Learn English in the UK – and visit our top tourist destinations
9 July 2018


Lots of students want to come to the UK so that they can learn English and enjoy our heritage, history and culture too.

London is one of many amazing places in the UK – we have historic castles, grand houses, world-class museums and beautiful countryside, coast and cities almost everywhere.

The good news is that the UK is a small place with great transport links and friendly people everywhere. So students who choose to study English here can get the best education and the best experience, wherever their language centre is.

Where should students choose to study English in the UK if they want to travel?

Most places in the UK where you could study English have good road and rail connections, so students can choose the English language centre they like best.

But students who want to go away sightseeing every weekend might find it easier if they base themselves in a UK city or a larger town, which often have faster, more regular rail services, or find a centre close to an area they want to explore.

What are the top places to visit in the UK for English language students?

Last year, all of the UK's most visited Top Ten attractions were in London. Most of them were free museums and galleries. The next most popular attractions include Edinburgh Zoo and the city's museums, Chester Zoo, Stonehenge and major churches and gardens. See the full list.

Trip Advisor's top-rated attractions include Royal castles like Windsor (just outside London) and the Harry Potter experience, also just outside London. Get more ideas of places to visit.

There is more to the UK than tourist attractions. The four countries of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) have very different cultures and traditions. Also, people have settled in the UK from all over the world, so you might find some places with lots of restaurants, shops and people from different cultures. There are also big gay communities in Brighton and Manchester.

Many English Language teaching centres are in places that tourists like to visit, such as Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Canterbury. Find accredited English Language Teaching Centres

What do English Language students need to know about the UK transport system?

Most main railway lines go out from London to the cities in England, Scotland and Wales, although there are also lines going across London, along the coasts, and joining other towns and cities. See national rail maps

For students who want to drive in the UK, motorways and main roads cover most places but roads can be very busy at rush hours also go out from London, and link the UK's cities and major towns. Plan your UK route

Saving money on travel for English Language students

If you are planning to travel for a time at the start or end of your English language course, a special tourist rail pass could be a good idea.

Otherwise, ways to save money include:

Top tips for English language students travelling in the UK

  • Make a list of the places you'd like to visit before booking your English Language course
  • Tell the staff at your language centre where you're planning to go – they might have useful advice
  • Try to get cheaper tickets on trains and buses
  • Avoid travelling in rush hour (07:00 – 09:00 and 17:00-1830) when it's busy and can be more expensive
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help. People are very welcoming

Travelling outside the UK for English Language students

Studying in the UK is also a great base for exploring Europe and Ireland from the UK as well, and you don't have to go by plane.

There are lots of ferries from the UK to France, Spain, Holland and Italy, and you can use the Eurostar service to get on a train from London to many European capitals.

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