Travelling to the UK: eVisa requirements

From the seaside to the mountains, the United Kingdom is the perfect destination for any kind of traveller. Get inspired for your next vacation here.
Explore the beauty of the South DownsExplore the beauty of the South Downs
Explore the beauty of the South Downs

The 4 best vacations to take in the United Kingdom

With a size of more than 240 thousand square kilometres, the United Kingdom has plenty of things to see and do for any type of traveller.

In fact, the country’s unique landscape means that there are so many fantastic ideas for a themed vacation, including relaxing near the coast, exploring the UK from the seat of a train, enjoying a gastro tour of the best cafes and restaurants, or simply escaping to the great outdoors.

Breathtaking Llanddwyn Island in North WalesBreathtaking Llanddwyn Island in North Wales
Breathtaking Llanddwyn Island in North Wales

Before buying that plane ticket, don’t forget to check out more information about the EVW UK, which is a simplified travel authorisation for foreign nationals.

If you need some inspiration on where to go in the United Kingdom, this guide will help you do just that!

A seaside escape

According to the Ordnance Survey, mainland Great Britain has a coastline of roughly around 17,820 kilometres, which makes for plenty of fantastic places to enjoy the seaside.

Those in search of beautiful vistas will certainly find them at Durdle Door, whose view of the beach and shore below looks like it could be the British version of Zakynthos or Nusa Penida. While here, don’t forget to stop by the charming village of Chaldon Herring and enjoy a bite at the aptly-named Sailor's Return pub.

About an hour’s drive to the east is another hidden gem, Mudeford Spit, which offers a spacious sandbank to relax, swim, and even meet a few four-legged friends, as the area is popular with dog walkers.

Head to the north west and enjoy a day by the seaside – Blackpool Tower, once the tallest structure in the UK, the pleasure beach, the water park and more make it a fun-filled destination by the seaside.

Explore the UK by train

The United Kingdom knows a thing or two about exciting train journeys — it is, after all, the birthplace of the steam locomotive!

With more than 2,500 stations across the country and hundreds of local, express, and tourist routes, there’s sure to be a journey that’s a perfect fit.

One of the most famous train journeys in the UK is the West Highland line in Scotland, which offers dramatic scenery of the green hillsides and azure lakes outside the window. However, perhaps the best part of the trip is when the steam locomotive makes its way over the Glenfinnan viaduct, which was the backdrop for the famous scene from the Harry Potter series!

Speaking of Scotland… Another popular route is the aptly-named Flying Scotsman, which makes the picturesque 630 kilometre journey between two famous UK capitals: London, England to Edinburgh, Scotland. Along the way, travellers are delighted by expansive fields, quaint nature, and the rugged Northumberland coastline.

Before planning any train trip through the UK, be sure to carefully check the timetables well in advance.

Be a foodie for a day

If you ask people what’s the first thing that comes to mind when they hear the words British food, you’ll typically hear fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, or a good old full English breakfast.

However, that’s not all that the United Kingdom is famous for.

With so many up-and-coming restaurants, chic cafes, bistros, and even Michelin-starred establishments, foodies will find themselves right at home.

Of course, no gastronomic list would be complete without London. Besides being the capital of the UK, it feels as if London is the culinary capital as well!

From enjoying sophisticated cuisine in neighbourhoods like Seven Dials to down-to-earth street food stalls in Camden, there’s something for everyone here.

Finally, those who are in search of a hearty traditional English meal should look no further than Cartford Inn, which is arguably one of the country’s best foodie hotels.

Originally a 17th century coaching house turned modern hotel, the Inn’s head chef is the multitalented Chris Bury, who honed his skills at prominent restaurants like The Fat Duck and Claridge’s. While here, be sure to try the most popular dish: oxtail and beef skirt suet pudding, which is garnished with seasonal vegetables and a delectable red wine jus.

Enjoy the great outdoors

While the country’s coastline may get more attention, there’s much more in store for travellers looking for adventure. The United Kingdom is chock full of natural wonders, from jaw-dropping coastlines to winding hills, vast gorges, and beautiful gardens.

Let’s start with the most famous: South Downs National Park, which was the most-visited NP in the country. Located in the southeastern part of England, South Downs offers plenty of opportunities to hike, cycle, walk, and much more.

One of the most popular walking trails is the South Downs Way, which spans 160 km (100 mi).

This route proves to be an excellent day trip for guests short on time, or an epic adventure for long-term travellers (it usually takes between 8 to 9 days to walk the entire length!)

Some 350 kilometres north is the Lake District, one of the newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UK and a natural destination that has a certain ethereal quality to it. There are more than a dozen lakes within the park, although the biggest is Windermere, where famous author Beatrix Potter lived and found inspiration for her famous tales.

Related topics: