Did you know that in the UK you are never more than 70 miles from the sea? Britain may be small, but it certainly packs an impressive punch, and one such bonus is that nowhere is more than a stone's throw away. Especially when it comes to London, which is a great starting point for any UK…
Nothing transports you to a whole other world quite like a good book, and while we fully appreciate getting totally and utterly lost in the chapters of a new page-turner, nothing beats revisiting some of the classics from our childhood (although we unashamedly re-read a fair number of the…
Spring might just be our favourite season here at Original Travel UK and if the prospect of wonderfully warm days spent strolling through daffodil-scattered parks and delicious seasonal menus don't make you love Britain in the spring, the start of 'The Season' should sway you. This is the…
Known as the Emerald Isle with plenty of good craic, Ireland packs a memorable punch. Whether it's the wild and windswept beaches, the famous local hospitality (their 'gift of the gab' is second to none), or the country's rich history dating back thousands of years - Ireland has plenty more…
If you asked us who our favourite British people are - real or fictitious - we'd have to say The Queen (obviously), JK Rowling (for giving us Harry Potter) and James Bond. The super suave Secret Service agent has been keeping our country safe since 1953, when Ian Fleming wrote the first Bond…
Sunday mornings and laid-back bookshop browsing are a match made in heaven and sprinkled across London are a wealth of options. From Hogwarts-like haunts with wood-panelled walls to quirky hideaways with colourful shelves, and; brightly-lit modern fiction meccas to stacks of books just for…
While many of our country's finest landmarks are above, well, land, there is a whole world to be discovered beneath the surface of the UK & Ireland. Some of our quirkiest, most off-beat and (dare we say it) secret experiences happen beneath where the crowds of tourists roam, and offer…
Experience a quintessential English summer in the south-west of England, from enjoying a game of cricket on the beach to Pimm's-fuelled picnics with cucumber sandwiches in rolling green meadows, and enjoying strawberries and clotted cream as you watch the world go by in quaint seaside towns.…
Spring is a wonderful time of year filled with flowers in full bloom, frolicking lambs and copious chocolate eggs - the perfect prelude to the British summer season ahead. And at Original Travel UK, we just so happen to believe (with no bias whatsoever) that there's nowhere more beautiful in…
London is synonymous with Big Ben, the royal family, the Tube… in fact the list is endless and whether you're a foodie, an art lover, a history buff or a devout royalist, we have the inside track on the very best experiences for a truly memorable trip to London. But where to start? Well,…
Here at Original Travel UK, we understand that travelling as a group can be tricky. That's why we're here. As your creative travel advisors we take the trouble out of group-vacation planning across the UK and Ireland. Whether you're a large family or a group of friends celebrating a special…
Here at Original Travel UK we've got a fantastic selection of properties up our sleeves that can be exclusively hired out for clients, whether for a special event such as a wedding or just for a big multi-generational family holiday. Whatever the occasion, we've got luxury properties up and…
Happy New Year from across the pond! Here at Original Travel UK we're choosing to cast aside any January blues and instead look straight to the year ahead - there are so many exciting experiences coming to the UK and Ireland for 2019. We are continually adding new and off-the-beaten-track…
As another year draws to a close and we start to look to the year ahead, we've been reflecting on some of the amazing destinations we've visited this year, and some of the best experiences we've had within said destinations. We've made it our mission to scout out the hottest, most unique…
Letitia and I recently returned from a whistle-stop tour of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, taking in historic sites and beautiful views, while indulging in plenty of delicious food. We landed in Inverness and enjoyed what has to be the quickest departure from plane to vehicle I've ever…
During two days in the beautiful countryside of North Wales, Rita fell in love with the lush scenery, friendly locals and, of course, the delicious Welsh cakes. Read on to hear more about what she got up to on her adventures.
