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UK travel guides

Exploring the length of the UK to seek out its hidden treasures and keep up to date on new developments, our specialists use their in-depth knowledge to help you get the most out of your trip.

Our travel guides dedicated to the British Isles offer tips on how to experience London, Edinburgh or Belfast like a local, uncover the stories behind the most historic castles or cathedrals, and where to find the best walking trails and most traditional pubs. We also suggest ways to see popular sights such as Big Ben or the Giant's Causeway without the crowds, and offer advice on delving deeper into Great Britain’s history or culture and making genuine connections with local people.

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Ideas for how to explore the UK

Our travel guides share our specialists' passion and knowledge for the UK. We travel here regularly to discover new experiences, explore untried areas and dig deeper into the better-known places and attractions. At the same time, we gather advice and up-to-date information on the best-quality guides, new hotels and restaurants, and the most memorable forms of transportation.

  • Edinburgh for first-time visitors
    Edinburgh Castle

    Edinburgh for first-time visitors

    Edinburgh for first-time visitors

    UK and Ireland specialist Jasmine offers an insider’s guide to the indispensable sights in Edinburgh, including visits to Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the Palace at Holyrood. She also suggests some ways to see a different side of the city.

    9 min read

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  • 12 best places to visit in Scotland
    The Isle of Skye

    12 best places to visit in Scotland

    12 best places to visit in Scotland

    Choosing the best places to visit in Scotland is a matter of what you want to do and see there. You might tour castles in and around the capital, hike through mossy glens on the Isle of Skye, or try fly-fishing with a local guide.

    15 min read

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  • Highlights of the Isle of Skye
    Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

    Highlights of the Isle of Skye

    Highlights of the Isle of Skye

    Defined by dark stone crags, sheer cliffs and rugged glens, the Isle of Skye is an otherworldly destination for hiking, fishing, and whisky tasting. Scotland specialist Emily suggests some things to see and do while visiting the Scottish isle.

    7 min read

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  • A tale of three cities: London, Paris and Rome
    Eiffel Tower, Paris

    A tale of three cities: London, Paris and Rome

    A tale of three cities: London, Paris and Rome

    How do you make the most out of Europe’s trio of classical cities when you’re pushed for time? We asked our England, France and Italy specialists to create their dream two-day itineraries for time-limited visitors

    7 min read

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  • 6 reasons to visit Europe in autumn
    Barolo, Piedmont

    6 reasons to visit Europe in autumn

    6 reasons to visit Europe in autumn

    From hiking among the heather in the Highlands of Scotland to truffle hunting in Greece to French wine harvest fêtes, Europe is really at its best in autumn. Here are six reasons to visit after the summer crowds have gone.

    7 min read

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  • Top 10 Christmas markets across Europe
    Hamburg Christmas Market

    Top 10 Christmas markets across Europe

    Top 10 Christmas markets across Europe

    Each winter, Europe’s towns and cities sprout Christmas markets, sparkling with spangled trees, twinkling lights, spiced wine, and wooden pavilions selling treats and trinkets. We asked our specialists which ones they like best, from Croatia to Oslo to Edinburgh.

    9 min read

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  • Driving Scotland’s North Coast 500 route
    Kylesku Bridge

    Driving Scotland’s North Coast 500 route

    Driving Scotland’s North Coast 500 route

    Scotland’s NC500 is a road trip that’s fast gaining a reputation for being the most scenic drive in Britain. As you explore the 830-km (516-mile) loop, you’ll see everything from mountains to lochs, sandy beaches to waterfalls, small fishing towns to centuries-old castles.

    12 min read

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  • Luxury vacations in Scotland and England
    Loch Ness

    Luxury vacations in Scotland and England

    Luxury vacations in Scotland and England

    Stay in a manor house, dine in Michelin-starred restaurants, cruise Loch Ness in a luxury motorboat and get exclusive after-hours access to Dunvegan Castle. Our UK specialist Jackie describes the indulgent touches you can add into your trip to Great Britain.

    8 min read

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  • The best World War II sites in Western Europe
    Dover Castle

    The best World War II sites in Western Europe

    The best World War II sites in Western Europe

    In many ways, World War II still shapes the cities and landscapes of Western Europe. Here are a handful of the war’s most compelling sites, including the beaches at Normandy, a naval headquarters in Liverpool and a secret tunnel under Naples.

    9 min read

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  • How to experience London like a local
    Portobello, London

    How to experience London like a local

    How to experience London like a local

    Take some time to go a little deeper and discover the London that locals love with Audley specialist Andea. Experience vibrant nightlife, historic parks and unusual vantage points to get a new perspective on this dynamic and complex city.

    10 min read

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  • Uncover ancient Britain beyond Stonehenge
    Roman Baths, Bath

    Uncover ancient Britain beyond Stonehenge

    Uncover ancient Britain beyond Stonehenge

    Stonehenge is the most popular prehistoric site in Britain, but it’s not the country’s only ancient attraction. Discover the limits of Roman power at Hadrian’s Wall, a Stone Age barrow near Avebury and Bronze Age cairns featured in Outlander.

    11 min read

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  • Historic England: exploring London, Oxford and Bath
    Big Ben and Whitehall, London

    Historic England: exploring London, Oxford and Bath

    Historic England: exploring London, Oxford and Bath

    Audley UK and Ireland specialist Elizabeth explains why she’s gripped by England’s history — especially its royal history. She recommends her preferred places of interest for a historic tour of England, from palaces and cathedrals to sites in Oxford and Bath.

    11 min read

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  • Explore the Renaissance
    Interior of Florence Duomo

    Explore the Renaissance

    Explore the Renaissance

    Walk in Da Vinci’s footsteps, marvel at Michelangelo’s genius and see Shakespeare’s plays as he intended. Our Europe specialists suggest ways to explore the Renaissance across the continent, including both must-see destinations and lesser-known sights that you might otherwise overlook.

    8 min read

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  • Food highlights of the UK & Ireland
    Afternoon Tea

    Food highlights of the UK & Ireland

    Food highlights of the UK & Ireland

    The cuisine in the UK and Ireland suffers from an unfair reputation. Specialist Jackie talks about her fondest food memories, including a whimsical afternoon tea in London, foraging in the Irish countryside, and a picnic with smoked salmon in Scotland.

    9 min read

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  • Pintxos to praline brioche: 5 of Europe's signature dishes
    Traditional fresh pasta, Bologna

    Pintxos to praline brioche: 5 of Europe's signature dishes

    Pintxos to praline brioche: 5 of Europe's signature dishes

    From England to Italy, most European countries still retain strong regional identities, which they often express through food. Our specialists discuss the local signature dishes — regional and national — that they love around the continent.

    8 min read

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