From the rolling hills of the Scottish highlands to bustling world capitals or picturesque fishing villages, the United Kingdom is home to a plethora of tourist attractions and possibilities to scratch every traveler’s itch for adventure.
If the UK is on your travel bucket list either in the near or far future, this article is for you. We’ll be taking a detailed look at the country’s tourism industry, what makes it tick, and things you can do while visiting these isles. Once you’ve learned a thing or two about Britain you’ll be in a much better position to plan a great holiday, one that can be enhanced even further with the services of one of our UK private guides.
When visiting the United Kingdom it’s important to know that the country is made up of several regions with their own unique national identities and cultures. The major regions are England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland - collectively referred to as the United Kingdom or Britain. Several islands and overseas territories spanning the globe also fall under UK jurisdiction.
We’ll be taking a peak behind the scenes of UK travel, but bear in mind that the country’s tourism industry was affected severely by the Covid-19 pandemic (like every other country), so to give you a more accurate picture we’ll be primarily relying on pre-pandemic data. Luckily the country has been open again for a while now, and recent figures show it quickly rebounding to pre-Covid levels. With the disclaimers out of the way, let’s jump in and take a look at some of the top UK tourism statistics!
The United Kingdom’s Top Tourism Statistics
- No. 1 - The tourism industry is the fastest growing sector in the United Kingdom.
- > £257 billion - Estimated worth of the UK’s tourism sector by 2025.
- > 4 million - The number of people employed in Britain’s tourism industry.
- 39.2 million - Record tourist visits recorded in the UK during a single year (2017).
- 10% - Share of British GDP directly tied to tourism.
- London - The most popular tourist destination in the country, seeing 8 times the traffic of any other city.
- 63% - Percentage of holiday travelers to the UK, the remainder is made up by business people and international students.
- The British Museum - The most visited single tourist location in the country.
International visits to the UK are still down from before Covid, averaging 3 million last summer as compared to 3.7 million prior to the pandemic, but numbers are slowly bouncing back month on month.
Who else loves the UK?
- USA - 3.87 million visitors
- France - 3.69 million
- Germany - 3.26 million
- Ireland - 2.78 million
- Spain - 2.53 million
- Netherlands - 1.95 million
- Poland - 1.82 million
- Italy - 1.81 million
- Belgium - 1.12 million
- Australia - 1.00 million
As we can see, the UK is most popular with other countries in the Anglosphere as well as their European neighbors across the channel. The country is however host to a very diverse society, with it being said that you can hear several different languages on a brief walk through central London. The country is also popular with visitors from India, Pakistan, China, and many other regions around the world.
Weather
The UK is obviously most known for its rainy and cloudy reputation, and while the isles aren’t always covered in cloud, it is a good idea to bring an umbrella lest you get caught out by the country’s infamous “four seasons in a day” phenomenon. The reason the country experiences such erratic weather is due to the meeting of the Gulf Stream with the north Atlantic, so not much one can really do about it without calling on the powers of Zues.
Generally speaking though, the weather in the UK is mild and not too extreme. That being said, climate change induced heat waves have been occurring more frequently during recent years, with a high of 40.3°C (104.5F) being recorded. The country’s northern regions usually experience colder temperatures than the south, with parts of Scotland being covered in snow for much of the winter.
Average temperatures during the summer months (June - August) range around the 9-18°C (48-64F) mark, and during the winter (November - February) it drops down to about 2-7°C (36-45F). The best time to visit the UK depends on your personal preferences, but it’s important to keep in mind that during spring (March - May) rain can be particularly commonplace (though again, rain is never too far away in the British Isles).
Entry Requirements
It’s obviously important to always check visa or other entry requirements prior to visiting an international destination, but visitors from the United States and most Commonwealth countries can enter the UK without a visa. This used to be true for travelers from European Union countries as well, though the continuing confusion around Brexit means it’s a good idea to confirm the rules before you purchase any tickets.
Tourists from 56 other countries can also enter the UK and stay up to 6 months without a visa, and for the rest you are required to obtain a visitor visa from your local British embassy or consulate which will put you back around £95 ($115 USD).
The Most Popular Places to visit in the United Kingdom
There are a wide variety of fascinating places to visit in the UK, whether you’re looking for an urban tour, shopping, good food, museums, or even nature. Below are a few of our recommendations, but to ensure you plan a tour that ticks all the boxes we would advise speaking to one of our professional UK tour guides.
London
As mentioned previously, London is by far the most popular destination for both leisure and business travelers to the UK. The city is home to a plethora of amazing sights and sounds, including the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and much more. For a more detailed look at things to do in London, check out our in-depth article on touring the city here.
Stonehenge
One of the most famous ancient structures anywhere in the world, Stonehenge has awed and stimulated the imagination of millions of people since its construction during the bronze age. Go on a journey through human history by exploring the reconstructed Neolithic village set up near the monument, or simply marvel at the majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage landmark.
Bath
Situated in Somerset, the picturesque city of Bath has perhaps one of the most literal names of any city, its moniker stemming from the fact that the city houses a large number of Roman-era bathhouses. And these aren’t only historic monuments, the city has kept up its heritage and today is known as one of Europe's greatest spa towns. Marvel at Roman architecture and relax in one of the city’s many modern spa facilities that draw their heat from natural underground hot springs.
Edinburgh
Like most places in the UK, the capital of Scotland is home to centuries of rich history and impressive historical architecture. Highlights include the imposing Edinburgh Castle perched atop an extinct volcano and housing the crown jewels of Scotland, the expansive Edinburgh Zoo, and for whiskey connoisseurs there is Johnnie Walker Princess Street, an 8 floor celebration of the 200 year old whiskey brand.
