Here’s to discovering the charm of the British Isles on your own terms.

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If you are here, that means you are likely planning your solo travel to the United Kingdom. How exciting! The UK is such a delightful destination with a variety of things to see and do.

After living in England for 3 years and travelling all over the Isles, I have gathered a lot of tips and tricks that I have learned either by experience or from other amazing solo travellers.

In this article, you will find a full, comprehensive guide to solo travel in the UK.

Table of Contents:

A Solo Traveller’s Guide to UK Transportation
Best Places to Eat in the UK
Destinations in the UK for Solo Travellers
Accommodations for Solo Travellers in the UK
Is the UK Safe For Solo Female Travellers?
Packing Tips: A Solo Traveller’s Checklist for the UK

Transportation in the UK

I highly recommend using public transportation during your trip. Not only is it easily accessible but it is perfect for slow travel, being able to see the English countryside and enjoy the view from the train rather than focus on driving (if you’re from anywhere else, on the other side of the road as well).

GB has a robust public transportation system with the majority of the country connected by train. The cities and most towns have easy-to-navigate bus systems with numerous stops.

Tips & Tricks:

Trains leave on time. You will notice that there are several seemingly random times for trains to leave. 7:48, 17:12, etc. Unless you receive notice that it will be late, they will leave down to the minute. So, make sure to be on the platform, ready to board your train and prepare for departure.

Take note that the train will not stop for more than a couple of minutes at the most (unless you are at a major station). Each stop is quick. Be ready for when you need to get off.

Get the Trainline app!! Seriously, this is the best app for organising trips, finding the best prices, and even buying the tickets.

Get the Trainline app here.

Buses. When you are at the bus stop and see the bus driving up, you need to indicate you intend to get on it. This is done by sticking out your hand/arm like you are hailing a taxi - but you don’t have to wave. Just stick it out and the driver will stop.

When you are nearing your stop, you will find a button on mostly every seat. Push that to let the driver know you will be getting off.

I remember being nervous when I first started using buses in England. If this is also you, try to watch what other people are doing. It feels easier after you have seen it done before. But don’t worry, you got this.

Ubers/Cabs. Public transportation will be able to get you almost anywhere in England but every once in a while you might find yourself needing to grab an Uber or cab.

Tip: Use Uber as much as you can. If you are in a rural area, however, you might not have any drivers in your area. Try popping into the local pub and asking for the best taxi company in town. They will usually have the number available for you to use.

Places to Eat in the UK

My favourite subject.

Pubs are a must. Even if you don’t drink, find yourself a cosy, local pub, order a gorgeous dinner, and enjoy the warm atmosphere.

I suggest doing your research before hand and finding the best pub in the area that meets your needs and desires as there are many types. You’ll find some are catered to families, very wholesome. Others might be considered the local sports pub. You might find some that are a mix of everything.

There is one pub in Leeds that transforms from a family pub during the day to full-on club at 8PM…with disco lights and everything.

Do your research, and fall in love with pub culture.

Fish and chips. As you are probably aware, the UK is known for fish and chips. This is another one where a good ol’ Google search comes in handy.

And also ask the locals: “What is the best chippie in the area?” I guarantee, this will lead you to some of the best and quirky places.

Also, if you find yourself at the seaside, fish and chips are absolutely must while you are there but be aware of the seagulls. Don’t make the mistake of thinking they are too timid to steal your chips…those little snots will steal a chip right out of your hand. Trust me, this is from personal experience.

Takeaway and food delivery services. Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of a long day of adventure and just want to relax in your airbnb or hotel room, check out these services! I love a good takeaway!

My go-to takeaway order? Salt & Pepper Chicken and Chips with prawn crackers on the side. Lovely.

Meal Deals. If you are on-the-go or just looking for an easy solo meal idea, check out the meal deals in any grocery store.

My favourites are Tescos or Morrisons, but anywhere will do. You can get a main, side, and a drink for a better price than buying them separate. You’ll usually find the meal deal section at the front of the store.

This is honestly perfect for solo travellers.

Where to go as a solo traveler in the UK

Check out more places to visit in Northern England here: North England

Accommodations for solo travelers in the UK

Hostels. If you are travelling the UK on a budget or simply want to find communal style accommodations, check out the YHA’s that are spread across the UK.

In my experience, they have been clean, accommodating, and easy to get to. Plus, most of the YHA’s are in unique buildings throughout the UK like the one in Whitby which is in the Abbey’s courtyard and on the cliffside. Or the one in Ambleside in the Lake District which is right on Lake Windermere and features a lakeview restaurant.

Check out hostels in the UK here: Hostelworld

Hotels. If you are looking for a hotel in the UK, I recommend checking out Booking.com. You’ll be able to find the best deals and see all of the reviews. In fact, there is a setting where you can see the top hotels that are recommended by solo travellers.

Check out hotels in the UK here: Booking.com

Airbnbs/VRBO. Holiday or vacation homes in the UK are probably the most expensive option, depending on the area and how long you plan to stay. I have had amazing experiences with holiday homes in England and Scotland, the hosts were extremely accommodating and gave the best recommendations.

Check out holiday homes in the UK here: VRBO.com

Is it Safe for Solo Female Travelers in the UK?

I would recommend the UK for solo female travellers all day, everyday.

As a solo female traveller myself, I consider multiple things when discussing whether a destination is a safe place to visit solo or not. Public transportation, walkability, crime rates, if activities are easily accessible and protected are all taken into consideration.

At the same time, a lot of my metrics are heavily based on my intuition: the general feeling I had while travelling and if I would do it again.

However, it needs to be said that women need to be very aware and careful just as they would in any other part of the world. I don’t recommend walking around dark streets in the middle of the night. Rather, find lit and central areas to be in.

Of course, it is always a good idea to do thorough research before you travel anywhere as a solo female traveller. I recommend checking out these resources as you prepare for your trip to the UK:

Packing Tips for Solo Trip to UK

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: British weather.

As you probably guessed, it will rain. I promise you, it will rain.

Of course, if you visit GB during the summer, you will probably experience the most lovely, sunny days that will feel like magic. But you will also have at least one day of rain and you need to be prepared regardless.

One thing I learned while living in England is that rain doesn’t necessarily ruin plans. You just have to be prepared and well kitted out.

Here are some recommendations as you are packing for your trip:

Waterproofs. I recommend getting both a jacket (with a hood!) and trousers that are waterproof. It helps keep you warm and dry when you are walking or hiking in the rain and I even wear them if I am exploring the city. I know they don’t always look aesthetic but I promise you being drenched is never a great look, no matter what you are wearing.
Waterproof shoes. Get some good ones. Same concept, no one is happy when they have wet feet.
Umbrella. Buy one when you get there. Umbrellas in the UK are built to withstand UK weather.
Merino wool socks. They dry quickly and are warm enough to keep your toes warm.
Layers. Because GB’s weather is so unpredictable, it is important to stay flexible. Layers are the best way to prepare for this. Pack a tank top, a short sleeve, a long sleeve, and a jacket. If it is freezing one day, layer up! If it is warm the next, you still have options.
If all else fails, check out the charity shops! You don’t have to buy new things in your home country to accommodate your trip to the UK. Once you get there, pop into the local charity shop and I’m sure you’ll find the best things for your trip.

A Guide to Solo Travel in the UK