A single sovereign state comprising the four countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom packs a wealth of history, culture and scenery into a surface area only slightly larger than the state of Minnesota. Our specialists have journeyed extensively around Great Britain and Northern Ireland, gathering ideas for how you can visit and combine the UK’s highlights for your vacation.
One of the most rewarding aspects of a trip to the UK can be exploring its countries’ cultural quirks, their varying landscapes, and the stormy history connecting them. We can recommend experiences such as watching one of the Bard’s plays at the reconstructed Shakespeare's Globe in London, salmon fishing with a ghillie in the Cairngorms, and gaining a resident’s perspective on Belfast’s political divisions on a black cab tour. You might find yourself standing on the basalt columns of Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, or heading to England’s languid Cotswolds, where villages of honeysuckle-bedecked cottages resist the hand of time.
Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years
Suggested tours for the UK
These tours give you a starting point for what your vacation to the UK could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
Suggested activities for the UK
Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience the UK.
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Islay wildlife cruise ![Islay coastline]()
Islay wildlife cruise
Isle of IslayIslay wildlife cruise
Spot a wild variety of birdlife, seals, goats and possibly dolphins and basking sharks on this two-hour tour off the coast of Islay. Join a small group for a great introduction to the region, with expert commentary by one of the islanders.
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Dunvegan Castle after-hours tour ![Dunvegan Castle]()
Dunvegan Castle after-hours tour
Isle of SkyeDunvegan Castle after-hours tour
Enjoy exclusive access to lakeside Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continually inhabited castle in Scotland. This guided tour takes in a short cruise to see the impressive structure from the water as well as a private meeting with the estate manager.
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Steam train to the Isles ![Glenfinnan Viaduct]()
Steam train to the Isles
The HighlandsSteam train to the Isles
Hop on board a classic steam train for a two-hour journey from Fort William to Mallaig. Pass many scenes associated with the Jacobite Rebellion, traverse the viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films and soak up the scenery.
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Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit the UK, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to the UK, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.
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Covering all seven continents, The world your way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.
Guides to the UK's countries
If you’re looking to travel specifically to one of the countries within the UK, our specialists can plan your trip to England, Scotland or Northern Ireland. To help you choose how to spend your time, we’ve grouped together our chosen places to visit, things to experience and recommended routes for each of the three countries.
The UK in pictures
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![The Quiraing, Isle of Skye]()
Isle of Skye, Scotland -
![The Shambles in York]()
The Shambles in York -
![Buttermere, the Lake District]()
Buttermere in the Lake District -
![Giant's Causeway]()
Giant's Causeway -
![Highland cows]()
Scottish wildlife -
![The Cotswolds]()
Castle Combe in the Cotswolds -
![Oxford]()
Radcliffe Camera, Oxford -
![Big Ben and Whitehall, London]()
Big Ben, London
Our expert guides to traveling in the UK
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to the UK. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate the UK at its best.
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![Introducing the UK & Ireland]()
Introducing the UK & Ireland
Watch a two-minute video showing the landscapes and cities of the UK and Ireland, filmed by Audley Travel.
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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.
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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.
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What to do in Dublin: a first-hand guide ![Grafton Street, Dublin]()
What to do in Dublin: a first-hand guide
What to do in Dublin: a first-hand guide
Unpretentious and lively, Dublin is a compact capital city with lots to offer says Audley specialist Max. You can spend the day exploring Ireland’s history at Trinity College or Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and spend the evening drinking Guinness in a Temple Bar pub.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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20 Festivals in Europe worth visiting ![Gelato, Italy]()
20 Festivals in Europe worth visiting
20 Festivals in Europe worth visiting
From small village fairs to sophisticated, city-wide fêtes, Europe boasts a calendar of festivals to satisfy almost any interest. Discover new varieties of gelato in Florence, party all night in Paris and attend a Regency-era ball in Bath.
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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.
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