Everything you need to know before you go

If you’re planning a trip to Britain, there are a few things you should know before you go. Here’s a quick guide to visiting the UK, from practical information like the best time to visit, currency, and how to get around, to tips on British culture and travelling in England, Scotland and Wales.

 ABOUT BRITAIN

What’s the difference between England, Britain, the British Isles, and the UK?

This can be confusing, but it’s simple once you know.

England is in Great Britain, which is in the UK, which is in the British Isles.

Great Britain (or Britain for short) is made up of three countries: England, Scotland and Wales

The United Kingdom (or UK) refers to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The British Isles encompasses the two main islands of Britain and Ireland plus smaller islands including the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

So, now you know.

What languages are spoken in Britain?

English is the most widely-spoken language in the UK, but you’ll also come across Scots, Gaelic, and Welsh. It also has a vast range of dialects and accents, which change as you move across the country. This is a reflection of its geography and its Celtic, Norman, Viking, Saxon and Roman history. Listen out for Cockney (London), Scouse (Liverpool), Brummie (Birmingham), Geordie (Newcastle), and Doric (North-East Scotland), amongst many others.

This rich history explains Britain’s often unusual place names – and their sometimes baffling pronunciations – from Cholmondley (‘Chumley’) and Leicestershire (‘Lester-shire’) to the amusing Westward Ho! and Happy Bottom.

An unexpected but excellent way of getting a sense of regional differences (and trying out a British staple) is to head to a fish and chip shop.

What’s the weather like in the UK?

British weather is notoriously unpredictable. It can be sunny and warm one minute, and cold and rainy the next – and that’s just June…. So it’s a good idea to always carry an umbrella.

Summer (June to August) is usually warm and sunny, although there can still be the occasional shower. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are also generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and some lovely days. Winter (December to February) can be cold, with snowfall in some parts of the country, but there are also often some bright, crisp days.

In general, the further north you travel in Britain, the colder the weather will be, while the west coast tends to experience more rain.

What should I pack for the UK?

No matter what time of year you visit the UK, you should pack a few essential items. Make sure to bring layers: even in summer it can get cool at night, so a light jacket or jumper (sweater) is always a good idea.

Take an umbrella and a rain jacket, too – it might not be raining when you set out, but the British weather is notoriously fickle.

Comfortable shoes are another must, whether you’re exploring the city or hiking in the countryside (Britain has a huge number of walking paths and routes, so it would be a shame to miss out).

Finally, don’t forget your adaptor. The UK uses different plugs (three pins) and voltage (230 volts AC, 50Hz) to many other countries.

When is the best time to visit the UK?

The best time to visit Britain really depends on what you want to do and see. If you’re interested in outdoor activities and exploring the countryside or beaches, then summer is probably the best time for you. It’s also when hundreds of festivals and shows are held, from food and drink festivals to country shows and the Highland Games.

Spring and autumn are usually mild, and a great way to soak up the spectacular scenery as the seasons change – and hotel and flight prices tend to be lower than in summer.

Winter is the time to enjoy Christmas lights, roaring log fires, cosy country pubs and crisp winter walks – and to snap up a bargain, as flights and accommodation are at their cheapest (excluding the Christmas and New Year period, of course). Look out for curiously British winter traditions such as fire festivals and the beloved British festive family outing, the pantomime.

How to get around Britain

Britain is relatively small, so getting around is easy. Its public transport system and motorway network are excellent, getting you from metropolises like London, Birmingham or Manchester to beaches, small towns, and the countryside in no time.

The most popular (and probably the easiest) way to get around is by car. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and stop off where you fancy along the way. However, driving in Britain can be a little challenging, as roads can be narrow and winding, and parking can be difficult (and expensive) in cities.

If you’re not comfortable driving on the left-hand side of the road, or just want to relax and take in the scenery, then consider taking public transportation instead. If you want to see a lot of the country, then taking the train is probably your best bet as you can cover a lot of distance in a short time. And if you’re on a budget, then coach travel is a great way to save money.

For more information, see our guide to getting around Britain.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

What is the currency in Britain?

The currency in Britain is the pound sterling (£). There are 100 pence or pennies (p) in the pound. Coins come in 1 pence, 2 pence, 5 pence, 10 pence, 20 pence, 50 pence, £1 and £2 denominations. Notes are £5, £10, £20 and £50 denominations.

