If you’re planning a getaway in the UK, you’ll soon wonder about the right way to tip. Gratuity might feel confusing, especially if you’re used to different customs at home. The good news is the rules are fairly simple once you know the basics. Below you’ll find clear, practical advice that works for most hotels, self‑catering cottages, restaurants and tour guides.
First, remember that tipping is optional in the UK – it’s not a legal requirement. Still, it’s appreciated when service goes above the norm. In hotels, a tip of £1‑£2 per bag for the porter, or a small amount for house‑keeping (around £1‑£2 per night), shows thanks without breaking the bank.
Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge for parties of six or more. If it’s not already included, a tip of 10% of the bill is common. For a quick coffee or a pub snack, you can round up the total or leave a few coins on the table.
Guided tours often ask for a tip at the end. A good rule of thumb is £5‑£10 per person for a half‑day tour, and £10‑£20 for a full‑day experience. If the guide went out of their way, feel free to add more.
Self‑catering cottages don’t have staff on site, but you can still leave a tip for the property manager or cleaning crew if they’ve provided extra help, like delivering groceries or handling special requests. A £5‑£10 thank‑you note left in the kitchen is a nice gesture.
For taxis and rideshares, round the fare up to the nearest pound or add about 10% if the driver helped with luggage or gave useful local advice. In most UK cities, you can also tip bike or scooter rentals by simply leaving a small cash tip in the box provided.
Remember that cash tips are usually preferred because they go directly to the staff. If you pay by card, look for a prompt to add a tip on the receipt screen. Some restaurants tip through the card, but the tip may be split among all staff, which is fair.
One more tip: keep small change handy. A few £1 coins, a few £2 notes, and some 50p pieces make it easy to tip on the spot without having to hunt for cash later.
Overall, the key is to tip when you feel the service deserved it. There’s no need to overthink it – a little appreciation goes a long way. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll avoid awkward moments and help the people who make your stay enjoyable.
Enjoy your UK adventure, and feel confident that you’ve got the gratuity basics covered.
Wondering if it's ever OK to skip tipping at all-inclusive hotels? This article explores what goes on behind the scenes, what your payment actually covers, and how resort staff really feel about gratuities. You'll get practical tips for when to tip and when it's truly not expected. Find out how tipping (or not tipping) might affect your stay and which situations call for a little extra. No sugar-coating—just real talk so your next vacation feels as stress-free as possible.