Do I need a visa to travel to the UK?

It depends on where you are travelling from and how long you plan to stay. Many visitors can enter the UK for up to six months as a tourist, but some nationalities need to apply for a visa in advance. New rules also mean some travellers now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) even if they did not previously require a visa. It is worth checking early, as entry requirements can change.

Is driving in the UK difficult for overseas visitors?

Driving in the UK can feel unfamiliar at first, especially because vehicles drive on the left. Most visitors adapt more quickly than they expect. The first day is usually the hardest, particularly with roundabouts and narrow roads. Taking a shorter first drive and allowing extra time helps make the transition easier.

Is it better to hire a car, campervan or use trains in the UK?

There is no single right answer, as it depends on how you want to travel. A car or campervan offers flexibility and access to rural areas, while trains are excellent for connecting cities and historic towns. Many visitors combine both, using trains for arrival and departure and hiring a car or campervan for the road trip portion.

Which airport is best to fly into for a UK road trip?

London Heathrow and Gatwick are the most common arrival points, but they are not the only good options. Manchester works well for northern England and Wales, while Edinburgh is ideal for Scotland and the Borders. Choosing your arrival airport based on where you want to explore can save time and reduce unnecessary driving.

When is the best time of year to visit the UK?

Late spring and early autumn are often ideal, with longer daylight hours, fewer crowds and milder weather. Summer offers warmth and festivals but can be busier and more expensive. Winter is quieter and atmospheric, particularly in cities and countryside areas, although daylight hours are shorter and some attractions operate reduced hours.

Do heritage passes or memberships make sense for overseas visitors?

Heritage passes can offer good value if you plan to visit multiple historic sites. Some organisations provide passes specifically for overseas visitors, covering castles, gardens and historic houses across England, Wales and Scotland. If history features heavily in your itinerary, a pass can quickly pay for itself.

What do visitors often underestimate about travelling in the UK?

Distances can look short on a map, but journey times are often longer than expected, particularly on rural roads or scenic coastal routes. Slower travel often leads to the most memorable experiences. Allowing breathing space and flexibility helps make the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.

Travel smarter. Plan better. Enjoy more.

Travelling to the UK: How to Plan a Memorable Road Trip From Abroad

Choosing where to arrive and where to go next, whether you’re flying in or bringing your own vehicle from Europe

Planning a realistic UK road trip, including timing, regions and how to combine famous routes with quieter add-ons
Making practical decisions easier, from vehicles and transport to memberships, packing and food on the road.

Practical tips, route ideas and local insight to help you travel the UK with confidence — and enjoy the journey, not just the highlights

Travelling to the UK from overseas is often imagined as a simple list of famous places — a few cities, a castle or two, maybe a stretch of countryside in between. In reality, the most rewarding UK trips are shaped by the roads that connect those places, the smaller stops you didn’t plan in detail, and the pace you allow yourself as the journey unfolds.

The UK is compact but varied, and that’s both its charm and its challenge. Distances are short, but landscapes change quickly. Roads can be slow, weather can shift in an afternoon, and some of the most memorable moments happen well away from the obvious attractions. A good road trip here isn’t about ticking everything off — it’s about choosing the right regions, starting in the right place, and giving yourself space to wander.

This guide brings together practical advice for travelling to the UK from abroad—from choosing arrival airports or ferry ports to deciding where to go, when to visit, and how to get around once you’re here. Along the way, it signposts useful tools, route ideas and planning resources to help you shape a trip that feels unhurried, well thought out, and distinctly yours.

Visas, Entry Requirements & Electronic Travel Authorisation

Choose Your Arrival Point

When Is the Best Time to Visit the UK?

Driving on the Left: What to Expect (and How It Feels in Practice)

Travelling the UK by Train: Rail Networks, Passes & When It Makes Sense

Where to Go in the UK (and How to See More Than the Obvious)

Memberships That Can Make Travel Easier (and Cheaper)

The Small Things That Make a Big Difference

FAQs

Visas, Entry Requirements & Electronic Travel Authorisation

Before you start mapping routes or booking campsites, it’s worth taking a moment to check the basics: whether you need permission to enter the UK. Entry requirements depend on your nationality, how long you’re planning to stay, and the reason for your visit — and in recent years they’ve become a little more digital than they used to be.

For most people travelling to the UK for a holiday or road trip of up to six months, entry will fall into one of two categories. Some visitors need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa in advance, while others will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — a simple online approval that’s now required for many nationalities even if a full visa isn’t.

The good news is that both options are designed for short stays and straightforward travel. Visitor permissions typically cover tourism, seeing family or friends, and general sightseeing, but the exact rules do vary, so it’s important to check what applies to you specifically rather than relying on general advice.

A few practical tips before you book flights

It’s best to do your visa or ETA check early, ideally before committing to flights or accommodation. Some applications are quick, others take longer, and all must be approved before you travel. If you’re unsure which category you fall into, the official UK Government website has a clear eligibility checker and step-by-step guidance.

ETAs, where required, are usually valid for multiple entries over a two-year period (or until your passport expires) and cost a small fee. They’re designed to make repeat visits simpler, which can be helpful if your UK road trip includes returning later or combining the trip with travel elsewhere in Europe.

When in doubt, always rely on official sources for the latest information — entry rules can change, and it’s far easier to adjust plans early than at the airport. Always check UK visa and entry requirements on GOV.UK.

Choose Your Arrival Point: Airports & Ferry Ports That Shape a Great Road Trip

Where you arrive in the UK has a bigger impact on your road trip than most people realise. Starting in the right place can mean calmer first driving days, fewer backtracks, and a route that unfolds naturally rather than feeling stitched together.

Whether you’re flying in or arriving with your own vehicle from Europe, choosing a logical entry point helps the journey flow from the very first mile. Check out the options below and use the accordion to look up more information about the hub and what is nearby.

Flying Into the UK: Main Hubs & Road Trip Ideas

London Heathrow (LHR) & London Gatwick (LGW)
Manchester (MAN)
Birmingham (BHX)
Edinburgh (EDI)
Glasgow (GLA)

Arriving From Europe by Ferry or Eurotunnel

If you’re travelling from continental Europe with your own vehicle, arriving by ferry or Eurotunnel can be a brilliant way to start a UK road trip — especially if you enjoy easing into the journey rather than flying straight into it.

Dover & Folkestone (Eurotunnel Le Shuttle)
Harwich
Northern Ferry Routes

Best for: First-time visitors, southern England, flexible onward routes
London’s airports are the most common arrival points for overseas travellers — and they offer the widest choice of onward road trips. You don’t need to linger in the city if it’s not your focus; many people collect a car or campervan just outside London and head straight into the countryside.
From here, you’re well placed for:
- Cotswolds & Central England
- Stonehenge, Wiltshire & the West Country
- Kent & Sussex coastline
- The Welsh Borders
These airports work particularly well if you want to combine classic highlights with quieter regions, easing into UK driving before heading further afield.
Best for: Northern England, Wales, Lake District
Manchester is an excellent alternative if you want to avoid London entirely. Roads out of the city quickly lead into open countryside, making it a relaxed starting point for a northern-focused itinerary.
From Manchester, you can easily head towards:
- Peak District
- North Wales
- Yorkshire
- Lake District
It’s a strong choice for travellers planning walking-heavy or nature-led road trips.
Best for: Central England, Wales, West Country
Often overlooked, Birmingham sits right at the heart of England’s road network. It’s ideal if you want to explore several regions without long drives at either end.
Good onward routes include:
- Cotswolds
- Malvern Hills & Herefordshire
- Mid & North Wales
- Shropshire and the Welsh Borders
This is a particularly good option for slower, rural routes with fewer crowds.
Best for: Scotland, Borders, Northern England
Flying into Edinburgh allows you to start your trip surrounded by history, then head straight into quieter landscapes. It’s an excellent base for combining England and Scotland in one journey.
From Edinburgh, consider:
- Scottish Borders
- Northumberland Castles & Coast
- York & the North York Moors
- Central and Southern Scotland
Ideal if you want to avoid doubling back and prefer a north–south (or south–north) journey.
Best for: West Coast of Scotland, Highlands, Islands
Glasgow places you closer to some of Scotland’s wildest and most dramatic scenery. Roads quickly thin out, and the sense of space builds fast.
From here, routes naturally lead towards:
- West Coast of Scotland
- Isle of Skye
- Lochs, glens and island ferries
A strong choice for travellers prioritising landscapes over cities.
Best for: South East England, southern routes, gentle entry
These are the most common arrival points from France and Belgium. Rather than rushing inland, it’s worth taking time to explore the coastline before heading further west or north.
Natural routes from here include:
- Kent Coast
- Sussex Heritage Coast
- Cotswolds and Central England
- Stonehenge & Wiltshire
This approach works well if you want a gradual build from coast to countryside.
Best for: East of England, quieter start
Harwich offers ferry connections to the Netherlands and provides a calmer alternative to Dover. Roads here are generally quieter, and it’s a good entry point if you want to avoid the South East’s busier routes.
From Harwich, you can head towards:
- East Anglia
- Central England
- The Midlands
- Northern England
Best for: Scotland-first itineraries
Ferries from northern Europe into Scotland (such as Newcastle or further north) are ideal if Scotland is your main focus and you want to avoid long UK drives altogether.

