretty valleys and wonderful areas for walking. In Snowdonia , it has the highest UK mountain outside of Scotland as well as several brilliant waterfalls and cascades. In 2017, the view from the top of Snowdonia was voted the best view in Britain in a survey of 3,500 visitors. And, if you like castles, this is the place to be. Wales also has gorgeous beaches and miles of protected, heritage coastline. If you tour and visit local pubs, you are likely to hear Welsh spoken as a first language in parts of North Wales.

Northern Ireland

Belfast is experiencing a cultural revival and Northern Ireland is finally being discovered by visitors. Ulster, as it is also known, has lovely, rural landscapes, dramatic coastal features like the Giant's Causeway and some of the UK's oldest historic monuments. It has maintained an open border with Eire (the Republic of Ireland), but following the U.K.'s official withdrawal from the EU ( Brexit ), this open border policy may change.

What Do You Like to Do?

Are you outdoorsy? A history or literature buff? Mad for shopping and pampering? Maybe you like museums? The beach? Wonderful scenery to photograph?

The nice thing about the UK is that it has all the variety you might expect of a country with its rich and long heritage. Yet it's all packed into a relatively small land mass. With so much within easy reach, you could drive yourself mad trying to do and see everything. Far better to plan your trip around one or two kinds of activities you really enjoy.

Outdoors and Active

There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, riding, sailing, and more adventurous sports like hang gliding, scuba diving, and spelunking. Here are a few ideas:

• Scenic walks and rugged hikes around Balmoral
• Exploring UK national parks
• Diving shipwrecks in Scapa Flow

Shopping, Clubbing, Dining Out

You're not just limited to London and its high prices. Here's just a sampling of what else is available:

• Birmingham—A shoppers paradise with a hot music scene
• Liverpool—The Beatles hometown and a historic maritime center
• Manchester—Clubland and indie music central. Plus two great football teams.
• Discount designer shopping
• Leeds' Glamorous Shopping Arcades

From castles, stately homes , museums, and historic gardens to literary icons of the English language, you are never far from the UK's rich cultural heritage.

What Kind of Accommodations Do You Prefer?

To some degree, where you decide to stay on your first or your fiftieth visit to the UK will be a matter of price. But there are other things to consider when you are choosing the kind of accommodation you'll opt for in the UK. The way you travel (tour or stay put) the amount of do-it-for-yourself you're up for, the way you do or do not make friends on vacation are all factors. So what kind of digs will you choose?

If you are touring, staying one night here, one night there, a cheap chain hotel might be an adequate and reliable choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a luxury or romantic experience, fine dining, bags of charm, a country house hotel might be a choice that provides indulgence for less than you might pay for similar luxury in a city.

Vacation Home Rentals

Vacation home rentals are great for independent travelers who like to cook their own meals, come and go as they please. They're also a good and money saving choice for families and groups. And these days, there a lot of amazing, historic vacation rentals available— Agatha Christie's summer home , for example, or a 14th-century hall house hidden behind brambles worthy of Sleeping Beauty.

Like a friendly environment and a chance to meet lots of people? A hostel  (or these days, a "poshtel") might be just the trick; they're a lot more comfortable, clean and convenient than you might think. Or, if you are ready to graduate from couch surfing, Airbnb is just as popular—with just as many opportunities and risks—in the UK as it is in most other countries.

Bed and Breakfasts

B&Bs can offer great breakfasts, warm and friendly hosts, good locations and loads of charm without massive expense. But choose wisely. A grim B&B with an intrusive or unpleasant landlady can be dire. The AA—The UK Automobile Association—publishes an authoritative guide to the best B&Bs .

House swap to live like a local for free. It's safer and easier than ever before. And there is house swapping choices in all the cool places.

If you like living under canvas, there's no shortage of camping opportunities in the UK. There is both wild (tent) and caravan (RV) camping all over the UK. Many RV parks are open year round.

Are You a Conservative or an Adventurous Diner?

The kinds of food you prefer to eat or the amount of cooking you are prepared to do for yourself can make a big difference for both your budget and the places you choose to go.

The myth that English food is terrible is exactly that—a myth. It is possible to find food that is more than acceptable all over the UK and there are plenty of opportunities for fine dining too. It is also possible to explore a very broad range of ethnic dining styles including Indian, Balti, Singaporean, Chinese, Thai, Moroccan, Tunisian and, if you have an adventurous palate, you can dine very well for a good deal less money. Here are some other things to think about when planning your vacation:

• If you like to try a different style of food every night, London is the place to be.
• Some of the best seafood in the UK is available in the Southwest (Devon and Cornwall), on the Northeast coast, and in Scotland.
• Cities with big ethnic populations have excellent ethnic restaurants. The Balti —a derivative of Pakistani cooking—is amazing in Birmingham.
• If you're traveling with a family of fussy eaters, vacation home rental, hostelling or apartment hotels with their own kitchenettes may be your best bets.

Dressy or Casual: Which Do You Prefer?

Do you enjoy dressing for dinner or are you more of a jeans and t-shirt traveler? There are very few occasions when you really have to pull out all the stops when going out in the UK. In most cases, you can wear whatever you are most comfortable in when dining out. There are a few exceptions. Here's what to expect:

• Some of the most exclusive restaurants and hotel dining rooms in London require men to wear a jacket and tie (the Ritz , for example) but that kind of formality is on the wane.
• What the British call "smart casual" (which basically means you've made an effort and it shows, but you haven't gone over the top) is acceptable in most nicer restaurants.
• If you like to go clubbing and you want to get into the best clubs, you have to look the part. Bring your hippest club gear or buy some when you arrive. If you think you can get into a nightclub in jeans and a t-shirt, plan on being Taylor Swift or Beyoncé.
• Some country house hotels will expect you to "dress for dinner" but most won't. Smart casual is usually more than acceptable. If you are planning to stay at a very grand country house hotel, it is worth asking about dressing for dinner before you leave home—just in case.
• Going to the theater or a concert does not require dressing up unless you feel like it.
• If you are heading for the races at Ascot, the Henley Regatta , or Glorious Goodwood, a very smart dress is the rule. For women a smart skirt suit or a flowery dress (and on Ladies Day, a hat); for men, suit and a tie. Many men choose to wear formal morning suits and top hats on Ladies' Day at Ascot—but if you have not been invited to the Royal enclosure, don't worry about it.

How Will You Travel to the UK?

If you are flying to the UK—and most non-European visitors do—you have a bigger choice of airports than you might imagine. Most visitors choose Heathrow or Gatwick but, if you are able to fly into one of the UK's other international airports, you could save money or land more conveniently at your ultimate destination.

If you are lucky enough to cruise to the UK, you'll likely arrive at Southampton, Harwich, or the new luxury cruise port in Liverpool. You can give yourself the experience of arriving in the UK by sea and, for example, seeing the White Cliffs of Dover, without the commitment of an ocean cruise. Fly into a European city—Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Dublin, Belfast—and take a ferry. Ferries from Ireland come into the UK at Fishguard in southwest Wales, Holyhead in northwest Wales and Liverpool. Ferries from Continental Europe arrive at a range of the English Channel and North Sea ports.

The Channel Tunnel has made a world of difference to traveling to the UK from Continental Europe. It is now much easier than ever before to combine a European touring vacation with a trip to the UK, with or without a car.

• If you are driving, take the  Eurotunnel Car Transport Shuttle , also known as The Chunnel, from near Calais to Folkestone.
• Touring without a car? Take the Eurostar from Paris and other continental points, direct to London in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. BritRail Pass holders can book Eurostar tickets at a discount.

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Most underrated places in Britain as voted on Reddit

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written by Tamara Hinson

updated 06.07.2022

To reveal the most underrated places in the UK, Rough Guides have partnered with Reddit, the online community which revolves around passionate participants sharing their top tips on everything from short-haul travel to fitness. In this case, it’s the perfect partnership - the trusted voice of Redditors partnered with Rough Guides’ unmatched knowledge about not only the world’s most far-flung corners, but destinations closer to home.

Why is Bedfordshire one of the most underrated places in the UK?

The scottish highlands, scotland, orkney islands, scotland, pembrokeshire, wales, gower peninsula, wales, why is yorkshire one of the most underrated places in the uk, lancashire, england.

On this occasion, we’ve joined forces with Reddit in order to highlight fantastic UK destinations which often slip under travellers’ radars. So why take this approach? Because we believe that the best insights into destinations come from the people who’ve been there and got the t-shirt and - in this case - are Redditors keen to share their passion for the often-overlooked corners of the UK they’ve discovered.

Travel ideas for Scotland, created by local experts

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Highland Tour: Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Edinburgh

Discover the beautiful region of Perthshire, the famous Loch Ness and Inverness – the capital of the Highlands. Get a chance to admire Europe’s oldest mountain, stroll along sandy beaches on the Scottish West Coast, and visit the mysterious Isle of Skye.

A largely rural county which often lies under the radar, Bedfordshire is a region filled with historic sites, museums and beautiful towns. The area has strong ties to the military, and the Shuttleworth Collection in Biggleswade has a large collection of military aircraft, including a Spitfire from 1942.

One of our other favourite Bedfordshire spots is Wrest Park, a nineteenth-century country house with chateau-inspired architecture which makes the Loire’s royal palaces look rather plain. We recommend going mid-week if you can – Wrest Park (thankfully) receives far fewer visitors than stately homes such as Blenheim Palace or Highclere Castle, although visitor numbers have increased by 12 per cent since 2019, and weekends are the busiest periods.

Other historic sites in Bedfordshire include the fully-restored Stevington windmill, which was built in the 1700s, and the Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre – an explosion of gothic opulence built in 1846 on the orders of the seventh Duke of Bedford.

Highclere Castle taken from Beacon Hill in Hampshire, England © Nick Brundle Photography/Shutterstock

Full disclosure – the Scottish Highlands might be one of the UK’s most popular destinations, but its sheer size (it covers two thirds of Scotland), means that there are still plenty of crowd-free areas to explore – as well as plenty of remote corners perfect for anyone seeking some alone time. One example is the Corrour Estate, which won recently won over this Redditor .

Love a castle? The highlands have more than their fair share, including one of the oldest ones in the UK. For sheer opulence, it’s got to be Dunrobin Castle, which is one of the UK’s oldest continuously inhabited castles, and which is famous for its twisting spires and sheer size. This spectacular country pile, which has 189 rooms, was designed by Sir Charles Barry, the architect behind London’s Houses of Parliament.

The Scottish Highlands also have some fantastic, crowd-free beaches. Finding space to lay out your beach towel won’t be a problem at places such as Lochinver Beach, which was recently the setting for a trip down memory lane by a Redditor who’d fallen in love with the beach as a child.

We’re also huge fans of Sandwood Bay, a golden stretch of sand in the northern Highlands, and the beaches on St Ninian’s – a Shetland Island which bears more than a passing resemblance to some of our favourite Caribbean destinations.

Love the great outdoors? Wild Camping is legal in Scotland – check out one Redditor’s account of her experience to find out why a spot of wild camping should be on your radar.

Sandwood Bay, Highlands of Scotland © Lois GoBe/Shutterstock

We’ve already covered the Scottish Highlands, but there’s another Scottish destination truly worthy of a spot on this list: the Orkney Islands , which recently bagged one of the top spots on Rough Guides’ list of the most beautiful places in Scotland .

Mainland Orkney has two main hubs – the historic port of Stromness and the town of Kirkwall , which is connected to several of the southern Orkney Islands by a causeway, which makes it wonderfully easy to explore further afield.

These southern islands are a great place to start if you’re visiting for the first time. South Ronaldsay has a gorgeous coastline and a large number of prehistoric sites (our favourite of which is the chambered tomb of Maes Howe ), while Hoy is famous for its seabird-dotted cliffs (the highest in Scotland) and dramatically barren landscape.

All too often visitors to the Orkney Islands view destinations such as Kirkwall as mere arrival points, but do so and you’ll miss some of the region’s best bits. Kirkwall’s red sandstone St Magnus Cathedral dates back to the 1100s, for example, while Stromness is filled with quaint fishermen’s cottages.

For a fantastic first person account of a visit to the islands, check out this Redditor’s reflection on her week-long exploration of the region, as well as this Redditor’s explanation of why it’s a perfect destination for history buffs :

Stromness village, Orkney islands , underrated places in the UK © COLOMBO NICOLA/Shutterstock

Pembrokeshire is a wonderfully diverse region which is known for its stunning coastline – a fabulously rugged strip of beaches, wind-bashed cliffs and coastal wildlife reserves. It’s a place which puts many of Europe’s most popular destinations to shame, but don’t take our word for it – read this Redditor’s account of her recent visit.

The popularity of Pembrokeshire’s larger beaches means that finding a deserted stretch of sand can be tricky during busier periods, which is precisely why we suggest seeking out Pembrokeshire’s smallest bays, some of which are only accessible on foot, or via twisting country lanes.

We guarantee it's worth the effort. Do so and you’ll discover places such as Penally , with its beautiful beach and tiny, sheltered coves, and St Govan’s chapel, which clings to a cliffside high above the thrashing waves.

Don’t overlook the town of Pembroke, either – there’s a beautiful castle to explore and it’s just a short drive from Lampley Bishop's Palace – the ruins of a former medieval retreat. Make sure you take the time to explore its towns. Tenby, which dates back to the thirteenth century, recently won over this Redditor .

