Reference photo coming soon
Monarchy, free museums and storybook landscapes. London, Scotland or Wales: a destination with plenty of history and variety.
If you like this destination, also see Spain or Italy.
History and customs of United Kingdom
London was founded by the Romans as Londinium almost 2,000 years ago. An empire covering about a quarter of the planet was once ruled from there.
The United Kingdom brings together England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century and remains a parliamentary monarchy, with an enormous role in world language and culture.
A 2016 referendum chose to leave the EU, and Brexit was completed in 2020. Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022 after 70 years on the throne and was succeeded by her son, Charles III.
Queuing in order is almost sacred and traffic drives on the left. In pubs you order at the bar, and the weather is the favourite topic of conversation.
Typical food in United Kingdom
Fish and chips became popular in the 19th century among workers. Afternoon tea with scones began among the Victorian aristocracy, and haggis is Scotland’s national dish.
- Fish and chips
- Full English breakfast
- Tea with scones
What to eat in each city of United Kingdom
- London – pie and mash and Sunday roast
- Edinburgh – haggis with neeps and tatties
- Cardiff – Welsh cawl
Regional dishes in United Kingdom
- England – Sunday roast and Cornish pasty
- Scotland – haggis and cranachan
- Wales – cawl and Welsh rarebit
- Northern Ireland – Ulster fry
Iconic places in United Kingdom
In London, the Tower of London, Big Ben and the free British Museum. In Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, and in England, Stonehenge.
Outside London, Oxford and Cambridge, the Roman city of Bath and the Lake District stand out. Wales has Snowdonia National Park, and Northern Ireland the Giant’s Causeway.
1. London – Big Ben and museums
2. Edinburgh – castle and Royal Mile
3. Scottish Highlands –
4. Canterbury Cathedral – seat of the Church of England since the 6th century
5. Hadrian’s Wall – the Roman frontier in northern England
Seasons: when to go and when to avoid United Kingdom
✅ Best time. Jun–Sep: long days and the nicest temperatures, ideal for Scotland and the coast.
⚠️ Worst time. Nov–Feb: cold, rain and short days; April and May can be very wet, and August is pricey and crowded.
How much does it cost to travel to United Kingdom
| Item | Average price |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Return flight | |
| Hotel per night · Budget | $88 |
| Hotel per night · Mid-range | $182 |
| Hotel per night · High-end | $363 |
| Restaurant meal (per person) | $17–$44 |
| Street food (per person) | $4–$11 |
Approximate, indicative prices (estimate, Oct 2026). They change with dates and availability: always check before booking. Hotel: London ≈ £143 per night (trivago Hotel Price Index). Flights: estimates for Europe-based trips; for other cities use the link.