The UK, short for 'United Kingdom', is a small European country, but a major influence on the world. The UK encompasses the countries of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as quite a few small islands. Our British serviced apartments allow the corporate traveller to live in the UK how they see fit.
Although relatively small in terms of land area, the island nation has a population of about 65 million and a vast coastline, the 12th longest in the world. Access is easy, with four bordering bodies of water, the English Channel, North Sea, Irish Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. The topography of the British Isles is extremely diverse, with each region defined by individualistic geographical features. For instance, the UK’s longest river, the River Severn, passes through England and Wales; the largest lake Lough Neagh is in Northern Island, and the highest point is Ben Nevis in Scotland. You can, therefore, expect the terrain to be quite different in different parts of the country. This is a key attraction though for British tourism, with over 41 million overseas visitors spending £31.5 billion in 2024 according to estimates from VisitBritain. Situ recognises this and has diverse serviced accommodation for business travel right across the UK.
The history of the United Kingdom consists of the past of four very individual nations. The first people to supposedly inhabit the British mainland arrived throughout the Ice Age. Later came centuries of tribal invasion and departure, including the Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and Normans. Their European influences spread across the UK, contributing to place names, settlements and the language now integrated into modern-day British society. Monarchical changes persisted into the Middle Ages, and significant events such as the Great Plague and Hundred Years War have defined the territory and demographics of the present-day United Kingdom.
Decrees and acts then shaped the Kingdom’s borders, with the sixteenth century Welsh Acts, the Acts of Union in 1603, 1707 and 1800 securing the unification of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. With the Republic of Ireland seceding, or breaking away, in 1922, only Northern Ireland remains part of the UK. Throughout this period of transition and influence in global foreign affairs, such as the World Wars, the leadership of iconic monarchs and Prime Ministers such as Queen Elizabeth II, Churchill, and Thatcher have been integral in creating the global superpower.
As of 2024, the United Kingdom has the sixth largest economy in the world according to data from Statista. London is the capital and financial heart of the UK. Where once much of the UK’s economy was based in manufacturing, it has now moved largely into the service and tourism sector, further centring much of the economy in the capital.
Incentives for foreign investments are plentiful in the UK. It has the seventh lowest corporation tax rate of the world’s 20 largest economies (G20). A £120 billion infrastructure development plan is well underway, although the UK already has the largest air transport system in Europe and the most improved rail network in the EU. The business environment is friendly and supportive too. There is a great thirty million workforce pool to choose from, overall low labour cost and equal treatment for both foreign and domestic business.
EU , EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. In other cases, find out if you need to apply for a visa to enter the UK on the UK Government website. From 2 April 2025, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens (except Irish citizens) will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK.
If you plan to drive in the UK but don’t hold a UK driving licence then check the validity of your license on the UK Government website. British roads are known to be some of the busiest in Europe, particularly in London where the traffic is dominated by taxis, buses and commercial vehicles. There is also a congestion charge zone in place if you drive in central London so check restrictions and charges with Transport for London (TfL). At the other end of the spectrum is the pleasure of driving through Scottish and Welsh countryside. Whilst small roads can be difficult to manoeuvre, travelling along the wonderful coastlines and deep into forested regions is absolutely worthwhile. We only advise that wherever you travel, plan your route ahead and consider the weather!
Supposedly, according to tourist popularity, the top five most visited attractions in the UK are all based in London. Attractions such as Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, and the River Thames collectively contribute to a fantastic experience in the British capital. The British Royal Family, and their homes like Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, also attract a following that does not exist anywhere else in the world. British nationalism is unique, and travellers from all over the world appreciate the royal family. Displays of national identity also exist in other UK major cities. The capitals Belfast, Cardiff, and Edinburgh all define their nation’s pasts and culture, making them separate travel destinations for international travellers.
There is more to the UK than the major cities though. Scotland and Wales take great pride in their rugged and beautiful terrain, offering an alternative to British urban life. Of course, England has some eye-catching destinations such as the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, the Lake District, and several national parks. However, Scotland and Northern Island have distinctive islands, encompassing beautiful landscapes, amazing green spaces and astonishing views looking out onto the North Atlantic Ocean. Much recommended is Skye, connected to northwest Scotland by both a road bridge and ferry services. To summarise, there is so much to explore in the UK and remember, sometimes the best places are not always the most globally recognised. Wherever you visit, Situ’s UK serviced apartments are sure to provide the best way to make your trip comfortable and successful.
There really is no place in the world like the UK.