Tenby Harbour, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales © Billy Stock/Shutterstock

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A 30-kilometre finger of land carved from sandstone and limestone, Gower (or Gŵyr, as it’s written on many of the area’s signposts) has a wonderful remoteness which belies its easily accessible location, just to the west of Swansea – and it was an absolute hit with one particular Redditor , who fell for its food scene, easy access and fantastic walking trails.

It’s a place which combines the best of both worlds – tangles of wildflower-fringed country lanes weave between tiny villages, but you'll also find some of Wales’ best restaurants.

In recent years, the Gower has rightfully earned a reputation as Wales’ culinary capital, and one where you’ll find everything from gastropubs to fine dining restaurants. We suggest stopping by Oxwich’s Beach House, where the innovative menu pays tribute to local ingredients.

The abundance of fantastic restaurants, pubs and cafes is rather apt, considering how easy it is to work up an appetite here – explore the Gower’s sweeping bays and vertiginous coastal pathways and you’ll soon be craving some traditional Welsh grub.

Don’t be surprised to stumble on a prehistoric ruin or two either, whether it’s the foundations of a twelfth-century church or the ruins of a clifftop castle. However, there’s no denying that the beaches are the stars of the show here.

One of the peninsula’s most beautiful stretches of sand is Rhossili Bay, although it can quickly become crowded on warmer days. The good news? There’s no shortage of other stunning beaches, many of which are perfect for adrenaline junkies. One example is Three Cliffs Bay, which isn’t just a brilliant destination for a breezy coastal walk – it’s one of Wales’ most popular rock-climbing spots, too.

Spring dawn over iconic Three Cliffs Bay in Gower South Wales © Steve Pleydell/Shutterstock

The UK’s largest county, Yorkshire has it all. Fabulously wild expanses of moorland, perfect for Jane Austen-style contemplative wanderings, along with historic villages carved out of local stone and market towns filled with independent cafes, galleries and boutiques.

It’s also one of the UK’s most dog-friendly counties (check out this Redditor’s account to find out why) which will come as great news for anyone travelling with their four-legged friend in tow.

Many of the attractions welcome dogs, too. This includes Roche Abbey, the ruins of a 12th century abbey wedged into a valley and surrounded by gardens designed by the legendary Capability Brown.

There are endless fascinating reminders of Yorkshire’s industrial heritage across the county, too – places like Barnsley Main Colliery, where a restoration project is being undertaken by passionate, local volunteers.

Love a waterfall? You’re in luck – Yorkshire has hundreds of them, which means plenty of opportunities to visit the most spectacular ones without dodging a selfie stick. Lumb Hole Falls, near Hebden Bridge, which comprises a series of falls of various sizes, is a brilliant example. We suggest combining it with a visit to Standedge Tunnel - the longest, highest, and deepest canal tunnel in Britain.

Lumb Hole Falls, Yorkshire's underrated places in the UK © Dan Knight Photography/Shutterstock

Known for its rich history and industrial heritage, Lancashire is a county famous for its cotton mill towns, but it’s also one which has so much more to offer. It’s a destination which is often overlooked, but which never fails to impress, as a Redditor, whose highlights included Rufford Old Hall and Formby, found out.

The Lancashire coastline is where you’ll find some of the largest towns, including Southport and Morecambe, but we recommend venturing inland, to places like the gorgeous Ribble Valley where you can chug along the Ribble Steam Railway on lovingly restored steam trains, or to Pendle Hill, where you can sign up to guided tours for a spooktastic insight into the infamous Pendle Witches.

That said, don’t overlook the county’s towns – just make sure you consider ones beyond the tourist magnets such as Blackpool . Visit Blackburn and you’ll be able to explore the marvellous 11th century Lancaster Castle as well as the Grade II listed Lancaster Cathedral , both of which are just a short drive from Morecambe Bay.

So there you have it - our guide to the most underrated places in the UK which are absolutely worthy of a place on your bucket list, but which you might not have considered before. So what are you waiting for? Go forth and discover the places other travellers often fail to reach - with a little help from our wanderlust-fuelled army of Redditors, of course.

Whether you fancy taking in the sea air in Pembrokeshire , getting lost in the Scottish Highlands or exploring forgotten corners of England , there's a Rough Guides guidebook or e-book to guide you.

To find more inspiration for your future trip to England read our guide about best things to do in England

Downham village near Clitheroe, Lancashire, England © James Dalrymple/Shutterstock

Tamara is a former snowboard instructor who's been a freelance travel writer for 12 years. She loves snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking and scuba diving, and the regions she knows best are Asia, America and Africa. Europe-wise she knows Germany and France very well. In normal times she does two or three trips a month. Follow her on Twitter @tamarahinson

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Planning an England trip in 2024? Consider these 16 top places to visit

Feb 26, 2024 • 10 min read

Gracious Bath is an excellent place to immerse yourself in England’s history and beauty © gowithstock / Shutterstock

The story of  England  stretches back more than 5000 years (and likely many more). Which means its impossible to escape the past here.

As you wander its historic urban centers, mysterious monoliths, misty landscapes and rugged  coastlines  and national parks , you’ll discover a country filled with unparalleled places to visit that are are the more compelling thanks to all those who have visited them before.

As you plan a trip to England this year, here’s our list of 16 historic, exciting and all-around fabulous highlights to consider.

1. The Seven Sisters 

While  Dover ’s iconic white cliffs grab the most attention, the colossal chalky walls of the Seven Sisters are a more spectacular affair, a four-mile roller-coaster of sheer white rock stretching along the Sussex shore and overlooking the waters of the English Channel. It forms an impressive southern border to the South Downs National Park , and is most dramatic at the towering headland of Beachy Head . Hikes through the grassy clifftop fields provide wide sea views, breathtaking in every sense.

Local tip:  Stop for a breather at the tiny seaside hamlet of Birling Gap, where the secluded beach is a sun trap popular with locals and walkers.

Oxford  lets visitors feel close to the brilliant minds and august institutions that have made this city famous across the globe. This rarefied world comes to life in the cobbled lanes and ancient quads where cycling students and eccentric academics roam. The beautiful college buildings and stunning architecture have changed little over the centuries, coexisting with a lively, modern, working city. As befits a city of students and professors, Oxford is one of the last bastions of the great British pub, with irresistible old watering holes dotted all over its central lanes and alleyways. 

3. Cambridge

In England’s other great historic university city, Cambridge , you can tour a  college , and spend time marveling at the intricate vaulting of King’s College Chapel . But no trip to Cambridge is complete without an attempt to take a punt (flat-bottomed boat) along the River Cam by the picturesque Backs , the leafy, green lawns behind the city's finest colleges – an experience that offers the best views of the exquisite architecture. Polish off the day with a pint at one of Cambridge’s many rustic pubs. 

In a nation packed with pretty cities, Bath  stands out as the belle of the ball. Founded by the Romans, who established the spa resort of Aquae Sulis to take advantage of the area’s hot springs , Bath hit its stride in the 18th century, when the rich industrialist Ralph Allen and architects John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger oversaw the city’s transformation into a model of Georgian architecture at its most refined . Bath is awash with golden stone townhouses, sweeping green crescents and Palladian mansions, along with appealing pubs and restaurants, and you’ll take great pleasure in plunging in. 

5. Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the country's most dramatic Roman ruins, a 2000-year-old procession of abandoned forts, garrisons, towers and milecastles marching across the wild and lonely landscape of northern England. While the Romans built the fortification to defend and control its territory, this edge-of-empire barrier also symbolized the boundary of civilized order in the ancient world: to the north of the Roman settlement lay the unruly land of the marauding Celts. Near Newcastle  you can visit Segedunum , the wall’s last stronghold, for an insight into life during Roman times.

Planning tip:  Hiking the full 84-mile distance coast to coast along the national trail takes around a week. If you have less time and your own car, you may want to select from a few of the wall's  highlights .

With its Roman and Viking heritage, ancient city walls and maze of cobbled streets, York is a living record of English history. A magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls encloses a medieval spider’s web of “snickelways” (narrow alleys), each one the focus of a ghost story or historical character. At the city’s heart lies the immense, awe-inspiring York Minster , the biggest medieval cathedral in all of northern Europe, and one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. Admire feats of engineering of a more recent vintage at the National Railway Museum , the world’s largest collection of historic locomotives.

York’s long history and rich heritage are woven into virtually every brick and beam, and the modern, tourist-oriented city – with its myriad museums, restaurants, cafes and traditional pubs – is a carefully maintained showcase of that heritage.

Local tip: You’ll find some of the finest views of York from its old city walls, particularly the bucolic section behind the Minster. 

7. The Peak District

Curiously, you won’t find many peaks in the Peak District . You will find blissful miles of tumbling moorland, plunging valleys, eroded gritstone crags, lush farmland and ancient pocket-sized villages. This beautiful landscape attracts a veritable army of outdoor enthusiasts – cyclists, hikers, cavers and rock climbers – on summer weekends, while those seeking more relaxing enjoyment can admire the rural market and famous puddings of Bakewell, the Victorian pavilions of spa-town Buxton, and the architectural drama of Chatsworth House – the “Palace of the Peak.”

8. Brighton

Barely an hour’s train ride from the capital, the seaside city of Brighton has a quirky character that’s completely its own. Overlooking the English Channel on England’s pebbly south coast, this is a city that's long been known for its oddball, alternative character. The warren of streets known as the Lanes is a good place to soak up the vibe, with vegan cafes, espresso bars, chaotic pubs, record stores and bric-a-brac shops. (Browsers will be in heaven at local institution Snooper’s Paradise .) You'll also find the UK ’s biggest queer scene here, and the region’s best small clubs. The highlight for the sightseeing visitor is the Royal Pavilion , a 19th-century party palace built by the Prince Regent, who kicked off Brighton’s love of the outlandish.

9. Stonehenge

Mysterious and compelling, Stonehenge is England’s most famous ancient site . Even though people have been drawn to this myth-laden ring of boulders for more than 5000 years, we still don’t know quite why it was built. An ultramodern makeover at the ancient site has brought an impressive visitor center and the closure of an intrusive road (now restored to grassland). The result is a strong sense of historical context, with dignity and mystery returned to an archaeological gem.

Most visitors gaze at the approximately 25-ton stones from behind the perimeter fence, yet with enough planning, you can arrange an early-morning or evening tour and gain access to the inner ring itself. In the slanting sunlight, away from the crowds, it’s an ethereal place. This is an experience that stays with you.

10. Stratford-upon-Avon

The pretty town of Stratford-upon-Avon is where William Shakespeare was born and later shuffled off this mortal coil. Today, its tight knot of Tudor streets form a living map of Shakespeare’s life. Huge crowds of thespians and theater lovers come to take in a play at the famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre . Bard fans will love visiting the five historic houses owned by Shakespeare and his relatives and  the schoolroom where he was educated, before taking a respectful detour to the old stone church where he was laid to rest.

11. Liverpool

It’s hard not to be infected by Liverpudlians’ love for their hometown. The love endured despite decades of decay and all manner of social ills – finding its expression in a renowned gallows humor and an obsession with football. With some of the most passionate crowds in the country, taking in a game at either Liverpool FC or Everton FC is a rite of passage here.

Outside of the stadium, the rejuvenated waterfront is once again the heart of Liverpool . The focal point is Albert Dock, an iconic docklands flanked by protected buildings, including a batch of top museums. The Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum ensure the good and bad sides of Liverpool’s history are explored in equal measure, while the Tate Liverpool and the Beatles Story museum celebrate popular culture and the city’s most famous musical sons (still).

12. The Cotswolds

A tangle of impossibly quaint villages of rose-clad cottages and honey-colored stone, The Cotswolds  is a region that spreads over six English counties. It’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its most wonderful quality is that no matter where you go or how lost you get, you’ll still end up in a spot with a charming village green, a pub with sloping floors and fine ales, and a view of the lush green hills. Crisscrossed by long-distance trails including the 102-mile Cotswold Way , these gentle yet dramatic hills are perfect for walking, cycling and horse-riding.

Local tip: It’s easy to leave the crowds behind and find your very own slice of medieval England here – and some of the best boutique hotels in the country.

A little weird, occasionally weather-beaten and all-around wonderful, the classic northern seaside town of Whitby has haunted lanes, fossil-hunting and arguably England’s finest fish-and-chips. The huddle of 18th-century fisher’s cottages along the East Cliff are testament to its longtime role as a busy commercial and fishing port: it was here that 18th-century explorer Captain James Cook earned his sea legs. Atop the West Cliff, a sandy beach, amusement arcades and promenading holidaymakers show Whitby’s beach-resort side.

Keeping a watchful eye over the town and the River Esk that divides it is an atmospheric ruined abbey , the inspiration and setting for part of Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror story Dracula . But tales of witchery and ghostly legends have haunted Whitby ever since Anglo-Saxon St Hilda landed here to found a monastic community in 657 CE.

Planning tip: The town embraces its pseudo-sinister reputation, which culminates in two hugely successful Goth Weekends each year.

14. The Lake District

William Wordsworth and his Romantic friends were the first to champion the charms of the Lake District  – and it's not hard to see what stirred them. Already the UK’s most popular national park, the Lake District also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, in recognition of its long history of hill-farming. But for most people it’s the chance to hike the humpbacked fells and drink in the gorgeous scenery that keeps them returning year after year.

The region is filled with outdoor pursuits, from lake cruises to mountain walks – excursions that help reveal why the region has such deep literary connections. In addition to Wordsworth, writers who found inspiration here include Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter.