It's an evening of celebration all around the world, reminiscing on the year just gone while toasting to the brand new year ahead. Whether you're looking to start 2019 with a bang or would rather a more relaxed and intimate affair, here at Original Travel UK we can organise a…
From the delicious seasonal food and drink that you've been waiting for since January to Michael Bublé playing on repeat and twinkling lights brightening the dark, snowy nights, Christmas really is a magical time of year. And here at Original Travel UK, we have the inside track on all of the…
Whether visiting the iconic sights of Trinity College and Dublin Castle, or enjoying a pint (or three) at one of the many pubs dotted around the city, there is plenty to do in the bustling city of Dublin. Modern developments sit alongside Georgian architecture and cobbled streets, creating a…
Spending time abroad over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend doesn't mean you have to compromise a traditional American celebration. Hop across the pond and add a unique British or Irish twist to this year's proceedings for a truly memorable Thanksgiving. Here at Original Travel UK we have the…
There is a lot to soak up in London and at times it may seem overwhelming; even the savviest of Londoners won't have discovered half of the city's hidden gems. But on a recent trip, myself and the rest of the OTUK team certainly gave it our best shot. Our instructions were simply to meet at…
With Halloween fast approaching, our innovative and supernatural team at Original Travel UK are here to treat (not trick) you with the ultimate spook-tacular experiences throughout the UK and Ireland. As your local experts, we cater to all ghosts, group sizes, ages, private clients, special…
It takes just over four hours on a fast train from London to arrive in the heart of Edinburgh, making the city perfect for a weekend break. The historic alleyways and traditional architecture amidst the contemporary buzz of culture-seekers and fascinating locals are a wonderful combination.…
We don't know about you but all of these Royal weddings are starting to make us at Original Travel UK feel rather romantic. With the upcoming wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank on the 12th of October at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, we're catching a second round of Royal…
Finding the perfect balance of culture and fun that will keep both children and parents entertained for an entire weekend can be a challenge, but that is where OTUK come in. We have years of experience of putting together family-friendly itineraries across the UK which aim to do just that.…
We've just come to the end of Afternoon Tea Week here in the UK, so we thought it was only right to share our favourite places around the UK to enjoy this famous British tradition. As big foodies here at OTUK, we are in full support of enjoying an entire meal between lunch and dinner,…
This autumn, Original Travel UK is excited to host an agent familiarisation trip around the idyllic English countryside including The Cotswolds, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and the fascinating cities of Bath and Oxford. While touring with some of our local expert guides, we're excited to…
Although the current heatwave has turned many of our favourite green spaces in London rather yellowy-brown in colour, it no doubt won't be long until the rain once again falls and returns them to their usual deep green. Meanwhile, they still provide the perfect escape from the bustle and…
Here at Original Travel UK we love nothing more than putting our feet up, cup of tea in hand, and settling in for an evening watching our favourite TV shows and films. While admittedly the US may trump us (no pun intended) with Hollywood, the UK is lucky enough to play host to a selection of…
With the huge success of recent films such as The Darkest Hour and Dunkirk, it's not hard to understand why our fascination with British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill has grown exponentially. For any Churchill enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of our former Prime Minister,…
As a very family-friendly team, we understand the importance of keeping your little ones entertained and engaged while away on holiday. We also understand that family holidays should be as much fun for the parents as they are for the children, whatever age they may be. That's why over the…
If you only have a short amount of time to spend in Edinburgh, like I did on a recent trip to the lovely capital of the north, do not fear! There are still plenty of things you can cram into a whistle stop tour of the city. Here are my top five suggestions of what to do when in Scotland's…
With the Football World Cup football in full swing (#bringithome), the tennis at Wimbledon beginning yesterday, and the sun shining across the UK, we are feeling rather sporty here at OTUK. And whilst watching matches on the television with a nice cup of tea is always fun, nothing beats…
We all know that slightly smug feeling of having discovered something new, be it an experience or a place. Whilst the UK may not be considered an 'off the beaten track' destination, there is so much more than meets the eye - especially if you have previously focused your trips in London.…
All three gardens are from the 'Arts and Crafts' era (Late 1800s and early 1900s) which was one of the most influential, profound and far-reaching design movements of modern times beginning in Britain around 1880 and quickly spreading across America and Europe. 'Arts and Crafts' was a…
Caroline has been specialising in facilitating garden visits and tours in the UK for 30 years. She is a keen amateur gardener and enjoys visiting gardens whenever she can. She has an exceptional black book of garden owners and head gardeners and has a great expertise of the best gardens to…
The hottest date in the British calendar takes place tomorrow, with glamorous American actress Meghan Markle marrying HRH Prince Harry. The bets are on over what she will wear, who will walk her down the aisle and whether Elton John is really playing at the reception. Whether you are in…
As a very family-friendly team we understand the pressure of keeping small people entertained and engaged whilst maintaining the integrity of the experience for the whole family! As the summer months approach we wanted to share a few of our favourite child-friendly activities in London and…
When designing a trip around Scotland with the main focus being whisky, it's worth remembering that the first question we ask is - what is your taste? The flavour of a whisky is influenced by the local water source in each area, so we of course want to put together distillery tours which…
Our inspiration for Easter & beyond. Read our top ten places to visit across the UK & Ireland this spring, with your family.
