UK

What can I expect from the UK?

I’ve always been very lucky to come from a beautiful part of the world – the North Norfolk coast so UK travel was never as much of a priority for me. Growing up, I had endless beautiful countryside on my doorstep and some of the best beaches in the UK just down the road. Most of my childhood was spent with a bucket and spade at the beach, or running barefoot through the woods. Naturally, I love coming home from my travels and spending time back in the UK. In this section you’ll find blog posts on Norfolk and why it’s so amazing, including my new guide to why you should plan your Norfolk holidays.

Over the years, I’ve been a regular visitor to London and have spent many weekends attending events, visiting family and exploring the city. Absolutely Lucy brings my unique style to London with posts on everything from afternoon tea and festivals, to restaurants, food markets and amazing food trails around London Bridge. Don’t forget to check out my post on what to do if you’re a first-timer in London.

When it comes to visiting the rest of the UK – I’ve fallen for cities including York, Cambridge, Norwich and Brighton. You can read my guide to girly breaks in York here. Explore lots of posts on eating out, punting in Cambridge, nights out and gigs in Norwich, and much more. You will also find blog posts on my university experience of attending Hertfordshire University. You will also find tips for taking a UK road trip and planning city itineraries in this section, as well as trips to Ireland.

Don’t forget hiking in the UK – it’s an amazing place for coastal walks, mountain climbs and much more. Visit Snowdonia national Park, the Lake District or the Peak District. Check out this guide to discover 18 of the best hikes in the UK.

Typical Costs When Travelling

Accommodation – This can be one of your biggest costs when travelling the UK. If you’re on a budget, I recommend looking at hostels or Airbnb for cheaper options. If travelling as a group – look at renting a cottage or house for the week. If you’re visiting a city like London, there are cheaper options for hotels available, check out Point A Hotels budget-friendly option. The UK also has a great selection of campsites available, along with glamping and luxury options including yurts and cabins. Or why not hire a camper van and enjoy the freedom of the open road?

Food – If you have a bigger budget, enjoy dining out at the UK’s best restaurants across cities like London and York. Or, if you’re on a tighter budget – look at street food markets and budget-friendly independent restaurants and chains for great deals on your favourite foods.

Transportation – Get yourself a weekly or weekend travel card if you’re in London – trust me you will use it enough to have saved on travel costs. If you’re travelling outside of London – expect rail prices to be high. Shop around online for deals on prices or consider hiring a car if there’s a few of you. Also, buses are available between cities and can often be a fraction of the price.

Why you must leave London

As much as I love London and urge you to visit. I must also stress that the UK has so much more to offer than just this one city. So many people travel to the UK and never step outside the city.  As someone who grew up in the British countryside – I can tell you that the true beauty of the UK lies outside the cities. It’s in the sweet coastal villages with cobbled streets and old fashioned cottages. The beautiful riverside walks through fields and into forests where foxgloves attract bees and the light trickles through the trees into the glen. It’s in the rolling hills of the Lake and Peak District, the gorgeous beaches of Ireland and the rolling highlands of Scotland. Don’t miss out on the real reason to visit the UK.