As a general guide, Australian passport holders don't usually need a visa for a UK holiday of up to six months, but you will generally need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel, and without one you may not be able to board your flight.

An ETA currently costs around £20, is applied for through the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK, and is typically valid for multiple visits over two years or until your passport expires. Each traveller needs their own ETA, including children, and it's best to allow a few working days for your application.

Entry requirements, fees and conditions can change at any time and may depend on your personal circumstances, so this information is general guidance only. Before you book, and again before you travel, check the latest advice on Smartraveller (smartraveller.gov.au), UK Foreign Advice and the official UK Government website (gov.uk).

Late spring through early autumn, roughly May to September, brings the warmest weather and the longest days, which is ideal for touring the countryside and the Scottish Highlands.

July and August are the busiest months, with summer festivals such as those in Edinburgh in August. Spring and autumn offer quieter attractions, blooming gardens or autumn colour, while December brings Christmas markets and festive cheer to cities across the country. 

London tops most lists, with the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and its world-class museums.

Beyond the capital, travellers flock to Edinburgh and its castle, the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness, Stonehenge and the Roman city of Bath, the Cotswolds, the Lake District, York, Cardiff and Snowdonia in Wales, and the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Start with how you like to travel.

Guided tours suit travellers who want everything taken care of, with transport, accommodation, sightseeing and expert local knowledge included.

Cruises let you see several coastal destinations without repacking, while holiday packages and hotel stays give you more freedom to set your own pace. Then consider how long you have, which countries you'd like to see, and whether you want to add Ireland. Our RACV travel agents can help you compare options and find the right fit.