The UK is a tricky one when it comes to holidays. This is a country notorious for high prices, especially in the capital London. It is also famous for cloudy, cold and rainy weather. So today I am going to help you plan the perfect trip to the UK which includes England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

Tip 1 – Choose the time of the year wisely

You want to visit when there is the best chance of good weather, but ideally also avoid school holidays. This way tourist attractions and the streets in general will be less crowded. The best time to visit the UK is June. This is the height of summer but just before the kids break up for their long summer holiday.

From November to March the weather is at its worst with grey skies most days and cold temperatures. The rest of the year can be hit and miss. The biggest surprise is that April actually seems to get less rainfall than other months, but be prepared for rain at anytime in the UK. The general rule is the farther north you go the colder it gets and the more chance of rain you will have.

Tip 2 – Choose accommodation carefully

My favorite way to see the UK is by staying in bed and breakfasts (large homes with a few rooms for rent) or self catering holiday cottages. It really depends on budget and whether I have time to plan ahead. If I do get time to plan ahead I browse for a holiday cottage online. If not I just check in to a local bed and breakfast (known locally as B’n’B), which usually works out cheaper too. These options are best for the countryside, in cities you are better off choosing a hotel.

If you are traveling with a family you can choose from low priced holiday parks such as Centre Parcs. Places like this are dotted all over the country and offer an all in one solution where you stay in a self catering cottage or caravan, but also have access to on-site restaurants and facilities. These are great for long weekends or short weeks. The alternative is to stay in a budget chain hotel like Premiere Inn, which offer very good value but no extras.

Tip 3 – See the most cosmopolitan city in the world

London is the capital and a massive multi-cultural city. It is brimming with life influenced from the whole world. Here you will find world class nightlife from the West End theatres, to stadium concerts, to chic nightclubs. You will find history and culture at Buckingham Palace, cathedrals, parks and museums.

You will also find thick crowds of people shopping on Oxford Street and cramming onto the Underground railway. The traffic is getting better but it is still a capital city, so don’t expect miracles. After a few days you will be ready to escape the city and see what else the UK has to offer. This part of your planning will depend on personal preference.