While I know the UK isn’t typically a halal destination and usually people don’t see it as halal, my experience showed me that with a little research, it can be a great option for travel.
I lived in the UK for a year (specifically the North West) during uni and really loved it. It was in a small town, I’m not going to lie the first time a cashier (mind you female) called me “love” I was taken aback.
And being asked “You okay?” as a greeting totally threw me off at first. Haha. Like I’m okay, why are you asking me if I’m okay, are YOU okay?
Eventually, I got used to the local phrases and even started picking up a few myself. A.k.a cheers’ing people at the end of conversations.
Also, there’s something really warm about the way Northerners chat to you (coming from a city where people keep to themselves and speak the bare minimum), it felt surprisingly comforting once I stopped overthinking it.
After writing my dissertation I decided I was going to explore as many cities in the UK as I could. Armed with my railCard (had to use that thing before it expired -.-), I whizzed through cities.
Some places were easier than others when it came to finding halal food or Muslim-friendly spaces, but overall, I was surprised by how much was out there once I started looking. I am sharing what I discovered and my top tips.
Here’s my compiled list of the best destinations are for halal holidays in the Uk.
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LAKE DISTRICT
Why Lake District?
This is probably one of my favorite places. I used to sneak here and take the train from uni because Subhan Allah the nature is breathtaking. I love how quiet it feels here. Everything slows down. The air is fresh. It’s a peaceful place to pray.
Alone. On top of a hill. To think. To unwind. Some of the views are unreal. Mist over the water in the morning. Light falling across the hills in the evening. It’s the kind of place that stays with you.
Halal-Friendly Hotels near Lake District
- Windermere Boutique Hotel – Stylish, private in-room spa tub for ladies, close to halal-friendly restaurants.
- Pine Lake Resort– Lodges near relaxing lake, fully equipped kitchen to prepare your halal meals, public pool (mixed gender).
Things to Do in Lake District (Muslim Travels)
- Visit the lakes at Lake District
- Visit Beatrix Potter’s home and take a lake cruise.
- Hike to Orrest Head. Right next to Windermere train station. Only a 25 min. hike for a Breathtaking view.
- Drive through Kirkstone Pass. Stop for photos.
- Walk the loop around Buttermere Lake.
- Find a quiet spot near the water to pray.
Lake District: Top Tips
- Self-catering halal meals works really well here. Bring sandwiches for a picnic in nature. A lot of hotels and guest houses have kitchen spaces.
- Bring a prayer travel mat. You’ll find peaceful spots by the lakes or in the hills.
- Weekends during summer get busy, especially around Windermere. Midweek stays are more peaceful.
EDINBURGH
Why Edinburgh?
This city feels alive. Old buildings. Cobbled streets. Friendly people. You’ll find halal food easily. There’s a mosque right in the city center. You can walk almost everywhere. I like how it balances culture and calm. You can climb a hill in the morning and eat out in the evening.
Halal-Friendly Hotels in Edinburgh
- Radisson Blu Hotel– City center. Modern, spacious rooms. Indoor swimming pool (mixed gender). Near halal restaurants. 11 min from Edinburgh Mosque.
- Eden Locke– City center. Modern apartment with kitchenette to prepare own halal meals. Near halal restaurants.
- Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh Grassmarket– Centrally located near Edinburg Castle. Studios with kitchenette to prepare own halal meals. Near halal restaurants. 16 min from Edinburgh Mosque
Things to Do in Edinburgh (Muslim Travels)
- Visit Edinburgh Castle.
- Take a day trip to Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands
- Climb Arthur’s Seat early morning.
- Visit the National Museum of Scotland (free entry)
- Pray at Edinburgh Mosque and explore nearby cafés.
Halal Food in Edinburgh
- Rodi Turkish Mediterranean BBQ Restaurant (121 Morrison St, Edinburgh)
- Saj Shawarma Grill (10 Chapel St, Edinburgh EH8 9AY)
- Shakedown Burgers (1259 St John’s Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 7XD)
Edinburgh: Top Tips
- The mosque is right near the university. Lots of halal food spots are nearby.
- You can walk almost everywhere. It’s a very walkable city. Just bring comfortable shoes.
- August is packed due to the Fringe Festival. Hotels book up early and prices go up (I recommend visiting in Spring).
CORNWALL
Why Cornwall?
It feels far away from everything. In a good way. The beaches go on forever. The villages are small and friendly. You can spend a whole day outside. I like how it’s simple here. No rush. No noise. Just sea air and slow days. Great for reflection and calm.
Halal-Friendly Hotels in Cornwall
- Treloyhan Manor St Ives – Suites with kitchenette to prepare own halal means. Pool (mixed gender). St Ives. Near halal restaurants. 15 mins to Porthminster Beach.
- Trevose Harbour House – Boutique guest house. St Ives. Near halal restaurants.
- Harbour View House – Walking distance to beach, St Ives. Near halal restaurants
Things to Do in Cornwall (Muslim Travels)
- Visit the Eden Project. Huge domes filled with plants.
- Walk through the town of St Ives.
- Spend a few hours at Kynance Cove.
- Take photos near the cliffs at Bedruthan Steps.
- Explore Tintagel Castle and the coastline.
- Drive through Mousehole and Padstow.
- Watch the waves from Porthcurno Beach.
- Stop to pray at the community mosque in Truro.
Cornwall: Top Tips
- Most people drive here. Having a car makes day trips to beaches and villages much easier.
- There are some great vegan and fish-based options in seaside cafés.
- Avoid visiting in late December or January. Many small shops and cafés close for winter.
- Late May and early June offer good weather before school holidays start.
LONDON
Why London?
Home to over 1 million Muslims, London has some of the best halal food, major mosques, and multicultural vibes.
Things to Do in London
Things to Do in London
- Ride the London Eye for panoramic views
- Visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour (a must for HP fans- I visited with my friend)
- Visit the Tower of London and Crown Jewels
- Explore the Islamic Art Collection at British Museum (free entry)
- Go on a Thames River Cruise
- Enjoy halal food in London
- Have a picnic at Hyde Park (with the squirrels)
- Explore London on a Vintage Open-Top Bus
- Visit London Central Mosque in Regent’s Park and London mosques
- Take a Cotswolds and Oxford Day-Trip
- Take a day trip to visit Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath & Roman Baths
- Go thrift store shopping (I loved finding vintage pieces in shops and charity stores)
LONDON
COTSWOLD
Why Cotswold?
If you don’t know Cotswold, the villages look like something out of a book. Stone houses. Quiet lanes. Hills everywhere. It’s good for short breaks. For calm walks. For simple, peaceful time. You can stay in one town or drive between them. Either way, it’s beautiful.
Halal-Friendly Hotels in Cotswold
- Stow on the Wold Scandi Chic Authentic Cottage -Cozy, warm stylish cottage. Centrally located near town’s restaurants. Own kitchen to prepare your halal meals.
- No131 The Promenade – Elegant and central. Near vegan and halal-friendly restaurants. 14 mins from Mosque.
- Portland Apartments -Luxurious apartments. Centrally located. Good base for Cotswold. Suites with private kitchen to prepare your own halal meals. 7 mins from mosque.
Things to Do in Cotswold (Muslim Travels)
- Take a Cotswolds tour from London
- Visit Downton Abbey (loved this netflix series), Cotswolds, and Highclere Castle from London
- Walk through Bourton-on-the-Water.
- Explore Bibury and take photos of Arlington Row.
- Pray at Gloucester Mosque
- Walk Westonbirt Arboretum.
- Stay in a quiet cottage and cook your own meals (uhh introvert’s heaven)
Cotswold: Top Tips
- If you want quiet, visit during the week. Weekends are popular and busier.
- Christmas season is busy in towns like Bourton and Stow. Book early if going then.
BRISTOL
Why Bristol?
We visited Bristol as a day trip from Cardiff, and lowkey wished we had stayed in Bristol and used Cardiff as our base. Bristol has a creative energy to it. The kind that makes you want to explore. The buildings are colorful. The cafés are independent. The people are easy to talk to. It’s a great city for walking, learning, and finding hidden spots. It reminded me a little bit of the Marais in Paris. There’s a good Muslim community here too. It’s a city that feels open and alive.
Halal-Friendly Hotels
- Hort’s Townhouse– Stylish and central. Close to halal restaurants and shopping.
- PREMIER SUITES Bristol Cabot – Central Apartments. Kitchenette to prepare own halal meals. Close to halal restaurants and shopping.
Things to Do in Bristol (Muslim Travels)
- Visit Brunel’s SS Great Britain (great for kids- a must. I loved this)
- Take a Blackbeard to Banksy Walking Tour of Bristol
- Visit St Nicholas Market’s WW2 Air Raid Shelter
- Visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge and take in the views from the top.
- Explore the colourful houses in Cliftonwood.
- Visit the M Shed museum to learn about Bristol’s past (free entry).
- Pray at Bristol Jamia Mosque.
- Stroll around Harbourside and watch the boats go by.
- Browse shops in Cabot Circus. Lots of halal food nearby.
- Find quiet time in Brandon Hill Park with views of the city.
- Do a day trip to Stonehenge and Cotswold Villages from Bristol
Bristol: Top Tips
- Ramadan events at the mosque are well-organized and welcoming. A good time to visit if you’re looking to connect.
- Spring and early autumn are best for walking and sightseeing. Summer can get crowded around the harbour.
NORTHUMBERLAND
Why Northumberland?
This is one of the UK’s quietest corners. Wide beaches. Ancient castles. Long roads with no one else around. It feels very peaceful and is great for families for exploring. You can drive for miles and just listen to the wind. It’s great for hiking. For quiet reflection. For time away from everything.
Halal-Friendly Hotels in Northumberland
- Roomzzz Newcastle City – Central studio, close to halal restaurants and train station. Has kitchenette to prepare own halal meals.
- Holiday Inn Express Newcastle City Centre by IHG – Budget, central. Nearby halal restaurants. 24 mins from mosque.
Things to Do in Northumberland (Muslim Travels)
- Visit Alnwick Castle ( a must for Harry Potter fans)
- Walk along Bamburgh Beach and see the Bamburgh castle right on the sand.
- Visit Hadrian’s Wall and learn about Roman history.
- Drive through Northumberland National Park.
- Spend time in Berwick-upon-Tweed, a quiet border town.
- Visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne (check the tide times).
- Shop and eat halal food in Newcastle city centre.
- Pray at one of Newcastle’s many mosques and rest in a local café.
Northumbeland: Top Tips
- Newcastle is the best place to stay if you want halal food nearby.
- Most of the castles and beaches are outside town. Plan around travel times.
- Some walking routes pass through quiet villages. Great for a break or prayer stop.
- Summer is best for coastal walks, but beaches rarely feel crowded.
- Some castle sites reduce opening hours in winter. Check ahead if visiting off-season.
YORK
Why York?
York is easy to explore. It’s full of history but still fun for kids. The train museum is amazing. There are walking paths everywhere. It feels safe and welcoming. Halal food is getting easier to find here too. It’s a great city to wander without a set plan.
Halal-Friendly Hotels (Best First)
- The Grand, York – Central Luxury hotel near halal-friendly restaurants.
- The Lawrance Luxury Aparthotel – York– Central stylish apartments. Include kitchenette to prepare own halal meals.
Things to Do in York (Muslim Travels)
- Take a boat Cruise on the River
- Visit the North Moors and Whitby
- Visit the York Dungeon
- Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour (great for HP fans)
- Visit the National Railway Museum. Great for kids (free entry)
- Walk the city walls around York.
- Explore The Shambles and buy gifts.
- Go to the York Castle Museum.
- Have a halal meal near Parliament Street.
- Stop by York Mosque to pray.
- Visit York Designer Outlet (I was able to score uggs in my size here)
York: Top Tips
- The mosque is friendly and easy to reach from the city center.
- York is compact. You can see a lot in one day without rushing.
- Some of the smaller cafés near the river have good vegetarian options.
- February and March are off-peak. Lower prices and fewer tourists.
LEICESTER
Why Leicester?
This city feels familiar. Like home. It has one of the biggest Muslim communities in the UK. Halal food is easy to find. Mosques are everywhere. You don’t have to plan much here. Everything you need is close. It’s relaxed but full of culture.
Halal-Friendly Hotels (Best First)
- Novotel Leicester – Central. Right near halal restaurants.
- The Gresham Aparthotel– Central apartments. With kitchenette to prepare own halal meals. Near halal restaurants and 15 mins from The Islamic Centre Leicester (mosque).
Things to Do in Leicester (Muslim Travels)
- Shop and eat on Melton Road. Known for its halal food.
- Visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre.
- Stop by Leicester Central Mosque to pray.
- Walk around Abbey Park. Peaceful and open.
- Explore the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery (free entry)
Leicester: Top Tips
- You’ll find halal options everywhere. You won’t need to search hard.
- Melton Road is great for food, shopping, and gifts.
How Long to Spend in Each Base & What’s Nearby
In general, the Uk has decent trains that are well connected. I ended up taking the train alot. You can also rent a car easily (especially for remote beach places) so it’s fairly straight-forward to visit more than one place. Here’s how to plan your halal holidays in the UK with multiple city bases. I have included how long to stay in each and where you can go from there — either as a day trip or as your next base.
- Base: London — (spend 4–6 days)
Day trips: Leicester, Bristol - Base: Leicester — (spend 1–2 days)
Next base options: London, York - Base: York — (spend 2–3 days)
Day trips: Northumberland, Edinburgh - Base: Edinburgh — (spend 2–4 days)
Day trips: York, Northumberland, Lake District - Base: Northumberland — (spend 2–3 days)
Day trips: Edinburgh, York, Lake District - Base: Lake District — (spend 2–3 days)
Day trips: Northumberland, Edinburgh - Base: Bristol — (spend 2–3 days)
Day trips: Cotswold, Cornwall, London - Base: Cotswold — (spend 2–3 days)
Day trips: Bristol, Cornwall - Base: Cornwall — (spend 3–4 days)
Next base options: Cotswold, Bristol, London (longer travel)
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Love the UK. Nice job here with providing details on each city. Love so many places in this post but Cornwall and Cotswalds beckon me the most. 🙂
Right! There’s something about the beach and cozy cottages in the English countryside calling me.
Do you have any recommendations near Peak District for a staycation?
Hi Saj, I haven’t stayed there myself yet, but the Peak District is definitely on my list. I’ve only reached as far as Manchester —still working my way up to the Peak District (one day-inshallah). I’d recommend checking for self-catering places or lodges so you have more flexibility preparing your own halal meals.