15. The Eden Project

A cross between a lunar landing station and a James Bond villain’s lair, the gigantic hemispherical greenhouses of the Eden Project  have become a symbol of Cornwall ’s renaissance. Built in an abandoned clay pit near St Austell to mark the start of the new millennium, and now considered one of Britain’s modern architectural wonders, the Eden Project aims to explore issues of environment and conservation, and point the way to a cleaner, greener future for us all.

Exhibits cover everything from global warming to rubber production and chocolate-making. The glass-domed “biomes” recreate major world climate systems in microcosm, from the lush jungles of the Amazon rainforest (complete with treetop walkway winding through the canopy) to the olive trees, citrus groves and colorful flowers of the Mediterranean, South Africa and California. It’s incredibly impressive – not to mention educational, and inspiring, too.

Shoulder-deep in history, London ’s rich seams of eye-opening antiquity appear at every turn. The city’s architecture pens a beguiling biography, and a multitude of buildings – the Tower of London , Westminster Abbey , Big Ben – are internationally recognizable landmarks. It’s also a tireless innovator of art and culture, a city of ideas and imagination. This legacy is enshrined at world-class institutions such as the British Museum , Natural History Museum  and the Science Museum , as well as such world-leading art galleries as the  Tate Modern , Tate Britain , the National Gallery  and the recently reopened National Portrait Gallery , all of which are free to visit. 

Local tip:  However you budget your time and money in London, make sure you take in a show. Big names perform on  the West End (London’s equivalent of Broadway), and on the South Bank at the National Theatre  and  the Old Vic . Smaller theaters from the Almeida to the Lyric Hammersmith are places to discover up-an-coming talent.

This article was first published Apr 13, 2021 and updated Feb 26, 2024.

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As Told by Reddit - Most Underrated UK Staycation Destinations for Summer Holidays

We’ve teamed up with airbnb, english heritage, rough guides, and trainline to help brits discover spectacular, yet underrated, staycation holiday spots that are just a stone’s throw away.

Reddit is where people go to dive deep into their interests, hobbies, and passions, sharing real-life thoughts and perspectives and building community along the way; and, travel tips are no exception. In fact, we’ve seen a 34% increase year-over-year in conversations about UK travel destinations and holidays across Reddit. The community makes Reddit a go-to hub for holiday-goers to chat and share real and unfiltered recommendations. Redditors are able to engage with other like-minded staycationers and ask hard-hitting questions about their potential trips... is it dog friendly? … suitable for little ones? … travelling alone?...what’s the food scene like? Timed with the official summer holiday season, we’ve huddled with some of the leading travel resources and platforms in the UK, including Airbnb, English Heritage, Rough Guides, and Trainline, to share the ultimate guide for underrated summer travel spots. Whether people are itching to get off the beaten path, looking for short trips, or have an upcoming unplanned bank holiday to take advantage of, Reddit has them covered While a foreign, exotic holiday destination may often be the dream trip, if people know where to go, a UK staycation can offer just as much beauty, adventure, and luxury. And, it can often be the more sustainable choice as people can forgo flying and instead travel by train, bus or car – keeping their carbon footprints low and avoiding the hassle and stress that an airport often brings. From beachy vibes on the Welsh coast to a Highland hike, there’s something for everyone on our list. Based on conversations on Reddit, here are the best underrated staycation spots this summer as judged by Redditors - with some destinations also seeing search increases according to Airbnb [1]:

• Bedfordshire, England
• The Highlands, Scotland
• Orkney Islands, Scotland
• Pembrokeshire, Wales
• Gower Peninsula, Wales
• Yorkshire England
• Lancashire, England

BEDFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND

Happily Bedfordshire has more to offer than £1 flights to Magaluf via. Luton Airport. This Redditor shared a few scenic snaps from Wrest Park in the quaint village of Silsoe, Bedfordshire; a magnificent 19th century French chateau style house set in an outstanding restored landscape garden originating in the 17th century. According to their post, no matter their mood, they always feel more centred after a couple of hours wandering the grounds. Fun fact: Wrest Park’s grounds reflect three centuries of English garden design, including one of the few remaining early 18th century formal gardens.

People are starting to catch on; the number of visitors to Wrest Park has increased by 12% since 2019, according to English Heritage, with 2021 being its best ever year yet. Respectively, the latest statistics from Trainline shows that train travel to nearby Flitwick station has gone up by 174% this year. So get there quick!

THE HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND

The signature combination of mountains, glens, lochs and rivers, surrounded on three sides by a magnificently pitted and rugged coastline, guarantees wonderful moody views. While you’re in the Highlands there try wild camping in the region - as this redditors puts it: ‘it doesn’t get much better than this!’ .  Fort William is gaining in interest -- having seen almost  130% increase in Airbnb searches over the past year.  In line with that, according to Trainline data, Fort William has seen a 146% in  train passengers over the past year. If you’re hoping to recharge make sure to check out the Corrour Estate - this redditor describes it as the perfect spot to disconnect as a solo traveller .  

ORKNEY ISLANDS, SCOTLAND

Speaking of Scotland, they also boast a set of stunning and untouched islands. The Orkney islands are a unique and fiercely independent archipelago, and features in the Rough Guides reader survey as the most beautiful places in Scotland. In fact, according to data from Airbnb searches for the Orkney Islands have increased by over 120% in the last year.  

This wild life enthusiast spent an entire week on the islands and was so chuffed they took 1600 pictures - you can take a look at some of their top snaps on Reddit .  For an Orcadian, the Mainland means the largest island in Orkney rather than the rest of Scotland, and their history is inextricably linked with Scandinavia. If you’re into your ancient civilizations this redditor in particular is raring to pay a visit and explore early Christian and late Druidic sites up there. 

PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES

The ancient town of Pembroke really only warrants a visit to its impressive castle and the fine Bishop’s Palace in neighbouring Lamphey. 

GOWER PENINSULA, WALES

A fifteen-mile-long finger of undulating sandstone and limestone, Gower (Gŵyr) is a world of its own, pointing into the Bristol Channel to the west of Swansea. The winding lanes afford wonderful opportunities for exploration - in fact, not only will you find the most beautiful beaches in the world here, according to one redditor , but you’ll also find an up and coming to-die-for  gastro scene; with a mix of traditional pubs and modern bars too.

The entire peninsula is fringed by sweeping yellow bays and precipitous cliffs, with caves and blowholes to the south, and wide, flat marshes and cockle beds to the north. Bracken heaths dotted with prehistoric remains and tiny villages lie between, and there are numerous castle ruins and curious churches lurking about. 

YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND

If you find yourself in the south of the county stop by Roche Abbey - a 12th century now-ruined abbey situated in a valley landscaped by renowned gardener and landscape architect, ‘Capability Brown’ in the 18th century. The site has one of the most complete ground plans of any English monastery and the Gothic transepts still remain to their original height.  One redditor was sizing up the location for an upcoming race, and was pleased he brought his camera along to capture the beautiful site… and they’re not the only ones! The abbey has seen somewhat of a resurgence this past year, reaching its highest levels of popularity since 2005 according to English Heritage. The closest train station is Conisborough, where the number of passengers has grown by 74% since 2021.  As for Yorkshire’s other boasts (the beer’s better, the air’s cleaner, the people are friendlier) – anyone who spends any time here will find it hard to argue with those.

LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND

The historical county of Lancashire reached industrial prominence in the nineteenth century primarily due to the cotton-mill towns around Manchester and the thriving port of Liverpool. Today, neither city is part of the county, and Lancashire’s oldest town, and major commercial and administrative centre, is Preston, though tourists are perhaps more inclined to linger in the charming towns and villages of the nearby Ribble Valley.

Along the coast to the west and north of the major cities stretches a line of resorts – from Southport to Morecambe – which once formed the mainstay of the northern British holiday. Only Blackpool is really worth visiting for its own sake, a rip-roaring resort which has stayed at the top of its game by supplying undemanding entertainment with more panache than its neighbours. If you’re after a super non-obvious place these two redditors are gushing over the town of Ormskirk, for being the perfect central location to anywhere in the North West.   Data from Trainline shows that the number of passengers travelling to the town have increased by 127% in the last year. All homes in this blog post are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Reddit and Airbnb do not recommend or endorse these listings or any other homes on the Airbnb platform.

More from: Staycations

The best places in the uk for a weekend escape.

Six Best Theme Parks to Visit In The UK

Derry, Kingston upon Hull, and Newport are among the best UK cities for a low-cost yet memorable staycation.

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A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers the UK vs. Ireland for Museums & Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

• Pros & Cons
• Museums & Attractions
• Culture & History
• Small Towns
• Christmas Markets
• National Parks
• Adventure & Outdoor Activities
• Watersports
• Outdoor Activities
• Backpackers
• Transportation
• More time in the UK or Ireland?
• Which is Cheaper, the UK or Ireland?
• What are the cheapest places in the UK or Ireland?
• How can you save money in the UK or Ireland?
• When to Visit the UK or Ireland?
• Weather: the UK vs. Ireland

Should you visit the United Kingdom or Ireland?

Which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

If you're trying to decide where to visit between the UK or Ireland, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

We'll start with a quick overview, and below we will go into all of the details.

With jaw-droppingly beautiful countryside, award-winning beaches and a whole lot of character, it is no wonder that England tops everyone's must-visit bucket list. In fact, England, Scotland, Wales and the Offshore Islands all offer great holiday destinations with something for everyone, whether you are travelling alone, as a couple, or with your family. You won't find anywhere as peaceful as the English countryside and its beautiful lakes will take your breath away. Rocky coasts, castles, green hills and charming pubs, all that is England; without forgetting energetic, majestic and ambitious London, steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks and one of the world's greatest cities. The UK's cities and towns also have a lot to offer visitors, from the hip, indie scene of Manchester to the amazing Balti food of Birmingham, from the dreaming spires of Oxford and medieval passageways of York to the lively art scenes of Glasgow. It may be small in size, but England is rich in tradition, complex in culture, endlessly diverse and has a lot to offer when it comes to fascinating history. There are lots of unique historic buildings that you can visit, including the awe-inspiring Tower of London, the atmospheric ruins of ancient castles, prehistoric Stonehenge or the Victorian village of Saltaire. The United Kingdom offers lots of delicious food for everyone. So you shouldn't have any issues whatsoever when it comes to finding cuisine that you will thoroughly enjoy.

There's a lot more to Ireland than Guinness and pubs, although for some, this may be the best part. Ireland has a rich history which dates back to prehistoric times. Its many museums, magnificent houses and historical sites make it a top destination for ardent historians. With its scene-stealing natural beauty and multitude of things to see and do, Ireland is a dream tourist destination. Looking for cliffs, beaches, national parks, forests and 100 shades of green? Ireland has it all. Green is the islands emblematic color. From vast mountains to pebbly beaches, rural bog lands to inland waterways, tourists can sample a feast of natural attractions. Located in the Burren region in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are said to be the biggest natural tourist attraction in Ireland drawing over million people each year. The view from the 200 metre high cliffs is breathtaking and many that visited it will agree that this is a must-visit in Ireland. A visit to Ireland's buzzing capital city goes without saying. Dublin is a super friendly city with a youthful, creative vibe. It has free museums to explore, architecture to gawp at and a more than lively pub scene. If you go during St Patrick's Day, an Irish festival celebrated and known around the whole world, your stay will be unforgettable. The biggest festival is held, of course, in Dublin, and the celebration lasts for several days. Finally, don't leave Ireland without trying their shellfish, Irish stew, colcannon and champ, boiled bacon and cabbage, smoked salmon, black and white pudding, coddle, bambrack and soda bread. You might not think of Ireland as a Gourmet Destination, but the food here is world class.

United Kingdom

The UK is a beautiful, historic, and traditional country. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the history and culture, nightlife, live music, and food.

The United Kingdom, also commonly referred to as Great Britain, offers visitors a diverse set of experiences and attractions throughout the large cities, small town, and countryside. Consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, travelers can explore a deep and rich history and culture along with modern attractions and beautiful, diverse landscapes. From cities such as London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast, it's easy to get out into the smaller towns and countryside to explore the mountains, coastline, and agricultural regions of this island nation.

Ireland is a cultural, proud, and green country. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, adventure travel, national parks, and history and culture.

Ireland is a unique country with a deep historic culture, a beautiful countryside with rolling green hills, exciting cities, and friendly people. You'll find good food, interesting natural landscapes such as the Giant's Causeway, terrific hikes through the countryside, surfing at the beach, and cultural experiences in the cities.

UK and Ireland: Pros and Cons

• Popular museums and historical sights
• Great culture, history, and arts
• Numerous theater shows
• Good music scene
• Good for hiking
• Great road trips
• Family-friendly
• Good for couples and romance
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Good for students
• Impressive beauty
• Less attractive beach
• Not as many national parks
• Less adventure activities
• Beautiful national parks
• Not as many big cities
• Less theater options
• Less active music scene
• Less popular for students

How is the UK different from Ireland?

Which is better for a holiday.

Below we will examine the differences and similarities between the UK and Ireland. With this information, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in the UK or Ireland?

Both Ireland and The UK offer a variety of museums and places of interest, but The UK generally has more to choose from.

The museums and tourist attractions in The UK are world-renowned. Visitors will find some terrific museums not just in London, but all over the country. For starters, the British Museum is world famous, but York also has the Railway Museum. The smaller town of Bath has its Baths, and you'll find plenty of art galleries all over such as Kelvingrove in Glasgow or the McManus in Dundee.

