The United Kingdom…land of tea and scones, rainy days, and cozy pubs. It’s the birthplace of many beloved literary characters: Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Tumnus, Harry Potter, and Sherlock Holmes. From Shakespeare to the Beatles, the UK’s influence has stretched far and wide.
The United Kingdom consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and each has its own unique culture. From the sandy southern coast of Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands, the geography varies quite a bit for a country that’s roughly the size of Oregon (the accents even more so).
Below you can find some basic UK travel info and blog posts organized by nation.
Know before you go:
- Language: English is most common, although some folks can still use Celtic languages like Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, and Cornish
- Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP)
- Transportation: The train network throughout the UK is extensive, which makes it easy to get from city to city. However, a car is helpful for more rural areas.
- Tipping: Many restaurants add a service charge, but if they don’t you can tip 10-15%. People generally don’t tip in pubs.
- Politeness is still very important to British culture. Remember to say “Please” and “Thank you”!

Having been to the UK three times thus far, I still haven’t seen enough of it! However, here are blog posts for the places I have been to: