Getting Around the UK

The main methods of travel around the UK are road, rail or by aeroplane. There are extensive road and rail networks throughtout and most regions have their own airport. 

Road

You can reach most places in the UK by road. London is the transport hub for the whole of the southern part of England. The jumping off point for the south coast, west country and the home countines is the M25. The M25 has a poor reputation and is prone to delays, road works and congestion. Depending on the time of day and time of year it is sometimes advisable to avoid this road if possible. However it is well signposted, simple to navigate and offers easy access to all the major motorway links to various part of the country. 

Useful websites for drivers:

The AA : For breakdown cover, travel advice, routes, or car insurance.

The RAC : Breakdown cover, routes, traffic news.

Sixt : Budget car and van rental.

Hertz : Nationwide car and van rental.

Thrifty : Budget car/van rental.

Trains

The train network in the UK has it's critic, it tends to be an expensive and sometimes unreliable service. However, in general it is an efficient and fast way to get around. Most rail links run from London, so you can reach most major cities from the main stations in the capital.

For all train information check out the following websites:

www.thetrainline.com

www.nationalrail.co.uk

www.scotrail.co.uk  

www.rail.co.uk

By Air

Air travel has really taken off in the UK in recent years, in many cases it is now easier and indeed cheaper to fly around the country than on go be rail. It is still usual to take the train for the shorter journeys but flying between London and Scotland,  the North or the West Country is now commonplace. In fact many business people regulary commute between the bigger cities. You can get very cheap deals on flights and you can fly anywhere in the UK in little more than an hour. Most region now have their own international airports.

For cheap flights within the UK check out these sites:

www.jet.com

www.lastminute.com

www.ebookers.com

www.easyjet.co.uk

www.ryanair.com

Other Useful Website

Railtrack
Offers travel information, and the ability to do a search on destination in order to create a timetable.

Travel Britain
A site that allows you to book tours by category as well as flights, eurorail passes and more.

UK Rail Travel
Provides information regarding all 26 of the private companies that operate the British rail service.