The United Kingdom is home to a wealth of ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, known for its mysterious origins and alignment with the solstices. The Roman Baths in Bath are …
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United Kingdom
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Backpacking United Kingdom in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in United Kingdom with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit United Kingdom
Welcome to the United Kingdom, a blend of rich history, diverse culture, and scenic landscapes for backpackers. Pros? Explore iconic landmarks, enjoy efficient public transport, and connect with a global community. English-speaking and backpacker-friendly hostels make navigation easy. However, the UK can be pricier compared to other destinations, and unpredictable weather is a factor. For backpackers seeking a mix of tradition and modernity, the UK offers a wealth of experiences, where each city and countryside escapade unfolds as a chapter in an immersive cultural journey.
Why to go?Why backpacking in United Kingdom
Architecture
Scenery
The United Kingdom offers a diverse range of stunning sceneries to explore. From the rolling hills and picturesque villages of the Cotswolds to the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, there is something for everyone.
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People
The people of the United Kingdom are known for their warm and welcoming nature. They have a strong sense of politeness and courtesy, making visitors feel comfortable and at ease. Whether it's engaging in friendly conversations, offering assistance, …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in United Kingdom
- Explore the historic landmarks of London: Visit iconic sites like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the city.
- Discover the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands: Take a road trip through the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands, where you can explore ancient castles, hike in the rugged mountains, and spot wildlife.
- Experience the vibrant music scene in Manchester: Known as the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis, Manchester offers a thriving music scene with numerous live music venues and clubs to explore.
- Indulge in the culinary delights of Edinburgh: Sample traditional Scottish dishes like haggis and whisky, and explore the city’s vibrant food scene, which offers a mix of international cuisines and Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Immerse yourself in the history of Bath: Visit the Roman Baths and explore the stunning Georgian architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the opportunity to relax in the city’s famous thermal spas.
But United Kingdom offers more...
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England | Northern Ireland | Scotland
Traveled route: Dover, Brighton, Stonehenge, Bristol, Bath, Canterbury, Horsham, Lyminster, Andover, Salisbury, Wells, Crickhowell, Brynamman, Twynllanan, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, Giant's Causeway, Stirling, Callander, Ben A'an, Glencoe, The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Viewpoint, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, The Cuillins, Knockan Crag, Ardvreck Castle, Lochinver Larder, Ben Wyvis, Glasgow
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking United Kingdom
The best time to visit the United Kingdom for backpacking is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with longer daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside. Additionally, many popular festivals and events take place during the summer, providing a vibrant cultural experience. However, it is important to note that summer is also the peak tourist season, so popular attractions may be crowded, and prices for accommodation and transportation may be higher. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is still favorable, and there are fewer crowds.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for United Kingdom
- International terrorists have staged attacks in the UK. The UK Government's national terrorism threat level is 'substantial', meaning it assesses an attack is likely.
- The terrorism threat level for Northern Ireland is 'substantial', meaning an attack is likely.
- Islamic extremism, extreme right-wing ideology and the status of Northern Ireland contribute to the threat. Always be alert to terrorism. Take official warnings seriously.
- Avoid areas where protests and riots are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence. Monitor the media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Crimes such as passport theft, pickpocketing, mobile phone and bag snatching, and muggings are common, particularly in summer. Take care to protect your belongings on public transport, in crowded tourist areas and at landmarks.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
United KingdomMy tips to get you on the way!Does United Kingdom sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for United Kingdom. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. United Kingdom may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for United Kingdom. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. United Kingdom may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into United Kingdom, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into United Kingdom, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024