{"id":103769,"date":"2018-10-19T14:50:42","date_gmt":"2018-10-19T14:50:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=103769"},"modified":"2018-10-19T14:50:42","modified_gmt":"2018-10-19T14:50:42","slug":"backpacking-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/backpacking-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate backpacker’s guide to the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

The United Kingdom; home to traditional pubs, sheep-dotted hills and of course Her Majesty, the Queen. Whether you come for the pub crawls, the adorable countryside towns or to find that special someone with an accent like Hugh Grant or Emma Watson, this guide has you covered. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales may be close in proximity, but each of the UK\u2019s countries has its own identity to be explored. Here is the ultimate backpacking UK guide to do just that.<\/p>\n

Jump straight to:<\/h2>\n
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  1. When to visit the UK<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Places to visit in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Best nightlife in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Best hostels in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Best national parks in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Best festivals in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. UK Food
    \n<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Transport in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    When to Visit the UK<\/h2>\n

    The UK has four distinct seasons, but the weather can change in a matter of moments. Check the forecast but always be prepared for the unexpected.<\/p>\n

    The UK may be known for its rainy and temperamental weather, but this doesn\u2019t phase the locals; they\u2019re kind of used to it. Besides, it\u2019s not all bad. In return for all that rain the UK gets to enjoy lush greenery and stunning landscapes – and when the sun does shine, boy does it glisten!<\/p>\n

    In winter (December \u2013 February) temperatures average at 5 degrees Celsius with 7 to 9 hours of sunlight per day. In summer (June \u2013 August) the days are much longer with an average temperature of 22 degrees, making it the ideal time to travel if you\u2019re looking to explore the UK in its warmest season. In spring (March-May) expect a comfortable average temperature of 14 degrees, and if you head to the countryside be prepared to melt at the sight of new-born lambs and calves. Autumn (September \u2013 November) is one of the most beautiful times of the year, as trees are adorned with fiery-red and orange leaves and temperatures average at a comfortable 10 degrees.<\/p>\n

    England is typically the warmest UK country, followed by Wales, Northern Ireland and finally Scotland, whose most northernly points experience extreme snow in winter.<\/p>\n

    Peak travel season coincides with the European school holidays from July-September. Prices rise within this time and accommodation is in high demand, particularly in Scotland, so it\u2019s best to formulate a travel plan at least a week in advance. May and June are great months to travel, benefiting from pleasant weather and off-peak prices. If you\u2019re planning a winter visit, December sees Christmas markets open, festive decorations light up the streets and serious \u2018Love Actually\u2019 vibes in the air.<\/p>\n

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    Places to Visit in the UK<\/h2>\n

    It\u2019s often the case for overseas travellers to bypass the other UK countries in favour of England, but this is a huge mistake. All four of her Majesty\u2019s nations have so much to offer, and with such close proximity and open borders it couldn\u2019t be easier to explore the UK.<\/p>\n

    Each country offers the perfect contrast between city and rural life. From the buzz of London, Bristol or Glasgow to the quaintness of the Cotswolds or the Welsh coast, the UK has something for every kind of traveller.<\/p>\n

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    Best of: England<\/h3>\n

    England is the most touristed country in the UK, welcoming millions of travellers all year round. With a thriving music scene, peaceful countryside, beautiful coastal towns and an abundance of pubs, it\u2019s not hard to see why.<\/p>\n

    London<\/b><\/p>\n

    London is the cultural, political and economic capital of England, home to lots of the world\u2019s most famous sights and attractions. A trip to the UK really isn\u2019t complete until you\u2019ve gotten lost on the underground or taken a quick selfie outside Buckingham Palace. With a population of over 8 million people and a tube map that will make your eyes sore, it\u2019s fair to say that London can be quite overwhelming to a first-time visitor. So let\u2019s break it down and make this confusing city a whole lot simpler for you:<\/p>\n

    What not to miss in London<\/b><\/p>\n

    Big Ben<\/b>: Possibly the most iconic clock in the world? Big Ben stands at a leg-wobbling 96 metres tall, though unfortunately can only be viewed from afar at present as it is currently under construction. This is due to continue until 2021 so be prepared to see it surrounded by scaffolding if you\u2019re visiting any time soon.<\/p>\n

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    Buckingham Palace<\/b>: Even if you aren\u2019t a royalist, a trip to Buckingham Palace is a must when in London. Gaze in wonder through the regal front gates and be sure to attend a changing of the guard ceremony, a uniquely British spectacle that\u2019s not to be missed.<\/p>\n

    Camden Market<\/b>: Hit up Camden Market for a mixture of vintage and contemporary shopping, as well as a wide selection of global foods and unique original artworks under one roof. Open every day of the week, the markets attracts an alternative crowd and is a great spot to hang out and people watch in one of its canal-side bars.<\/p>\n

    Find out more about London\u2019s coolest markets<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    London Eye:<\/b> Towering over the River Thames, The London Eye is near-impossible to miss. At a whopping 135 metres high, this gigantic Ferris wheel is the largest of its kind in the world. \u00a0For unparalleled views over the whole of London, look no further.<\/p>\n

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    Street art in Shoreditch<\/b>: If you\u2019re an art lover, or just fancy an interesting stroll, head east to Shoreditch. The streets pop with colourful murals created by local artists and will provide weeks\u2019 worth of content for your Instagram feed. There\u2019s no right or wrong path, but you won\u2019t be disappointed if you wander down Wilkes Street, Hanbury Street, Fashion Street and Great Eastern Street.<\/p>\n

