Five summer travel hacks for exploring the UK

When it comes to traveling to the UK, finding your perfect timing is important. From knowing how to find the best travel deals to planning your trip around the weather, there are certainly some planning hacks that can make your travels to the UK unforgettable.

Flights price alert

If you’re planning on flying in or around the UK, you can save on flights this summer with Booking.com’s in-app price alerts in your pocket. As a Genius member, you’ll be alerted when flight prices are increasing or decreasing, helping you manage your budget.

Flexible flight fares

Planning a trip can take a little flexibility – especially when paired with the ever-changing British weather, but our flexible flight fares help you to plan your vacation with confidence. With this feature, you can select a date range to compare prices within a specific month or up to six months in advance. You’re sure to be spoilt for choice with this one.

Changed your mind? No worries. If you purchase a flexible ticket, you can change your flight time or date up to 24 hours before your departure time with selected airfares. This way, you can travel with the same airline and route you originally planned, and you’ll only have to pay for the fare difference, if there is any.

Ideal times to visit top attractions

One of the most important parts of planning is your itinerary. When it comes to visiting some of the UK’s top attractions, there are two main seasons to consider: 

• Shoulder season – June sees slightly fewer crowds at attractions as you’ll be avoiding the rush of July and August. The weather can also be milder in June, so if you’re after cooler weather, the shoulder season is a great time to book an attraction.
• Peak season – July and August offer warmer weather and a bustling atmosphere – perfect for adventuring around the UK.  

Summer in the UK can be, well, unpredictable. From rainy afternoons to sun-filled days that surpass temperatures of 86ºF, it can be hard to know what you need to pack when it comes to summer essentials. 

Yet, with these easy packing tips for travel, you’ll be sorted – whatever the weather: 

• Comfortable walking shoes – there are plenty of scenic walks across the UK, so wherever you decide to walk, having comfortable shoes means you can go wherever your map takes you.
• Sunscreen – is the UK tropical? No. But does the sun make appearances throughout the summer? Yes. Having sunscreen will help you to prevent sunburn as much as possible.
• Reusable water bottle – across the UK, you’ll find many water stations (especially in places like train stations) so having a reusable water bottle will help keep you hydrated. 
• Insect repellent – if you’re traveling to a rural area, bugs can be prevalent. Having repellent will help to keep you as bite free as possible. 
• A blanket – a small blanket is a great addition to your suitcase. Not only will it provide extra warmth if the weather is cooler, but it can also double up as a picnic blanket if you fancy spending some time outdoors. 
• Layers – the UK’s weather can change quickly. A week in the peak of summer could be rainy one day and a heatwave the next. So you can prepare as best as possible, having various layers like raincoats, a sweater, or a shirt can help you adapt to any weather.

The UK’s public transportation system can seem complex at first, especially The London Underground. Yet, with these useful travel tips, you’ll be able to get around as smoothly as possible.

Navigating the UK’s public transportation

• Check the timetable of your chosen mode of transportation – when it comes to summer travel, checking the timetable of your transportation keeps you in the know. While the London Underground is frequent, buses in rural areas of the UK may only come once every few hours. 
• Check when the last journey of the day is – this differs between transportation modes. For example, the London Underground sometimes runs through the night, but a train service may not run past 10:00 pm. 
• Make sure you have everything you need before you travel – this includes your ticket and any other documentation you may need. Not having a ticket can result in fines, which no one wants on their summer vacation.
• Check timetable changes in advance – sometimes journeys may be running slightly ahead of schedule or hours behind, being in the know means you’ll be able to plan accordingly. 

Renting a car to explore

If you want to travel on your own terms, the easiest way to stick to your own itinerary is by hiring a car. This way you can travel between the towns and cities you want to when it suits you. Which leads us on to our next hack…

One of the main summer travel hacks for the UK is that there’s a lot more to the country than its capital. In fact, there’s a whole plethora of charming destinations, each deserving its own attention on your summer travels. Below, we’ve made note of some of the most charming, yet lesser-known cities and towns of the UK, great for a summer stroll.  