A Final Tip on Arrival Days

Wherever you arrive, the first day is rarely the time to cover big distances. Jet lag, unfamiliar roads, and information overload all add up.

A gentle first route — coastal roads, market towns, or a single overnight stop — makes the entire trip feel calmer. Many of our road trip guides are designed with this in mind, especially for overseas visitors arriving by air or ferry.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the UK?

There’s no single “perfect” time, but there are times that suit road trips better than others.

Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are often ideal. The days are long enough to explore, landscapes are at their best, and popular places feel calmer. Accommodation is easier to find, roads are quieter, and you’re less likely to feel rushed.

Summer (June–August) brings the warmest weather and festival atmosphere, but also school holidays, higher prices, and busy coastal routes. If you’re travelling in summer, planning quieter back roads and secondary regions becomes even more valuable.

Winter (November–March) can still work — especially for shorter, cosy trips — but daylight hours are short and some attractions operate reduced hours.

If Scotland is on your list, late spring and early autumn are particularly good for avoiding midges while still enjoying long days and dramatic scenery.

Driving on the Left: What to Expect (and How It Feels in Practice)

Driving on the left is often the thing people worry about most before a UK road trip — and in truth, the first few hours do feel a little unfamiliar. But almost everyone says the same thing afterwards: once you’ve done a handful of junctions and a couple of roundabouts, your brain adjusts surprisingly quickly.

The key is not to rush that first day. Starting with a short, gentle drive out of your arrival city or port gives you space to settle into the rhythm of UK roads without pressure. Country lanes, town centres and roundabouts all work slightly differently, but they’re also well signposted and designed to slow traffic down — which helps.

Roundabouts are everywhere, especially outside cities. The basic rule is simple: traffic already on the roundabout, approaching from your right, usually has priority. Take them steadily, follow the arrows, and don’t worry if it takes a moment to read the flow — that’s entirely normal.

Away from motorways, many of the most scenic roads are narrower than visitors expect. Coastal routes and rural lanes often involve slower speeds, passing places, and the occasional pause to let someone through. It’s all part of the experience — and often where the best views appear.

Before you set off, it’s worth checking that your driving licence is valid for use in the UK. Most overseas licences are accepted for short stays, though requirements vary by country. If you’re staying longer or hiring a larger vehicle, a quick check in advance avoids any surprises later.

