Why Visit The UK?

The UK is a top pick for Australian travellers thanks to its unique mix of iconic cities, rich history, diverse landscapes, and creative energy. Whether you're exploring London’s street markets, hiking in the Scottish Highlands, or catching live music in Manchester, there’s something for every kind of adventurer. With free museums, budget friendly transport, and no language barrier, it’s easy to explore and connect with others on the road. Add in global food, photogenic spots, and a buzzing youth culture, and the UK becomes more than just a trip — it’s an experience.

Build Your Itinerary

With so much to see developing your UK itinerary can be overwhelming. Fear not, Zoom is here to help! The United Kingdom consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - each country has unique features, histories and landscapes so we definitely recommend hitting up all 4 countries while you're there. 

BUT, you'll never have time to see it all, so here are our tip-top picks:

London - London isn’t just the capital — it’s the heartbeat of the UK. A global city that mixes historic landmarks with cutting-edge culture, London offers something for every traveller. You can spend the day exploring iconic sights like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace, then dive into edgy neighbourhoods like Camden, Shoreditch, or Brixton for street art, thrift shopping, and live music. The city’s world-class museums (many of them free!) and diverse food scene mean you’ll never be bored or hungry. Whether you're catching a West End show, chilling in Hyde Park, or grabbing a late-night bite in Soho, London delivers big-city energy with non-stop experiences. Plus, it’s super connected — making it the perfect base to explore the rest of the UK or hop over to Europe.

Edinburgh - Edinburgh is where history meets atmosphere. With its cobbled streets, medieval castles, and dramatic hills, this Scottish capital feels like stepping into a fantasy film — and it often is (hello, Harry Potter fans!). The Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline, while Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, gives you epic views after a quick hike. The Old Town is packed with hidden alleys, quirky shops, and cosy pubs, while the New Town brings Georgian elegance and cool cafés. During August, the city turns into a global stage with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival. It’s a walkable, photogenic, and creative city with strong indie vibes — ideal for solo explorers, history buffs, and anyone chasing a bit of magic.

Belfast - Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is one of the UK’s most underrated cities, full of gritty charm, creative energy, and deep history. It's the birthplace of the Titanic, and you can explore the full story at the impressive Titanic Belfast museum. The city has transformed in recent years, with street art tours, live music, and independent food spots giving it a fresh, edgy vibe. The Cathedral Quarter is packed with cool pubs, murals, and pop-up events, while the nearby Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones filming locations make for epic day trips. Belfast feels real and raw, perfect for travellers who want something different, authentic, and full of stories.

Cardiff - Cardiff might not be the first city that comes to mind, but it’s a hidden gem with major personality. As the capital of Wales, it’s small enough to explore easily but big enough to keep things interesting. Think castles in the city centre, a buzzing music and nightlife scene, and a proud Welsh culture that’s everywhere, from the language to the local food. Into sports? Cardiff’s stadiums come alive on match days, especially for rugby. Prefer chill vibes? Head to Cardiff Bay for waterside walks, cafés, and cool spots like the Wales Millennium Centre. It’s affordable, friendly, and full of character, ideal for travellers who want a laid-back city with lots to discover.

The Lake District - If you’re craving stunning nature and epic views, the Lake District is your go-to spot. Known for its glassy lakes, rolling hills, and charming villages, it’s perfect for hiking, kayaking, or just chilling with a killer view. It’s a total escape from city life — think fresh air, peaceful trails, and sunsets that look like postcards. Plus, it’s packed with cute cafés, quirky bookshops, and cosy pubs to recharge after your adventures. Whether you’re into outdoor sports or just want to soak in some serious natural beauty, the Lake District delivers all the vibes.

Budget Tips

Traveling on a tight budget? No worries: the UK is surprisingly friendly to savvy travellers who know where to look. Here’s how to stretch your dollars without missing out on the fun:

Transport Hacks

Get a 16-25 Railcard: This card slashes your train fares by a third and pays for itself in just a couple of trips. It’s a total game-changer for long-distance travel across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Book Early: Train and bus tickets get cheaper the earlier you book — some advance fares are super affordable if you lock in weeks ahead.

Use Megabus or National Express: These long-distance buses connect major cities for just a few pounds if you snag early deals.

City Travel Cards & Contactless: In London and other big cities, grab an Oyster card or use contactless payment to save on buses and tubes. Day passes can also help you travel unlimited for less.

Cheap Places To Stay

Hostels: The UK has some seriously cool hostels with social vibes, free events, and kitchen access so you can save by cooking your own meals. Websites like Hostelworld and HI Hostels are great for booking.

Budget Hotels & B&Bs: Look for deals on Booking.com or Airbnb, especially outside city centres. Sometimes a quick tram or bus ride can save you big bucks on accommodation.

Food and Drink

Supermarket Meal Deals: Big supermarkets like Tesco, M&S, and Boots offer “meal deals” — choose a sandwich/wrap, drink, and snack for just a few pounds. Perfect for on-the-go lunches.

Food Markets & Street Food: Markets like Borough Market in London or St. George’s Market in Belfast are goldmines for tasty, affordable eats. Plus, you get to try local flavours!

Cook Your Own Meals: If your hostel or Airbnb has a kitchen, hit the grocery store and whip up your own meals. It’s way cheaper and you can try cooking local ingredients.

Cheap Eats Apps: Download apps like Too Good To Go, which help you grab discounted food from restaurants and cafes to cut food waste — and costs!

Free and Low-Cost Attractions

Museums & Galleries: Many top museums in the UK are free (especially in London); think the British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, and more. Check opening hours and special exhibitions that might have small fees.

Parks & Public Spaces: The UK is packed with beautiful parks, gardens, and public art. Spend a day in Hyde Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, or the beaches of Cornwall without spending a dime.

Walking Tours: Free walking tours (tip-based) are an awesome way to explore cities and learn local stories without splurging. Look for these in London, Edinburgh, and Belfast.

Discount Cards & Apps: Some cities offer tourist discount cards (like the London Pass) that bundle attractions at a cheaper rate. Also, keep an eye on apps like Groupon or Wowcher for deals on experiences.

10 Quick Tips for UK Travel 

Tipping isn’t a big deal — usually 10% in restaurants if service isn’t included, but no pressure.

Look right, then left before crossing the street — cars drive on the left here!

Order your drinks at the bar — most pubs don’t do table service, so just grab your pint and find a spot.

Mind the gap — literally, on trains and tubes, watch your step when boarding.

Cash is not common — cards and contactless payments rule, but it’s handy to carry some pounds just in case.

Carry an umbrella or waterproof jacket — UK weather loves surprise showers, even in summer.

Pints are bigger than you think — a “pint” is 568ml, so pace yourself!

Say “please” and “thank you” — politeness goes a long way and Brits appreciate good manners.

Public transport can get busy during rush hour — try to avoid 7:30–9am and 4:30–6pm if you can.

WiFi isn’t always available everywhere — download offline maps and keep a local SIM or portable hotspot handy.

WHY BUY WITH ZOOM