Durham, County Durham

While extremely small, Durham still packs the atmosphere of larger cities. Here, you’ll find a castle, a cathedral, and the ninth-oldest university in the country. Perfect for any Harry Potter fans, Durham Cathedral was also used as a filming location for the Harry Potter films: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Haworth, Yorkshire

For literary buffs, Haworth is a must-visit spot. Home to the Brontë authors (Emily Brontë, Charlotte Brontë, and Anne Brontë), this quaint town offers a certain cobblestoned charm you won’t be able to resist. You can even visit the Brontë Parsonage, which is now a museum. 

Ely, Cambridgeshire

If views are what you’re after, look no further than Ely, Cambridgeshire. Here, you’ll be able to soak in the beauty of the city’s cathedral and the river. Perfect for a spot of lunch, a coffee, or a tipple on your adventures – Ely is home to various independent cafes, restaurants, and pubs. 

The Isle of Skye, Scotland

To be immersed in all that nature has to offer, The Isle of Skye has got to feature on your list. Expect to see dramatic, jagged cliff faces, coves, and beaches. One particular standout of the Isle of Skye is the charmingly named Fairy Pools. These pools, while not magic, are a series of beautiful rock pools filled with translucent mountain spring water from surrounding waterfalls.

Cardigan, Wales

For history buffs, Cardigan, Wales, is certainly not one to miss. The standout feature of this town has got to be Cardigan Castle, a restored Norman fortress that’s 900 years old. It was even named "Restoration of the Year" in 2004 by Channel 4. If drama is more your thing, make sure to stop by Theatr Mwldan, a theater and arts venue that’s located in the heart of the countryside.

Portstewart, Northern Ireland

For a coastal break, Portstewart is sure to offer you all the charm of a classic UK coast. With a waterfront promenade, great conditions for surfers, and a stunning beach, this spot is perfect if you’re looking to kick back and relax this summer. Not to mention, Portstewart is home to some award-winning ice cream parlors – sure to sweeten the deal.

When it comes to summer travel in the UK, knowing how to embrace the country’s culture is sure to make for an authentic getaway. 

Iconic pub culture

The UK’s pub culture is perfect for anybody who loves to socialize. On a sunny day in the UK, beer gardens are often packed with couples, families, and friends all coming together for a catch-up. Whether you’re after a soft drink or a tipple (or two), beer gardens and pubs have a quintessentially British atmosphere that’s infectious. 

Top tip: It’s no secret, Brits love to line up, but some pubs actually scrap this beloved tradition to just stand by the bar instead. 

Local food markets worth visiting

When visiting the UK this summer, stopping by local markets is a great way to get a sample of the fresh produce of your destination. From farm stores to vegetarian markets, there’s a vast variety of local stalls – sure to introduce you to the best of British food.

One of the most famous food markets in the UK is Borough Market in London. Here, you can browse through over 100 stalls – perfect for your next meal, snack, or drink.

Other popular spots include The Great British Food Festival at Harewood House Market in Leeds and St George's Market in Belfast.

With these travel tips for the UK, your adventures will be underway in no time. By finding your best flight options and packing like a pro – your UK-based summer promises an authentic getaway that’ll help you to create lifelong memories. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to take these summer travel hacks and travel to the UK.

Where's the best place to go in the summer in the UK?

The UK has a lot to offer, so this is all about your preferences. For coastal lovers, Cornwall, Dorset, and Northumberland are all strong choices. History buffs may want to indulge in the sights of Wiltshire’s Stonehenge, York’s city walls, and the Tower of London. Nature lovers, on the other hand, should stop by the Peak District, the Lake District, and Snowdonia.

Where's the prettiest place in the UK?

The UK is full to the brim with quaint towns and villages all offering unique character. Some popular, pretty destinations in the country include the cobbles of the Cotswolds, the coast of Pembrokeshire, and the nature-filled Scottish Highlands.

What’s the best way to travel around the UK?

The UK has many transportation options, so the best way to travel depends on where you’re planning to visit. For city trips, trains, the Tube, and buses are sure to get you where you need. Whereas, if you’re staying in a rural area, renting a car is the best option for flexibility.