The United Kingdom tempts pretty much everyone – London like a scene from the movies, the rugged Scottish Highlands, castles, pubs and grass so green it sounds like a cliché. But then the practical doubts kick in: how much does the whole thing actually cost, when’s the best time to go so it doesn’t rain non-stop, and should you book a hassle-free package or strike out on your own?
Right here in one place you’ll find three things: up-to-date tour and flight prices that we refresh every morning, our hands-on tips from our own trips and articles, and a plan of when and what to book so you don’t overpay for nothing.
What to see and do in United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is far more varied than it looks from afar. This small island packs in a buzzing metropolis, wild countryside and sleepy fishing towns – and we’ll point you to where to head first.
- London – the Tower, Westminster, a spin on the London Eye, free museums and huge parks. For a first visit, set aside a good 3–4 days; you can’t cover the city in a single day.
- Scotland – Edinburgh with its castle towering over the city, the rugged Highlands, Loch Ness and romantic islands. Our favourite part of Britain if you love nature.
- Hadrian’s Wall and the north of England – remains of the Roman frontier, the wild Lake District and Peak District national parks, perfect for hiking.
- Stonehenge and the southern counties – the mysterious stone circle, the spa town of Bath and the picture-perfect villages of the Cotswolds.
- Wales – the mountains of Snowdonia, castles and coastline, often a quieter and cheaper alternative to the tourist hotspots.
When to visit United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has its nicest weather from May to September – the days are long (in June it doesn’t get dark until around ten in the evening), temperatures stay pleasantly around 18–22 °C and the countryside is at its finest. The main tourist season peaks in July and August, which is also when there are the most people and the highest prices.
If you want to save money and dodge the crowds, we’d bet on May, June and September – the weather is still (or already) nice and prices are more reasonable. And you can catch tours outside summer too: listings include departures in January, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, so pre-Christmas London or springtime Scotland are very much on the table.
Just bear in mind that rain can come at any time – even in summer. A rain jacket and layered clothing are essential here all year round, whenever you go. ☺️
How to get to United Kingdom
The fastest and cheapest way to reach the United Kingdom is by plane. There are plenty of direct flights from Prague to London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton), but also to Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol. A flight to London takes only around 2 hours and, booked early, you can grab tickets really cheaply.
You can also go by car, but factor in a ferry or the Eurotunnel across the English Channel and a total trip of well over 1,500 km from Prague. It tends to pay off more if you want to drive through a chunk of Europe too or plan plenty of road trips around the island. For most travellers, though, flying and renting a car on arrival is the more practical and cheaper option.
Do Velké Británie se z Česka nejčastěji létá přímo z Prahy do Londýna, který slouží jako hlavní brána – má hned několik letišť (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton). Pro cestu na sever jsou praktické regionální přímé spoje do Edinburghu, Manchesteru či Bristolu, díky nimž se vyhnete přejezdu přes celou zemi. Tipy na konkrétní místa najdete v našich článcích o Londýně a Skotsku.
Renting a car
A car pays off in the United Kingdom mainly outside the big cities – in Scotland, Wales or the Lake District, where the loveliest spots are otherwise hard to reach. In London, on the other hand, you really don’t want a car: parking is expensive, there’s the Congestion Charge, and public transport gets you everywhere faster and cheaper.
- Book ahead through rental comparison sites – it’s usually pricier on the spot and can sell out in season.
- Remember you drive on the left and shift gears with your left hand – it takes a moment to get used to.
- Watch your insurance and deposit – basic cover often isn’t enough, so add full insurance and expect a hold on your card.
- Factor in possible tolls and ferries to the islands (Scottish ones, for instance) and narrow country roads.
Where to stay in United Kingdom
Accommodation in the United Kingdom tends to be a pricier line in your budget, especially in London. It pays to book ahead and pick the right area to match your type of trip:
- Hostels and budget hotels – the cheapest option in big cities, with a bed in a dorm starting from a few hundred crowns. In London, look outside the very centre but close to a Tube station.
- B&Bs and guesthouses – quintessentially British, warm and welcoming, with a proper breakfast. Ideal in the countryside, in Scotland and in smaller towns.
- Mid-range hotels – comfort in the centre at a price you’ll want to brace yourself for; this is where London rates climb the fastest.
- Apartments and Airbnb – great for families and longer stays, and you’ll save on food thanks to your own kitchen.
Our tip: in London, look for somewhere near a Tube station (zones 2–3 are a good price/access compromise), while in Scotland you’ll appreciate a B&B right in the smaller towns, close to nature.
Package tour or independent travel?
A package tour pays off when…
- you want everything sorted and don’t fancy dealing with transport, accommodation or routes;
- it’s your first trip and you’d welcome a guide and peace of mind;
- you want to grab a good price – listings include tours from 7,885 Kč and discounts of up to 57%;
- you’re short on time and want to see the highlights in just a few days.
Go it alone when…
- you want to set your own pace and route and change plans on the fly;
- you’re not fazed by English and online bookings;
- you plan to explore the countryside (Scotland, Wales) at your own pace with a car;
- you want to combine cities and countryside your own way.
Our recommendation? For London and a first visit, go ahead and grab a package – you’ll save yourself hassle and money. But for Scotland and the wilder corners, we love the freedom of going it alone, stopping wherever we please. ☺️
−57 %
−55 %
−50 %
−49 %
−49 %
−48 %Budget: daily costs in United Kingdom
The United Kingdom isn’t a cheap destination — London in particular can sting. The daily budgets per person below are rough estimates covering accommodation, food, transport and activities:
| Level | Accommodation | Food | Transport & activities | Total/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 700–1,000 Kč (hostel) | 400–600 Kč | 400–600 Kč | approx. 1,500–2,200 Kč |
| Standard | 1,800–2,800 Kč (3* hotel/B&B) | 800–1,200 Kč | 800–1,200 Kč | approx. 3,400–5,200 Kč |
| Comfort | 4,000 Kč and up (4* hotel) | 1,500 Kč and up | 1,500 Kč and up | approx. 7,000 Kč and up |
In London, count on the upper end; in the countryside and Scotland you can get by more cheaply. You’ll save a lot on free museums and by cooking your own meals in an apartment. ☺️
How to save when planning
- Flights are best bought 2–4 months ahead, and with low-cost carriers keep an eye out for deals too. You’ll pay the most right before departure and in summer. Search for flights in our finder.
- Accommodation in London should be booked well in advance – good, reasonably priced rooms are the first to vanish. Check out our accommodation tips.
- Tours work two ways: first minute gives you certainty and a choice of dates, while last minute gets you a discount if you’re flexible – listings often show discounts of up to 57% and prices from 7,885 Kč. Keep an eye on the current tours section.
- Activities and tickets (London Eye, castles, excursions) are worth booking online in advance – you’ll save time in the queue and a few pounds. We sum up what’s worth sorting ahead in what to book in time.
- Don’t overpay for data: instead of post-Brexit roaming, reach for an eSIM and save hundreds.
Practical information
- Language: English, so communicating is no problem. The Scottish accent might catch you off guard now and then, though 😅
- Currency and payments: they use the British pound (GBP), not the euro. You can pay by card practically everywhere, contactless even on the bus – you’ll barely need cash.
- Connectivity: since Brexit, EU roaming no longer applies in Britain, so data can get pricey. It’s worth getting an eSIM, which you activate before departure and have internet the moment you land.
- Driving on the left: the British drive on the left – if you want to drive, allow a moment to get used to it.
- Safety: Britain is safe; just watch your pockets in tourist hotspots and on the Tube.
- Sockets: British three-pin (type G) – bring an adapter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for the United Kingdom?
What currency is used in the United Kingdom?
When is the best time to travel to the United Kingdom?
How much does a holiday in the United Kingdom cost?
Does European roaming work in Britain after Brexit?
Is it worth renting a car in the United Kingdom?
How long is the flight from Prague to Britain?
Is it better to visit Britain on a package tour or independently?
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
