The United Kingdom

A Must Visit

This is probably the most difficult country to pick a favourite place for, simply because I have spent most of my life here. I am privileged to have seen many different parts of the UK but there is still so many left to explore. But my favourite, it goes to the Gower. The UK’s first area of outstanding natural beauty, if you visit you will immediately realise why. It is simply stunning. Amazing long beaches, little coves to swim in, salt marshes, country roads and great hikes.

Must Do

Go cold water swimming! One of my favourite activities ever and my mums (who features in the pictures below). While the UK isn’t exactly famous for warm weather or inviting swimming temperatures, I’d still encourage you to take the plunge. No one ever regrets a cold dip, you’ll feel amazing after. Plus it comes with some health benefits. Some of my favourite places I’ve cold water dipped in the UK are; the waterfalls of the Lake District, the river Itchen in Winchester, the sea in the Gower (of course) and for a fancy alternative the plunge pool at The Manor House Spa, Alsager.

My Foodie Highlight

The UK is so multicultural when it comes to food, you can have amazing Thai, Japanese and Greek food all in the same town. Most of our favourite restaurants in Winchester were non British cuisine. When I think of British food I am not even sure what that is….a Sunday roast or fish and chips. Both delicious but I don’t think we win any awards for the best cuisine in the world. However, one experience did jump to mind when I was talking to George about the best food in the UK. That is the Three Horseshoes Inn, Brecon. My favourite kind of dining experience is one that isn’t trying too hard. Somewhere with a great vibe and a little zest to it. Somewhere you can relax, chat, have a laugh and then eat some amazing food. None of this boujee quiet dining rooms. The Three Horseshoes Inn fits in my favourite category – cozy pub vibe with gastro pub dishes.

Know Before You Go

Tricky again as I am just so used to everything in the UK, but a few things that jump to mind to know if you’re coming from overseas.

The trains do have good coverage of the country but sometimes you will pay the cost of it, in money and in time. Compared to other European countries the UK has very expensive and very unreliable trains. Of course you may have to use them if you are unable to hire a car in the UK but just be mindful when you plan your travels that they can be long and expect delays. Have a look at getting a railcard, this saves 1/3 for people eligible and you don’t need to be a UK resident to get one. Also try to book in advance and that way you can see off peak deals and travel at the cheapest times of the day.

Maybe an obvious thing, but the weather. Everyone thinks it rains everyday in the UK, which isnt exactly true but always expect rain. Even if the sun is shining don’t anticipate you’ll be wearing shorts and a t-shirt either. Not to say British people won’t be, but we are used to it. Also the South is supringsly warmer than the North so if you’re lucky enough to visit North England or even Scotland then expect the weather to be colder and wetter than the South. So pack accordingly.

Lastly, you might hear a traditional British accent on TV and think we all walk around saying ‘pass me tea and a scone’ but the UK has a lot of different accents. Some of which even I struggle to understand when I travel to south Wales, Scotland or Liverpool. If English isn’t your first language then be prepared if you’re travelling around to not understand a thing even if you do speak English.