Workaway UK could prove to not only save you money since the United Kingdom is expensive but help you to understand local life.
From a quick glance on the world map, the United Kingdom could appear like a small collection of countries in the North Atlantic ocean.
Looking closer will reveal immense history, some of the oldest universities in the world, dramatic coastlines, multiple languages and so much more.
What To Expect Culturally
To an outsider, the UK could appear to have one standard culture throughout since that is what is usually portrayed in Hollywood movies.
To some extent, common attributes can be shared throughout, like the love of tea or the prevalent pub culture.
Since the United Kingdom is made up of 4 different countries, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England, traveling to one country will inevitably be different from the next.
Granted, things like public transport and store brands are pretty standard, there are deeper cultural differences.
Doing Workaway UK offers a variety of experiences.
Depending on where you go, you will run into different accents and unique ways of life.
Experiencing what it is like to live in the Scottish highlands will be very different from existing in London.
Similarly, being around Welsh speakers in Wales will be different to visiting Northern Ireland.
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. These help me continue to offer helpful tips. Thank you so much for your support.
Each country has a lot of history behind it that has shaped how it is today.
Make sure to learn about the past from museums, online sources, and local people.
You will be amazed at how much there is beneath the surface of the UK!
In recent years, the UK has started to burst the bubbles of what is traditionally thought to be ‘British’.
Though there is no shortage of pubs and takeaway shops, the foodie and art scene has expanded tremendously.
In many UK cities, expect to find a strong cafe culture, blossoming art and music, and delicious restaurants.
You will be hard-pressed to not find something that you like.
If you are like me and want to support the local economy when traveling then this is for you!
Discover how you can connect with locals by visiting local markets together, attending a local taught cooking class, or sharing a meal in a local home.
If you are interested in finding the most authentic food experiences, read my guide here.
What To Pack For Workaway UK
Waterproof gloves (these are super important but usually forgotten about, definitely get them if you aren’t coming in the summer)
Waterproof rain jacket (this brand is really good, better than all the other ‘waterproof’ jackets I’ve tried before. This is something you will use almost every day, I never leave the house without it)
Polarized sunglasses (when the sun does come out, it can be very strong so I suggest these because they help me and I have sensitive eyes)
Indestructible water bottle (a great purchase for saving money and cutting back on single use plastic. These ones are basically indestructible and perfect for hiking adventures)
Hiking pack (this brand has amazing quality and can be used for more than hiking. Mine is often my travel bag or everyday bag since it has a laptop sleeve)
Thick, warm socks (just get them without asking, you will thank me later! Don’t underestimate how cold and damp it can get)
Waterproof hiking boots (An essential if you are planning to go into the countryside/hiking. Rain can come out of now where and the ground is often mushy)
More stylish waterproof boots (these are great if you plan on staying in the city and not much of a hiking person, I have both hiking and city ones and use both)
International travel adapter (I bought one of these 3.5 years ago and have used it everyday overseas and it still works great)
Common Types of Workaways In The UK
- Child care
- Language practice
- Homestay
- Gardening
- Help around the house
- Farming
- Renovating
- Pet care
Check out these 99 amazing and diverse Workaway projects to fuel your passion for travel.
Where To Stay In Between Workaways
Chances are, if you are traveling by public transport, you will be transiting through cities or having to stopover in a city.
For city stays, book cheap hostels on HostelWorld.
For both cities and countryside, Booking.com is an excellent option since they have such a wide range of rooms, apartments, and even whole houses for both affordable and moderate prices.
Homestay is great for finding local families to stay with at an affordable price.
You get to feel right at home when you arrive and it’s perfect for long term stays.
If you need accommodation but have not had the chance to arrange a Workaway, it’s good alternative to hostels and hotels.
Get €20/$25 off your first Homestay trip!
If you can’t find a suitable Workaway, make sure to check out TrustedHousesitters to find house and pet sitting opportunities in Ireland.
Recommended Places In The UK To Try Workaway
Scotland
- Isle of Skye
- Shetland Islands
- Orkney Islands
- Inverness
- Cairngorms National Park
- Glencoe
- Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
- Isle of Arran
England
- Lake District
- Peak District
- Cornwall
- Dover
Wales
- Pembrokeshire
- Snowdonia
Northern Ireland
- Antrim Coast
- Mourne Mountains
- County Fermanagh
The Best Time To Do Workaway UK
The best time to volunteer would be in the summer during the warmer weather and when there is more daylight!
This is the high season for the UK so it will be packed with tourists in some places.
There are still rural places that would not be as crowded though.
