Our editors and contributors have crossed England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in search of what is truly great in the U.K. right now: the innovative chefs, groundbreaking galleries, majestic landscapes, stylish hotels, and cozy pubs that make the nation more inviting than ever. In the following stories, you’ll find experiences that have stood the test of time, as well as fresh reasons to visit in 2023. Cheers to that!
There's never been a better time to plan a trip across the pond. For a nation that prides itself on stoicism, the United Kingdom has had a tumultuous decade. Once, Scottish independence seemed like the most pressing question of our age. Then there was Brexit. Now we have a new head of state for the …
These delightful small towns in England offer everything from craggy coves and cream teas to hillside picnics and frothing pints. Nowhere else in the world does "quaint" quite like England. Go beyond the main urban hubs like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, and you'll discover hundreds of …
Born in Yorkshire, I've visited York multiple times over the last 30 years. I grew up 45 minutes from the city and have always felt its magnetic pull. In fact, of all the cities I've had the pleasure of experiencing, York is the most charming, luring visitors with picnics by the cathedral and …
These are the best things to do in the U.K. in 2023, according to T+L editors. The United Kingdom is Travel + Leisure's Destination of the Year for 2023 — and with a nation as culturally and historically rich as the U.K., the possibilities are endless. To help you plan your trip, we're highlighting …
Plan your Scotland trip based on what you want to do, see, and avoid. Scotland might be a small country — about the size of South Carolina — but its variety of destinations and landscapes is impressive. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, and the Isle of Skye are all …
Do as the locals do, and visit these travel destinations in the U.K. The U.K. has incredible variety. From chocolate box villages and royal palaces to wild mountainous landscapes to some of the most gorgeous coastline in the world, it’s a wonder anyone who lives in England, Wales, Scotland, and …
Here's how to see the very best of this proud Celtic nation. The Welsh love Wales. This proud country of three million people is culturally distinct from the rest of the U.K. and geographically unique. Called Cymru (cum-ree) in the Welsh language, the people of this Celtic nation have a reputation …
From the Royal Family's home in Windsor to ancient fortresses with historic moats, these castles are all a short journey from London. When people think of castles, they often imagine far-flung palaces surrounded by endless acres of land in remote corners of the world. And while many castles are set …
From charming seaside towns to impossibly picturesque coves, these beaches in the U.K. offer a picture-perfect getaway. No, it's not as bleak, wet, and cold in the U.K. as you think. Yes, it rains an awful lot, and the weather changes so fast you'll barely notice the rainstorm heading toward you, …
Nearly 25 years after the Troubles, Northern Ireland’s scars are finally beginning to heal. Here's a guide to the best of the country right now. Northern Ireland. What do those words bring to mind? Recently, I put the question to two American friends. “The Troubles,” said the first. “The Troubles,” …
It also has a high-end spa, fine dining, and other luxurious modern amenities. Having grown up in rural farmland, I wasn’t sure what to expect from my first visit to the English countryside. That might sound silly, but rolling fields and pastoral landscapes were all I knew as a kid, so I couldn’t …
From the countryside to charming seaside towns, these U.K. trains offer beautiful views along the way. From adventurous cross-country journeys to luxurious rides in the world's most beautiful destinations, there's something truly romantic about train travel. It transports passengers to a simpler …
