United Kingdom At A Glance

Why visit the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom, or simply the “UK”, is a country rich in history, nature and bustling cities. You can explore England, Scotland and Wales on the same trip, allowing you to sample the very best of each nation before returning home.

Get to know the similarities between the countries and explore the differences that make each one unique. There’s an incredible variety of sights to discover, either as part of a group tour or at your leisure on a self-drive trip.

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When it comes to history and culture, many grand castles, fascinating museums and lavish palaces await your visit. Think Holyrood Palace, a royal Scottish residence, the immersive Natural History Museum in London, or even the medieval, turreted Caernarfon Castle. Many cities also offer walking tours of their historic streets.

The UK is a treasure trove for nature lovers. Marvel at the dramatic mountains and breathtaking waterfalls in the Scottish Highlands. Take in the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales and the glistening waters of the Lake District. Or soak up the sun at the charming seaside in Wales.

If incredible food and drink is more your bag, the UK has that covered too. With Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional pubs, gourmet brunch spots, and creative cocktail bars, you’re spoilt for choice. Plus, each region boasts its own unique culinary specialities.

All this and more awaits you on a UK tour.

What countries make up the United Kingdom?

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland together make up the UK. These countries are closely linked by their history, culture, and languages.

It’s easy to tour England, Scotland and Wales in one trip as they are located on the mainland. You can drive between the top spots in each country.

How to get to the United Kingdom

Your Nordic Visitor adventure will start in England. There’s plenty of choice of international carriers to take you here, including British Airways, KLM, and American Airlines.

You’ll have a choice of airports, with London Heathrow and London Gatwick being the main ones. From here, you can easily pick up a rental car or hop on public transport. You can also book a private transfer for ease with Nordic Visitor.

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If you decide to start your trip in Scotland, the main airports are Edinburgh and Glasgow. Just as with England, there’s plenty of choice of international carriers and it’s easy to reach the city centres from the airport.

Getting around

Once you’ve arrived in the UK, you’ll soon see how easy it is to get around. The country is relatively small and there are no border checkpoints between England, Scotland and Wales which makes it great for road trips!

In fact, the travel itself is part of what makes the UK so amazing. Experience the freedom of driving through rugged countryside on a self-drive tour. Or, let someone else take the wheel and see the sights with a knowledgeable guide on a small group tour.

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When to visit & weather

There’s no bad time to visit the UK. When you decide to come just depends on what you’d like to do while you’re here.

June, July or August are your best bet if you want to spend time hiking in the Lake or Peak Districts, the Scottish Highlands, or Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park. The weather tends to be the nicest at this time of year, affording you incredible views as you embark on your excursions.

As well as the weather being more favourable, the long summer evenings allow you plenty of time to explore at your leisure. You can wander the streets of cities and towns well into the evening, or head to the beach for a post-dinner dip.

The shoulder seasons – April and May, September and October – are favourites among visitors who want to experience the UK in generally favourable weather, but with fewer crowds.

It’s often said that you can experience all 4 seasons in a day in the UK, but don’t be put off. The climate here is typically mild, meaning it’s not too hot in summer or too cold in winter. But it’s worth packing a few extra layers and a waterproof jacket, just in case.