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.
England, a constitutional monarchy headed by Queen Elizabeth II, contains the roots of American culture, so it's no wonder the country is a popular tourist destination. While it may have the stigma of inclement weather, the truth is that England is one of the most beautiful geographies in the world and contains some of the oldest relics of human creativity and experience. In this section are a number of sites that will get you better acquainted with England before your visit
- It helps to know England and the United Kingdom by their many names, since some are interchangeable and some are not. Britain or Great Britain refers to the mainland of the United Kingdom, excluding Ireland. Its constituent countries are England, Wales, and Scotland. The British Isles is another name for the United Kingdom, and includes Ireland. But it's important to note that it's a sensitive topic for most Scottish and Welsh citizens, who generally do not like being referred to as British.
- Simple encyclopedic pages on the United Kingdom such as Infoplease can provide background to England, but also take note of the U.K. sections on travel sites and travel blogs like Lonely Planet and TravelPod, which are geared toward prospective travelers and tend to share more personal stories and advice.
- As with any blog, take the information in blogs on sites like RealTravel and TravelPod as the highly subjective opinions they are. Don't let an account of one negative experience sway your opinion of a destination.
- The Web makes newspapers and magazines readily available, so immerse yourself in the journalism of England, such as the Times of London before you go to learn what distinguishes the country. You'll become familiar with notable current events, famous people, important holidays, events, and more.
For history, culture, and customs ...
Britain Express
is aimed at travelers to the United Kingdom and primarily focuses on England but also includes Wales and Scotland. The site provides an historical overview of several significant time periods, guides to regions, lengthier guides to major cities and towns, and information on a variety of attractions throughout the country. Take the "
Virtual Tour of England" for a region-by-region tour of the country complete with photos and links.
BritainUSA
is the Web site of the British Embassy in the United States and is a resource for Americans interested in traveling to the United Kingdom. Particularly useful is the
religion page, which explains the diverse beliefs that coexist in the United Kingdom. Also stop by the "
UK Customs and Traditions" page for an overview of celebrated holidays in the United Kingdom from the obvious Christmas and St. Patrick's Day to St. George's Day and the Queen's birthday.
Cities and Sightseeing in England
For travel guides ...
England Travel
is a travel site with destination guides to major cities and towns in England. There are sections outlining what the cities are like, how one gets there, what to do, and where to stay and eat. There is also a general guide to England and an
introductory page on visas that outlines customs and other arrival protocols.
Rough Guides
, a travel book company, presents a slew of information on worldwide destinations online. Consult the "Introduction to England" section and the page "Getting there," which has very useful information about the best times to travel to England and how to go about booking your flight or package vacation. Next read "
From the US and Canada" for online booking tips for flights originating in North America.
The Travel Bookshop
is a U.K.-based online travel bookstore with a great selection of 10 best British travel books as selected by the store staff. These titles demonstrate the variety of options available while on a British vacation; the guides cover topics such as pubs, hotels, bed & breakfasts, and best drives.
The Unofficial Guide to England
, by Stephen Brewer, is described on Amazon as "a complete planner for all of England," including London, Bath, Oxford, the Cotswolds, the Heartland and Welsh border, Cambridge, East Anglia, York, Yorkshire, and the Lake District. It is praised by Amazon users for its breadth and honesty, covering such topics as transportation, affordable shopping, and even places to avoid.
For sightseeing resources ...
VisitBritain
is the official tourist bureau of England and offers suggestions and advice for your vacation, including possible itineraries, special offers, season-specific ideas, and a "
Britain's Best Bets" section. With a free sign-up to the site you can access the "
Trip Planner" section, where users can save destinations and develop itineraries.
The National Trust
is England's nonprofit protector of monuments, gardens, historic houses, and more. Their Web site has an "Itinerary Ideas" section that connects you to local events, National Trust-sponsored events and locations, and other unique ideas both indoors and out.
Viator
is a global site that sells sightseeing tickets and packages for many tourist destinations in England, including London's Buckingham Palace and Madame Tussauds (the wax museum), the York Dungeon, Warwick Castle, and dozens of other locales. Purchase themed packages that include several stops and accommodation, or simply buy museum tickets. You can also add a London subway Travelcard onto certain tickets.
The 24 Hour Museum
is a comprehensive listing of goings-on in the art world around the United Kingdom. Read exhibition descriptions and reviews, or browse city guides. The interesting "Trails" section offers virtual tours that guide site visitors around the United Kingdom to learn about particular topics, like "From Apothecaries To Florence Nightingale - A Medical Museums Trail" and "Celebrating 100 Years of Peter Rabbit - A Beatrix Potter Trail."
Travel for Kids
has a special section on England with a rundown of interesting kid-friendly destinations as well as Amazon links to dozens of children's books on English topics, both fictional and historical. The site doesn't directly book trips, but it does give parents dozens of destinations to choose from, many of which might be familiar only to U.K. residents.
For bicycle tours ...
Country Lanes
is an award-winning U.K. bike tour company operating day trips, longer excursions, independent trips, and guided tours. Consult their "Tripfinder" section to rate yourself as a cyclist and select the kind of trip you desire. Click on "Destinations" to read about areas the company covers, including the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.
Explore Britain
provides self-guided and guided biking and walking tours in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Tours range on average from three to nine days, prices can be as low as £100, and the company provides luggage transfer, accommodation, maps, and travel guides.
For beach trips ...
The Marine Conservation Society
's (MCS) Good Beach Guide is a comprehensive beach search engine and information portal covering the entire United Kingdom. Look for beaches accompanied by a sailboat symbol-these beaches are recommended by MCS for excellent water quality. The site also includes
safety warnings and links to water sports organizations around the United Kingdom.
For Historical Ruins...
ForbesTraveler.com
takes you inside “Britain’s Most Scenic Ruins” with this feature article and stunning photo slide show. Among the impressive selection of crumbling stone structures are Scotland’s Dunnottar Castle, clinging to cliffs high above the North Sea, and the supposedly haunted monastery, Thetford Priory, in Norfolk. Nearby accommodation suggestions are included for each pick.
----------- Advertisement -----------
Although the findingDulcinea Travel Guide outlines some important general information for any American traveling overseas, below are sites specific to travel in England for Americans, such as insider tips and advice about immigration and booking flights.
- Consult the findingDulcinea Travel Guide for general information on visas, customs, and other helpful tips about luggage and pre-travel preparation.
- England's high season is the summer, when you are likely to find warm weather, sometimes into the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Consult the BBC Weather page for a detailed country profile on the U.K. climate.
- For travel guides (online or printed), see the "Where can I learn more about England?" section of this guide.
For security and visa information ...
The U.S. Department of State
's "International Travel" page gives you general guidelines about foreign travel as well as information specific to England, including up-to-date warnings and other security information. Find out what you need for your trip and how to contact the U.S. Embassy in London during your stay to register yourself as a visitor.
There are many U.K. travel sites that now cater to accommodation, airfare, and other travelers' needs, and point you to unique opportunities around the country that only an insider might know about. Below is a list of general resources to help you kick-start your vacation planning, book your modes of transportation, find tour operators, and get sightseeing ideas.
- Although it's most convenient to book all aspects of your vacation in one place, it can be quite beneficial to use specialty sites that plan portions of vacations, such as tours or airfare. The advantages include better pricing and a staff more experienced with the areas on offer. See the subsequent sections of this guide for sites specific to accommodation and transport within the United Kingdom.
- Consult our findingDulcinea Travel Guide for information on health insurance, visas, customs, and other technicalities of foreign travel, much of which is specific to U.S. residents.
- For students, the international student identity card (ISIC) provides steep discounts on travel, accommodation, and entertainment in practically every country. Applying for this card while traveling around the United Kingdom can help, especially when booking hostel stays, airfare, or train trips.
For all-encompassing booking sites ...
All Travel England
is a booking site especially catered to travelers to England with destination guides, flight search, accommodation booking, and car rental. The site also provides tour packages, hostel bookings, and guides to England's attractions.
Online Travel
is a U.K.-based site that helps you find and book accommodation, flights, car rentals, and more, whether you are interested in a weekend getaway or a longer trip. Similar to
Expedia in its design, the site has a useful "Special Offers" section, a section on city breaks, and tips and resources on airport parking and getting to and from airports in the "Extras" section.
