The UK has long been a magnet for travellers, consistently securing its place in the World Tourism Ranking’s Top 10. Nearly 40 million international tourists visit the UK every year, coming to see its grand palaces and castles, as well as world-class museums like those found in London and rugged natural beauty which can be found in places like the Scottish Highlands. But despite its popularity, how much do travellers really know about the United Kingdom? We thought we’d dive beneath the surface of this well-trodden tourist destination to uncover a few lesser-known facts. Let’s take an academic journey across the UK, uncovering 10 little-known facts that may surprise, intrigue, and possibly even inspire you to explore the UK with fresh eyes.
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There’s no denying that the UK knows how to put out some good music. It has given birth to legends like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. Fast forward to today and it continues to deliver with stars like Ed Sheeran, Adele, and Dua Lipa. Sheffield in South Yorkshire has its own notable music scene with a rather rich history. The city has produced several of its very own influential bands and musicians that include Arctic Monkeys, The Human League, and Cabaret Voltaire. The Warp Records label, which was founded in Sheffield, only contributed more to the city’s reputation as a hub for innovative music. Sheffield continues to offer a vibrant music scene with a variety of venues, festivals, and music-related attractions showcasing both local talent and international artists from around the world.
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Mastering the art of packing for various seasons is essential to a comfortable and well-prepared trip to the UK. Packing requires a thoughtful approach, especially when navigating the UK’s dynamic changes in weather across its different seasons.
But it’s not just about selecting the proper clothing and accessories; from my time in the UK this past year, 2024 also requires you to be on top of technology specific to the United Kingdom.
Planning a trip to the UK? Here are our seasonal packing tips, so you’re covered no matter which time of year you go.
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The popularity of CBD products has surged in recent years as they become legal in more and more countries worldwide. While many travellers are beginning to incorporate them into their wellness routines, it pays to know the legalities and procedures around travelling with CBD products. The thought of going through airport security can undoubtedly give rise to panic in travellers carrying CBD. With that said though, CBD is legal in the UK provided it meets specific criteria and the products you carry comply with packaging and labelling regulations. Whether you are planning to travel to or through the UK, familiarising yourself with the rules around packing and travelling with CBD products will keep you on the right side of the law and help to put your mind at ease.
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Somerset County represents quintessential England, with rolling green hills, dramatic gorges, hedgerows, castles, and abbeys galore. Large portions of the county, located in southwest England, are protected areas of outstanding natural beauty.
It’s known for cheddar cheese, apple cider, and the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, among other things. Throughout the area, there are so many cultural and historic sites to see that it can be quite difficult to choose one over another.
I had long wanted to see the Roman Baths and dip into the hot springs at Thermae Bath Spa. And there were several villages I was interested in that were best reached by car. However, I did not want to drive in the UK, since driving is the opposite of what it is in the US. I began to explore tours to some of these places, including Wells and Cheddar Gorge.
As I researched various tour options and companies, I learned about In & Beyond Bath. In & Beyond Bath is a bespoke tour company founded by Jules Mittra, a retired professor of English history and politics, and a resident of Somerset County.
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To really experience the UK requires planning a road trip which will allow you to fully embrace all the rich history, charming villages, iconic landmarks like its many castles, and the varying landscapes from the Scottish Highlands to the rugged coastlines. Of course with any road trip, there is the dilemma of trying to fill the downtime while driving in-between stops. In order to help keep you and possibly your travelling companions entertained during your UK road trip, we’ve gathered some of our top ways to pass the journey time which focuses on immersing yourself in British culture.
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Since the rise of the online bingo industry, real world bingo halls have bounced back thanks to renewed interest. People are discovering the classic game for the first time ever online and are then going in search of other ways to play.
The UK is definitely one of the best places to travel to for live bingo games, and this is very much a cultural game. The game’s roots can be traced back to the 16th century, but it gained popularity in the UK during the 20th century.
Bingo halls served as social hubs, providing a sense of community and entertainment for people from various backgrounds. The game’s simplicity, coupled with the thrill of anticipation and the chance to win prizes, captured hearts, and it remains a cherished cultural pastime that brings people together across generations.
The question is, though, which city has the best bingo offerings. Many would say that Glasgow is the ideal destination for bingo lovers.
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It’s often the case when we’re traveling, that certain places remind us of the scenes we saw on the big screen. And chances are, if you’re in London, that it was actually from that film you’ve seen.
