Travel to United Kingdom — everything you need to know
When to go to United Kingdom?
- May – Sep — Ideal : Mild temperatures, long days, summer festivals and gardens in bloom. Best period for the Highlands.
- Mar – Apr — Spring : Smaller crowds, lower prices, cherry blossoms in London's parks.
- Oct – Nov — Autumn : Beautiful autumn colours, cosy pub atmosphere. Changeable but bearable weather.
- Dec – Feb — Winter : Christmas markets in London and Edinburgh. Cold and rainy but few tourists.
Weather in United Kingdom
Check the weather city by city, starting with London.
- London: daytime highs from 8 to 24 °C depending on the season, 51 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 7 to 19 °C depending on the season, 61 mm of rain per month on average.
- Manchester: daytime highs from 7 to 21 °C depending on the season, 69 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom is a fascinating destination that combines centuries of history, an influential pop culture and landscapes of wild beauty. London, one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, sits alongside the green countryside of the Cotswolds, the misty Scottish Highlands and the dramatic coasts of Wales. From Norman castles to cosy pubs, free museums to West End theatres, the country never fails to surprise.
Londres
London is a global metropolis of inexhaustible cultural richness, where world-class free museums sit alongside royal palaces and colourful markets. From Buckingham Palace to Tate Modern, from Borough Market to Shoreditch, the city offers countless faces and experiences. Its public transport network, despite the cost, is one of the most efficient in the world and lets you explore every neighbourhood at your own pace.
Highlights : Big Ben, Tower of London — millennium-old fortress guarding the Crown Jewels, Tate Modern — temple of contemporary art in a former power station, Buckingham Palace & Hyde Park — royal residence and the capital's green lung.
Scotland & Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, dominated by its medieval castle and split between the historic Old Town and Georgian New Town. The neighbouring Scottish Highlands unfold spectacular landscapes of purple moorland, mysterious lochs and ruined castles. Scottish culture, from kilts to malt whiskies, is a discovery in its own right.
Highlights : Edinburgh Castle — volcanic fortress overlooking the Royal Mile, Loch Ness & Highlands — wild landscapes and the legend of the monster, Holyrood Palace — the King's official residence in Scotland, Glenfiddich Distillery — discover Scotch whisky in the heart of Speyside.
Cotswolds & Bath
The Cotswolds embody postcard England with its villages of honey-coloured stone cottages, flowering gardens and green walking trails. Nearby, Bath is an exceptional city with its Roman baths and Georgian architecture listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Jane Austen lived there, and the city's elegant atmosphere recalls that romantic era.
Highlights : Bourton-on-the-Water — nicknamed the Venice of the Cotswolds, Roman Baths of Bath — exceptionally well-preserved ancient baths, Royal Crescent of Bath — icon of English Georgian architecture, Bibury — often called the most beautiful village in England.
Wales
Wales is a small nation with a big personality, with its mountainous landscapes in Snowdonia National Park, imposing medieval castles and a Celtic language still very much alive. Cardiff, its lively capital, is a buzzing university city with a castle right in the city centre. The Welsh coastline alternates between dramatic cliffs and unspoilt sandy beaches.
Highlights : Caernarfon Castle — Edwardian fortress listed as UNESCO World Heritage, Snowdonia — the roof of Wales at 1,085 m, reachable by rack railway, Brecon Beacons — national park ideal for hiking and stargazing, Castell Coch — fairy-tale neo-Gothic castle near Cardiff.
Travel budget for United Kingdom
The United Kingdom, and especially London, is one of the most expensive destinations in Western Europe. As a strong currency, the pound sterling often pushes costs up further for overseas visitors. However, London's many free museums partly offset these expenses.
- Backpacker : 80–110 €/j — Hostel, pubs and sandwiches, free museums, Oyster Card
- Comfort : 160–250 €/j — 3-star hotel, mid-range restaurants, paid activities
Practical tips for travelling to United Kingdom
- Flight from Paris : Paris–London: 1h15 flight. Also reachable by Eurostar (2h15) from Gare du Nord.
- Visa : Since Brexit, EU citizens need a valid passport (ID cards are no longer accepted). Since January 2024, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is mandatory before entering the UK. The ETA costs £10 (~€12), is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, and allows multiple entries. It is not a visa but an electronic authorisation to apply for online before departure. Stays of up to 6 months are allowed.
- Currency : Pound Sterling (£). Euros are generally not accepted. Cards and contactless payment are widely used.
- Language : English. Welsh spoken in Wales, Gaelic in Scotland. An excellent destination to practise English.
- Electricity : Type G (3 rectangular pins). 230V / 50Hz. Adapter essential when coming from continental Europe.
- Health : Quality NHS (National Health Service). A valid EHIC remains usable for medically necessary care. Travel insurance recommended.
- Driving : Drive on the left. Right-hand drive. Best avoided in London (congestion charge). Handy for the Cotswolds and Highlands.
- Weather : Always pack a raincoat, even in summer. The weather is changeable all year round.
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