Travelling in the UK! Do you like ruggedly beautiful scenery and TV series filming locations? The UK has plenty to offer, whether you're interested in history, nature or popular culture.

Why travel to the UK?

The United Kingdom, also known as the UK or Great Britain, comprises the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland (Northern Ireland) and many smaller islands, in the western part of Europe. However, all our reports on Northern Ireland can be found under the heading Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Many people travel to the UK to visit the vibrant capital city of London. Other parts of the country that can be fascinating to visit include Scotland and Wales, among others.

Travel destinations in the UK - inspirational reading

Facts and info about United Kingdom

  • Capital city: London
  • Residents: Just over 68.3 million (2023)
  • Currency: British pound (GBP)
  • National Day: No official
  • Language: English
  • Religion: Christianity
  • Flag: The Union flag of the United Kingdom (often called the 'Union Jack') has the colours blue, red and white.
  • National anthem: God Save The Queen

Highest, longest and biggest

  • Highest point: The mountain Ben Nevis (1,345 metres above sea level)
  • Longest river: The River Severn
  • Biggest lake: Lough Neagh
  • Largest city: London (8.8 million inhabitants in the city and 14.9 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area)
  • Highest building: The Shard (309.6 metres)

Good to know about the United Kingdom

  • Emergency number: 112
  • Time difference: Sweden is 1 hour ahead of Great Britain.
  • El: You need an adaptor for Swedish electrical plugs to work in the UK.
  • Visa: As of spring 2025, Swedish citizens will need to apply in advance for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before entering the UK.

Travelling to the United Kingdom

  • Flight: You can fly direct to London from both Stockholm and Gothenburg, for example with British Airways, Ryanair and Norwegian.
  • Car or train: You can also reach the country by car or train, via the tunnel that runs between France and the UK.

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