England is one of the most popular destinations in the world for tourism. It has it all - ancient and medieval history and archaeological sites, some of the best museums in the world, natural beauty, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and so much more.
A trip to England is what set us off on our own love of history and travel too. We’ve lived in several parts of the United Kingdom as well for many years, and so we have some added insight to help the average traveller who may need a little guidance along the way.
To that end, here are our top twenty tips for travellers visiting England!
1. Plan ahead: Research the places you want to visit and make sure you book accommodation and activities in advance. We can’t stress this enough, especially when there is so much to see. Make your life easier by purchasing skip-the-line tickets or guided tours at popular destinations or theatre productions to save time and money.
2. Currency: Make sure you have British pounds in cash or have access to a debit/credit card that works in the UK. This goes for any country you are visiting, and is well worth the small amount of time it will take to look into it. Remember, things on average cost more in London than elsewhere in the UK.
3. Weather: Bring layers, as the weather in England can be unpredictable and change quickly. We’ve gone from wearing fleeces and rain coats to walking about in a t-shirt and shorts all in one day, so this is important. Also, make sure to wear some proper, waterproof hikers if you are walking in the countryside.
4. Public transportation: Get an Oyster card or contactless card for easy use of public transportation in London. The Tube is a wonderful way to get around London, and it goes everywhere! Get a day pass and a map of the stations to plan where you need to go ahead of time. Trains are frequent on most lines so don’t worry if you miss one. If the Tube is not your style, try getting a London Hop-on Hop-off pass to go about the city above ground!
5. Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in restaurants and for taxi rides. If you want to tip, go for it. No server or driver will be offended by a little bonus as a sign of your appreciation.
6. Language: English is the main language spoken in England, but there are regional accents and dialects. England is partially so popular among North American tourists because they speak the same language, but there are some strong regional differences. Try Googling some videos on the local expressions where you are headed and get in good with the locals!
7. Punctuality: Punctuality is highly valued in England, so be on time for meetings or appointments. The English are very proud of this, so why not be a part of it. If you’re not on time, you just may be turned away or miss your train.
8. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces, including pubs and restaurants. More and more, smoking is frowned upon and even banned. Keep a look out for signage at sites and around buildings as well. Nothing can ruin a vacation more than a hefty fine that digs deep into your vacation fund!
9. Drinking age: The legal drinking age in England is 18. They do like to drink a lot in the UK, but that does not mean anyone under 18 can slip under the radar. Children and youths can go into pubs, but don’t try and pull a fast one.
10. Plug adapters: Bring a plug adapter if your electronics use a different plug type. In the UK they use the three-pronged plug and outlets usually have a switch on them. Most phone and computer chargers convert the current these days, so you probably don’t need to worry about a power converter. However, it is always best to check your device’s specifications to make sure it can hander the 230 volt current. Check out a universal plug adapter HERE.
11. Museums: Many museums in England are free, including the British Museum, so take advantage of this and visit as many as you can. Check ahead of time to see if there are special exhibits that require the purchase of an extra ticket, or if there are special events or re-enactment displays happening when you go. Bear in mind that the crowds will generally be larger on these free and event days. Consider skip-the-line tickets for some museums.
12. Food: Try traditional English dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and Sunday roast. It has long been said that Britain is not really known for its food, but things have changed and, aside from the excellent local fare and pub grub, you can also savour foods from around the world in the more metropolitan cities like London. Indian food is especially good in England. There is also a large farm-to-table movement in the UK so when you are searching for a place to eat, especially in the countryside, be sure to look out for pubs that use fresh, healthy, local ingredients.
13. Safety: England is generally a safe country, but it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. As with all places, especially in cities, use common sense and don’t go anywhere that makes you feel a little twinge of anxiety, and more so at night. Bear in mind that after last call, when the pubs empty out into the streets for the night, the atmosphere can be quite tense in some places. Pickpocketing and RFID theft is also quite common in crowded places and on public transportation, so you may want to consider a travel bag with safety features. CLICK HERE to purchase one.
14. Etiquette: Observe local etiquette, such as standing on the right-hand side of escalators and queuing for buses and trains. England can be quite orderly, and that is one reason everything works so well as opposed to other countries. Be respectful, as you would do anywhere else.
15. Shopping: England has a range of shopping options, from high-end department stores to quirky independent shops. Whether you’re walking the high street in a small Devon town, or exploring the shops on Oxford Street in London, there is something for everyone. Bear in mind the exchange rate so that you don’t get any nasty surprises, and try to support small local businesses whenever you can.
16. Sports: England is known for its love of sports, so try to catch a football (soccer) or rugby match if you can. This is the home of the ‘beautiful game’, and it can be a thrill to watch a proper match. Mind the crowds and be aware of the mood of the crowd so that you don’t get swept up in an impassioned brawl. If you have children with you this is especially important.
17. Sightseeing: There are many famous landmarks and attractions in England, such as the Tower of London, Stonehenge, and Hadrian’s Wall. The list is endless! There are also wondrous castles everywhere you go across the land. These are some of the most popular and busy tourist attractions in the world and everyone should see them at least once. Make your life easier by purchasing advance tickets for these sites, or tours with experts who know everything there is to know. CLICK HERE to find tickets.
18. Pubs: Public Houses are a popular social spot in England. They are an important part of English history, so make sure to stop by for a pint and some excellent local food. Look at reviews and ask locals for the best, independently-owned pub as many chains (especially in London) have taken over pubs and the quality can be lesser at those that are corporately-owned. Try going to an historic pub and enjoy a pint where famous people did just that. From the Ye Olde Road to Jerusalem pub in Nottingham, to the The George and Pilgrim in Glastonbury, every old pub has a fascinating history that will make your meal an adventure! To sample different pubs in the city, try booking a London Pub Tour!
19. Day trips: There are many great day trips you can take from London, such as Bath, Oxford, Canterbury, Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon and more! The distances are much shorter than in North America, so a bus tour is an easy way to see sights outside of London if you don’t want to rent a car. CLICK HERE to see what tours are available and book your tickets ahead of time!
20. Manners: Politeness and good manners are highly valued in England, so remember to say "please" and "thank you.” This should go without saying, but it is worth noting that you get what you give. If you are polite and respectful, you will be treated as such in most places. The English people can be very friendly and these interactions can make for some wonderful vacation memories. Nobody likes a loud, raucous and rude tourist!
There you have it. Our top twenty tips for an enjoyable trip to England. Of course there are many other things to consider, but keeping these things in mind will set you off on a grand adventure.
Remember to check out our ‘Travel Resources’ page for deals and recommendations around flights, accommodation, tours, museum passes, and more!
Cheers!
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