When to go

Weather

Changeable climate, rainy all year. Cold wet winters (November-March).

Festivals

Festivals are held throughout the year in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Summer time is known for the music festival circuit, such as Glastonbury. Hogmanay in Edinburgh is considered one of the world’s best New Year celebrations. Notting Hill Carnival on the Bank Holiday weekend of August is another big cultural event, while the Edinburgh Fringe Festival showcases new talent for theatre and comedy. Other summer events include Glyndebourne Opera, Henley rowing reggata, Goodwood horse racing, and many more.

Highlights

“Happy is England! I could be content To see no other verdure than its own.” John Keats, 1817

London

The capital and most cosmopolitan of the UK’s cities, with a host of iconic landmarks - from Buckingham Palace to Carnaby Street and Westminster Abbey. London is blessed with a multitude of fine galleries, museums, theatres and concert venues. There are also some interesting historic tours. London has a vibrant nightlife, not to mention atmospheric pubs on every corner.

Scotland

Renowned for its picturesque scenery of mountains and lochs, this is excellent walking country. Scotland is also home to some beautiful beaches, cities and towns. Edinburgh is divided between the new and old town. Walk along the Royal Mile up to Edinburgh Castle for superb city views.

The Lake District

Located in the northeast of England, this is the largest English National Park. Stay in warm log cabins and enjoy the stunning scenery of villages, lakes, dales and fells. Take long walks and longer lunches in quaint local pubs.

Stonehenge

An emblem of ancient Britain, constructed approximately 5,000 years ago. The mysterious Wiltshire stone circle is a symbol of endurance and power. The origins of this monument remain unknown; it has been called a temple of worship, an astronomical observatory and a sacred burial site for chiefs.

Fish & chips

A trip to Britain wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a ‘chippy’. Though these days British restaurants have undergone a long overdue revolution.

Being There 

Etiquette

Handshaking is a customary greeting. Normal courtesies apply when visiting someone’s home and it is polite to wait until everyone has been served before eating. Smoking or non-smoking areas will normally be clearly marked. Be prepared to queue and remember to maintain that famous stiff upper lip. Jolly good!

Food and Drink

A range of international cuisines can be found all over the country. There are regional specialities, based on local produce, such as black puddings in Lancashire and Yorkshire, sausages in Lincolnshire. English cheese enjoys a growing reputation. Excellent meat, fish, game and the famous haggis (a sheep’s stomach stuffed with oatmeal, spiced liver , onions and offal) can be found in Scotland. Welsh specialities include laver bread, a seaweed and oatmeal cake, and dishes based on local lamb and the national vegetable, leeks. Scotch whisky is in a class of its own.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Tweeds, china and porcelain, antiques, foodstuffs, clothes.

Additional Info

People and Places

Capital: London
Language: English.
Population: 59,231,900.
Population Density: 244.2. (pop per km²)
Size: 242,514. (area km²)

Transport

Principally Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) which are 1 hour from the capital. Also regional airports.
Good road and rail network. Flights limited but efficient. All cities have bus services, some have underground railways.

Red Tape

National driving licence, Third Party insurance and vehicle registration documents.
USA: 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 588 7800, fax (202) 588 7870.
USA: 24 Grosvenor Square, London W1A 1AE, tel (020) 7499 9000, fax (020) 7495 5012.

State of the Nation

Life expectancy: M 75.94, F 80.96.

Finance: Credit cards widely accepted.
Business hours: 0930-1730 Mon-Friday
GMT: Precisely.
Voltage guide: 240 AC, 50 Hz.
Country dialling code: 44.

Source: Expedia