You can withdraw cash at machines (ATMs) found in all cities and towns, service stations, and in some villages and petrol stations.

You can pay for most things by card, and following Covid restrictions, contactless card payments are often the preferred way to pay. It’s a good idea to keep some cash handy for tipping in restaurants, car parking, and the occasional place that doesn’t accept cards.

Electricity

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Britain uses plugs with three rectangular pins, so take an adaptor or two. Most hotels will have a two-pronged sockets in the bathroom for shavers only.

Measurements

Britain is metric, although imperial measures are still in use, particularly for:

• Road distances (miles)
• Personal weight (stone and pounds) and height (feet and inches)
• Pub measurements (beer is served in pints and half pints). Note that imperial pints and gallons are 20 per cent larger than US measures.

Opening hours

Shops are generally open from 9-5.30 Monday to Saturday, and 10/11-4pm on Sundays. In smaller towns, shops may still close on a Sunday. In London and bigger cities, shops have extended opening hours into the evening. Some larger supermarkets are open from 6am to midnight (reduced on Sundays).

Museum opening hours vary, so check ahead. Smaller museums will often have reduced opening hours/days open, and may be closed on Sundays. In London, museums often have a late night opening once a month.

Public holidays (also known as bank holidays) mean that banks, post offices, offices, some shops, restaurants and attractions will be closed. Public transport may also be limited. The good news is, there may be special events on, especially in the summer.

Where to stay in Britain

Whatever your budget and aspirations, there’s something for you.

From staying in stately homes or camping in the wilds, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a destination, get a sense of a place, or try something quirky.

Choose from hotels and apartments to traditional Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs – usually a family home where you have your own room and are served breakfast each morning). If you’re on a budget, camping and hostels are the way to go.

BRITISH CULTURE

Where to go

London is often top of travellers’ lists, and it makes a good base for exploring if you’re short on time. There are plenty of daytrips you can do within a short train ride of London, from heading to Brighton beach or Bath’s gracious streets.

Go further and you’ll find dramatic clifftops and castle ruins in Wales, romantic glens and lochs in Scotland, and world-class cities like Edinburgh, Manchester and Liverpool.

Head to our Destinations page for more inspiration, from must-see castles to ten of the best places to visit in the UK.

What to see and do

There are endless things to do in Britain, from exploring its rich history and culture to enjoying the great outdoors. Visit castles and palaces, take a look around stately homes and country houses, enjoy a spot of afternoon tea, or go for a hike in the glorious British countryside.

If you’re interested in art and architecture, Britain is home to some of the world’s finest museums and galleries, from the National Gallery in London to the Tate Liverpool. For music lovers, there are countless festivals and concerts to enjoy, from classical music at Glyndebourne Festival Opera to pop at Glastonbury. Comedy fans are spoilt for choice, with comedy nights in most towns, and cities like Edinburgh and London attracting big international names.

Food (and drink) lover? Enjoy world-class cuisine, the classic British pub, vineyards and whisky trails. Take your pick from traditional British foods or fusion cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurant, try a hotel stay in a vineyard, or go on a gin cruise.

And if you’re a fan of the outdoors, there’s everything from walking and cycling to fishing and golf amid spectacular scenery.

History and heritage is everywhere in the UK, from fortress ruins and preserved thatched country cottages to quirky festivals and traditions dating back centuries, from pannage in the New Forest to the Whittelsea Straw Bear festival.

Food and drink in Britain

Britain has an undeserved (and baffling) reputation for bad food. Its plethora of Michelin-starred restaurants, top chefs, profusion of fine ingredients, and popularity of home cookery shows disproves that.

There are fine dining restaurants throughout the country. London is naturally blessed with a wealth of talent flocking to their kitchens, but there are bulging pockets of world-class excellence throughout the country: the Lake District alone has seven restaurants boasting Michelin stars.

You’ll find excellent restaurants and gastropubs, cosy cafes and tearooms in cities, towns and villages throughout the country.

Traditional pub food includes fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and toad in the hole (sausage in battered pudding, served with onion gravy). Head to a cafe or hotel for your classic full-English (or Scottish, Welsh or Irish) breakfast, or afternoon tea complete with scones, cakes, and delicate sandwiches.

Don’t miss regional delicacies on your travels, from Arbroath smokies (kippers) in Scotland, laverbread in Wales, or Lancashire hotpot. Check out our guide to traditional British foods.