London : The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Edinburgh : The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

Bath : The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ireland. Visitors will find a variety types of museums all across the country. History, science, art, and kid-friendly museums are everywhere, showcasing the culture, history, and life of the Irish people. A few of the best in Dublin are the Little Museum, the National Museum of Ireland with its multiple branches, the Irish Whiskey Museum, the Kilmainham Gaol, Dublinia, and the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum, among others. If you're visiting Galway, check out the Galway City Museum, Lynch's Castle, Monkey Business Children's Museum, or the Fisheries Watchtower Museum. Also, in Cork, the Cork City Gaol and the Crawford Art Gallery are visitor favorites, although there are many more.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Culture, Arts, and History?

The UK and Ireland both offer great history and culture to travelers.

The UK offers world-famous historcal and cultural sights and attractions. This is one of the main reasons why so many people come here every year. Thousands of years of history is on display all over the U.K. With historical destinations such as London, Stonehenge, Edinburgh, Cardiff, numerous castles, and historical small towns, history lovers will find plenty to do here.

See also Free and Cheap Things To Do in Belfast , and The Castles of Scotland .

With a long list of famous historical and cultural attractions, Ireland brings in many visitors. Plenty of historical attractions are popular destinations for visitors, especially the castles, small historic towns, and huge monuments. At the Rock of Cashel, you can see the ruins of this historic and beautiful castle from the 12th century. Reginald’s Tower in Waterford is said to be the oldest building still standing in Ireland, and can be toured while also exploring the surrounding city. Glendalough is the home of a monastery and famous tower, as well as stunning natural landscapes. And at Newgrange, you can see this ancient 5000 year old megalithic cemetery. The Blarney Castle is home of the Blarney Stone, and is one of the most famous sites in the country. In Dublin, don't miss the Dublin Castle, the St. Patrick's Cathedral, or the Kilmainham Gaol, all of which showcase a selected period of Irish history. No matter which area of the country you visit, Ireland offers historic sights and attractions of all types for every age.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Big City Activities?

The UK is considered to have more larger cities than Ireland.

Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions in the big cities of The UK that attract lots of visitors. London is the first name that comes to mind when thinking of large cities in Great Britain, and rightly so as this huge global city attracts visitors from everywhere because of its history, museums, theatre, nightlife, food, and monuments. After London, the U.K. has many large cities with their own atmosphere and cultural experiences to offer. Liverpool, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast all have terrific attractions, nightlife, and cuisine for visitors.

See also 1 Day in London On A Budget , and The Best Things to Do in Glasgow .

Ireland also has some big cities with many activities. Dublin and Cork are the largest cities in Ireland, followed by Limerick and Galway, but even these last two have small populations compared to other cities in Europe. In Dublin you can find plenty of restaurants, cafes, museums, universities, and historic sights. Outside of this city, it's hard to find the same urban vibe. The rest of the country has smaller cities and towns and plenty of rural areas with stunning landscapes, but lacks the large city environments.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Small Towns and Villages?

Ireland offers more villages and small towns to explore than The UK.

Ireland also offers a huge number of beautiful small towns with plenty of sights and activities. A few of the smaller towns in Ireland are some of the country's most popular travel destinations. Kilkenny has a nearby castle, abbey, a gorgeous cathedral, and a historic medieval area of town. Kinsale has a quaint harbor and colorful houses. Tralee on the southern coast has beautiful seaside views and stunning cliffs. And the ring of Kerry offers even more stunning coastal views and small towns such as Portmagee. Exploring the small towns of Ireland is an absolute requirement for any itinerary, as here you'll find the true local culture and history of the island.

See also 10 Easy and Ambitious Day Trips from Dublin Ireland .

The UK is a great destination to visit small towns and villages just waiting to be explored. Some of the most popular and scenic small towns in England include St. Ives, Bath, Castle Combe, Bibury, and Shaftesbury. And in Scotland, don't miss Tobermory, Anstruther, Linlithgow, St. Andrews, and others. In Wales, you'll find beautiful scenery in Tenby, Solva, Rhossili, and others. Outside of Belfast in Northern Ireland, you'll find small town charm in Bangor, Kilkeel, and Portstewart. All of these towns across the nation offer that traditional quaintness that visitors seek from a typical town in the countryside. You'll find pubs, historic architecture, the occasional ruins of castles and churches, farms, and more.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Theater?

With more venues to choose from, The UK is more regarded as a theater destination.

The theater and performance venues in The UK draw crowds from around the world. The London theatre scene is world famous, and when visiting, seeing a show is a must. But venture further into the rest of the country for even more. Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of Shakespeare, after all. You'll find even more theatre experiences in Manchester, Edinburgh, Brighton, Cardiff, and more.

London : The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Stratford-Upon-Avon : Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Visitors can also check out a show in Ireland. Local theaters with community productions can be found in many smaller cities. In Dublin, if you're looking for a show, check out the Abbey Theatre, the Gaiety Theatre, the Smock Alley Theatre, or the Olympia Theatre. Elsewhere in Ireland, make sure to visit the National Folk Theatre in Kerry (Siamsa Tíre), or the Druid Theatre in Galway.

Is the Food Better in the UK or Ireland? Which Country Has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in The UK a bit more than Ireland.

The UK has a huge number of terrific restaurants. In the last few decades, the food scene in Great Britain has taken off as world-class chefs have opened restaurants featuring menus from all corners of the globe. When visiting the U.K., you'll be pleasantly surprised by the quality and creativity of the food. That being said, traditional British food itself is not particularly famous. Fish and Chips, meat pies, black pudding, bangers and mash, and "toad in the hole" (sausage in batter) tend to be first on people's lists of interesting foods to try when visiting. But they are not the final say in modern British cuisine anymore.

York : Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ireland. Traditional Irish foods can be found at many restaurants around the country. One of the most popular dishes includes various forms of Irish stew that use meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Shepherd's Pie takes this stew and adds a layer of mashed potatoes to the top. Colcannon and Champ is a form of mashed potatoes that mixes in cabbage, onions, and sometimes bacon. If you're tired of potatoes, salmon in various recipes is also common and popular. Also try the black and white pudding, which is actually blood sausage and not dessert. Other popular dishes include vegetables cooked into stews with local herbs. Of course, the local beer is quite popular, too. And don't miss the more interesting forms of Irish soda bread as well.

Kinsale : For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Nightlife?

For nightlife, head to The UK instead of Ireland.

The nightlife in The UK has something for everybody. London is one of the most popular cities in the world for nightlife. From bars and clubs to theatre shows, the activity in the city is always pulsing. Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, and other large cities also have plenty of nightlife options, too, with active nightclubs, varied music scenes, and theatre productions.

London : Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Glasgow : The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

See also London's Party Hostels .

If you're looking for night time activities Ireland has a few options to choose from. Dublin and Galway, as the two largest cities, are the obvious choices for nightlife. Dublin claims to be one of the party capitals of Europe, and offers a variety of venues from bars and pubs to undergrounds nightclubs, as well as theater, fine dining options, and relaxed bars and cafes where you can have a drink with friends. Galway has a similar scene with a mix of bars, pubs, and nightclubs, many with live music and plenty of dancing. In Cork, much of the nightlife scene is dominated by the student population of the area, as large universities are nearby. Check out SoHo and the other spots on the Grand Parade. Plenty of other towns and smaller cities offer an array of pubs, bars, and clubs, too.

Dublin : Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Music?

The UK is more popular choice to experience the music scene.

The UK has a thriving music scene. London is the obvious choice if you're looking for live music, as it hosts nightclubs, bars, theatre shows, DJ events, and more. But other cities around Great Britain also have their own music scenes, especially Liverpool, Manchester, and Belfast. From family-friendly theatre productions to raving dance-filled nightclubs to intimate venues, there is something musical for everyone.

London : Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Birmingham : The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Glasgow : Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Liverpool : Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Edinburgh : In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

While it's not known for it's music scene, Ireland has some options for casual listeners. Dublin has many pubs, bars, and clubs featuring a variety of live music. Some of the places showcase new artists and popular dance music, while others host traditional Irish music. Galway, Cork, and other cities are similar in that many pubs host local artists as well as touring musicians. The larger cities also host touring concerts as you would expect in any large city, too. Generally, seeing live music is easy and accessible in Ireland, and quite fun if you're looking for something to do in the evenings.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Beaches?

Both The UK and Ireland have great beaches worth visiting.

The beach in The UK is worth checking out. The southern coastline of Britain has a variety of beach areas, some with wide sandy beaches lined with restaurants, boardwalk shops, and other fun activities. While the water is generally cold, the summer months are still quite popular. Some of the more visited spots include St. Ives, Brighton, Newquay, Bournemouth, and West Wittering. This is just a few, and many more areas are favorites with locals, too.

Ireland is a good spot to see the beach. With a huge amount of coastline, this island nation has plenty of beaches. Some are in protected coves, while others are more exposed and have large waves popular with surfers. Despite the colder temperatures, the beaches here can still be fun because the natural scenery is beautiful. Some of the beaches are in natural coves surrounded by cliffs, rocks, and epic views. Swimming is very possible and popular in the summer months with locals and visitors alike. A few of the most popular beach areas include Inchydoney Beach in County Cork, Dog's Bay near Galway, Strandhill near Sligo, Silver Strand in Country Donegal, and Portmarnock Beach near Dublin. However, there are many more to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in the UK or Ireland?

The UK often provides a better shopping experience than Ireland.

The UK is well-known for its shopping. London offers plenty of shopping experiences all over the city, and has various neighborhoods with different styles, trends, and vibes. Other large cities also have their own shopping districts where locals and travelers alike can find anything they want from clothes to gifts to locals artisan crafts.

London : With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ireland. While the larger cities and towns such as Dublin and Galway have more variety of shops such as clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and local galleries, even the smallest towns have nice shopping options. Some of the more popular local arts and crafts for purchase include tweed fabrics in Donegal, Aran Wool clothing items, and hand-crafted pottery. In Dublin, visitors can find several large shopping malls such as Dundram Centre, and more shops in George's Street Arcade, Liberty Market, and Cow's Lane.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Christmas?

The Christmas season is more busy in The UK than Ireland.

The UK is a very popular destination during Christmas. While London is an easy choice for the holiday season, as it decorates major landmarks and offers fun winter activities, plenty of other locations around the country are also worth visiting. Edinburgh has a festive atmosphere as well with large trees, festivities, and decorations. Bath, Cardiff, York, and Bournemouth all put on their own activities, too.

London : There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Plenty of visitors enjoy Christmas activities while in Ireland. Dublin, Galway, Cork, and many of the other towns and cities put on huge light displays during the holidays. The public squares and town centers have Christmas trees, markets, festivals, and other activities. There's even a polar swimming plunge in Dublin. Some of the famous castles and manor houses also have holiday decorations and festivities which bring in large crowds. The local pubs in many small towns become the center of activity as people gather in the warm and brightly decorated establishments. Also, many of the hotels and smaller B&B's decorate their grounds and have special dinners and parties. For the best Christmas markets, head to Cork or Galway, or even Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Christmas Markets?

The UK provides a more festive Christmas market atmosphere than Ireland.

The UK has some Christmas markets worth visiting during the holidays. Visitors over the holidays can find Christmas markets in London, Bath, Bournemouth, Cardiff, and Edinburgh, among others. In addition to shopping, many of these markets offer fun activities, ice skating, shows, Santa encounters, and delicious holiday cuisine.

London : The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Ireland has some Christmas markets for those that seek them out. The best Christmas markets can be found in Cork and Galway, although many other small towns offer fun festivities, too. Dublin offers a few different holiday markets around the city, such as at Dublin Castle and Guiness Storehouse.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Hiking?

The UK provides a better hiking experience than Ireland.

Many visitors go to The UK for the hiking trails. Hiking and "walks" are very popular ways to experience and explore the beautiful landscapes of the U.K., as a number of long routes weave their way through the countryside and along the coastline. It's quite popular to do a multi-day walk with stopovers in quaint towns, especially as many of these walks are on routes with easy elevation and clearly defined paths with good signs. Some of the more popular routes include the Hadrian’s Wall Path, The Cleveland Way, Norfolk Coast Path, and Cotswold Way. If it's more strenuous mountain hiking that you're after, definitely visit one of the national park areas such as Cairngorms, Peak District, Lake District, or Snowdonia, as they all offer mountain trails with gorgeous scenery.

Isle of Skye : Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Snowdonia National Park : There are approximately 1,500 miles of walking paths and hiking trails in the area. You can hike to waterfalls, along beaches, or to the top of Mt. Snowden. Aber Falls is a popular trail or you could explore lakes and try to see wild ponies along the Llyn Idwal Trail. For a particularly strenuous and adventurous trail, head to Glyder Fawr or The Snowdon Horseshoe Circular Walk.

Outer Hebrides : The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Lake District National Park : There's a huge selection of hikes to choose from in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs. The park offers some of the best hiking in the country and you can spend days exploring. Some of the favorite hikes in the area include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Catbells.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Ireland. The rolling mountains and beautiful green countryside provide stunning hikes in all parts of the country. From the cliffside walks with epic views to the peaks in the interior of the island, there's a trail for everyone. Some of the most popular routes include the treks around Glendalough where you'll see the Spinc cliffs, waterfalls, and distant views of the lake. If you're looking for a mountain to hike, Diamond Hill in County Galway, Carrauntoohil in Kerry, or Slieve Gullion all provide stunning views, physical challenges, and plenty of wilderness opportunities.

Connemara : The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for its National Parks?

Ireland usually beats out The UK for its wide range of national parks.