    On board with that hipster vibe? Check out more things to do in East London<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

    Tower of London<\/b>: You name it, The Tower of London has probably been it \u2013 a palace, a zoo, a prison, home of royal jewels, an execution site \u2013 the list goes on. The impressive tower now houses a museum showcasing its turbulent history over the last 900 years.<\/p>\n

    Westminster Abbey<\/b>: Founded in 960 AD, the Westminster Abbey is the centre of Christianity and royal history in London. It is a treasure trove housing historical artefacts, textiles and intricate stained glass. It\u2019s also the burial place of Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking and Sir Isaac Newton, as well as several other monarchs and significant British citizens.<\/p>\n

    Need some more ideas?<\/b><\/p>\n

    The best hostels in London for a Great British adventure<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    17 crazy awesome free things to do in London<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    A crafternoon in London: discover the best breweries in the capital<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    Compare hostels in London<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    Other destinations not to miss<\/b><\/p>\n

    Bath:<\/b> Take a step back in time to the historic city of Bath, where the streets retain their original Roman and Georgian architecture and are brought to life by eccentric musicians and street performers. A visit to the ancient Roman Baths is essential, especially for history buffs.<\/p>\n

    Compare hostels in Bath<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    Brighton:<\/b> A favourite weekend getaway destination for Brits and international visitors alike. This colourful and cosmopolitan seaside town welcomes guests all year round but really comes alive in summer, when the beach is the place to be. Take a stroll down the iconic Brighton Palace Pier where you can grab an ice cream and unleash your inner child on the arcades.<\/p>\n

    The true spirit of Brighton is found in its many \u2018lanes\u2019, which are best explored at a slow pace to browse their hundreds of local boutiques, independent shops and trendy eateries.<\/p>\n

    Compare hostels in Brighton<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    Bristol:<\/b> A hip, energetic city that\u2019s become popular in recent years. Whether you\u2019re strolling along the waterfront or sipping cocktails at a quirky bar, Bristol impresses. The city is illustrated with eclectic street art \u2013 not surprising considering it\u2019s the home of Banksy. Every July, Bristol hosts Upfest<\/a>, a festival dedicated to creative arts.<\/p>\n

    The Bristol harbour is one of the most beautiful corners of the city. Jump aboard one of the wooden ferries and head over to the Cottage Inn, a Bristolian favourite for an afternoon pint. From here, take in the beautifully colourful view of the city.<\/p>\n

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    Compare hostels in Bristol<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    Liverpool<\/b>: Liverpool is known worldwide for its musical legacy, most notably a little band called The Beatles. People flock from all over the globe to see the birth place of the Fab Four and to visit one of the most influential places in musical history. Liverpool is also rich in maritime history and has connections to the Titanic \u2013 a relationship explored in the Maritime Museum\u2019s Titanic & Liverpool exhibition.<\/p>\n

    Don\u2019t miss live music at The Cavern Club<\/a>. Totally cheesy, but a must if you want to understand Liverpool\u2019s musical past. Twist and Shout like it\u2019s the swinging sixties but be warned that the Cavern Quarter often gets overrun by stags and hens, especially at weekends.<\/p>\n

    Compare hostels in Liverpool<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    Oxford<\/b>: Brush shoulders with esteemed academics from one of the highest ranked universities in the world in the prestigious city of Oxford. Go punting along the river or explore the university colleges where you can pretend to be an extra in a Harry Potter film. Bookworm or not, the Bodleian Library will blow you away \u2013 let your inner rebel venture to the \u2018restricted section\u2019, but beware as some books are so off-limits they\u2019re chained to alarms. Intriguing or what\u2026<\/p>\n

    You definitely don\u2019t have to be a student to fall in love with Oxford\u2019s charm; or to enjoy a drink (or five) in the raucous student bars that line Cowley Road.<\/p>\n

    Compare hostels in Oxford<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    Manchester:<\/b> Manchester is more alive than ever, with an exciting mixture of caf\u00e9 culture, edgy nightlife and a dynamic music scene. From laid-back, alternative bars to high end cocktail lounges, there\u2019s no shortage of places to party in Manchester. This is a city that loves its football, so consider going to watch one of its teams play for an unbeatable atmosphere; especially on derby day!<\/p>\n

    Be sure to take a stroll through the creative Northern Quarter and sample its seemingly endless array of cafes and bars, discovering plenty of art along the way. Why not splurge and dine at Federal Caf\u00e9<\/a>, an Australian\/New Zealand run caf\u00e9 serving up a delicious brunch with a few Aussie favourites including Milo based drinks, Tim-Tam flavoured sweets and ANZAC cookies.<\/p>\n

    Compare hostels in Manchester<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    Want some more inspiration? Check out 22 places to visit in England that travel bloggers love<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

    Best of: Northern Ireland<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Northern Ireland may be seas apart from the rest of the UK but it\u2019s certainly worth hopping on a ferry for. This small country packs the punch of one twice its size. Think jaw-dropping coast lines and mythical, green lands \u2013 this is where much of Game of Thrones is filmed after all!<\/p>\n

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    Belfast<\/b>: Belfast is a city rich in history and despite its turbulent past the city is thriving today, with a huge university crowd and world-class museums. It\u2019s easy to spend three or four days here wandering its rambling streets, learning about its complex history and getting your drink on in its many pubs and bars.<\/p>\n

    Don\u2019t miss:<\/b><\/p>\n