Many famous Hollywood blockbusters like Harry Potter and Spider-Man, or cult classics like Bridget Jones’ Diary, Love Actually, and Notting Hill, have been filmed in London. With so many filming locations, it’s easy to stumble across them, though if you’re actively seeking this out on vacation, these epic movie locations around the city are perfect for finding your favourite movie scene location.
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Finding the best British casinos can be a big task as there are so many options available that you can choose from (a bit like scrolling through your Netflix on a Saturday night for longer than the show you end up choosing!)
And while everyone knows that “the house always wins”, casinos have been attracting both fools and the unlucky for hundreds of years now – but they still come, especially to London!
Regardless of which category you fall into, and regardless of your odds of landing that elusive win, we know travelers still hit up casinos for the thrill, so we’ve compiled the most important tips for gambling in London.
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London has a long history of gambling that dates back centuries. However, placing wagers was strictly reserved for the upper class in the early days, with often severe punishments in place for commoners caught gambling. Today, London’s many casinos welcome people from all around the globe and all walks of life. Here are a few of the most notable casinos to check out the next time you’re in London.
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I was a bit shocked to learn that Birmingham is home to the UK’s second largest number of casinos, although it does make sense when you consider it’s the UK’s second-most populous city after London. Enjoying one of Birmingham’s casinos provides something more unique than simply a night out at a local restaurant or pub. There are both big name casino brands as well as quieter independent casinos.
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Being home to so many firsts or beginnings, it should come as no surprise that Manchester was due to have the UK’s first mega casino that would rival those found in Vegas. Despite the opinion that a mega casino would generate many substantial benefits including providing jobs and seeing the development of numerous restaurants and hotels, the idea of a giant casino in Manchester was scrapped back in 2008. While there may not be a mega casino in Manchester, you still will find a number of great casinos within the city in addition to UK non stop casino websites that offer even more options when it comes to gambling 24/7.
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The UK has seen a great migration of Londoners moving to Leeds in recent years, many looking for a much cheaper and less congested city to live. Leeds has quickly become a flourishing city home to the UK’s most diverse economy. Making up part of this economy are some of the top casinos in the UK. If you’re planning on making a wager while in Leeds, here are the top 5 places to do so.
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An expatriate or ex-pat is a person that goes to live abroad for an extended period or permanently. If you’ve suddenly decided to become an American ex-pat in the UK, there are some things you need to get in order before you leave.
Regardless of why you’re moving across the Atlantic Ocean, there’s a question you need to answer: will you sell your car or take it with you? If you’re unwilling to part ways with your vehicle, it might be time to look at car shipping companies.
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Hot tub vacations; perfect for when you want a break from hustle and bustle of everyday life, to enjoy a romantic getaway with your partner, or perhaps pop the champagne having left your partner with the kids for a well deserved mom break!
While hot tubs have often been seen as a bonus inclusion of accommodations, or that extra luxury touch, now the’ve become a holiday style in their own right.
Looking for a romantic place that comes with a hot tub in the UK? Whether you’re considering a free standing indoor tub, or an outdoor tub with a view, these properties have you covered.
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While London usually grabs most of the attention from tourists who are looking to visit England, the country’s north offers a more relaxing escape with charming villages and plenty of room to spread out.
Offering up three national parks including the much beloved Yorkshire Dales National Park, along with coastal walks and plenty of picturesque countryside, a holiday in Yorkshire may be the perfect choice for those travellers looking to escape the crowds.
So large is the Yorkshire region that it had to be divided up into several administration areas including North, South, East, and West Yorkshire. Come fall in love with Yorkshire’s medieval cities and stone cottages, as well as its castles, numerous gardens, and eccentricities like Brimham Rocks and the giant white horse of Kilburn.
Yorkshire’s most recent tourism campaign sums it up perfectly; a visit to Yorkshire allows you to “Escape the Everyday”. But with an area so large, where does one start when seeking out a perfect holiday destination within Yorkshire?
Because “perfect” is subjective, come on a journey with me from the interior to the coast as I introduce you to some of the best areas in Yorkshire so you’ll better be able to choose which ones might suit you best.
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While winter may limit a number of things you can enjoy around the U.K., the snow and cold offers an excuse to check out some of the more unusual indoor British activities and attractions.
While many use the winter months to catch some West End theatre or explore the many museums, why not use this time to be original and experience something new.
While winter may not offer the warmth and plentiful outdoor activities the warmer months provide, it does present the opportunity to go skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and even check out the Cairngorm’s reindeer herd.