Many visitors go to Ireland to see the national parks. The 6 national parks here offer stunning beauty and a variety of sights and attractions both within the parks and nearby. Five of the parks are along the western coast, and it might be best if you had your own vehicle to see some of all of them. Killarney National Park is part of the Ring of Kerry and was the first park. You can find historic manor houses, the largest mountain in the country, and a variety of wildlife. Wicklow Mountains National Park is on the eastern side, and in the area you'll find Powerscourt Gardens, Glendalough with its famous round tower, and the beautiful Glenmacnass Waterfall. In all of the parks, you'll find hiking trails, epic views, camping, castles, gardens, local wildlife, and other activities such as bird watching, horseback riding, and more.

The UK is a good destination to visit the national parks. A few of the most popular national parks in the U.K. include Snowdonia, Peak District, Lake District, Cairngorms, and Loch Lamond. Most of these parks offer beautiful mountain scenery, rivers, camping, lakes, and outdoor experiences for the whole family.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Adventure Travel?

Ireland generally offers more adventure travel options for travelers than The UK.

Ireland has some adventurous travel experiences that often attract visitors. Some of the most popular adventure activities here are sea kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, orienteering, hiking, caving, and more. Many of these activities are found in the countryside and coastal areas of the country, or around the 6 national parks. It's common for travelers to book a single-day tour to do some of these activities, as the guides or outfitter companies make it easy and accessible.

The UK is a good destination for those who seek adventure travel experiences, as there are a few options to explore. Some of the more popular areas to participate in adventure sports are in the more wilderness regions and national parks of the nation. Zip lines, rock climbing, kayaking, paragliding, river rafting, and canyoning are all popular in the mountainous areas. Surfing is sometimes found along the coast, too.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Visiting the Mountains?

Both The UK and Ireland offer a similar amount of great mountain activities for visitors.

The UK does have some mountain areas to explore. Many of the national parks in Britain offer gorgeous mountain scenery with hiking, horseback riding, adventure sports, camping, and more. Snowdonia, Peak District, Lake District, Cairngorms, and other parks have plenty of mountain adventures waiting for visitors. Also, the northern areas of Scotland are rugged and mountainous. The Hebrides for example, offer amazing natural landscapes where the mountains meet the sea to the north.

Ireland is a good destination to visit the mountains, as there are some fun activities. While not too high in elevation, the mountains in Ireland still offer great views, terrific hiking opportunities, and plenty of outdoor activities such as camping, horseback riding, and more. The highest peaks are found in the MacGillycuddy Reeks range in County Kerry, and visitors here will find plenty of natural beauty along with outdoor activities and hiking trails. Wicklow Mountains National Park and the surrounding area is another very popular destination as it also combines mountain views with historical sights, hiking, waterfalls, and more. Killarney National Park is another area worth visiting due to the beauty of the lakes and mountains.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Watersports?

While The UK and Ireland both have plenty of watersports, overall Ireland is considered to be better for travelers seeking these activities.

Ireland has some watersports activities that attract many visitors. With a huge stretch of coastline, many visitors here participate in a variety of activities despite the relatively cooler weather. As long as you have the proper equipment for the activity, there's no reason why you can't enjoy the stunning beauty of the water. Surfing is very popular on the beaches, as the waves can be consistent and strong in many areas. Kayaking both on the coast and inland is also a great way to see Ireland from a different angle. Stand-up paddle boarding is another good option for areas with calmer waters. And many of the bays and harbors have clear waters with unique marine life, which makes wild swimming , scuba diving, and snorkeling a fun activity after putting on a thick wetsuit. Wind surfing and kite surfing are also possible. As with many other activities, you'll find plenty of surf shops and tour providers that can take you to the right places with the right equipment.

The UK is a good destination to participate in watersports, as there are some fun activities. Surfing is popular in some areas of the coastline such as Cornwall and in Snowdonia National Park. It's also possible to find a few river rafting outfitters around the country, too. Kayaking, fishing, and boating are all quite popular along the shore, too.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Outdoor Activities?

While The UK and Ireland both have plenty of outdoor activities, overall Ireland is considered to be better for travelers seeking outdoor adventures.

The outdoor activities and experiences of Ireland attract many visitors. As Ireland is a fairly sparsely populated country with wide open spaces and beautiful landscapes, visitors will find plenty of outdoor activities of all types. The national parks are a good place to start, as you'll find hiking, camping, horseback riding, climbing, and more. And along the lengthy coastline, visitors can experience kayaking, surfing, swimming, hiking along the cliffs, and perusing gardens and castles. Visiting farms and the other agricultural regions are also quite popular. There's no shortage of outdoor activities in Ireland, so make them part of your itinerary.

The outdoor activities and attractions of The UK are worth exploring. Outdoor activities in Great Britain include hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, adventure sports, camping, and more. It's easy and accessible to get out into nature here from the big cities, and a diverse array of activities can be found.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for a Road Trip?

The UK and Ireland both offer a wide array of great road trip possibilities for your next trip.

Taking a road trip through The UK is very good way to see the countryside and smaller destinations. The roads in the U.K. are great, and with plenty of small villages, national park areas, seaside destinations, and historical sites, a road trip is a great way to see the country.

Ireland is an extremely popular destination for those that want to take a road trip. The numerous small towns, natural scenic spots, castles, agricultural areas, and other out-of-the-way places make Ireland a terrific place for a road trip. In fact, in many ways it's easier to get around this country by car than with public transit if you're planning to visit many of these smaller sights and attractions. Many visitors make a large loop around the country from Dublin, stopping off at cliffside viewpoints, beaches, castles, small towns, and national park areas with mountains and hiking. The Ring of Kerry is a very busy area for a road trip for obvious reasons - it combines natural beauty with historical towns. The Dingle peninsula is another popular drive for similar reasons. Rental cars are generally easy to hire in Dublin or Galway, so planning a road trip through Ireland is quite easy.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Families?

The UK and Ireland are both great destinations for the whole family.

The UK is an amazing family-friendly country to visit. From the big cities to the countryside, if you're traveling with kids you'll find something great to do. London has family-friendly museums and attractions such as science museums, the Tower of London, and amusement parks. Plenty of beach resort areas are found along the coastline, too, such as in Blackpool, Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, or Paignton. Head north to Snowdonia for hiking and watersports, or to Scotland for the lakes, historic railways, and castles. Kids of all ages, and parents also will love if.

London : Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

York : The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Ireland is an extremely popular country to visit for families. Long cliff walks, castles, stunning beaches, gardens, lighthouses, and terrific museums are all some of the best things to do with families in Ireland. In Dublin, you'll find the Imaginosity Childrens Museum, the Dublin Zoo, the Natural History Museum, and Dublin Castle to name a few. Not far from Dublin you can find more castles, the Medieval Museum in Waterford, and Viking history. On the west coast, don't miss the cliffs of Moher, with their epic views, or the ancient stones of the Burren. And the small towns of the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula are fun for everyone, too.

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Couples?

The UK and Ireland are both great to visit as a couple.

The UK is a good country for couples to visit. Plenty of destinations in Great Britain are great for couples. London for starters has many nice hotels, restaurants, and romantic spots around town. Or, head to the countryside of Scotland or Wales for castles, beautiful natural scenery, lakes, and more. If you're looking for an active trip, check out some of the national park or wilderness areas such as Lake District, Snowdonia, or Cairngorms. Also, many of the beach destinations have nice resort areas for couples, too.

London : With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

Bath : With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

Snowdonia National Park : Explore the beautiful outdoor scenery by taking one of the many hikes in the park. There are many diverse walking routes or you can head to the top of Mt. Snowden. There are also waterfalls and castles that couples can explore.

See also Hostels in Liverpool for Solo Travellers, Groups, & Couples .

Ireland is a nice destination for couples. The larger cities as well as the countryside offer plenty of romantic places such as Powerscourt Gardens, the famous and well-photographed Wicklow National Park, the many castles and manors around the island, and the fine dining restaurants and theaters of the cities. Many of the small towns are very picturesque and have plenty of activities for couples, not to mention the quaint bed and breakfasts and walking trails out into the countryside. Don't miss Ashford Castle, Adare Manor, or the Latin Quarter of Galway full of boutiques and cobblestone alleyways. Whether you're on a honeymoon in Ireland or just looking for a romantic weekend getaway, you'll find plenty of romantic opportunities here.

See also Hostels in Galway, Ireland for Backpackers, Couples, and Groups , and Hostels in Killarney for Solo Travellers, Couples, and Small Groups .

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The UK and Ireland are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

The UK is a very popular country for backpackers and budget travelers. The overall price of travel in the U.K. can be quite high, so backpackers and budget travelers will need to plan ahead to find affordable accommodations and entertainment options. London in particular offers plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, but they are still priced higher than in many other cities. Smaller cities, towns, and destinations in the countryside can usually be more affordable. Prices aside, the overall amenities and infrastructure for budget travelers and backpackers are everywhere and very frequent. It's easy to find lower-priced options everywhere, along with plenty of free and cheap activities, so don't let the overall costs dissuade you from visiting.

London : Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Edinburgh : The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Lake District National Park : There are plenty of camping options throughout the park with a range of hookup facilities to meet everyone's needs. Waterfront campsites are also available.

See also Hostels for Solo Travellers, Female Travellers, & Couples in London, England , London's Party Hostels , and London Hostels Near Kings Cross .

Ireland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Ireland can be a very affordable destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the large number of lower-cost accommodations, affordable public transportation, and variety of cheaper food options. Hostels are common, especially in the larger cities and towns, as are budget-friendly hotels. Also, many of the sights and attractions are outdoors which means that they are often free or have cheaper entrance fees. Many of Ireland's best attractions are the cliffside or wilderness hikes such as those at the Cliffs of Moher (around €10), Glendalough in Wicklow Mountains National Park, or the Howth Cliff Walk loop. For food, if you eat your meals at a pub or small sandwich shop, you can save plenty of money. Many pubs also have a set menu as an early dinner which is cheaper if you arrive before 6:00 p.m. The trains and buses are also very affordable, especially since the country is not so large that every destination is just a few hours away at the most.

See also Dublin Hostels Near Temple Bar , Social Hostels in Dublin, Ireland , and Hostels for Groups in Dublin, Ireland .

Is the UK or Ireland Better for Students?

Most students consider The UK to be the better destination than Ireland.

Many students frequent The UK . Students will find not only a huge number of universities in the U.K., but also a large support network on top of affordable travel opportunities. Many of the major universities around the country are in locations with fun activities, vibrant nightlife, and affordable sights and attractions.

London : The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Birmingham : With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Oxford : At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Cambridge : The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

St. Andrews : At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

See also Hostels in Glasgow, Scotland for Students, Backpackers, and Solo Travellers , Hostels in England for Backpackers and Students , and Hostels in Scotland for Backpackers and Students .

It's common for students to visit Ireland. With a variety of affordable accommodation options and active student neighborhoods featuring nightlife, cafes, and activities, it's easy to see why Ireland offers a lot for students. Various universities around the country draw large number of students both from Ireland and around the world. Dublin, Galway, and Limerick all have multiple universities and active student scenes.

See also Hostels in Ireland for Students and Backpackers .

Is the UK or Ireland Easier for Transportation? Which is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

The UK has better transportation options to get you around the region.

The UK has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the country. Public transit in the cities, combined with the national railway system makes it very easy for travelers to move around the country without their own car. London as well as other major cities are also hubs for airlines with connections abroad. Also, as an island nation, a huge number of ferry services connect Britain to Ireland as well as mainland Europe. The smaller islands just offshore are also connected by regular ferry routes, too.

• Traveling by train is extremely popular.
• It's possible to travel by bus.
• It's possible to travel by car.
• Travel by airplane is possible.

Public transit in Ireland is fairly effecient and thorough. The train system in Ireland can take you almost anywhere you want to go, and fairly quickly and efficiently too. The bus system is also great, and can get you to many more destinations if the trains can't. The prices are affordable and the trains are safe and clean, just as anywhere else in Europe. The roads are also very good and it's easy to rent a car to get around the country. In fact, if you're planning to visit many of the smaller towns along the coastline, such as in the Ring of Kerry, having a car is necessary because of a lack of transit options. Some of the national parks are also difficult to visit without a car, too. Otherwise, every larger city and town is accessible with trains or buses.

• It's very easy and convenient to travel by train.
• It's fairly easy to travel by bus.
• It's possible to travel on ferry boats.
• Travel on cruise ships and excursions is possible.
• It's quite common to get around if you join an organized tour.
• It's quite common to travel by car.
• It's possible to travel by airplane.

Is the UK or Ireland more Comfortable for a Trip?

The UK and Ireland are both modern and comfortable places to visit.

Generally, The UK is considered to be a comfortable and luxurious place to visit. Whether you're traveling on a budget or looking for higher-end luxurious accommodations, Great Britain offers a high-standard of living and travel for visitors. As a modern, affluent nation, tourists will find comfortable amenities at any price point along with an extensive network of transportation to get around the country. Nice restaurants, delicious food, and an abundant supply of professional tour operators and entertainment venues make a trip to the U.K. very easy, convenient, and comfortable.

People often come to Ireland because it is such a comfortable and luxurious destination. Ireland is a modern and prosperous country with a high standard of living. So, as a traveler you can expect plenty of modern comforts no matter your price range, as even budget hotels will have clean, modern facilities and nice amenities. The public transportation network as well as the road are of high quality and are very efficient. Visitors will find plenty of infrastructure for tourists such as tours, taxis, hotel concierges, and more. And of course, plenty of luxury hotels and tour providers are also available if you seek a higher level of comfort.

Is the UK or Ireland more Touristy?

The UK generally has a more touristy vibe than Ireland.

