There’s a few different reasons why you might want to visit one of the countries in the same time zone as the UK. Anything from general convenience and making the most of your time away to remote working and of course kids’ sleep schedules.
So if you want to minimise the hassle, choose one of these countries in the same time zone as the UK! Read on to find out what makes them a great spot for a holiday or trip abroad.
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Ireland
Ireland is a convenient holiday destination in the same time zone as the UK, as it’s just a short flight or ferry ride away.
Get yourself over to the Emerald Isle for jaw-dropping scenery, rich cultural history and warm hospitality.
Where to go in Ireland
Swap out expensive Dublin for Cork – check out historic Blarney Castle and head to nearby Kinsale for delicious seafood.
If you fancy a bit of nature, follow the Wild Atlantic Way, an amazing driving route which goes up along Ireland’s west coast. You’ll see amazing cliffs like Mizen Head, hidden islands and even dolphins or whales if you’re lucky.
Where to stay in Cork
Budget:
The Dean Cork from £129
Mid-range:
Kinsale Hotel & Spa from £142 per night
Treat:
Hayfield Manor from £273
Portugal
Portugal has it all – from mild weather and stunning beaches to attractive cities and delicious food. And the cherry on top – it’s a country in the same time zone as the UK.
Where to go in Portugal
Coimbra is a couple of hours north of Lisbon, and has all the charms of the capital without the sheer volume of tourists.
Enjoy a coffee in famous Café Santa Cruz, a former chapel, and get lost in the winding streets.
The Algarve’s beaches are perfect for families. Choose Albufeira for lovely wide sandy beaches just 45 minutes’ drive from Faro airport.
Where to stay in Coimbra
Affordable:
Pharmacia Guesthouse from £65 per night
Mid-range
Coimbra Monumentais B&B from £91 per night
Treat:
Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas from £121 per night
Canary Islands
The Canaries are a popular year-round destination as they offer reliably warmer weather just a 4 hour flight away. Plus they have loads of resorts that cater well to tourists.
Because the islands are a Spanish territory, a lot of people assume they’re near Spain, but they’re actually closer to West Africa. So it’s another handy holiday destination in the same time zone as the UK.
Where to go in the Canary islands
The most popular Canary Islands are Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. For great beaches, Maspalomas in Gran Canaria and Sotavento in Fuerteventura are both idyllic.
For epic hiking trails and incredible stargazing, visit Mount Teide National Park in Tenerife, or head to Caldera de Taburiente National Park on La Palma, a smaller island that’s more undiscovered.
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Affordable:
Apartamentos Tisalaya (family friendly) from £76 per night
Apartamentos Panorama (adults only) from £77 per night
Mid-range:
H10 Rubicón Horizons Collection from £131 per night
Treat:
Hotel Lava Beach from £220 per night
Iceland
Take an epic adventure to Iceland, where you can see breath-taking fjords and mountains. Experience cool events like the midnight sun, when the sun doesn’t set on summer nights, or the spectacular Northern Lights.
Where to go in Iceland
The Golden Circle is a popular excursion loop from Reykjavik, taking in Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot spring and Gullfoss waterfall. For a more relaxing alternative to the much-hyped Blue Lagoon, head towards the northern regional capital Akureyri and go to Mývatnor or Húsavík baths instead.
Where to stay in Iceland
Affordable:
Apotek guesthouse from £87 per night
Mid-range:
Reykjavik city centre apartment from £96 per night
Treat:
Helja glamping domes from £167 per night
Gambia
Gambia on Africa’s west coast is another country in the same time zone as the UK which makes for a fab getaway. It’s got a beautiful coastline, affordable accommodation and friendly reputation.
Flying from the UK, you’ll need to make a stopover – there are various routes so you might stop anywhere from Barcelona or Madrid to Lisbon or Casablanca. If you want to skip some of the admin, choose a package holiday.
Gambia is a smart option for holidaymakers who want to stay in the same time zone as the UK, but are happy to endure a longer flight for some sun.
Where to go in Gambia
Gambia’s beaches are beautiful, and the good thing is they’re rarely crowded. Kololi and Kotu are popular resorts with visitors – you’ve got all your amenities here like restaurants, shops and bars.
If you’re after something a little quieter and you like to be off the beaten track, find a spot in Sanyang where you can potter round the village or birdwatch to your heart’s content.
Where to stay in Gambia
Affordable:
Bosofet Beach and Creek Lodge from £21 per night
Mid-range:
Sunset Beach Hotel from £68 per night
Treat:
Coconut Residence & Spa from £167 per night
Ghana
- UK passport holders need a visa to visit Ghana, which costs from £60.
Further south along the West African coast, Ghana is another spot where you can soak up warmer weather without having to change the clocks. Ghana is home to lively cities, amazing nature and delicious food – all ingredients for a great holiday escape.
As well as a visa, UK travellers need to have a passport with at least 6 months’ validity from their date of arrival in Ghana, as well as proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Where to go in Ghana
For a dose of city life, stay in the capital Accra – just be prepared for the traffic! You can still find moments of calm – head to a beach club Polo Beach Club to unwind. Visit Kakum National Park for amazing scenery and a walkway through the trees, and stop at Cape Coast for an important insight into the country’s colonial history.
Where to stay in Ghana
Affordable:
Ko-Sa Beach Resort from £51 per night
Mid-range:
Afiki Beach House from £61 per night
Treat:
Accra Luxury Apartments at The Lennox from £83 per night
And finally... Morocco
- Morocco sometimes has the same time as the UK, and sometimes not! It's officially 1 hour ahead of GMT, but it doesn't do daylight saving time.
Jet off to Morocco for a bit of everything – captivating souks, all-inclusive resorts, laidback beach towns and majestic mountains.
Now, during British Summer Time, Morocco and the UK have the same time, because Morocco is officially GMT +1 all year round.
There’s one exception though… During Ramadan, Morocco puts its clocks back an hour.
So if you want to visit Morocco when it’s in the same time zone as in the UK, then visit between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October. Just check Ramadan doesn’t fall during this period, or the clocks will change at some point.
Where to go in Morocco
There’s always excitement to be had in the medina of Marrakech. But if you fancy somewhere a bit different, try magical Chefchaouen with its blue-painted buildings or enchanting and historic Fez.
Beach lovers should head for laidback coastal towns like Essaouira and Taghazout, or Agadir for all-inclusive resorts.
Where to stay in Marrakech
Affordable:
Riad l’Oiseau du Paradis from £57 per night
Mid-range:
Riad El Youssoufi from £73 per night
Treat:
Riad Kniza from £182 per night
Jet Off to One of These Holiday Destinations in the Same Time Zone As the UK
So there you have it – consider one of these top holiday destinations in the same time zone as the UK when it comes to planning your next trip.
Whether you hate losing out by moving time zones, you want to work UK hours remotely or you’ve got your baby’s sleep schedule on lock, these spots are the perfect place for a break!