The ‘shoulder’ season of April, May, September, and October still could be warm but potentially not as busy.
No matter what month of the year, it can be just as cold and wet as the winter so it is really all up to chance.
Always prepare for it to be cold and wet so that if it is sunny it feels like a blessing.
I can not stress enough to buy proper rain gear (see packing lists), even if you are coming in the summer.
Books To Read Before Visiting The UK
Northern Ireland
(if you know of any good books that don’t have to do with the Troubles, please let me know in the comments and I will add it here)
- Northern Ireland: A Walking Guide
- I Hear the Sirens in the Street by Adrien McKinty
- Eureka Street by Robert McLiam Wilson
Scotland
- The Highland Clans by Alistair Moffat
- How the Scots Invented the Modern World by Arthur Herman
- Sea Room: An Island Life in the Hebrides by Adam Nicolson
- Edinburgh: Picturesque Notes by Robert Louis Stevenson
Wales
- Submarine by Joe Dunthorne
- A History of Wales by John Davies
- Resistance by Owen Shears
- Wild Abandon by Joe Dunthorne
England
- The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British by Sarah Lyall
- Notes From a Small Island by Bill Bryson
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
- White Teeth by Zadie Smith
Travel Insurance For Workaway UK
The United Kingdom’s healthcare system is called the National Health Service or NHS.
This service is free or a reduced price for those residing in the UK.
EU/EEA visitors to the UK who hold a European Health Insurance card are entitled to the same free/reduced pricing of the NHS.
Even with the EHIC, the NHS states that you should still take out insurance.
“The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare, being flown back home, or lost or stolen property. Therefore, it is important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy.”
If you are a visitor to the UK that is not from the EU/EEA, you should definitely take out insurance.
Some NHS services are free for any visitor but may still have some extra charges.
The one that is most applicable to tourists is free accident and emergency services, though it explicitly states that it does not include emergency treatment if admitted to the hospital. Read more here.
For anything that does not fall within the ‘free for any visitor guidelines’, the NHS will charge you 150% of the standard NHS rate.
Cover yourself in case something goes wrong whether it is medical or travel.
Travel medical insurance is great for things like unexpected hospital visits, ambulance fees, co-pay fees, emergency dental, travel delay, lost checked luggage, natural disasters, personal liability, etc.
Now, if you are one of the people that claim it is not a necessity, think again!
It is by far one of the most important purchases for your trip.
If it is a matter of cost, well… if you can not afford it, you probably should not be traveling.
I always use SafetyWing because they have wide coverage and are the most affordable.
Read more: 12 Tips To Find The Best Work Abroad Travel Insurance
Visas While Doing Workaway UK
Generally, Workawayers do not apply for a work permit or work visa because Workaway is classed as ‘volunteering’.
This is very much a gray area that Workaway.info does not really talk about.
A lot of countries see it as volunteering because the Workawayer is not paid a wage but some do.
They could view the act of receiving food and accommodation as a form of payment for which you would need a permit.
The UK is one such country that has strict rules about being a voluntary worker or volunteer.
Whether you have the right to volunteer in the UK depends on a few different factors.
It is important to say that there is no specific Workaway UK visa.
This volunteering in the UK guide goes into great detail about the requirements and restrictions.
You can find the requirements and restrictions for those entering the UK on tourist visas here.
Please note that this blog post is only for information purposes and should not be regarded as a substitute for immigration or legal advice.
Added Tips For Workaway UK
#1 Stereotypes
There are many negative stereotypes about the United Kingdom.
While you are there, keep an open mind and make sure to not assume things, especially if you are volunteering and living with locals through Workaway.
#2 Specific advice to Americans
The UK knows a lot about America, probably a lot more than you would expect.
I think this is true in many countries besides the UK because of how dominant American media is.
Anyways, what I am trying to say is this. They will know more about you than you will know about them.
All we know about the UK is exaggerated stereotypes from movies, so please think about what you are going to say before you say it!
Even if you were to read about the culture and history before you arrive, it will still be different when you are actually in the UK.
#3 United Kingdom’s history
Like I talked about at the beginning of this Workaway UK guide, you will encounter a lot of history behind each country.
It is important to remember that even though they are all considered the UK, they are not the same.
As an example, many people would identify with their particular country rather than being called ‘British’.
Try to be aware of this by referring to something or someone as Scottish or Welsh or Northern Irish, or English instead.
Has this guide helped you prepare for Workaway UK? Check out these complete Workaway guides for New Zealand, France, Italy and Ireland.
Love This Post? Pin It For Later!