Plenty of tourists come to The UK every year, as it's a popular destination. London, Edinburgh, various castles, seaside resorts, and some of the national parks can be heavily touristy, especially in the peak summer months. Some of the smaller popular cities and towns for visitors also include Stratford upon Avon, Bath, Cambridge, Inverness, Stonehenge, and more. Despite the number of tourists, these destinations are still very manageable if you're on a trip and wish to see everything. It's also quite easy to avoid the crowds by escaping the larger cities or travel during non-peak seasons.

Ireland is somewhat touristy. Most visitors arrive in the summer months when the weather is warmer, but even then, the tourist crowds are not too bad. Even so, visiting in the shoulder season or in the winter will lead to a trip with less crowds. The most popular tourist attractions are the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Glendalough, Powerscourt Gardens, The Rock of Cashel, Killarney and its surroundings, and the Blarney Castle. In Dublin, some neighborhoods can be quite busy such as Grafton Street, as well as the museums, Trinity College, and the Kilmainham Gaol. And while all of these places do see plenty of visitors, it's still manageable and accessible during the busy summer months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom , The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom , The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom , The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom , The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom , The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom , The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom , The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom , The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom , The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom , The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom , The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh , The Best 3-Day Tours from London , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh , The Best 10-Day Tours from London , The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh , The Best 2-Week Tours from London , The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh , The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland , The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland , The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Ireland , The Best Adventure Tours to Ireland , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Ireland , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Ireland , The Best Walking Tours in Ireland , The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland , The Best Budget Tours to Ireland , The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland , The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dublin , The Best 10-Day Tours from Dublin , and The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin .

Should I spend more time in Ireland or the UK?

How long in the uk or ireland.

the United Kingdom and Ireland both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. In our opinion, the United Kingdom has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in the United Kingdom than Ireland . However, 5-14 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in the United Kingdom than Ireland. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in the United Kingdom that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in the United Kingdom than Ireland if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in the United Kingdom.

• How many days should I spend in the UK or Ireland? Ideal Length of Stay --> UK 5-14   Ireland   5-14

A weekend in the UK or Ireland?

In the UK, you'll find live music, food, and hiking. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Ireland is a great place to explore. Don't miss the history and culture, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in the UK or Ireland?

The UK is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that the UK has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ireland. Don't miss the history and culture, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in the UK or Ireland?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in the UK. In the UK, you'll find hiking, shopping, and museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many travelers enjoy the food, water sports, and hiking when visiting the historic destination of Ireland. This country offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Two weeks in the UK or Ireland?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in the UK. In the UK, you'll find hiking, shopping, and museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Two weeks is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that the UK has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the food, water sports, and hiking when visiting the proud destination of Ireland. This country offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have two weeks, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill two weeks here.

Which country is cheaper, Ireland or the UK?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• UK Prices Ireland Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day UK £ 153 Ireland £ 121

The average daily cost (per person) in the UK is £153, while the average daily cost in Ireland is £121. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each country. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for the UK and Ireland in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person UK £ 76 Ireland £ 57
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room UK £ 152 Ireland £ 114

Compare Hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Looking for a hotel in the United Kingdom or Ireland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in the United Kingdom

Hotels in Ireland

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. UK £ 29 Ireland £ 21

Typical Local Transportation prices in the UK

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in the UK:

• Taxi Ride £ 15
• Heathrow Express £ 18
• Luggage Storage £ 8.00
• Local Bus £ 3.60
• Rail to Airport £ 11
• London Map £ 1.29
• Oyster Card £ 36
• 24 Hr Bus Passes (for 2) £ 20
• Ferry to Isle of Wight £ 16
• Parking £ 2.00
• Toll Way - Mersey tunnel £ 1.70
• City bike hire Liverpool £ 6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in the UK

Some specific examples of transportation prices in the UK:

• Southampton Cruise Terminals: Private Transfer to London: $1,302
• Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Stansted Airport: $1,267
• From Glasgow: Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $835
• London Luton Airport (LTN): Transfer to Southampton Port: $831
• Private Transfer: Heathrow to Southampton Port + London Tour: $825
• Bristol Airport (BRS): Transfer to Southampton city hotels: $781
• From Edinburgh: Loch Ness Private Day Tour with Transfers: $761
• Giant's Causeway Private Tour by Five Star Luxury Transfers: $761
• Southampton Port Transfer with Stonehenge stop-over included: $755
• Bath: LHR to Bath Executive SUV Transfer: $749
• From London: Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Transfer: $695
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Transfer to Bristol city: $681

Typical Local Transportation prices in Ireland

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Ireland:

• Rental Car for a Day £ 13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ireland

Also for Ireland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• 4 to 8 People Private Transfer from Dublin Airport to City Centre: $77
• Arrival Transfer Dublin Airport to Dublin City by Van or Minibus: $109
• Arrival Transfer: Dublin Airport DUB to Dublin in Business Car: $108
• Belfast: Dublin Coach Transfer: $10
• Chauffeur Luxury Driver Private Transfer: $142
• Chauffeured Transfers from Ennis to Galway: $263
• Child Friendly | Dublin Airport Transfer: $169
• Conrad Hotel Dublin To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $168
• Cork Private Transfer from central Cork to Cork Airport: $72
• Departure Private Transfer by Business Car from Dublin to Dublin airport DUB: $82
• Departure Transfer Dublin to Dublin Airport by Van or Minibus: $109
• Departure Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Business Car: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into the UK or the UK?

Prices for flights to both Ireland and the UK change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day UK £ 37 Ireland £ 35

Typical Food prices in the UK

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in the UK:

• Lunch at Starbucks £ 13
• Tea £ 6.00
• Morning Tea £ 2.50
• Ice Cream £ 3.00
• A Quick Snack £ 4.00
• Dinner £ 22
• Breakfast £ 8.50
• Dinner at Filling Station £ 10
• Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason £ 39
• Lunch £ 14
• Morning Tea £ 6.35
• Pastry £ 5.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in the UK

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in the UK.

• Dinner and Live DJ at A Fancy Restaurant: $17
• (Thur 7pm) Comedy Magic Show includes 1x Pizza & 2 glasses of Prosecco: $26
• Manchester: Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
• Edinburgh: Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
• Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
• London: Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $35
• Picadilly Circus: Hard Rock Cafe Set Menu Lunch or Dinner: $36
• Hard Rock Cafe London Old Park Lane with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $38
• Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $39
• Roast Dinner Cruise: $41
• Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $45
• Breakfast Food Tour in York: $52

Typical Food prices in Ireland

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ireland:

• Lunch for Two £ 27
• Fish & Chips Dinner £ 6.87
• Lunch Lynam's Pub £ 3.34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ireland

For Ireland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

• Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party: $31
• Cork: Hysterical Histories, Comedic Dinner Theater Show: $53
• Hysterical Histories Cork Dinner Theatre Show: $57
• Belvedere Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $60
• No Diet Club - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $61
• NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $62
• Cork Delicious Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
• Dublin: Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $72
• Killarney Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Beer & Pizza: $76
• Dublin: Delicious Walking Food Tour: $80
• Private Cooking Class in a Modern Home with Sea Views in Skerries, Dublin: $84
• Dublin: Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $95

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. UK £ 27 Ireland £ 16

Typical Entertainment prices in the UK

Here are a few typical costs in the UK for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:

• Two Tickets to a Concert £ 83
• Show Tickets £ 32
• Movie Tickets £ 8.00
• London Symphony Orchestra £ 34
• Movie Tickets for Two £ 12
• Donation for Storytellers £ 6.00
• Bike Rentals (for 2) £ 20
• Newspaper £ 0.85
• Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2) £ 12
• Two Bike Rental £ 34
• Thermal Bath Spa £ 35
• Warwick Castle (2) £ 59

Tours and Activities in the UK

Here are a few actual costs in the UK for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

• Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $26
• Belfast Taxi Tours Original Drivers who worked throughout The Troubles 2hrs: $140
• Boogie Shoes Christmas Silent Disco Walking Tours London : $32
• Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tours Christmas Special: $32
• Dorset Pint Glass Explore Breweries and Orchards Tour : $168
• Edinburgh's Landscapes Tours with a Local Guide: Private & Personalized: $155
• Food Walking Guided Tour of Perth: $82
• Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours: $21
• Gems of Boston (UK) – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $223
• Guided Historic Walking Tour of Cambridge with Guide and Peek: $26
• Guided Running Tour of Glasgow: $32
• Harry Potter Tour in Edinburgh: $230

Typical Entertainment prices in Ireland

For Ireland, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:

• Wild Wicklow Tour £ 22
• Guinness Brewery for Two £ 23
• St Pauls Cathedral £ 3.81
• Dublin Writer's Museum £ 5.33

Tours and Activities in Ireland

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ireland.

• Dublin: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
• Self Guided Tours Dublin With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.27
• The Night Tour: urban legends & History of pubs: $3.28
• Dublin: Retracing Viking Origins on a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.60
• Dublin: Audio Guide Tour with 26 Attraction Visits: $4.98
• Dublin: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $5.14
• Dublin city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.35
• Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse & Jail Museum Tour: $5.46
• Self Guided City Audio Tour in Dublin: $5.47
• Dublin Drams, Ales & Tales - Beer & Whiskey Walking Tour: $5.47
• Cork Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
• Dublin: City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
• Alcohol Drinks for one day UK £ 13 Ireland £ 13

Typical Alcohol prices in the UK

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in the UK:

• A Couple Beers £ 9.00
• Beers at pub £ 5.40
• Beers at Pub £ 6.10
• Beers £ 5.00
• Beers £ 8.00
• Beer & Wine £ 14
• Drinks at the Pub (for 2) £ 7.55
• Pitcher of Pimms £ 15
• Drinks at the Walnut Pub (for 2) £ 10
• Bottle of Wine £ 12
• Ciders at Kilted Skirlie £ 3.50
• Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern £ 1.65

Sample the Local Flavors in the UK

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in the UK:

• Bristol’s Best Brewery Taprooms: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
• Self Guided Audio Tour in London Old Pub Crawl: $7.65
• Edinburgh: Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $11
• Historic Pub Walking Tour of London: $13
• Guided Pub Crawl in Glasgow : $16
• Gin Tasting for Two at Judith’s, Shakespeare Distillery: $18
• Belfast: Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $19
• Guided Distillery Tour in South Wales: $19
• Manchester: Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $19
• Cardiff Pub Crawl: Bar Crawl - Drink Deals & Free Shots: $19
• London: Great British Pub Tour: $19
• Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Ireland

Also in Ireland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

• Dublin: Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
• Dublin: Generation Pub Crawl: $15
• Dublin Epic Pub Crawl: Experience Dublin's pubs and nightlife: $15
• "Dublin Delight Pub Expedition" Pub Crawl: $16
• The Dublin Liberties Distillery: Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $18
• The Dublin Liberties Distillery - Guided Tour and Whiskey Tasting: $19
• Dublin: Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $21
• Clonakilty Distillery Tour & Classic Whiskey Tasting: $22
• Exclusive Brewery Tour and Tasting at Kildare Brewing Co, Sallins: $22
• Dublin: City Pub Crawl Experience: $23
• Guided Tour to Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney in Leitrim: $23
• Dublin: Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $24

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between the UK and Ireland, we can see that the United Kingdom is more expensive. And not only is Ireland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ireland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ireland and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in the United Kingdom would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in the United Kingdom than you might in Ireland.

Why is the UK more expensive than Ireland?

The UK is well known as an expensive travel destination, even by European standards. The National Rail service is one thing citizens in this part of the world love to complain about, as it is very expensive. Unfortunately, restaurants will also not be friendly to your budget when you visit England so you might want to avoid eating out. You can find cheap food in England if you really pay attention. Fish and chips, kebabs, Indian and Asian food are only a couple of pounds. However do not expect to pay less than £15 if you sit-down at a restaurant. Cheap accomodation is also very hard to find in the UK and while some activities, such as a few museums, are free or cheap, castles and other attractions entrance fees are around £10 to £20. You'll find most other day activities, such as cycling, wine tours, tours to ancient ruins tend to be around 80 GBP.

Ireland, in general, is an affordable destination and with some insider knowledge, you can stretch your money further and have a fabulous upscale vacation there. In terms of accomodation, prices average 10-20 euros a night for a hostel dorm room. You can find private rooms that sleep two ranging from 35-60 euros. In the bigger cities, especially Dublin, expect to pay a bit more. You could also try Airbnb, which has shared rooms for as low as 16 euros per night and entire homes averaging about 50 euros a night. Fast food items start at around 4 euros, while a simple meal at a pub will cost you about 10 euros. A nicer meal, with a drink, will be upwards of 20 euros. If you go out early to lunch or dinner, you'll find many restaurants offer “early bird” specials where you can get good deals. Public transportation is first-rate in Ireland! Whether you're on a bus or train, expect free WiFi, friendly drivers, and timely departures. Bus trips around Dublin cost about 2 euros for a single journey. Longer bus journeys, such as Dublin to Belfast will cost around 17 euros. Taxis are expensive and, since most cities are extremely walkable, it is suggested that you avoid them. Most museum fees throughout the country cost about 10 euros.

What are the most expensive and cheapest cities and regions in the UK and Ireland?