Travelling the UK by campervan or motorhome is one of the most flexible ways to explore — but choosing the right vehicle matters far more than people expect. Roads can be narrow, villages compact, and distances deceptively slow, so a vehicle that feels perfect on paper doesn’t always suit the reality of UK driving.
Licences and eligibility: what most visitors need to know
The reassuring news is that most overseas visitors can hire and drive a standard campervan or motorhome using their existing driving licence. Issues tend to arise only with the largest vehicles — those with higher weight limits or extra axles — where licence recognition depends on your home country and the rental company’s policies.
Because requirements can vary, it’s always worth checking the licence criteria before you book, particularly if you’re considering a larger or more specialised vehicle.
Motorhome sizes: what they’re really like on UK roads
Rental fleets are usually grouped by size and layout, but how they feel on the road can be quite different.
- Compact campervans are the easiest to live with day to day. They’re less intimidating on narrow lanes, simpler to park, and ideal for couples or solo travellers who value agility over space.
- Mid-sized motorhomes strike a balance, offering more storage and comfort without feeling unwieldy. They suit small families or longer trips where indoor space matters.
- Large motorhomes offer generous living areas and facilities, but they require confidence on tight roads and a willingness to slow down in rural areas.
A few things to consider before you choose
Think about how you’ll actually travel, not just where you’ll sleep. Smaller vehicles make coastal lanes, historic towns and spontaneous detours far less stressful. Larger vans are comfortable once parked, but demand more attention behind the wheel.
Storage is another key factor. If you’re travelling with bikes, outdoor gear or bulky luggage, look for vehicles with proper garage space or external lockers. And finally, consider the season — heavier vehicles can feel steadier in windy conditions, while smaller vans are often easier to handle on twisty inland routes.
Rental inclusions vary widely, from mileage allowances to kitchen equipment and bedding, so it’s worth reading the details carefully and choosing insurance that matches how far and where you plan to travel.
Read our guide on hiring a campervan and find a hire partner to hire from. If you’re coming to the UK for a longer amount of time, you might consider buying a motorhome. There’s more information on fuel-efficient driving and sat navs for motorhomes too.
For many overseas visitors, hiring a car is the simplest and most flexible way to travel around the UK — particularly if you’re mixing cities, countryside and coastal routes. The road network is well developed, signage is clear, and rental options are widely available, especially around airports and major transport hubs.
Picking up and dropping off: flexibility to shape your route
Most international travellers collect a hire car at the airport when they arrive, which makes for a smooth transition from flight to road. UK airports typically have a wide choice of rental companies on site, and vehicles are set up for left-hand driving as standard.
One of the advantages of hiring in the UK is the option for one-way rentals. Many companies allow you to pick up the car in one location and return it elsewhere — useful if your road trip starts in London and finishes in Edinburgh, or if you’re combining regions without wanting to retrace your steps. This flexibility often makes longer, linear routes far more enjoyable.
Choosing the right car for UK roads
UK roads vary enormously. Motorways are straightforward, but once you move into rural areas, lanes narrow quickly and parking spaces can be compact — especially in historic towns and villages.
- Small and mid-size cars are often the easiest option for UK travel. They’re simpler to manoeuvre on narrow roads, easier to park, and usually more fuel-efficient.
- Larger cars or SUVs offer extra comfort and luggage space, but can feel bulky on country lanes or in older town centres.
If you’re planning scenic back roads, village stops and coastal routes, choosing something slightly smaller than you’re used to often makes the experience more relaxed.
Licences, insurance and practical details
Most overseas driving licences are accepted for short-term car hire in the UK, though requirements vary by country. It’s worth checking licence acceptance and insurance terms in advance, particularly if you’re staying longer or travelling with multiple drivers.
Rental agreements also differ in what’s included. Pay attention to mileage limits, fuel policies, excess charges and insurance cover — especially if you’re planning longer distances or remote routes. Adding a little extra cover can remove a lot of stress when navigating unfamiliar roads.
A final thought on pace
A hire car gives you freedom, but the UK rewards slower travel. Shorter driving days leave room for detours, local stops and the unexpected moments that often become highlights. Planning your route with realistic distances — and choosing a car that feels comfortable rather than oversized — makes all the difference.
Read more on hiring a car for your road trip here.

