How do I plan a tour of the UK?

Meta: From deciding to visit the UK to planning your travel itinerary to securing a visitor visa, a lot goes into planning a tour of the UK. It is normal to feel overwhelmed while planning your trip to the UK. First, secure a visitor visa UK, and next move on to the list of places you want to visit. Each step of the planning process must be well-thought to ensure a smooth trip to the UK.

Best Time to Visit the UK

At any season, the UK is beautiful, and the effect that seasons can have on your travel plans should also be kept in mind. The weather conditions that might prevail at the time of your travel to the UK are therefore important to consider, even if you have set dates for when to take your holiday . Different parts of the UK exhibit vast differences in weather. For instance, winter in Scotland would be a lot colder than in London. In general, northern areas are cooler than their southern counterparts. In winter, days are significantly shorter than in summer, giving less time for sightseeing, especially when you are exploring out-of-the-way spots such as the Scottish Highlands or the Cotswolds. June to August is technically peak season and is busy all over the UK. School holidays in July and August resulted in a great influx of tourists to famous seaside areas and cities like Edinburgh and London. 

Decide on your Budget

Certainly, traveling to the UK can be quite expensive, especially if long periods are to be spent in cities like London.Whatever the case, budgeting for your travel should be done. Even in London, free attractions abound that warrant a more budget-oriented visit. There are accommodation types throughout the UK to suit all budgets, from hostels to boutique hotels and luxury 5-star hotels. Public transport options like trains, buses, and coaches could give you an advantage over car rentals. 

Check Passport and Visa Requirements

Citizens of the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada can stay in the United Kingdom visa-free for tourism purposes for six months (as of the date of publishing of this article). This could change at any time, hence it is advisable to consult your local Foreign Office for the latest advice and tips about travel to the UK. Also, note that some UK visitors may require at least six months of validity on their passport, so check to see if you need to renew your passport. 

Making an Itinerary

This can be one of the hardest aspects of planning a trip. You have to pick from so many amazing destinations in the UK. It is easy to squeeze in too many places to visit and find yourself exhausted by the end of your vacation, so do consider carefully the length of time for traveling, distance, and how exhausting it can be to stick to an overloaded schedule. 

Book Accommodation

Accommodation options available in the UK abound, ranging from Airbnb to hotels to bed and breakfasts to cottages to castles that fit any travel budget and style! 

Book tickets for your Tours and Attractions

After having your itinerary more or less confirmed, it's time to book attractions, activities, tours, and experiences. Especially during the peak season, booking is of utmost importance for certain attractions such as the Tower of London, Churchill's War Rooms, Stonehenge, London Eye, Roman Baths in Bath, and the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland, to name just some. There are quite a few attraction passes offered in the UK that could save you money on sites if you're visiting many of the most popular sights and attractions.

Top Places to Visit 

The Isles of Scilly 

 This island paradise is located at the southern tip of Cornwall. When you arrive in these islands set in a subtropical zone, you could easily mistake them for the Caribbean. If you are planning on visiting this year, try to catch the period between mid-April and July, which is puffin-spotting time.  

Edinburgh

Small, manageable, and full of history, Edinburgh is the city of choice for a weekend getaway. Don't forget to check out Edinburgh Castle or hike up Arthur's Seat to get breathtaking views of the entire city.

The Lake District National Park

The largest national park in England, the Lake District is endowed with the highest mountain in the country and an impressive literary history. There is something here for everyone, from amazing hiking experiences to cozy pubs.  

Tower of London

One of London's iconic landmarks, the Tower of London, constitutes a riveting account of a thousand years, from its inception as a royal castle to becoming a secure fortress and also an infamous prison. The world-famous Crown Jewels have resided here since 1661.  

Scottish Highlands

With so much to see and do in the Highlands, it is hard to tell where to start, from the notorious Loch Ness to the majestic heights of Ben Nevis or the remoteness of Cairngorms National Park. Wherever you choose to go, it's best if you start from Inverness, the economic and cultural hub of the Highlands.  

York

With a vibrant cultural life, endless museums, and plenty of excellent restaurants, this ancient walled town is the perfect getaway for a weekend trip. At its heart, in the city, lies York Minster, arguably one of the most extraordinary Gothic cathedrals in the world, and then there's the Shambles—the inspiration for Diagon Alley of Harry Potter. 

Bath

You will find a shooting location at every step of the way in this lovely and picturesque city. Along with the more tourist attractions, such as the Bath Abbey and Roman Bath, do head to Sally Lunn's tearoom, housed in Bath's oldest house (circa 1483), to try its popular Sally Lunns Buns.

Stonehenge

If you have not gotten a chance to go to one of the most photographed attractions in England, let 2025 be your year. If you want to go without large crowds, visit this unbelievable attraction during the week and pick a sunny day for these memories that will last forever.

Conclusion

Hire immigration lawyers in the UK to first get your visa in place. Next, make a list of the things you want to do and places you want to visit. Keep your budget and duration of stay in mind while you are planning your trip activities.