STA Travel
, a worldwide student travel site born in the United Kingdom, provides online booking for rail, air travel, hostels, hotels, and insurance. The site is known for finding special deals and low prices and benefits from having brick-and-mortar branches in dozens of major cities around the world. A valid student ID such as the
ISIC is required at STA.
For tour operators ...
MyguideBritain
is a travel agency specializing in trips around England and other U.K. countries. Choose from dozens of tour packages suitable for those who want to travel alone or with a tour group in one or multiple destinations. Browse the "Self Drive Vacations" section for a particularly broad choice of trips. Prices are in dollars and include car hire and accommodations, but not airfare to the United Kingdom.
Classic England
organizes tours according to planned itineraries or allows visitors to customize their own vacation prior to arrival. Regions on offer include the Cotswolds, Cornwall, Kent, Bath, Stonehenge, and Yorkshire, as well as Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
City Discovery
, based in London, operates tours from London to other cities, towns, and destinations both nearby and throughout Europe. Popular destinations include the cathedral town of Canterbury, the historic town of Bath, and Windsor, whose main draw is the royal family's Windsor Castle. Package deals including more than one destination are also available.
----------- Advertisement -----------
Because London is a major European hub, affordable airfare from the United States can be quite easy to find. Listed below are sites that will help you sift through the array of airline Web sites and flight search engines around the Web to find the best results and easiest ways to obtain tickets.
- If your destination is London, consider a flight that stops over in Dublin or Edinburgh first. These flights will break up your journey into two shorter, more bearable flights and are often cheaper. Consult airlines like British Midland and Aer Lingus or a flight search engine like Kayak to check availability and book.
- Consult with flight search Web sites that specialize in travel to and from the United Kingdom. Often your best bet will be the airline Web site itself, but compare prices on a larger search engine like Kayak or Expedia as well (the links take you to the sites' U.K. versions). These sites are longstanding and reliable, and often bridge the gap between discount airlines and more luxurious carriers like Virgin Atlantic.
For flight search engines ...
SideStep
's flight search uncovers deals from over 200 other Web sites, including major airlines catering to U.S.-U.K. travel, and search engines like
Orbitz. Ranked on several magazines' "Best of the Web" lists, the site also benefits from "SmartSort," a feature that lets you filter your results by departure or return time, airline, number of stops, and more.
Travelocity
is a top site for international flights. Its focus is on major airlines, which makes the site a good place to start for transatlantic flights. It also specializes in cruises, car rentals, and rail tickets, and has handy sections for packages and last-minute trips.
For popular U.K.-based airlines ...
British Midland Airways
is another popular U.K. airline that has recently started offering flights to the United Kingdom, including Scotland, from major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. You can choose less-central U.K. locations, such as Manchester, to find flights for as low as $200. In terms of price, this airline is often the best bet for transatlantic travel to the United Kingdom.
Virgin Atlantic
is a popular airline owned by billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson that boasts luxury, four-engine airliners, double-decker jets, lavish in-flight entertainment, and superior meals. The airline often offers good rates to London and other U.K. airports from stateside hubs like New York and Boston.
British Airways
is a longstanding choice when flying transatlantic. Like Virgin, BA specializes in comfortable planes, superior in-flight entertainment, and frequent deals on pricing, which can always be found on BA's site. The site also has a really helpful
event guide that lists dozens of activities happening in BA destinations around the world.
For rail service between England and the rest of Europe ...
Eurostar
is the gateway to Europe's railway system, the Eurail. If you are traveling from Europe this is a viable option for reaching the United Kingdom, and you can book and purchase tickets through the official Eurostar site. There's a special section of the site just for U.S. customers, allowing you to book your tickets before you leave the States.
For ferries ...
Ferrysavers
searches multiple ferry companies based in the United Kingdom and neighboring European countries such as the Netherlands for affordable ferry travel to and from the United Kingdom. Choose a general or specific route and get listings from all ferry operators with that itinerary available. The site is based in the United Kingdom so all prices are in pounds, but you can book from any country. You can also add hotels and insurance to your itinerary.
P&O Ferries
is one of the best-known ferry operators based in the United Kingdom, offering ferry travel (with car options) to and from France, the Netherlands, and other European destinations. On this site you can book your ferry, find "mini-cruises," get timetables, even find hotels.