But what if you’re not exactly into rugging-up and heading outdoors to brave the cold, snow, and ice? While you could simply snuggle up on the couch and binge The Crown off Netflix, there are endless exciting indoor adventures to be had around the U.K.
Here are just some of the top quirky indoor attractions that will keep you energized and amused as the days grow shorter and spending time outdoors becomes less enticing.
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While most people may view the U.K. as more of a summer travel destination to take advantage of the fleeting warm weather, there is plenty to do and see during the winter season.
Numerous events take place during the winter festive season and attractions such as popular museums and musical theatre in the West End become less crowded due to a thinning out of tourists that normally visit during the summer.
So whether you love winter sports, twinkling Christmas lights, or simply hiking in cooler weather, check out these great winter activities and entertainment options awaiting you in the U.K.
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One of the world’s busiest cosmopolitan cities (pandemic aside), traveling to London means there’s always hustle and bustle to navigate and deal with.
Between dodging through cars queued in traffic, squashing your way onto an over-crowded train, and trying to score tickets on the West End, London is an amazing and diverse city, but it’s constantly busy!
London attracts around 30 million visitors from around the world every year, and has a population of 8.9 million locals. If you’re planning a trip to this great city, here are some tips for not getting lost in the crowd, and avoiding the busy!
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The scene is set; a summer’s day, a lush Scottish glen, centuries of history, competitors ready to battle it out … it’s Scotland’s iconic Highland Games – but not as we know it this year.
In 2020, for the first time ever, the Scottish Highland Games have been held virtually, and everyone can have a front row seat to the very best of Scottish culture and competition!
The Highland Games are a traditional feature of summer across Scotland, particularly in rural areas. Dating back over 1,000 years, Highland Games are a celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture, centered around a variety of competitions such as heavy athletics, piping, drumming and Highland dancing.
Whether you want to re-watch the action, find out more about the history behind the games, or stage your own Highland Games from home, there are plenty of ways to get involved this year, albeit in a physically distanced and virtual way!
Here’s how you can be part of the action!
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Let’s be honest, the internet is full of articles about things to do in London! But what if you want to experience the city like an actual Londoner?
Whether you’re a visitor the the city, have recently migrated, or maybe you’re a Londoner yourself who’s never explored your city, there are many fabulous experiences in London beyond the famous attractions.
So in this list we’re excluding everything you’ve probably already seen, and everything you’ve already been told to do, to bring you some fabulous ideas for experiencing London like a local.
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When visiting the UK from abroad, be that for work, pleasure, to study or to live, it’s important to make sure that you have the right visa.
Whether you need a visa depends on where you are travelling from, how long you intend to stay in the UK and what you intend to do while you are visiting. Here’s a quick guide to the different types of UK visa.
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When it comes to casino tourism, the UK might not share the same popularity as the likes of Vegas or Macau, but it does have a very rich gambling history (pun intended), and its gambling industry today is worth £14.5 billion.
Many tourists looking for an exciting evening take in the theater, as well as local bars and nightclubs (London is particular famous for its gin dens), though for gambling fans, there are also many fantastic casinos.
Casino culture in the UK has had a rocky history; it’s come in and out of favor (most notably having been banned by King Henry XII because he believed that it distracted soldiers from their duties), though the industry remains strong today.
And it’s likely to stay that way – besides the sheer amount of tax revenue that gambling generates for the Government, we all know how Queen Elizabeth II loves a good horse race!
If you’re keen on gambling, and consider yourself more James I than Henry VIII, here are a few things to know about casino tourism, and gambling in cities throughout the UK.
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Despite being such a small island in comparison to so many others in Europe, the UK has a diverse selection of cultures and travel opportunities depending on where you choose to visit.
It’s no real surprise that London makes up almost half of all visits to the country, after-all, the city is home to some of the most important and iconic sights and sounds in the realm. However there are many other UK cities also worth visiting!
Here are some of the best UK cities worth visiting outside of the capital of London. You can of course include these before or after a visit to the iconic city.
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Whilst UK Autumn may not officially start until the 23 rd September, Summer is most certainly drawing to a close, with nights drawing in and the air growing crisper by the day.
Certain destinations are almost definitely at their best throughout the summer months, though other places bask in the warm-hued glow of Autumn, and the Lake District is most definitely one of them.
From spectacular scenery to cosy weather, and a range of seasonal events, here are 5 reasons why the Lake District is THE place to be this Autumn!
Read MoreAbout Me
I am Megan Jerrard, professional travel blogger/journalist with a focus on adventure, discovery, immersion and inspiring you to explore!
