Europe
United Kingdom
Easy for solo travelers: English everywhere, card payments for everything, and hostels and pubs that make meeting people simple. London and Edinburgh are expensive, trains cost more unless booked ahead, and weather is unpredictable.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa35 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyGBPUS$1 ≈ £0.76Details
- Price level89%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhereDetails
- PlugsType G230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency999Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe everywhere.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityVery open in cities, with large Pride events.Details
- Internet184 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 75 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the leftVisitors may drive on a valid foreign licence for 12 months; carry an IDP if it isn't in English.
Where to go in United Kingdom
22 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LondonCapital city | 4/5 | $4,360–6,350 | May–Jul, Sep | 3/100 |
| EdinburghCity | 5/5 | $3,310–4,760 | May–Jun, Aug–Sep | 14/100 |
| ManchesterCity | 4/5 | $3,170–4,500 | May–Jul, Sep | 12/100 |
| LiverpoolCity | 4/5 | $2,780–3,970 | May–Jul, Sep | 20/100 |
| OxfordCity | 5/5 | $3,700–5,020 | May–Jun, Sep | 11/100 |
| BathCity | 5/5 | $3,570–4,890 | May–Jun, Sep | 12/100 |
| CambridgeCity | 5/5 | $3,700–5,020 | May–Jun, Sep | 11/100 |
| GlasgowCity | 4/5 | $2,910–4,230 | May–Jul, Sep | 17/100 |
| BrightonCity | 4/5 | $3,440–4,760 | May–Jul, Sep | 10/100 |
| Scottish HighlandsRegion | 5/5 | $2,910–4,100 | May–Jun, Sep | 23/100 |
| Isle of SkyeIsland | 5/5 | $3,440–4,760 | May–Jun, Sep | 13/100 |
| YorkCity | 5/5 | $3,040–4,230 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 20/100 |
| BristolCity | 4/5 | $3,570–5,020 | May–Jul, Sep | 8/100 |
| Lake DistrictRegion | 5/5 | $3,310–4,630 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 13/100 |
| CornwallRegion | 5/5 | $3,310–4,630 | May–Jun, Sep | 15/100 |
| CotswoldsRegion | 5/5 | $3,700–5,290 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 10/100 |
| BelfastCity | 4/5 | $2,780–3,970 | May–Jul, Sep | 19/100 |
| CardiffCity | 4/5 | $2,910–4,100 | May–Jul, Sep | 19/100 |
| BirminghamCity | 3/5 | $3,040–4,360 | May–Jul, Sep | 10/100 |
| NewcastleCity | 4/5 | $2,640–3,830 | May–Jul, Sep | 22/100 |
| LeedsCity | 4/5 | $2,910–4,100 | May–Jul, Sep | 17/100 |
| SnowdoniaRegion | 5/5 | $2,640–3,700 | May–Jul, Sep | 28/100 |
When to visit United Kingdom
May–September for long days and the mildest weather; Scottish Highlands best May–June and September before and after midges. Winters are short, dark and wet.
Good to know
Entry
- Visa-free visitors (EU, US, Canada, Australia and others) need an ETA: £20 in the UK ETA app, usually approved within a day.
- An ETA lasts two years or until the passport expires and covers repeat visits of up to six months each; no work.
- Airlines check ETAs at boarding. Arriving from Ireland also needs an ETA unless you live in Ireland.
- The UK is outside Schengen and the EU Entry/Exit System; time here doesn't count toward Schengen's 90 days.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Riding a private e-scooter on public roads or pavements is illegal; only official rental schemes are allowed.
- Carrying a knife in public without good reason is illegal, including locking or long folding blades.
- Cannabis is illegal, and drinking alcohol is banned on London public transport.
Etiquette
- Queue patiently and wait your turn; pushing in causes real offence.
- Stand on the right on London escalators so people can pass.
- Order at the bar in pubs; groups often take turns buying rounds.
Tipping
Restaurants often add a 12.5% service charge; otherwise tip 10–12.5%. No tipping at pub bars; round up taxi fares.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK: Electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
- NHS: Visiting or moving to England
- GOV.UK: Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence
- Speedtest Global Index: United Kingdom
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.