Native to the UK, the first country I ever explored was my own. In this section you’ll find all my travel tips for visiting the UK. I’ve lived in Liverpool and London and many places in between.
In fact, I worked in London as a lawyer for many years so I’m pretty hot with tips like How to Use the Tube in London (Without Pissing off the Locals) and I have the low down on parts of London that are less well known like Kings Cross and Southbank. I’ve got suggestions if you’re in the mood for Afternoon Tea, make your own gin brand or fancy a night in a prison cell (nope, I’m not joking – it’s a quirky place to sleep).
Or you might want to hit the highlights. If so, check out my guides to 50 Best Things to do in London England and How To Visit The Tower of London.And if you are looking for where to stay in London, my guide helps with suggestions as well as how to pick the best areas to stay in London.
But London isn’t the beginning and end of the UK and Great Britain, you can explore Scotland, the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon and the home of Bombay Sapphire gin.
Just to be absurdly confusing (and without meaning offence), I’ve included all of Ireland together because as travel research goes, it’s likely you’ll want to check out the north and south of Ireland on the same trip. While you’re there, make sure you eat all the Irish food. Just don’t drink too much – you’ll want to keep a clear mind for when you’re driving on the other side of the road.
On 9 February 1961, four Liverpool lads – John Lennon, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney – gave their debut performance at The Cavern Club in Liverpool. Over 60 years later, The Beatles remain as popular as ever. And nowhere is that more true than in the city of the band’s birthplace, Liverpool. As … Read more
It was late spring in the British Isles and after poring over the many cruise destinations offered by Swan Hellenic, I did the thing that surprised even me. I decided to explore my own country. Britain. By sea. Until now, my most common view over the British Isles has been by air as I leave. … Read more
In 1931, at a time when Britain was still effervescing from the roaring twenties, a gentleman named W.F. Swan set up a small family run travel business called Swan Travel Bureau. Over the decades, and together with his son, Kenneth, they pioneered a new style of adventurous expedition cruising that remains at the heart of … Read more
Once upon a time, South London wasn’t a very desirable place. It was the part of London that was the home of asylums, prisons and taverns of ill repute. Little did our medieval ancestors know that with these ‘features’ they were laying the foundations for one of London’s most exciting tourist enclaves. Think of London’s attractions … Read more
Born in 1564, William Shakespeare wrote just shy of 1 million words during his relatively short (52 year) life, yet amongst them are some of the most well known and often quoted words in the world. Some 500 hundred years after his death, his work is still performed both at The Globe Theatre in London … Read more
Born in Liverpool, I know the city inside out. Yet, it wasn’t until I came home after spending years overseas that I started to explore my city as a tourist. Showing my travel friends around the city, I finally took time to visit Liverpool’s many tourist attractions. In this guide, I’ll give you the best … Read more
London is a big place, there’s no denying that. So one of the toughest things when planning a trip to the British capital can be deciding where to stay. There are plenty of amazing places to choose from, but the best area for each individual can vary depending on a range of different factors, including … Read more
London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, from people taking day trips from other parts of the British Isles, to those flying all the way from the other side of the planet to visit one of the world’s most diverse, beautiful and exciting cities. Between its charming medieval streets seeping … Read more
A 1,000 year old fortress and castle that has been used as a Royal palace, the Royal Mint, a prison and place of torture, that houses the Crown Jewels and and has been home for a menagerie of exotic animals, it sounds like something out of a Harry Potter book; except the Tower of London … Read more
I’ve drunk Bombay Sapphire gin all over the world. Literally. In that bar in Hong Kong, where the theme was blue, and Bombay Sapphire was the perfect fit. In that tiny mountain town in the USA, where I came across the white label version (mystery behind that uncovered below). I’ve found it on offer in … Read more