Here at Original Travel UK we really believe Ireland is a destination all about the locals. Their hospitality and humour, not to mention their 'gift of the gab' is second to none and is a key reason why we see visitors returning again and again to this small island.
With Christmas firmly committed to a distant memory, our New Year's resolutions severely broken and winter drawing to a close - we are looking forward to the start of spring. Springtime in the British Isles brings the beautiful sight of blooming English gardens, baby lambs frolicking in…
London is without a doubt one of the most romantic cities on earth - what ever gets your pulse racing and heart pumping you are sure to find it in our capital, whether its good food, beautiful views, historical buildings or beautiful parklands. Read on for our eight most romantic things to…
As the famed saying goes 'the early bird catches the worm' and whilst we are normally huge fans of a spot of spontaneous travelling, when it comes to some of our favourite experiences across the UK, it is true that said early bird really does get the best access, seats and hospitality…
Whether your idea of romance is hiking to a beautiful vista, curling up in front of a fire or exploring the stories behind a historic castle, the UK is not short of romantic spots to spend with your loved one. Here are a selection of our favourite romantic spots across the British Isles:
We can assist with luxury vehicle transfers, local guides who are experts in their field and stylish accommodation across the British Isles. Most importantly of all, our little black book of contacts means we can open doors our competitors don't even know exist. For exclusive and behind the…
Late in 2017 I spent a couple of days visiting Belfast and Dublin to continue our knowledge and expertise of these wonderful cities. Located only an hour a part, they make for the perfect city break combo filled with culture, craic and a pint or two of the blackstuff.
With series two of the The Crown arriving on our screens and the recently announced Royal engagement, we have serious monarchy madness here at Original Travel UK. Whilst we can't guarantee an invitation to the wedding of the year, there are many opportunities to explore the Palaces and the…
The Cotswolds are filled with chocolate-box villages and conjure up images of a more traditional time gone by. A hugely popular destination for tourists and locals alike it is a well-known and well-documented region of England. However, we were keen to see some of the hidden gems and…
Scotland is somewhere I thought I knew well, I have visited countless times in the past and was sure I had soaked up all the key sights. That is until I co-hosted a Rebecca Recommends trip with nine lovely American travel agents (almost all of who had never visited before.) Experiencing…
The UK's horrible histories are not just for Halloween; with spine-chilling sites, creepy castles and eerie experiences across the country, we are sure to get you into the 'spirit' of things with the spookiest tours that can be enjoyed year round.
Whilst all our trips are completely bespoke, we do have certain experiences which prove most popular with families, couples and groups! Here below is a (small) selection of our best experiences across the UK & Ireland.
To quote Princess Anne 'sailing on a sunny day in Scotland is the nearest thing to heaven anyone will ever get on this earth…' and I couldn't say it better myself. Scotland has some of the best scenery and wildlife in the world and I was lucky enough to experience it all… by sea.