The Cotswolds
For a mix of idyllic nature and quiet country life, why not meander back in time and experience the quintessential English villages of the Cotswolds? Famous for its green rolling hills and beautiful meadows, stroll through countryside reminiscent of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Shire and spend the night in one of the many golden stone guest houses that dot the area. For those seeking a more peaceful getaway, you cannot go wrong with a trip through these green ‘wolds’.
Food
Among some, British food doesn’t have a reputation of being particularly outstanding, but we’re here to tell you that there’s nothing further from the truth. The UK is home to a rich culinary tradition, the country being particularly known for its wide assortment of pies and simpler fare such as fish and chips, but also fancier dishes such as Beef Wellington, a favorite of Michelin-star establishments the world over. Let’s take a quick look at the kinds of food you can look forward to on your trip.
Fish and Chips
Of course we couldn’t start this list without first mentioning arguably the most famous UK food, the simple yet delicious fish and chips. As the name implies, this meal consists of golden fried chips (french fries) and fish fried in a batter. Like a hot dog in the US, fish and chips is a favorite simple meal that is frequently bought as take-out and eaten outside, though fancier versions can be found in various restaurants around the country. It is best enjoyed by the seaside, both for the atmosphere and the fact that you’re more likely to find shops that serve fresh fish, just remember to watch out for thieving seagulls!
Full English Breakfast
Even if you aren’t in the habit of eating a large breakfast, you’ll regret not trying a proper full English breakfast (or fry-up) during your trip. This hearty breakfast will give you more than enough energy to enjoy the day, and while variations exist it usually consists of: sausages, eggs, back bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, hash browns, black pudding, toast, and of course beans. Yes, you heard that right, beans for breakfast is a UK staple, many people even enjoying it on their toast. You can find the traditional English breakfast on the menu of any self respecting hotel, pub, or restaurant throughout the country. Ask your guide for their recommendations as they’ll surely point you in the right direction.
Beef Wellington
Made even more famous internationally by celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsey, the Beef Wellington has been a part of UK cuisine for a long time. The dish can be tricky to make yourself, so we recommend trying it at a restaurant or pub. It’s made by taking a choice cut of beef filet, coating it in a pâté and then delicately wrapping it in puff pastry. Afterwards it’s baked in an oven and served as delicious pastry and beef slices. While the dish can be enjoyed in establishments across the country, if you’re looking for a particularly premium experience we’d recommend making a reservation at Bob Bob Ricard, Simpsons in the Strand, or The Goring.
Shepherd’s Pie/Cottage Pie
The UK is well known for its rich variety of pies, from quick snacks sold at gas stations to eloquent meals enjoyed in upscale dining rooms. One of the most famous is Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie, the two dishes differing only in the meat used - lamb for the prior (as the name suggests) and beef for the latter. Even though they are called pies, these dishes are actually more similar to a quiche or lasagne, with meat and various vegetables topped by mashed potatoes and baked until softly crispy and brown.
Afternoon Tea
Britain’s obsession with tea is legendary, and enjoying a relaxing afternoon tea session has to be on your bucket list. Appealing to those with a bit more of a sweet tooth, your cup of gorgeous Earl Grey (other teas are available) can be accompanied by a variety of scones, cupcakes, and finger sandwiches. Usually enjoyed anytime between 3 and 5 pm, you can enjoy afternoon tea almost anywhere where food and drinks are served, but for a truly luxurious experience you might consider heading to Davenports Tea Room or Camellia’s Tea House.
Transportation
Getting around the UK is a relatively easy affair, the country enjoying a robust public transportation system. This includes a large variety of rail links, with trains connecting virtually every part of the country to the rest. The most famous public transport system in the UK is probably London’s ‘Tube’ or subway. If you’re traveling around London you can use the tube to reach almost any part of the city, and it’s generally much cleaner and safer than some more notorious subway systems. Both normal trains and the subway have a large variety of ticket types available for sale, some catered to appeal particularly to tourists. Ask your guide for the most efficient ticket that will cater to your needs.
Additionally, you can also find public and private bus services all across the country or take a ride in the famous black cabs if you are in London. Many cities also have tram systems, and of course car rental is an option if you prefer driving yourself or you’re exploring some of the more remote areas of the country. Finally, many cities are also very bicycle friendly and feature places where you can rent a bike easily and cheaply. Always an option if you’re looking for a healthy and eco-friendly way of getting around, and especially great on a sunny day.
Do's and Don’ts in the United Kingdom
DO’S
- Queuing culture - never cut in line when waiting at a shop or for transport
- Be polite - everyone appreciates a ‘please’ and ‘thank you’
- Drive on the left - if you’re renting a car this is particularly important to remember for obvious reasons
- Respect local customs, especially at places of worship
- Remember that the UK is a multicultural place, so be respectful of different groups
DON’TS
- Don’t litter, and only smoke in designated areas
- Don’t chew with your mouth open or spit in public
- Don’t forget to tip if required, ask your waiter about their restaurant’s policy
- Don’t refer to all locals as ‘English’, people from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland prefer to be addressed by their cultural identity
- Don’t take photos of people without their permission
As an aside, it’s important to remember that the UK doesn’t only play host to different British regions, it is also home to millions of people from all over the world. This includes many people from old British colonies including South and East Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and more.
Conclusion
The British Isles is a fascinating place to visit, with a myriad of different sights and activities available. Whether you want to marvel at modern cityscapes or medieval castles, or head into the country to wind down by the sea or explore the Scottish highlands, the country has something for everyone to enjoy.
This article only scratches the surface of what is possible on a UK trip, but hopefully it can serve as a good starting point. When planning your tour we recommend consulting a UK private guide to get a more detailed idea of what to expect and what to do. Both pre-made and customizable tours are available, and our guides can help cater the experience to meet your needs!