Driving on the Left: What to Expect (and How It Feels in Practice)

Travelling the UK by Train: Rail Networks, Passes & When It Makes Sense

The UK’s rail network is one of the easiest ways to cover long distances quickly, particularly if you’re arriving from overseas and want to avoid driving straight away. Trains connect most major cities, historic towns and regional hubs, making rail travel a relaxed and scenic way to move between regions before picking up a car or campervan.

For many visitors, the best approach is a rail-and-road combination: use trains for the big jumps, then switch to a hire car or campervan for exploring coastlines, countryside and smaller places trains don’t reach.

A calm, flexible way to travel

One of the pleasures of the UK rail network is how it slows things down just enough. You can read, watch the landscape change through the window, and arrive rested rather than road-weary. Used well, trains become part of the journey rather than just a way to get somewhere.

Travelling the UK by Train: Rail Networks, Passes & When It Makes Sense

UK trains are operated by several regional companies, but tickets, timetables and seat reservations are integrated through national booking systems. You don’t need to understand who runs which line — you simply book the journey and turn up.
Trains are generally fast, frequent and comfortable between cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, York, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Services become less frequent in rural areas, which is where hiring a vehicle often makes more sense.
If you’re travelling by train more than once, a railcard can quickly pay for itself.
Some of the most useful options include:
- Two Together Railcard – ideal for couples travelling together throughout the trip.
- Family & Friends Railcard – good value for families, including children.
- Senior Railcard – available to travellers aged 60+, regardless of nationality.
- BritRail Pass – designed specifically for overseas visitors, offering flexible, multi-day rail travel across the UK.
Most railcards offer around one-third off ticket prices, and they’re usually valid across multiple train companies.
Train travel is particularly effective when:
- Arriving in the UK and travelling from the airport into a major city.
- Covering long distances between regions (for example, London to York or Edinburgh).
- Visiting historic cities where parking is limited or unnecessary.
- Combining rail travel with walking holidays or short stays before collecting a vehicle.
For city-based exploration or point-to-point journeys, trains can be less tiring than driving and allow you to enjoy the scenery without concentrating on the road.
Once you want to explore:
- Rural villages
- National parks
- Coastal routes
- Scenic back roads
…train travel becomes more restrictive. Timetables thin out, connections take longer, and you may miss the flexibility that makes a road trip special. This is often the point where travellers switch from rail to road.

Where to Go in the UK (and How to See More Than the Obvious)

Most overseas visitors arrive with a shortlist already in mind: the Cotswolds, the Lake District, Edinburgh, Cornwall, Snowdonia. These places are popular for a reason — but the UK really comes alive when you bolt something quieter onto the edges.

Instead of treating regions as stand-alone destinations, think in arcs and add-ons.

England’s South & West: Classics With Depth

If you’re heading for the Cotswolds, consider extending the trip south and west rather than looping back. Pairing classic villages with Stonehenge, Wiltshire landscapes and the Malvern Hills gives you contrast — market towns, ancient sites, orchards and quieter roads — without adding long drives. Our Western Shires Explorer bundles these guide for £21.99 - Classic Cotswolds + Stonehenge & Wiltshire + Malvern Hills, Vale & Herefordshire’s Black & White Trail

Arriving via Dover or the Channel ports? Before heading inland, it’s worth slowing down along the coast. See dramatic cliffs, historic towns and gentler entry into England before turning west or north. Our South East Heritage Coast bundle includes Sussex Heritage Coast and Kent Coast for £16.99.

Wales Countryside, Coast and Heritage

If you’re heading towards Wales, the borderlands are an easy way to add some of the UK’s most overlooked scenery. This region naturally blends English market towns with Welsh landscapes and heritage, making it a great starting point for a wider journey.

The Welsh Borders & West Wonders Bundle (£16.99) combines the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with Wales’s West Coast, pairing rivers and woodland with dramatic coastal scenery — all within manageable driving distances. If Wales is already on your radar, mixing inland routes with the coast creates a more varied trip. Alternatively, Welsh Borders & Mountains Bundle (£16.99) links the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley with the Cambrian Way for a more inland, mountainous route.

