Great Britain Travel: Finding the Great in Britain
Britain, or Great Britain, is one of the most popular tourist destinations, holding not only the cultural legacy of the United States and Canada but a varied geography, age-old attractions, and unique places to stay. In this guide we'll cover the Web's resources for getting there, getting around, finding accommodation, and discovering other useful information about the Great Britain that will enlighten your vacation experience.
Expand All Guide SectionsGreat Britain Travel Basics
England, a constitutional monarchy headed by Queen Elizabeth II, contains the roots of American ... read more »
Travel Requirements for Great Britain
Although the findingDulcinea Travel Guide ... read more »
England Vacation Packages
There are many U.K. travel sites that now cater to accommodation, airfare, and other travelers' ... read more »
Getting to England
Because London is a major European hub, affordable airfare from the United States can be quite easy ... read more »
England Hotels
There are a variety of accommodation options in England. The vast and affordable hostel network is a viable choice for adults or families, especially those on the move around England. Below you will also find resources that list hotels, bed & breakfasts, and campsites.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Although an engine that books multiple tickets (airfare and accommodation) is the most efficient way to get your trip organized, more specialized accommodation sites can provide a more unique experience, as their listings include lesser-known establishments like cottages and B&Bs.
- The Youth Hostel Association may evoke thoughts of sharing bedrooms and bathrooms with strangers, but for the frugal traveler looking for an efficient way to hop from city to town to countryside, the YHA Web site can provide many accommodation solutions, as it includes one of the largest databases of hostels in its search.
- England is known for its vast stretches of countryside, and there you will also find a large number of campgrounds servicing RVs and tents. Consult with the camping Web sites below to get more specific information on what each campsite has to offer.
Dulcinea's Picks
For accommodation ratings and reviews ...
Opodo
is a flight and hotel search engine based in the United Kingdom. While it does not have as extensive a list of destinations as a hostel site like YHA (reviewed below), there are an ample number of listings, with thorough reviews and ratings, for major cities like London and popular, picturesque areas like the Lake District and the Cotswolds.
Enjoy England
is the "official website for tourism in England" and, like VisitBritain (profiled in the "What should I know before I go to England?" section of this guide), it specializes in destination guides but also allows you to search for and book accommodation, and buy tickets to events. The site is best for those looking for destination ideas or accommodation, as there is no function for booking transportation methods to or around England. Consult the site's "Find a Destination" section for its top searches and editorial picks of the month, including the Isle of Wight.
For hotels and cottages ...
Last Minute
is one of the oldest U.K. travel sites on the Web, and its hotel listings are extensive. On the "UK & Ireland Top Secret Hotels" page you will also find links to listings of holiday cottages, spa vacations, and other unique travel opportunities around the United Kingdom.
The Good Holiday Cottage Guide
is an encyclopedic review of cottages around the United Kingdom. You'll find maps of regions and photo-illustrated listings of the accommodations available. Each residence's page includes notable amenities, a description of the surrounding area, starred ratings, and pricing.
For hostels ...
YHA
is the Youth Hostel Association, which operates hundreds of hostels internationally for both kids and adults. On the U.K. Web site you can find and book accommodation and read about activities and events to add to your vacation itinerary. Hostel listings include starred ratings, photographs, and a description of the hostel's surrounding area.
The Backpackers' Ultimate Guide
(BUG) has an excellent listing of hundreds of hostels in England, reviewed with star ratings both by BUG staff and site users. You can browse by region, city, and town, view details on the rooms as well as pricing, and book online through BUG.
For camping and RVing ...
The Campsite Guide
from reference site BigFreeGuide.com includes this extensive listing of campgrounds in England. Many of the listings include a thorough description and a picture and are reviewed and rated by visitors. Campsites' individual profile pages provide contact information and other vitals such as opening/closing dates, a map with location, and link to their own Web sites where available.
Cartwheel Holidays
organizes farmland and outdoor-themed vacations in the southwest areas of England: Somerset, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall-all areas that boast great camping, beaches, hiking, and biking. In the site's "Camping and Caravanning" section, browse the trips available in these regions and read reviews of campsites and their surrounding areas.
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