Without trying to come over all Game Of Thrones; Winter is Coming... But luckily for you your dedicated UK & Irish experts have rounded up the best of the best for holidays over Christmas. Whether you are looking for an exclusive-use property to celebrate with your loved ones, a hotel…
Enjoying a half day with an accredited guide is the perfect way to begin your holiday, wherever you are visiting. Wander through the local area and get your bearings as you explore quaint corners and undiscovered gems - learn how to 'live like a local' with fascinating tales and histories…
Whoever said 'failure to prepare is preparation for failure' clearly never experienced the thrill of being spontaneous. While it's all very commendable to plan things months and years in advance, sometimes it's just wonderfully liberating to make a snap decision. Never more so than with…
Guy Ritchie's new film, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword has its anticipated release this week and whether it's a huge success or a box office flop, one thing is for sure, the rugged Scottish and English scenery where it was filmed will certainly get pulses racing. From the Isle of Skye in…
We think it is the people, their innate charm and their hospitality that sets Ireland apart as a destination to visit. Especially as the Emerald Isle has so much to offer for all ages and interests. Discover the literary tradition dating back thousands of years, try your hand at sports such…
The UK is alive with literary history, from Bronte to Beatrix Potter; England has produced an abundance of authors, books and characters loved across the world. This hugely important part of our heritage was often shaped by our beautiful, mystical and rugged landscapes that inspired many…
The Original Travel UK team are really looking forward to the year ahead, especially due to all the exciting openings and new excursions happening in 2017. After spending much of last year on research trips across England, Scotland & Ireland we have compiled a list of our favourite new…
Visit the UK & Ireland, with Original Travel UK, for exciting adventures and active experiences to suit all ages! Don't be fooled; the UK is not just about tea, crumpets and croquet on the lawn - let us show you our top picks for action-packed activities with a difference!
As the capital city of England we understand that London can be an expensive place to visit. Therefore the team at Original Travel UK want to share our top tips for making the most of your time in London whilst sticking to your budget.
Need to get away from it all? Look no further than our secluded spots, hidden havens and rural retreats perfect for any family, couple or group looking to get away from the crowds.
Whilst maintaining superlative service for all your guests over the past year, we have also made it our mission to scout out what's hot and what's not across the UK & Ireland. As we look to the year ahead, here are our favourite destinations that we visited in 2015 - we believe these…
It may be the coldest time of the year in London but let the festive spirit fill you with warmness. The Brits, although not having traditionally celebrated Thanksgiving, still love to extend a very warm welcome to all our friends across the pond and invite you to wonderful Thanksgiving…
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so get in the festive spirit with one of these family-friendly days out...
If any continent could claim to be hot right now - and we're not talking temperature here - it's Latin America. Peruvian cuisine and Mexican street food have taken London by storm, while two of the capital's most venerable cultural institutions also have Latino destinations as their flagship…
I believe that you don't have to venture half way around the world to experience something different. To prove it, here are my favourite cool, quirky boutique hotels in the UK...
So, you've got three fabulous days off and you're just not sure how to spend them? Look no further, we've come up with a list of top 5 things to do this Bank Holiday weekend, guaranteed to bring heaps of fun and excitement!...
Remember, remember the 5th of November. Here's our picks of the best firework displays and events to celebrate this years bonfire night...
There are so many fantastic attractions and events happening in the UK this Halloween. From spooky caves to gruesome tales, our favourite spots are guaranteed to provide your family with a BOO-tastic Halloween experience...
In honour of St George, patron Saint of England, we've hand picked some of the weird and wonderful English holidays which make England at times quirky but always memorable! Also, check out our Twitter feed (@OriginalTravel) to find out how you could win a glorious afternoon tea for two at…
Have you ever thought about a last minute Easter holiday with the family around our fair Isle? look no further than our fave four locations within a short bunny hop of our hubs:
Skyfall is set to be THE movie event of the year and in our homage to all things 007 here is a taster of our London offering for the Secret Agent in you.
Whilst enjoying an early summer (and holding our breath that it lasts), we've realised what a wealth of wonderful activities there are much closer to home. Here are a few UK activities and events happening during the summer holidays. Do let us know if there are any more you've spotted.
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