Cities are more expensive than the countryside in the UK. A city break in London, Brighton or Edinburgh could cost you almost twice as much as the equivalent stay in Newcastle, Sheffield or Liverpool. St Andrews, Bath and Oxford should also be avoided if you are looking for a budget-friendly trip in the UK. However Exeter, Cardiff, Manchester and Birmingham are very affordable. A great city with affordable accomodation and food is York. It has a history dating back to prehistoric times and has been a backdrop for numerous influential political events. Cornwall is an incredibly popular destination in the UK and it turns out that cottages and food is fairly reasonably priced. Norfolk seems to have it all; clear coastline, interesting nature reserves, incredible wildlife, market towns, seaside resorts and remains a budget destination! For a cheap beach holiday in the UK head to Pembrokeshire, the most popular coastal destination in Wales. It boasts the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only coastal national park of its kind in the United Kingdom. As for Dorset and the Peak District, finding budget food and accomodation is all about knowing the right places to visit, and going at the right time. While these are not the cheapest regions in the UK, affordable holidays are possible in the countryside if you book in advance or sometimes taking the risk and booking at the last minute also pays off.

Dublin has a reputation for being an expensive city and it certainly can be if you're not careful. Food and drink are going to be two budget killers. Luckily, attractions aren't too expensive and hostels/accommodation are reasonable. The countryside and smaller towns are way less expensive than the capital and, of course, slightly more affordable than any famous tourist spots such as Kinsale, Galway City, Cork, Kilkenny or Clifden.

How can you save money while visiting the UK and Ireland?

Bare in mind that many public museums and cathedrals offer free admission in most city throughout the UK. It's a great way to learn about the country's most influential artists, immerse yourself in the country's history, and waste a rainy day without paying a cent. Most major cities in England offer free walking tours as well. They usually last a few hours and are a great way to see the city. When in cities, rely on walking to get around. Private cars and taxis can ratchet up the cost of your trip significantly because fuel costs in Britain are high. You can also use public transport but when in London, use an Oyster card. Visitor Oyster cards and contactless payment cards offer the cheapest ways to travel in London. Using a Visitor Oyster Card is more than 50% cheaper than buying one-day paper Travel Cards or single tickets with cash. A good way to lower your food expenses is to stick to eating out during lunch only. Restaurants offer fabulous lunch specials where you can get multi-course meals for around 10 GBP. For good cheap and filling meals, visit the local pubs. Most serve good meals for less than 10 GBP and are a great way to meet the locals! Don't let the UK's reputation for expensive accommodations put you off visiting. For budget accommodation, look no further than London's friendly hostels, budget hotel chains, B&B's and Halls of Residence. If chilly days don't bother you, January is the cheapest month to take a vacation to Britain. The hotels have the lowest prices, and since tourism is usually weak, restaurants, theaters and museums offer deals to boost business.

Use your student discounts! A valid student ID will get you discounts, up to 50%, to many attractions, museums, and buses throughout the country. Also, Ireland's strong pub culture will hit your wallet hard so try to temper the cost by visiting happy hours, drinking at home, or skipping drinks altogether. For the best value food, head to the pubs for good, hearty local Irish food. Local meal, with local people, at local prices! For those of you that love to tour heritage sites, you should definitely get an OPW Heritage Card. It guarantees access to main attractions, including most of the castles throughout the country. The card is a must for people visiting multiple cities in the country as it only costs 25 euros for adults. For free accomodation, use couchsurfing! This app connects you with locals who will give you not only a free place to stay, but also a local tour guide who can introduce you to all the great places to see. If you're flexible in your schedule, you can also use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar and catch rides with locals between cities. If you decide to hire a care, there are lots of different car hire sites, and you can compare deals but you should book your hire car in advance to avoid excessive fees.

When is the best time to visit the UK or Ireland?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

As an island nation in the north, the U.K. experiences cold winters and mild summers. It's common for it to rain most of the year, although it's not usually a pour, but more of a drizzle most of the time. In Scotland and Northern Ireland in particular it can be more rainy than in the southern areas, but not by much. Despite the cold and rain, it does not snow very frequently except for in the mountain areas. When visiting, prepare for cooler weather and rain, even in the summer months.

Ireland can see its share of cold weather, especially on the coast during the wet winters. The summer months are mild with temperatures that are comfortable but not too warm. This makes it a great place to escape the summer heat from other destinations while taking in the country's history and culture. In fact, the weather can be wet at times and change suddenly, too. But it rarely snows in the winter, so don't be afraid to visit during the off season, too.

The United Kingdom can be visited at any time of year, as its climate is relatively temperate and, in general, doesn't experience extremes during either summer or winter. Bare in mind that no matter when you travel, you should always pack an umbrella, as the UK is notorious for experiencing misty days and showers year-round. Indeed, England has a bit of a bad reputation when it comes to weather, but one of the joys about the country is that, in fact, it does the seasons very well. Overall, spring, from March to June, and autumn, from September to November, are the best times to visit, as it is usually warm and dry. Spring is full of new life, with daffodils blooming and Easter egg hunts and autumn dazzles when the trees turn bright red and orange. However, England during summer is all about eating ice cream at the beach and picnics in the countryside and winter brings snow and cosy nights in front of a roaring fire. Late spring, along with summer is UK's high tourist season so hotel and flight prices reflect the surge. Although some attractions close in mountainous areas, and there's likely to be snow in the north during winter, the main cities remain fully open and will be quieter for sightseeing. December in London is also an incredibly popular place to be during the holidays, so expect the streets to be crowded with both English and international tourists.

Ireland has a mild, temperate climate and although at times rainey, you can visit at any time of year. However, depending on what you're looking for from your vacation, there could be better times than others to travel. During the months of March to May and September to November, the weather isn't as cold as during the winter months and the sites are not as crowded as during the summer months. The months of June, July and August are the warmest of the year, when Ireland's landscapes are at their most vibrant and days are extremely long. However, in summer, sites and roads are crowded and prices are higher. From late October some sites close, and temperatures drop. There's no avoiding the rain in Ireland no matter what time of the year you land on its shores but in terms of prices, opened sites and number of tourists, the mid-seasons are definitely the best time to visit Ireland.

Should I visit the UK or Ireland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to the UK as well as Ireland. Many travelers come to the UK for the beaches, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Ireland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, London is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, London often gets more sunshine than Dublin. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in July than Dublin. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

• Summer Average Temperatures July London 18°C (64°F)   London   16°C (60°F)

Should I visit the UK or Ireland in the Autumn?

Both Ireland and the UK are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to the UK in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Ireland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, London is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, London usually receives less rain than Dublin. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

• Autumn Average Temperatures October London 12°C (53°F)   London   11°C (52°F)

Should I visit the UK or Ireland in the Winter?

Both Ireland and the UK during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to the UK for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ireland because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

London can be very cold during winter. London is cooler than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Dublin. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in January than Dublin. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

• Winter Average Temperatures January London 4°C (40°F)   London   6°C (42°F)

Should I visit the UK or Ireland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both the UK and Ireland. The spring months attract visitors to the UK because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ireland this time of year.

In the spring, London is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

London usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives less rain than Dublin. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

• Spring Average Temperatures April London 9°C (48°F)   London   8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dublin and London

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(According to Reddit) What's the worst holiday destination in the UK?

Once more, we asked the internet about their worst holiday experiences in the UK? What are the grimmest destinations? And why was it Blackpool?

Est read time: 8m 29s ‍

Following on from our ‘worst ever teacher gifts’ blog, we hopped back onto the internet, this time searching for the worst holiday destinations in the UK! 

We were shocked by the responses we received. It seems a lot of people were looking for a place to vent, and we’re not complaining, we received some hilarious responses! 

So without further ado, here are our top 10 worst holiday destinations, as voted by the people of Reddit!

If you’ve been tasked with organising a group holiday this summer, why not use Collctiv to collect group payments? 

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1. Blackpool 

Blackpool is one of the UK’s most popular seaside holiday destinations, and it has frequently been associated with one of the grimmest. There were a host of angry Redditors with something to say about the seaside capital of the North… 

“Visiting Blackpool makes my 2-bed house in an old mining area feel like Hollywood boulevard.”

2. “Went to the black pool when I was 9 had a good time but when men are trying to sell you cigarettes at 9year old near the pleasure Beach you start to realise its not really a nice place”

3. “Blackpool, out of season.

Grandad took the family as a final trip before he popped his clogs, as he had fond memories of going there as a youngster. He paid for a week's trip.

We stayed in a damp hotel that looked like a castle made of pebble dash that seemed to be God's waiting room for the 100 or so pensioners that were also staying there. 

On day 1 the weather was bleak and the trams were broken. The smackheads were everywhere. A monkey bit me at the zoo and swiped Grandad's double-decker from his inside coat pocket. Someone had written on the sand on the beach in 20-foot letters "f*ck off poofs". 

On day 2 someone tried to rob Grandad by grabbing the bag off the back of his wheelchair, knocking him onto the pavement. To cheer us up we got a chip supper. It made everyone sick.  

On day 3 we went to look at the tower. It was closed and the only place open was the arcade. Grandad had a tantrum in the middle of a road when his wheelchair got stuck in a rut and declared ‘I hate this bloody sh*t heap place.’ This was a man who spelt out words like 'damn' to prevent offence.

We left the same afternoon.”

2. Scarborough 

Scarborough, Scarvegas and whatever else it’s been known as is the largest seaside town on the northern coast. It’s also, as we’ve now found out, responsible for a few unsavoury memories amongst the people of the UK. Let’s delve a little deeper and see what Reddit had to say about Scarbados… 

1. “Folk from Scarborough are a different breed, I distinctly remember being there in the winter, the beach was coated in snow, and a guy with family wandered down to the beach, kicked a patch of snow off, laid his towel down on the sand and the lot of them sat down and got their books out, took their jackets off and sunbathed, mental.”

3. Any Pontins / Butlins

The overbearing giants of British seaside culture, and with good reason. Designed to rival the package holiday for working-class families; between them currently owning 9 resorts across the UK. Unfortunately, they have developed a sour reputation over the years despite having been a mainstay for families throughout the ’50s and ’60s, there might be a few reasons why…

1. “Skegness. Height of summer 2006. We went to Butlins which as a 10-year-old, should have been glorious. But I mean it was in Skegness... And the sewerage system in Butlins was broken so for the entire week holiday everywhere smelled like shit. Summed up that holiday perfectly.”

“Easy. Butlins in Minehead in the early nineties. Was like a low-security prison. Was horrible. Utterly grim.”

3. “Pontins in Prestatyn. The one they shot the On The Buses film in. The film made it look grim but they must have tarted it up because the reality was worse. The chalet was utterly dire. Cold, dank, full of spiders, some of them the size of my hand. My mum sent me and my sister to the "cinema" one afternoon. It was just a room with some cheap plastic office seats and a bedsheet they projected a film onto. We thought it would be something contemporary but no, Mary Poppins, which we both hated. In addition, we were soaked to the bone by the interminable rain. 

When we came out, at least the rain had stopped. Unfortunately, what replaced it was the biggest hailstorm of my life. The hailstones were the most intense pain I'd suffered in my five years on this planet, and my four-year-old sister didn't fare any better. The record for intense pain didn't last long because the next day I broke my arm so badly, it looked like my hand was hanging off. I don't know where the nearest hospital was but we went to Bangor, an hour away by car. When we got there, the nurse asked "Are you sure it's broken?" so I showed her and that's the only time I've ever seen a nurse turn white and look like she would faint.

Two days later, my sister and I got a tropical disease and she stopped breathing. My dad had to hold her upside down and shake her and, thankfully, she came round. Back at Bangor hospital, they put us in isolation with all the windows open and virtually no clothes despite it being arctic. We both missed out on the rest of the holiday, but my mum and dad contracted food poisoning and, with only one bathroom in the chalet, my dad made a run for the toilet block and didn't make it. He sh*t himself in public then walked, in shame, to the toilet block, the urge no longer pressing. Unfortunately, it became pressing again and he sh*t himself in public for a second time, minutes later. When we finally got home, the house had been burgled, and cockroaches had also moved in."

4. Cleethorpes/Grimsby

A Lincolnshire port town that was in part made infamous by Hollywood prankster Sacha Baron Cohen. Grimsby really lives up to its name and was recently voted the most dangerous place to live in Lincolnshire. It’s also, it now transpires, not a fantastic place for a holiday, and we now have evidence as to why…

1. “I’ve worked all over England, Grimsby is by far, the worst place. Streets of boarded-up houses with no copper sprayed on the hoardings... The thieves are polite though, The house we were in was broken in, I leapt up and said ‘HELLO?’ ‘Sorry mate, wrong house’ was the response…”

2. “Grimsby, it's in the name. Should have been a sign.”

“Came here to say this - Grim by name, grim by nature”     

Rhyl is a long-popular seaside resort in Wales. Recently voted amongst the worst places to live in the country, Rhyl has had a spiralling reputation since the ’80s which is in part due to the crime, unemployment and “general air of apathy”, and this was certainly confirmed when we posed the question to Reddit; here are some of the best responses! 

1. “Rhyl was pretty grim. Needles on the beach galore!” 

2. “not a holiday, just a day trip but omfg. Rhyll is an abomination of a place.”

3. “Rhyl. Just a day out.

Ended up walking out on the beach. Bad mistake. Ended up surrounded by slime which very much looked like sewage for a full 360 like 'how do we get ourselves in these situations?'.

On the plus side, there was a time machine on the prom back to the late eighties where the menu was stolen from a soft play.”

6. Skegness

Affectionately referred to as ‘Skeggy’ or ‘Smegness’, the second-worst place to holiday in Lincolnshire was actually home to the first-ever Butlins resort in 1936! Remaining its most popular destination ever since; cross-referencing to the max, however, we’re choosing to focus specifically on stories from Skeggy itself, and not the Butlins counterpart! So, without further ado…

“You'll look at Scarborough in a completely different light once you have been to sh*tholes like Cleethorpes and Skeggy”

2. “Skeggy. We used to go often as a child and had a grandparent who lived there. The only saving grace was that it had a decent Woolworths to spend your grandparent money in. The best bit was the chippy near Sutton on the way back home.”