Whether you are new to the world of corporate travel or a seasoned business traveller, finding the right accommodation is the key to a successful stay for you personally and for your organisation. Serviced short-term apartments have in recent years become an increasingly popular accommodation choice. They offer a unique blend of all the home comforts that you might want plus additional amenities. The question is, are furnished short-term apartments the right choice for you?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of furnished short-term apartments – aka service apartments – so that you have the information you need to make an informed decision for yourself or the people you are organising accommodation for.
Let’s start by looking at the pros…
One of the most important things that you need to consider when it comes to any form of furnished apartments is health and safety. If you choose a reputable serviced accommodation provider like Situ, then you can be assured that health and safety is a priority in all properties. This means we adhere to strict regulations and maintain very high standards to give you peace of mind when staying away from home.
Serviced short stay apartments often have enhanced security measures. These can include CCTV and security entrance systems; some may also have on-site staff. This offers a safe and secure environment to all our corporate guests and can be very reassuring to solo travellers or those who are visiting a city for the first time.
Unlike a hotel room which can feel cramped, particularly when it comes to a longer stay, serviced apartments offer a generous amount of living space. These furnished apartments usually include separate bedrooms (unless it’s a studio apartment), living areas and a fully-equipped kitchen. This extra space makes it easier to relax for the duration of the stay.
One of the biggest perks with service apartments is the sense of freedom that you will find to cook your own meals. This means greater variety for those who have dietary needs and preferences; and also, greater access to healthier options and alternatives that are more cost effective.
Comfortable furnishings and homely touches make furnished short-term apartments a more relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s for a short-term or extended stay, this can be particularly beneficial as it can help you settle in quickly and feel at home in a new city.
At first glance, short-stay apartments may seem comparable in cost to a hotel room, however, in the long run they are a much more economical option. Just being able to cater for yourself can result in significant savings.
Of course, as with anything in life, there are also some potential disadvantages to staying in a serviced apartment for a short stay.
The home-like environment of a serviced apartment can be a positive; but they can sometimes be a little too comfortable. On important business trips the temptation to relax and unwind may make it harder to be productive and remain focused on work.
Having a kitchen offers greater freedom and autonomy over the type of food you can eat. However, it does mean that you need to take responsibility for the shopping, cooking, and washing up, but that’s less tricky than trying to choose the right restaurant night after night in an unfamiliar location. If you have a tight schedule, or you need to cut your trip short, however, this could put you at a disadvantage.
Many short stay service apartments offer great amenities but not to the same level of service as a hotel. If you want services like daily housekeeping, 24/7 room service or even on-site concierge services then a serviced apartment may not be the best short-term accommodation option for you.
Ultimately, the decision on what type of short-term accommodation you prefer will depend entirely on your own personal preferences and of course the purpose, budget, and length of your stay.
If you are planning an extended stay and value space, privacy, and a home-like environment then this will obviously be the most suitable option. Or if you simply prefer the freedom that comes with self-catering then you will certainly be better off with a serviced apartment.
It is important to consider all the pros and cons and weigh them up carefully. This will allow you to make an informed decision that will ensure your business trip is productive and comfortable. Talk to an Accommodation Specialist at Situ who can help you find the right accommodation for your specific requirements. Reach us on +44 (0)1392 690079 or [email protected].
Across the UK there are a vast range of airports, differing in size, capacity and frequency of flights. The UK’s top five busiest airports are in England, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, London Stanstead and London Luton. The busiest outside of England are Scottish airports Edinburgh and Glasgow then Belfast airport in Northern Ireland. Cardiff is the busiest airport and twentieth busiest in Wales and the UK respectively.
Transport to-and-from all these international airports are always facilitated, and all provide a large range of domestic and international flights, both inside and outside of the EU.
The British Railway network is the fifth most used worldwide, functioning over 1.7 billion train journeys through more than twenty different train operators and 2,500 train stations. The busiest across the UK is Clapham Junction.
The highest concentration of trains service through southern and central England. There are also connections to Europe too via an undersea rail link over the Channel. Fares are reasonable, but acquiring discount cards, such as a Railcard, make frequent and longer journeys cheaper.
The UK is regarded as the birthplace for metro rapid travel. There are five metro stations in the UK across four cities. London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, Glasgow Subway, Tyne and Wear Metro and Liverpool Merseyrail.
Our serviced apartments are within close vicinity of these metro systems, which enable quick and simple travel across these cities without the hassle of traffic.
The UK has a variety of bus and coach travel services to help enable both short and long-distance travel through rural and urban locations. This is the cheapest mode of public transport but can be more time-consuming compared to the others.
Bus operators vary based on the location, but National Express and Megabus are the main providers of coach travel in the UK. These services enable comfortable multi-country travel at reasonable prices, even better if you book in advance.
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