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The Thames and London Tower Bridge, Uk

UK & Ireland Travel Guide

Four countries in one - we often forget how diverse the UK is! From the stunning slopes of the highlands to the untamed wilderness of the Scottish Isles, Scotland will not disappoint on the scenery front!

This small nation packs a punch with epic hikes, unspoilt coastlines and centuries-old castles, this dual-language country has it all.

Eccentric and intriguing, England excites in both the cities and villages alike. History-making London encompasses everything from Royal Palaces, world-class art galleries and museums, old-style pubs and eateries and so much more!

The Emerald Isle has enchanted visitors for centuries, with its friendly pubs, beautiful countryside and gentle charm. From the excitement of Dublin to the chilled-out charm of Galway, Ireland has something for everyone. And let's not forget historic Belfast, the Giant's Causeway and the Game of Thrones movie sets in Northern Ireland!

Key Facts

Currency

British Pound (GBP) & Euro (EUR)

Dialling Code

+44

  • The UK and Ireland are large enough to never get bored, and small enough so it isn't overwhelming
  • Pubs retain their medieval charm while offering modern conveniences and are often the hub of any local community
  • Depending on where you are from you are only a quick flight away from home, there may not even be a need for flights at all!
  • Explore your local area and discover that adventures can be had in unexpected places.

Whilst London is considered the capital of the UK, each nation has it's own capital city.

Northern Ireland - Belfast
Wales - Cardiff
Scotland - Edinburgh
England - London
and of course the Republic of Ireland - Dublin!

  • Stonehenge
  • Stratford Upon Avon - Shakespeare's hometown
  • Whitstable
  • London museums and galleries
  • Beatles exhibition in Liverpool
  • Glastonbury Tor and festival
  • Thermal waters in Bath
  • Brighton Pier
  • Lake and Peak Districts
  • Harry Potter studio tour
  • Punting in Cambridge and Oxford
  • English vineyards in Kent
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Loch Ness
  • St Andrews
  • Isle of Skye
  • Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond
  • Explore the Scottish Highlands
  • Stirling Castle
  • Isle of Mull
  • Skara Brae in Orkney
  • Edinburgh Fringe Festival
  • Kayaking in the Outer Hebrides
  • Snowdonia National Park
  • Brecon Beacons
  • Caernarfon Castle
  • Cardiff Castle and museum
  • Conwy
  • Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
  • Anglesey
  • Game of Thrones tour
  • St George's Market, Belfast
  • Carrickfergus Castle
  • Rathlin Island
  • Titanic exhibition, Belfast
  • Glenariff Forest Park
  • Portrush Whiterocks Beach
  • Glenoe Waterfall
  • Causeway Coastal Route
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Grafton Street, Dublin
  • The Books of Kells and Trinity College, Dublin
  • The Ring of Kerry route
  • Kilmainham Goal, Dublin
  • Killarney National Park
  • Glendalough, Wicklow
  • The Rock of Cashel
  • Blarney Stoney and Blarney Castle
  • Kinsale, Cork
  • The Wild Atlantic Way

People in the UK and Ireland eat a wide variety of food from all around the world. There is a strong Indian and Asia influence in some parts of the UK.

Traditional UK dishes include full breakfast, fish and chips, Sunday roast and bangers and mash. Each country has their own regional specialities.

Both the UK and Ireland have warm summers and mild winters, with a high amount of rainfall.

Visa

Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.

Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.

To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites,  to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.

For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company

Passport

Passports must be kept in good condition. Travellers with damaged passports may be refused entry at immigration. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in good condition before they travel. Most countries will also require at least 6 months of validity on your passport from the time you finish your trip.

Further Entry Requirements

Some countries will require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever or covid, in order to gain entry. Please check with the relevant embassy or a visa specialist before travelling.

English is the main recognised language across the UK and Ireland, however, each nation also has its own language spoken by a significant portion of the population. Welsh is spoken in Wales, Scottish Gaelic in Scotland and Irish Gaelic in Ireland. The UK is a very diverse country so you will often hear other world languages being spoken when walking down the street.

The UK and Ireland use a 3-pronged plug, supply is 230v/50hz.

The UK and Ireland - like most Western countries - have strict drug laws that ban the purchase, sale and movement of illegal drugs. All visitors should become familiar with local laws.

The UK and Ireland are both considered relatively safe countries. The UK and Ireland have a relatively low rate of violent crime. Petty crime does occur, especially in urban and tourist areas.

A Garda Síochána (Garda), is the police force in Ireland and in an emergency can be reached by dialling 112 or 999. In the UK you can reach the police by calling 999 in an emergency.

A smoking ban covering all pubs, restaurants, shops, workplaces and public buildings was implemented in 2004.

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