3. “Skegness was our occasional family holiday.

A grim wasteland that made our later holidays to Morecambe seem good by comparison.”

7. Southport

A fun fact about Southport, It’s home to the UK’s only Lawnmower museum, and if that’s not enough to get you excited then I’m not certain what will. It seems that Reddit is crawling with Lawnmower less-than enthusiast’s, so much so that they frequently cited the Merseyside town as one of the worst in the UK for a holiday! Here are some of the best responses. 

1. “Used the Pontins as a cheap place to kip while we had a couple of nights out in Southport twenty years ago before the internet started to name and shame it. It was grim, plastic mattresses, poorly made-up beds, minging kitchen and kitchenware. Sand at the bottom of the pool for some reason.”

2. “I went to a Primary school friend's birthday party in Southport in the mid 90's and two hours of that was enough to put me off the place for life.”

8. Barry Island 

Sorry, Gavin and Stacey fans… The backdrop to the hit BBC program is not just responsible for giving the world James Corden. It’s also a bustling tourist location in the vale of Glamorgan complete with sandy beaches, amusement parks and bad memories, that is, according to Reddit… 

1. “Barry island. My mum won a holiday at the Butlins there in 1986. Even as a 9-year old I realised how much of a dog hole it was, I suspect it’s only got worse since.”

2. “it’s riddled with chavs, stinks of green, a lot of the area is scruffy, food places that probably shouldn’t have passed a food hygiene check, the fairground is regularly in the local news because someone has tried to snatch a child, or sexually harass teen girls there. Then they have the cheek to charge £10 for parking, which is probably to pay the wages of the jobsworth parking attendant, who tells you exactly where and how to park. I went in May with the kids, my siblings and dad. We had a good time as we don’t get together often. But it is still Barry Island.”

I would also like to add, on a personal note, I lost a hat once at Barry island when visiting with my Dad… 

A place so distinctly grim it appeared as a caricature of itself in the sitcom 'Fawlty Towers’. This was a fictional creation of course, but for those who have had the pleasure of visiting Torquay on the South coast, it doesn’t really leave much to be desired, however, David Bowie once performed there for £1.50 per person, which has to stand for something? I’ll let you be the judge…

https://metro.co.uk/2014/10/25/torquay-united-mascot-gilbert-the-gull-calls-fans-cs-and-offers-to-fight-them-4920827/

I’ll just leave this here…

If nothing else, Slough wins the prize for the most boring name in England, to be honest, it doesn’t particularly improve from there anyway. In fairness to Slough, this was the place that gave us Thunderbirds, Mars Bars and Snooker. But, if Reddit is anything to go by, it did not give us restful holidays and friendly residents, more to follow… 

1. “Stopped in Slough when going to Legoland, it's like living in a black and white film”

In Conclusion

The people have spoken! We posed a question to the internet and this is what they delivered. I don’t necessarily agree, and in the interest of neutrality, wish to keep my backside firmly rested on the fence. After all, I've never even been to Blackpool… 

A few honourable mentions for the likes of Jay Wick. But, if you’re organising a group holiday this summer, I would suggest heading towards Bath, Whitby, Dungeness and a few of the more desirable tourist destinations the UK has to offer.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Majorca hit by ‘tsunami’ with mega wave swallowing streets in tourist area

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A popular seaside resort in Majorca has been hit by a ‘mini tsunami’ which flooded several streets.

Footage shows seawater pouring down streets in the port town of Puerto Alcudia following after Wednesday night’s freak wave swallowed up adjacent beaches.

Tourists were seen swerving out of the way to avoid getting soaked and potentially knocked over by the strong current.

The phenomenon, known as a meteotsunami, involves rapid changes in sea levels caused by atmospheric events such as storms and squalls.

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Known locally as ‘rissagas’, they differ from tsunamis in that they are not caused by seismic activity and are therefore typically much smaller.

Nobody was injured and no significant damage was reported.

Locals are relatively used to the phenomena and have a warning system in place so meteorologists can declare when one is expected.

Spain’s state weather agency, Aemet, told local media: ‘Pressure variations affect sea level. If the pressure increases, the sea drops; if the pressure drops, the sea rises.

‘The main characteristic of these rises and falls is that they occur over very short periods.

‘In just 15 minutes the sea level can rise or fall very noticeably and then return to its normal state.’

Many countries in southern Europe are currently on high alert over a heatwave, with highs of up to 42C in places.

Five people died in wildfires in Turkey and widespread power cuts have been reported in Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Hotels in Sicily have reportedly told guests to cancel their trips due to an ongoing drought on the island.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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UK fans wonder if Taylor Swift will say ‘So long, London’ after Eras Tour

Taylor Swift performs at Wembley Stadium as part of her Eras Tour on Friday, June 21, 2024 in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

A fan poses for a photo outside Wembley Stadium ahead of Taylor Swift’s first London concert, during her Eras Tour, in London, Friday June 21, 2024. (Lucy North/PA via AP)

Taylor Swift fans pose for a photograph besides a mural, commissioned by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, before the first London concert of the Eras Tour on Friday, June 21, 2024 in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Taylor Swift fans pose with their bracelets outside Wembley Stadium before the first London concert of the Eras Tour on Friday, June 21, 2024 in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Taylor Swift fans pose for photographs outside Wembley Stadium before the first London concert of the Eras Tour on Friday, June 21, 2024 in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

A fan poses for a photo by a staircase with the image of Taylor Swift, outside Wembley Stadium ahead of her first London concert, during the Eras Tour, in London, Friday June 21, 2024. (Lucy North/PA via AP)

A fan wearing sunglasses waits outside Wembley Stadium ahead of Taylor Swift’s first London concert, during her Eras Tour, in London, Friday June 21, 2024. (Lucy North/PA via AP)

Taylor Swift fans pose for a picture outside Wembley Stadium before the first London concert of the Eras Tour on Friday, June 21, 2024 in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Taylor Swift fans pose with their bracelets infront of the “Swiftie Steps”, commissioned by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, before the first London concert of the Eras Tour on Friday, June 21, 2024 in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

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LONDON (AP) — Taylor Swift fans enjoy parsing the singer-songwriter’s lyrics for references to her romantic life and insights into her state of her mind.

But the pop superstar’s fans in the U.K. didn’t have to listen closely to her latest album , “The Tortured Poets Department,” to get the sense that Swift had soured on the country’s capital city after long making it a regular hangout and then her second home. The record’s fifth track is titled “So Long, London.”

As Swift brings her blockbuster Eras Tour to London’s Wembley Stadium, some Swifties therefore are wondering if they are witnessing the beginning of an extended goodbye. She is performing three nights starting Friday, and is scheduled to return to Wembley for six nights in August to close the tour’s European leg .

The area around Wembley was transformed for the shows, with fans posing in front of a giant mural of the singer and traveling stairs christened “Swiftie Steps.” Swift announced that 88,446 people were in attendance at Friday’s show in what she called “the most exhilarating city in the world.”

London is the only city on the tour where Swift is stopping twice. Some worry the arrangement may represent a swan song of sorts, while others think it just reflects a new era in Swift’s bond with the Big Smoke. Whether “So Long, London” turns out to be a final chapter or a bookend to her valentine to the city, the song “London Boy,” Eras is arriving as an emotional milestone.

“Her relationship now kind of assumes London won’t be somewhere she will be. It’s not like there is an American football player living here,” said Maggie Fekete, 22, a Canadian graduate student who credits the London references in Swift’s music with orienting her when she moved to the city three years ago. “I think there will be a lot less London in her music, which is sad.”

Stella Elgood, 25, of London, said Friday she assumed Swift would sing “So long, London” at some point during her eight nights in the city but that Swift “will always be welcome.”

“Especially since she dated Harry Styles, she’s been here in the Zeitgeist,” Elgood said.

For those who haven’t been paying attention, Swift had a series of romances with famous British citizens (including Styles in 2012) that ended last year, when she started dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce . The speculation surrounding “So Long, London” and a mournful companion song that mentions a London pub , “The Black Dog,” stems from the 2023 breakup of Swift and English actor Joe Alwyn, who were together for over six years.

Alwyn is assumed to have inspired “London Boy,” a song from her 2019 album “Lover.” A special-edition “Lover” CD included what appeared to be a January 2017 diary entry in which Swift talked about being “essentially based in London” but trying to lay low. British tabloids later reported that Swift spent much of the COVID-19 pandemic sheltering with Alwyn in north London.

The Sun newspaper reported in December that the multiple Grammy-winner had bought a large property in the area and was remodeling it to be her base in Europe. After Swift released “The Tortured Poets Department” last month, however, a writer for the British edition of ELLE magazine observed that Londoners had an opening “for an all-American A-lister who can slot into her place in our collective consciousness.”

“We had Swift before we lost her to her record-breaking, box office-breaking Eras Tour and now, it would appear that her vacant position has been filled by Zendaya ,” writer Naomi May playfully posited before listing the various locations the American actor had been spotted with her longtime boyfriend, British actor Tom Holland.

Either way, the capital is putting on quite a show of its own to make sure Swift and her fans feel appreciated. Guides are offering walking, bus and taxi tours that retrace her footsteps, including a kebab shop whose owner says his establishment is supplying sandwiches for the singer and her crew on Friday.

Before the end of August, Swifties can partake in a full diet of Swift-themed brunches and dance parties, or ride the London Eye Ferris wheel accompanied by a string quartet playing her music. Souvenir stalls in Camden Market, one of the places mentioned in “London Boy,” stocked up on Swift-specific caps, T-shirts, bags and stickers in preparation.

“We’re very proud that London is hosting more shows than any other city on Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, a real testament to her love for London,” Laura Citron, CEO of tourism agency London & Partners, said.

Fans started lining up outside Wembley on Thursday in hopes of being among the first ticket-holders to claim spots in standing sections close to the stage.

Zachary Hourihane, who co-hosts a Swift podcast called “Evolution of a Snake” and posts YouTube and TikTok videos under the name Swiftologist, said it’s too soon to know whether the singer will retain her honorary citizenship or part ways with London. As her fans know all too well, only time will tell with Taylor.

Hourihane notes that Swift started spending more time in London after a difficult year in which she went from winning album of the year at the 2016 Grammy Awards for “1989” to seeing her popularity plummet amid a public feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. From his study of her life in England, he thinks the happy memories she created there come mixed with “a sense of isolation.”

“There is a lot of nostalgia that might have turned into regret,” Hourihane said. “She felt like she was trapped there for a while.”

Fast forward several boyfriends, 10 albums (including the Taylor’s Version re-records ) and the Eras Tour juggernaut, and it’s not surprising her life is up for reappraisal. Hourihane suspects Swift is “not quite ready to give up on London” for both practical and artistic reasons.

“Taylor is someone who retraces her steps a lot. Things are never really over with her. She likes to revisit things that have finished,” he said. “Let’s be realistic about it. Her relationship, even if it is, ‘so long, goodbye,’ she has good reason to be in London and good money to make there.”

Record-breaking 63-leaf clover grown by Japanese man

According to superstition, a five-leaf clover brings even more luck to the finder than a four-leaf clover does.

By this logic, the record-breaking 63-leaf clover grown by Yoshiharu Watanabe makes him the luckiest man alive.

Yoshiharu, 45, has been cross-pollinating clovers ( Trifolium repens L. ) in his garden at home in Nasushiobara, Japan, since 2012.

He said: “Since the number of leaves has increased year by year, I have been aiming for the Guinness World Records title ever since.”

The previous record for the most leaves on a clover was set in 2009 by another Japanese man, Shigeo Obara of Hanamaki City, who grew a 56-leaf clover.

Yohshiharu has several clover patches dotted around his garden. Describing how he began developing them, he said: “Clover is a common plant found everywhere, so whenever I saw a four-leaved, five-leaved, or seven-leaved clover near paddy fields or parks, I took it back home.

“The plant is pretty strong and you don't have to do anything to it, so I just left them, then they just prospered.”

Upon finding a 20-leaf clover in his garden after a few years, the possibility of achieving the world record entered his mind.

“I had to triple the number of leaves in order to try and beat it,” Yoshiharu recalls. “It didn’t seem that easy, yet the leaves were growing in numbers; I thought I might eventually be able to break it.”

From there, in addition to letting the clovers pollinate naturally in open air, he hand-pollinated the ones with the most leaves.

By 2020, he managed to grow one with 49 leaves, and in 2021 he came extremely close to equalling the world record with a 55-leaf clover.

However, things didn’t quite go to plan afterwards, as Yoshiharu says he "could not increase the leaves" further.

“Sometimes the number of leaves can go down, or sometimes you end up with the normal three-leaf clover,” he explained.

“We know that genetics are involved in a higher number of leaves, yet we don't exactly know how it works.”

Yoshiharu estimated his now-record-breaking clover to have 56 leaves upon first noticing it, so he was pleasantly surprised to see it surpass 60 when he counted them.

Because the leaves are smaller than the standard clover that you know and love, it's hard to count the number of leaves. When I counted this record-breaking clover, it took me over an hour.

Yoshiharu says he’s “very happy” to have finally earned this world record.

He added: “People say that a four-leaved clover brings you happiness, so it would be great if this 63-leaved clover would bring surprise and pleasure to people.”

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