Mixed experience in United Kingdom — beautiful but overhyped

United Kingdom is undeniably beautiful. Lake District and the area around Oxford have a visual quality that photographs don't capture fully. I enjoyed Welsh rarebit and appreciated rich literary history. That's all real.

But London crowds year-round was more of a problem than I expected based on reviews I'd read. It coloured parts of the trip in ways I hadn't prepared for. I'd still go back, but I'd approach certain aspects differently. A 4 feels generous on a bad day but fair overall.