----------- Advertisement -----------
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.
- 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.
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.
- Train travel is one of the most popular and efficient methods of transport in England. The network is extensive, affordable, and covers all areas, no matter how remote. The rail sites we recommend below allow you to book tickets and learn how to make easy connections to your destinations.
- Not all transportation sites cater to international credit card holders. If you come across this problem, often speaking with a site representative on the phone will allow you to pay using a non-U.K. card and billing address.
- Getting into London by taxi from its main airports, Gatwick and Heathrow, can set you back as much as £40 (about $85). The Gatwick Express and Heathrow Express are 15-minute train rides to Paddington Station in the center of the city, and tickets cost approximately £15 one way.
- Even if you're in town for only a few days, take advantage of the more affordable train and bus passes that commuters use, like London's Oyster card. For a tourist on the go, an efficient, discounted ticket that covers an entire city is the optimal choice.
For air travel ...
Kayak
is a flight search engine "started by founders of Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia" that is best for travelers looking to book flights from England to other destinations in the United Kingdom or Europe. The site searches hundreds of airlines and other engines, and also includes hotel and car rental search options.
AirNinja
is a search engine specializing in results from low-cost and charter airlines. Perfect for travel within the United Kingdom, the site also trawls nondiscount airlines, giving you the full picture of the fare options available
British Midland Airways
(BMI) is a popular low-cost airline that travels within England as well as to/from the United States and Europe. Often BMI is one of the best ways to find cheap air travel within the United Kingdom. The search process on the site is simpler than most and the prices are comparable to other low-cost airlines.
For train travel ...
TheTrainLine
, based in the United Kingdom, is a good source for buying train tickets for travel within England and around the United Kingdom and Europe. The clean design has a simple search function and also includes a
hotel search with many discounted room prices, starred ratings, photos, and descriptions.
BritRail
caters to foreign and U.K. travelers looking to purchase rail passes for travel around the U.K. mainland. The site has timetables and a useful and extensive "
Suggested Itineraries" page, as well as intuitive sections like "
How do I get to?", which explains the closest train connections to picturesque villages and other far-flung destinations.
For bus travel and tours ...
The Backpackers' Ultimate Guide
(BUG), recommended elsewhere in this guide, has a page on "Bus Travel in Great Britain" that's an excellent resource covering the numerous bus operators in the country, insight into cheap deals, and a more detailed explanation of each major company's offerings.
National Express
is the predominant nationwide coach service in the United Kingdom, comparable to Greyhound in the United States. One good feature of this company is the number of destinations reachable from England's airports, as well as the special packages for festivalgoers, sports fans, and weekend vacationers.
Megabus
is an alternative to National Express that covers fewer destinations but can help you comparison shop before you buy. Check out the "Stops" page for a map of the destinations Megabus covers in England, Wales, and Scotland.
PlusBus
is a public transportation ticket tool that adds a cheap bus fare to your train or tube fare, allowing you to travel around on various bus lines at a discounted rate. Take note of this option when you're purchasing subway tickets in England.
Transport for London
is a government site that provides information about London transportation modes and ticketing, including the Oyster (a more affordable way to use the subway, or "tube"). This site also has a useful "
Getting Around" section for more information about London transport methods.
For taxi service ...
Traintaxi
specializes in taxis operating to and from U.K. train stations. A quick option for transport to wherever you're staying, the site also provides phone numbers that can help you find a taxi service from wherever you are in England.
For car rental ...
Britain Express
, a traveler's resource, has an extensive list of links to car rental sites based in England. The list also includes caravan/RV rentals, and many of the choices here provide pick-up at London's Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
easyCar
is the car rental offshoot of easyJet, a successful low-cost airline based in the United Kingdom. This clean, catchy site covers dozens of countries and has a good list of economy and standard cars as well as premium vehicles like BMWs. The company has pick-up centers at many locations in England's major cities and airports.
Who knew?
Transport Direct
provides an interesting tool if you're looking to know the CO2 emissions required of your journey in the United Kingdom. Enter your approximate journey distance, list the number of travelers, and see which mode of transport requires the least energy.
----------- Advertisement -----------
Most Recent Guides