Flights to United Kingdom, Book economy, business, first class

History comes alive in the UK

Book flights to the UK with Etihad and discover a destination of almost infinite variety.

This is a country where dynamic cities give way to rolling hills, where ancient landmarks rub shoulders with cutting-edge design.

A quartet of world-class capitals showcases the best of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

History surrounds you in the UK, whether it’s exploring one of the majestic castles, visiting the famous university cities of Oxford and Cambridge, or making a trip to mysterious Stonehenge.

Meanwhile, the legacies left by Romans, Tudors and Victorians alike live on in epic feats of engineering and eye-catching architecture.

Experience London’s heady mix of excitement and tradition, unearth culture and quirkiness in Edinburgh’s famous Old Town, or soak up spectacular scenery in the Yorkshire Dales, Scottish Highlands or along the dramatic Jurassic Coast.

Start your adventure in the United Kingdom by booking flights with Etihad Airways today.

What's the weather like in the UK?

Figures shown are for London.

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The UK’s biggest attractions tend to stay open throughout the year – apart from the festive season – and there are plenty of seasonal events to enjoy.

If you’re choosing when to visit the UK based on its weather, be warned – it’s famously unpredictable and can vary considerably across the country.

However, the summer months of June, July and August are usually the warmest in the UK, with temperatures often reaching 24°C and above. Just be sure to take a raincoat along with your sunscreen.

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) can bring both sunshine, and rainy spells. Winter (December to February) can get cold and snowy, especially outside the towns and cities.

Flying to the UK with Etihad

London (LHR)

England’s capital is one of the world’s most popular travel spots. Visit all the key landmarks, from the London Eye to Covent Garden, Big Ben to the British Museum. Known for its cultural diversity, you can feast your way around the city sampling cuisines from across the globe.

canal boats and bridge in castlefield manchester uk

Manchester (MAN)

Manchester sits pretty much at the centre of the UK and to many is considered the home of football, with two world-class teams and the country’s National Football Museum. The city has a rich musical heritage, with an enviable live music scene to show for it, while also serving as a gateway to the beautiful Lake District.

city hall of belfast northern ireland uk

Belfast (BHD)

Northern Ireland’s lively capital is known for its welcoming atmosphere and historic architecture. Home to the ornate Belfast Castle and fascinating Titanic Belfast attraction, the city is surrounded by natural beauty. Just over an hour outside Belfast you’ll find the incredible Giant’s Causeway.

Glasgow (GLA)

Scotland’s biggest city boasts stunning architecture, dynamic spirit and a vibrant arts community. Explore the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, the oldest museum in Scotland, and enjoy art, science and history exhibitions. Don’t miss the city’s lively music scene and catch a live show at one of the incredible venues dotted around the UNESCO City of Music.

Edinburgh (EDI)

Visit the historic capital city of Scotland and become immersed in the cobbled streets, stunning landmarks, and enchanting castles. Head down the Royal Mile and uncover the history of the fascinating Old Town area of the city or take a Harry Potter tour of the sites that inspired the famous books of the wizarding world.

Reasons to visit the UK

buckingham palace guards marching london uk

Experience London’s iconic attractions

London’s attractions are household names worldwide – and for good reason. Arrive early for a prime spot at the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace – the Queen’s official London residence.

The Tower of London is where you’ll find the dazzling Crown Jewels – be sure to get a photo with the friendly guards known as Beefeaters.

Enjoy street performances at Covent Garden and hop on the London Eye on the South Bank for a bird’s eye view of the city, including the nearby Houses of Parliament.

Depending on your mood you can relax amid the greenery of Hyde Park, or enjoy some serious retail therapy on bustling Oxford Street.

Discover historic York

Famed for its cobbled streets and Gothic Minster, York is a must-visit for a taste of old England.

Navigate the narrow lanes that twist and turn their way through the heart of the city. The most celebrated of these is the Shambles, where overhanging timber buildings date back to the 1300s.

The city itself is a treasure trove of tea shops, confectioners and boutiques – as well as home to cosy pubs and stylish restaurants.

Lose yourself among Scotland’s lochs

Loch Ness may be the most famous – not least thanks to a certain mythical monster – but there are more than 30,000 lochs to explore in Scotland.

Set against stunning backdrops of hillsides and emerald green forests, these lakes have an almost mystical air. It’s no surprise that they were used as settings for the Harry Potter films.

You can build an entire holiday around some of the largest lochs, such as Loch Lomond. Try your hand at water sports, hit the cycle paths, take a boat trip to seal-inhabited islands or simply enjoy a walk in the fresh Highland air.

Things to know before you fly to the UK

Weather

There’s a saying in the UK when it comes to weather that it’s possible to see all four seasons in one day. The weather is generally warmer the further south you go but it’s changeable across the country, so make sure you’re prepared.

Local currency

Pound sterling (GBP) is the currency used across the UK. Scotland and Northern Ireland also issue their own bank notes, which are not always accepted in other parts of the UK. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted.

Language

English is the predominant language across the UK. However, some residents of Wales and Scotland also speak Welsh and Gaelic respectively. Northern Ireland also has a couple of regional languages – Irish and Ulster Scots.

Plug outlet

Type G, three pin plugs are used across the UK. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency 50 Hz. In bathrooms there are often two pin outlets for shavers and electric toothbrushes.

Flying to the UK: FAQs

Do I need a visa to visit the UK?

The United Kingdom actively promotes and encourages tourism. Check the UK government website to find out if you need a visa for your trip. It will depend on your nationality, reason for travelling and the length of time you plan to spend in the UK.

How many days do you need to visit the UK?

With four countries to explore, the longer the better with a trip to the UK. If you’re looking to stay in one place, then a few days may be enough but to see more of the country then two weeks is more realistic.

Do I need to carry my passport in the UK?

You are not required to keep your passport on you in the UK. However, it’s a good idea to have some form of ID with you.

Why fly to the UK with Etihad?

Book flight tickets to the UK with Etihad and you will have the chance to shape your travelling experience.

Choose how you would like to check in, add extra baggage, or book your airport transfers online before you start your journey.

On every flight, you’ll be able to enjoy a complimentary inflight meal inspired by your destination and created using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Our cabin design is all about comfort, so whether you’re flying Economy, Business or First, you’ll be able to relax on your journey to the UK in a reclining seat with a fully adjustable headrest.

There are a number of upgrade options if you’re looking for extra legroom or more space to stretch out, while on long-haul flights you can get cosy with a pillow and blanket.

Our inflight entertainment system features thousands of hours of the latest movies, your favourite TV shows and great music, ensuring your journey flies by.

Where available, Business and First guests can enjoy complimentary access to our airport lounges, while Economy guests may be able to pay to use these facilities.

*Aircraft, cabins and services may vary by route and flight. You can check this when you search for your flight. This page was last updated Sept 2019.

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