Northern England & Scotland: Go Beyond the Headliners

Visitors heading for the Lake District often stick to the national park itself, but some of the most rewarding drives lie just beyond. The West Coast Horizons Bundle (£19.99) links the Cumbria Coastal Route, West Coast of Scotland and Isle of Skye, offering a natural journey north that swaps busy centres for open coastline and islands.

Flying into Edinburgh? Rather than heading straight for the Highlands, Borders & Beyond: An England–Scotland Adventure Bundle (£19.99) combines York & North York Moors, Northumberland Castles & Coast, and the Scottish Borders, adding history, space and a gentler transition into Scotland.

If you’re continuing all the way to the far north, Highlands & Islands Bundle (£19.99) brings together the North Coast of Scotland, West Coast of Scotland and Isle of Skye for a full coastal journey.

Memberships That Can Make Travel Easier (and Cheaper)

If your route includes castles, stately homes or historic sites, heritage memberships can quickly pay for themselves — especially for overseas visitors.

Organisations such as English Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, Cadw and the National Trust all offer options that work well for short stays, including passes aimed specifically at visitors from abroad.

Similarly, if you’re touring in a campervan or motorhome, temporary or overseas memberships with UK camping clubs can make finding and booking campsites far simpler — particularly in peak season.

Whether these memberships are worthwhile depends entirely on how you’re travelling, and how many you are likely to visit. Check out our Heritage Club Memberships page for more information.

Memberships That Can Make Travel Easier (and Cheaper)

The Small Things That Make a Big Difference

Two areas consistently trip people up on longer UK road trips: packing and food.

Knowing what to pack — and just as importantly, what not to — makes living out of a vehicle far more comfortable. Likewise, having a plan for simple, road-friendly meals avoids last-minute supermarket stress and expensive takeaways.

If you’re travelling with limited space, these two guides are worth reading early:

Planning Help, When You’re Ready

If you want to take the guesswork out of planning, our road trip guides are designed to slot together — whether you’re visiting for a week or building a longer journey across regions. Browse our destinations here and see how the guides work.

FAQs

t depends on where you’re travelling from and how long you plan to stay. Many visitors can enter the UK for up to six months as a tourist, but some nationalities need to apply in advance. New rules also mean some travellers now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) even if they didn’t previously need a visa. It’s worth checking early, as entry requirements can change.
It can feel unfamiliar at first — especially driving on the left — but most visitors adapt more quickly than they expect. The first day is usually the trickiest, particularly around roundabouts and narrow roads. After that, it becomes second nature. Taking a shorter first drive and allowing extra time helps ease the transition.
There’s no single right answer — it depends on how you want to travel. A car or campervan offers freedom, flexibility and access to rural areas, while trains are excellent for linking cities and historic towns. Many visitors mix the two: trains for arrival and departure, then a hire car or campervan for the road-trip part.
London Heathrow and Gatwick are the most common entry points, but they’re not the only good options. Manchester works well for northern England and Wales, while Edinburgh is ideal for Scotland and the Borders. Choosing your arrival airport based on where you want to explore can save time and unnecessary driving.
Late spring and early autumn are often the sweet spot — longer days, fewer crowds and gentler weather. Summer offers warmth and festivals but comes with busier roads and higher prices. Winter is quieter and atmospheric, especially in cities and countryside retreats, but daylight is shorter and some attractions reduce hours.
They can be surprisingly good value if you plan to visit historic sites. Some organisations offer passes specifically for overseas visitors, giving access to castles, gardens and historic houses across England, Wales and Scotland. If history features heavily in your itinerary, a pass can quickly pay for itself.
Distances look short on a map, but journey times can be longer than expected — especially on rural roads or scenic coastal routes. The upside is that those slower roads often lead to the most memorable places. Build in breathing space, allow for unplanned stops, and let the journey be part of the experience.