United Kingdom Travel Guide
The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. London, its capital, is one of the world’s great cities, with royal palaces, free national museums, West End theatres and neighbourhoods that each have their own character.
- 1 destination
- Pound sterling
- Greenwich Mean Time
Destinations in the UK
- London travel guideLondon travel guide: the best areas to stay, which of its six airports to use, when to visit, and hotels, flights and tours to book.
About travel in the UK
The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. London, its capital, is one of the world’s great cities, with royal palaces, free national museums, West End theatres and neighbourhoods that each have their own character.
Fast trains from London reach Oxford, Cambridge, Bath and Edinburgh, and the Eurostar links the city with Paris in under two and a half hours.
- Currency
- Pound sterling (GBP)
- Language
- English
- Time zone
- Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0), British Summer Time UTC+1
Best time to visit the UK
May to September has the longest days and mildest weather, with July and August the busiest months. Spring and autumn are quieter; December is festive but cold and dark early.
Hotels and things to do in the UK
United Kingdom travel FAQs
Do visitors need a visa or ETA for the UK?
Many visitors who do not need a visa must now get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Check the latest UK government guidance.
How do you get from London to Paris?
The Eurostar runs from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in about two hours and 20 minutes; there are also frequent flights.
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