Travelling to the UK can be an exciting experience, as it is a place filled with historical places and landmarks that will leave you feeling enriched. However, it can also be a stressful time getting around the bustling cities, especially London. That’s why it’s important to learn how to properly travel around the UK with the minimum hassle.
When going to the UK, you should gather a clear understanding of the best travel methods and parking areas you should use for the ultimate experience. We will explore all of this throughout this article, as we try to help you make the most form your UK travel journey.
Continue reading to find out more about the best UK travel options that will stop you from losing your mind.
The Best UK Travelling Methods
There are so many travel methods that you can try out while journeying through the UK, with each of them having different benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the best travel methods and when the best time is to utilise them:
Train
If you want to travel the furthest distance in the shortest time, the train will be your best friend. However, it can be the most expensive. There is always the fear of trains getting cancelled or delayed, but 79% run on time so the chances of your train being late are slim.
It is recommended to avoid travelling on the train during the times of 06:30 to 09:30 and 15:30 to 18:30, as these are rush hour times with a lot of people starting and finishing work. Tourists who are travelling to the UK for a vacation should aim to avoid areas that are too crowded and using packed transport options can be stressful.
Car
Travelling to the UK by car is the most popular and convenient method, as it’s quick, cost-effective and stress-free. Journeying through the countryside and areas with less traffic can be a truly pleasant experience, especially for tourists who might not have had that experience before. It gives you the ultimate freedom to explore diverse landscapes, towns and the hidden gems of Southern England.
However, if you are travelling and exploring a major city like London or Manchester, using your car might not be the best option as traffic levels will be high.
Bicycle
Cycling is a great way to travel in the UK, as not only can you get from A to B in a relatively short time but it is also a very eco-friendly way of travelling. Not to mention, you can also get in a good amount of exercise as you traverse the UK landscapes. This is the best way to travel through bustling cities, as London has hundreds of cycle lanes that promote positive cycling travel.
Major cities also have an abundance of hireable bicycles and scooters dotted around to help with traversing the city centres. The bikes can be hired on a Pay As You Ride (PAYR) basis and cost 50 pence for an initial hire and 5 pence per minute.
Read: Top Five Travel Tips I Learned the Hard Way
The Best UK Parking Areas
There are good parking options available throughout the UK that will optimise your travel experience. From car parks to street parking to private garages, you can always find a good place to park, no matter where you are. Let’s explore each option:
Street Parking
Street parking is often free, depending on where you park. Terrace house streets will often have free parking to help residents who live there, but they can also be used by tourists who are visiting a specific area. There are also pay and display bays where you can park on a street for a small price and for several hours if need be.
Each city and town will have different rules and regulations for street parking, so it’s important to research the area you are travelling to so that you know where you can park.
Private Garages
When travelling to the UK, you might not consider the possibility of using private garages to park. However, there are many private garages available for rent around the UK that tourists can use while they’re on their travels. This will be particularly helpful if you are staying in a place for a decent amount of time.
Car Parks
There are around 20,000 car parks in the UK and it is the most popular form of safe and secure parking. The main benefit of using a car park is that they’re all equipped with CCTV and ticketing systems to prevent criminals from stealing vehicles.
Car parks have been getting a lot more developments lately, with Victoria Car Park in Leeds being one of the better-known car parks that have incorporated excellent new changes. They have added many more spaces, as they now have over 800 regular bays, as well as bays for disabled individuals and electric vehicles.
