First time in UK from Saudi Arabia.
Visiting the UK for the First Time from Saudi Arabia
Hello everyone! I’m planning my very first trip to the UK this April and will be traveling for 10-12 days. Since I’ve never ventured outside the GCC, I’m not familiar with the customs or travel tips for the UK. I’m looking for a comprehensive itinerary that goes beyond just London. Could anyone recommend some cities and attractions worth visiting? Additionally, I’d love tips on how to save money and time while traveling between destinations, choosing hotels, and using public transport. I’ve found that a lot of online information can be misleading, so any genuine advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Welcome to the UK! Your trip sounds exciting, and I’d love to help you plan it. Here’s a suggested itinerary along with some travel tips to make your experience enjoyable and budget-friendly.
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1-3: London
– Day 1: Arrive in London. Explore iconic sites like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the Borough Market for some local food.
– Day 2: Visit the British Museum (free entry), stroll through Covent Garden, and explore Soho and Chinatown.
– Day 3: Go to Buckingham Palace, visit Westminster Abbey, and enjoy the views from the London Eye.
Day 4: Oxford
– Take a train from London Paddington to Oxford (about 1 hour). Explore the university, visit the Ashmolean Museum, and take a stroll around the beautiful colleges.
Day 5: Bath
– Train from Oxford to Bath (about 1.5 hours). Visit the Roman Baths and the stunning Bath Abbey. Take a walk around the picturesque streets and enjoy the Georgian architecture.
Day 6: Cardiff
– Continue to Cardiff, the capital of Wales (about 1.5 hours by train from Bath). Explore Cardiff Castle and the waterfront at Cardiff Bay.
Day 7-8: Edinburgh
– Head to Edinburgh (about 5 hours from Cardiff, consider a morning train). Spend Day 7 exploring the Royal Mile and visit Edinburgh Castle. On Day 8, hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city.
Day 9: Glasgow or the Highlands
– You could spend a day in Glasgow (about 1 hour from Edinburgh) exploring its vibrant arts scene or take a day trip to the Highlands for breathtaking landscapes (you might need to book a guided tour for this).
Day 10: Return to London
– Return to London (about 4-5 hours by train), and if you have a bit of time, visit places you missed or do some last-minute shopping in areas like Oxford Street or Camden Market.
Tips for Saving Money & Time:
Consider getting a Railcard (if you’re eligible) for discounts on train fares or use the BritRail Pass for unlimited train travel across the UK.
Public Transport:
For other cities, check local public transportation options, as buses and trams can be more cost-effective than taxis.
Accommodation:
Consider staying in a central location in each city to minimize transport costs.
Food:
Shop at local supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury’s for affordable meals, or eat at local pubs for a true British experience without breaking the bank.
Attractions:
Final Thoughts:
Have a fantastic journey! If you have any specific questions or need more suggestions, feel free to ask!