About England
England is the largest of the four UK nations in terms of land size and population. When thinking of England, London often comes to mind first. Venture out of this great city though and you will find the history, culture and landscapes continue – from coast to mountain, lakes to canals and quaint villages to vibrant city centres.
Of course there are the ‘must-see’ destinations to visit, but we also share some locations you may not have considered but would be delighted to discover.
Things You Need to Know
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to England:
Weather
This will depend on which part of England you are visiting, but our best advice is to prepare for all four seasons in one day! In the winter, it can be cold, particularly in the north, while the south can have extremely warm summers, still with the occasional British rain shower.
Best Time to Visit
While summer in England is beautiful, the best time to visit to avoid the crowds in late spring or early fall when the weather is still pleasant enough to explore the outdoors. However, winter in England is filled with festive cheer, Christmas markets, and cosy local pubs.
Getting Around
England is well-connected by a public transport network, making it really easy to get around by trains or buses travelling between cities and rural areas. Renting a car or one of our private driver tours are also excellent options if you’d like to explore the countryside or coastal towns.
Culture and Traditions
The people of England are proud of their rich cultural heritage, so expect to see a mix of historical landmarks, royal palaces, and well-preserved medieval villages. Don’t miss trying traditional dishes such as fish and chips, a Sunday roast, or afternoon tea.
Featured English Destinations
England is a diverse country with iconic destinations in almost every corner. Our hand-picked selection of must-see locations includes the historic grandeur of London with its world-famous landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, to the quaint charm of England’s university cities, Oxford and Cambridge, to picturesque wanders through the Lake District. Our tailored packages for visiting England are designed to offer something for every traveller.
Our Experiences
Covering vacations in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales we can create a tailor made package accommodating client interests, travel time available and budget. Each destination below contains several sample tours to inspire you. From self-drive to private-driver, 3-star to 5-star luxury, Best of Scotland Holidays can accommodate your needs.
Personalised Itinerary
Are you a history buff, nature lover, or a big foodie? We can customise your vacation based on your interests. Our sample experiences have been created to inspire you and show that we can accommodate everyone. However, if there’s something that you’ve always dreamed of doing, let us know and we will incorporate this into your completely personalised itinerary!
Get in TouchFeatured English Blogs
6 Botanic Gardens You’ll Have a Bloomin’ Good Time At
Why a City Break in Manchester is Unmissable
Discover the UK’s Tranquil Waters by Cruise
FAQs
Before packing your bags, ensure you have all the necessary travel documents in order. All visitors to the UK who do not need a visa for short stays (like holidays) will need an Electronic Travel Authrorisation (ETA) – a digital approval to travel. Without an ETA you cannot travel to or transit through the UK.
UK Government website details.
The Republic of Ireland requires a separate visa to that of the UK.
Both the UK and Ireland have their own currencies – pounds sterling (£) in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland and euros (€) for the Republic of Ireland. Familiarise yourself with the current exchange rates and consider carrying a mix of cash and cards for convenience. Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your cards abroad. Although cash and cards can both generally be used, there has been a rise in the number of vendors only taking cards, so useful to have access to both methods of payment.
It is certainly customary to tip in the UK however it very much depends on the service you are tipping. The following will give some guidance:
- Food and Drink – quite often a service charge of around 12.5% is added to your bill already, so you may wish to check this. If you have enjoyed your experience you could top this up to make 15 – 20% in total. For takeaway purchases a tip is generally not expected, however if this is delivered to your accommodation you wish to give the delivery person a small tip.
- Transport – tipping a taxi driver would be the norm, around 10% or rounding up the charge. For driver transfers around £5 – £10 per person and for full-day tours around £15 – £20 per person.
- Tour Directors / Guides – as with drivers for short, guided tours £5 – £10 per person, and for longer / day tours £15 – £20.
As a rule though, tip according to service received and how much you have enjoyed the experience and the person has added to that experience. Tipping does not require to be a given!
The weather in the UK and Ireland can be unpredictable, so be prepared for the potential of four seasons in one day! Pack layers, waterproof clothing, comfortable shoes for exploring, and don’t forget an umbrella or raincoat. Regardless of the season, it’s always wise to pack an extra sweater or jacket. When the sun does shine it can be glorious, but also hot, so be prepared with sun protection also. Make sure to bring plug adapters for your electrical devices and a reminder that the UK is 230v.
The British and Irish are known for their friendliness and hospitality, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with locals wherever you are. If you happen to find yourself on the island of Islay you will find all passing (local) vehicle drivers waving at you! When visiting religious landmarks or some historical sites, observe any rules or guidelines in place. For golfers note there may be a dress code in some of the private clubs, both for playing courses and visiting clubhouses.
For many visitors to the UK on a self-drive tour this will mean driving on the left (wrong!) side of the road, however it won’t take you long to get the hang of it. Some key items to remember:
- Speed is in mph not km/h.
- Make sure you have requested the correct car seats for any infants and children travelling with the party.
- The Drink Driving limit in the UK is very low, with Scotland having a zero-tolerance policy.
Additional information can be found here:
https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-in-great-britain
Driving on the left – Road Safety Scotland
If you are hiring a vehicle, all drivers must present a fully valid and unexpired driving licence (digital licences are not accepted). If the driving licence is written in a language and characters different from those of the country of rental, you may require an International Driving Permit. Therefore we thoroughly recommend you travel with an International Driving Permit to present if requested. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation to allow you to rent a vehicle. We cannot take responsibility if you are unable to proceed with rental due to incorrect or missing documentation.
Before travelling, ensure you have adequate travel insurance coverage that includes medical emergencies. Carry any necessary medications in hand luggage and familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers and healthcare facilities in the area. While the UK and Ireland are generally safe destinations, it’s always wise to exercise caution and stay vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas.
