With so much to do and see in this idyllic, charming, and historic country, planning out your trip to the UK and giving yourself time to do as much as possible and avoid missing out on anything can be daunting. But don’t worry: we’ve got you covered!
From tourist attractions to London pubs and authentic English cuisine, read on for our top tips and advice on how to experience the best of everything the UK has to offer in just one trip.
Take a Whistlestop Private Tour
With thousands of years of history spanning the entirety of human existence, England is a country of true wonder. From the hunter-gatherers of the Stone Age to the technologically advanced London society of the modern day, hundreds of fascinating landmarks have been left behind over time which now serve as iconic attractions, generating masses of tourism every year.
From the breathtaking Neolithic site of Stonehenge and the well-preserved, ancient Roman ruins of Bath to the stunning Palace of Westminster and the impressive Tower Bridge in London, there are so many incredible and fascinating sites to experience throughout the towns and cities of England.
To experience England’s most iconic landmarks, choosing a bespoke, guided tour of England offers you the opportunity to explore with ease and at your own pace, focusing solely on the places and attractions that personally interest you with the guidance of a knowledgeable tour guide who is dedicated to making your trip unforgettable.
Taste the Authentic Local Cuisine
Arguably the most famous English dish, fish and chips is a true national treasure, typically consisting of battered and deep-fried fish, often cod or haddock, paired with thick-cut, crispy chips, commonly referred to as “fries” in other parts of the world. For a top class restaurant experience, visit The Golden Hind in Marylebone, London.
Fish and chips is traditionally dressed with malt vinegar and eaten with a side of tartar sauce or mushy peas, the latter being a quintessentially English side dish made from marrowfat peas. Given that it is an island surrounded by sea, it’s no surprise that a seafood dish is one of England’s staples.
Meanwhile, a Sunday in England is not complete without a Sunday Roast. Baring a
likeness to an American Thanksgiving dinner, an English Roast Dinner usually contains a generous portion of roast chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, or pork, crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings (a fluffy, batter-based pudding), pigs in blankets (small sausages wrapped in bacon), and various roasted root vegetables topped with a generous helping of gravy.
The roast dinner is a comforting meal designed to bring people together. The exact ingredients will vary slightly in different parts of the country, but it’s ultimately a dish that’s universally enjoyed in the UK. To experience it for yourself, visit The Pig and Butcher in Islington, London, ideally on a Sunday!
Experience a Quintessential English Pub
The humble English pub, short for public house, is renowned globally for its quintessential charm and the homey sense of togetherness it inspires. They are a central social hub in English culture, giving American tourists a truly authentic insight into English society and history.
There are over 45,000 pubs in the UK, so you certainly won’t be short for choice. Many of these pubs will have a long, rich history, connecting to the history of the geographical location they’re in.
For example, The Black Bull in Haworth, West Yorkshire, dates back to the 16th century and is known for its strong links to the Brontë sisters. Their brother, Branwell Brontë, was also known to frequent this quaint village pub. The pub featured in Emily Brontë’s novel Wuthering Heights can also be visited; it is now known as Wuthering Heights Inn in Stanbury, West Yorkshire, though the novelist would have known it as the Cross Inn.
English literature’s Charles Dickens was also known to frequent a number of London pubs in the 19th century including The Grapes, a riverside pub he mentions in Our Mutual Friend, and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, one of his favourite pubs which features in A Tale of Two Cities. Various organisations offer a Charles Dickens Pub Walk to visit some of these iconic public houses.
Spend the Evening at a Comedy Club
English humour is known for its dryness and sarcasm. A night out at a comedy club will give you the full experience of English comedy at its finest. You could consider booking tickets to see a popular comedian such as Michael McIntyre, depending on whether their touring at the time of your trip. Alternatively, a stand-up comedy club will give you access to some of England’s underground comedy gold.
The comedy club in London with the best reputation for exceptional live comedy performances is Top Secret Comedy Club, located at their world famous Drury Lane venue. The club is supported by the very best stand-up comedians in the UK, with regular big name drop ins and a consistently vibrant audience each and every evening.
