Ultimate Guide to UK travel
In this post our aim is to give you a Ultimate guide to UK travel with all the information you need all in one place.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Often referred to as either the uk or Britain is located on a group of Islands situated North West of mainland Europe. The islands are called the British Isles. Its made up of 4 countries Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Ireland (Republic of Ireland) is also located on these islands but does not form part of the UK but does share a land border with Northern Ireland the only country not part of the UK to share a land border with a uk country.
Although the United Kingdom is small when compared to many other countries around the world it still has big heart. The whole of the United Kingdom has stunning scenery, historical buildings, churches, cathedrals. museums. As well as more modern attractions such as theme parks, WB studio tours, the dungeons. There are also a number of beautiful lakes, lochs (scottish lakes), canals and rivers spread out throughout the country. There is really is something for everyone on these amazing group of Islands.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
Currency
The uk uses pounds sterling or Great British pound (GBP) both are just different names for the same thing. There are 100 pence in £1. Currently there are 8 British coins in circulation 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2. There are also 5 British notes in circulation £5, £10, £20, £50, £100
Visa
For most people traveling to the UK, a visa is usually not required for stays of up to six months. This applies to all EU citizens and citizens from non-EU member states of the EEA and Overseas contries and territories OCT. However most Asian citizens will have to apply for a visa ahead of time and can stay in the country for six months maximum. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check your visa validity beforehand. If you’re planning to stay longer than the six months, you will need to apply for a study, work, or another visa relevant to your reasons for travelling and entering the UK. PLEASE DO CHECK THE UK GOVERNMENTS WEBSITE VISA INFROMATION PAGES OR WITH YOUR OWN EMBASSAY OR GOVERNMENT. Sightseeingtravellers.com cannot give individual advice on this matter and its your own responsibility to check the country travel requirements for you stay.
Language
The main language is English for the whole of the UK. Tourists who can Speak English should not have to much trouble communicating while travelling around the country. However it should bed noted that there are some quite strong regional accents that you might find difficult to understand. This includes Wales, Scotland, Liverpool, the west country and Northern Ireland are ones that jump to mind for me as I’m writing this.
Electrical Sockets
Electric sockets are 230V AC electricity. Power outlets are usually three rectangular prongs. To avoid having to purchase new adaptors everywhere you go, be sure to pack a universal travel adapter with you so you can still use all your electronic gadgets. Its also important to ensure that your appliances are compatible with the UK voltage. Most modern laptops, phones and camera chargers are dual voltage. However its very important to check yours is compatible. The label on the charger should tell you if it is or not usually say 110 to 230v on the label. If your appliance doesn’t say this then you need to buy a power convertor if you want items of different voltages to work here in addition to your adapter for the sockets. If you dont your in danger of frying your appliances and possibly even cause a fire
Safety
The UK is a relatively safe place to travel to. The violent crime rate is actually really low and there is less petty theft crime rate in UK than in many of the other main European cities and countries, Some general advice: Always be aware of your surroundings and be especially vigilant when in crowds where pickpockets are more prevalent. Probably the thing that most people need to remember is we drive on the left this can be disorientating for those who come from countries who drive on the right including pedestrians so be careful out there.
Getting Around
Driving
Now disclaimer here I don’t drive I have never driven so cannot give any real advise on this matter. However one thing I want to remind everyone in the UK we drive on the left side of the road. This is just as important for Pedestrians as drivers. Also couple more things you should be aware of. We have a zero tolerance on driving while using a mobile phone so no texting, no talking or touching your phone while your in charge of a vehicle. This includes any vehicle that has its engine running and your sitting in the drivers seat even if stationary. The drink drive limit in the UK is very low and some people will find they are over the limit after just one pint of beer. We don’t like drink drivers here and most people will report you if they think you are over the limit.
Hiring a car is fairly straightforward you can apply online and pick up the car at predetermined pick up point. Ive never actually done this as like I said above I don’t drive. However I have family who live abroad and they regularly hire cars when they are home for a visit and said its fairly easy to do.
Trains
You can get trains to almost anywhere in the UK and there are regular daily services to most destinations. Check out Thetrainline.com or nationalrail or Scotrail there are also other train operators however these are the sites I can personally recommend has i have used them to check out times, ticket prices and make purchases. National rail is great for checking out live train times and for current issues on any line within the uk.
Coaches
There is coach travel available to many major destinations throughout the UK. Companies that do coach travel are Megabus.com, National express and citylink. There may be other operators however these are the three operators that I have used and can highly recommended for value, punctuality, reliability and comfort.
Taxis, cabs, mini cabs private hire
In the UK, there are different types of cabs/taxis. The first type is hackney style cabs (London black cabs although they can be any colour). Taxis that look like most other vehicles on the road but have a taxi sign on the roof. They will also display taxi license plate on the vehicle and will have a number on the passenger window that identifies the taxi that you are in. These can be hailed on the street (if light is illuminated). You can also pick one up at taxi rank or they can be booked on company app or by phoning.
Then there are the private hire cabs also known as mini cabs. Mini cabs just look like normal everyday vehicles and dont have a taxi sign on the roof. They will still display a sign or sticker on the window. This is how the vehicle or driver can be identified. Usually by a number and there will be a taxi license plate on the vehicle. These types of vehicles cannot be hailed in the street nor can you pick them up from a rank. I cannot stress this enough. These vehicles must be pre-booked through the company booking office either by phone, app or in person.
The term private hire applies to any vehicle that has been pre booked in advance not just cabs. It can also in can include mini buses and limos up to 8 seats. It includes companies such as uber, Bolt, Ola etc. These companies are usually cheaper than taxis. They must be booked in advance or your not insured if the vehicle has an accident and its against the law.
Royal Family
Queen Elizabeth II until September 2022 was our head of state and at the time of her death held the record for being the longest reigning British Monarch. King Charles III is now our head of state.
There are many beautiful buildings including palaces and castles that belong to the Crown. The thrones of England Ireland and Scotland united in a personal union which basically means two or more countries or states have the same Monarch but stay independent of each otherwise when James VI and I succeeded his English cousin Elizabeth Tudor to the throne of England (1603 he was already king of Ireland at the time(1602).
Elizabeth I was the last of the Tudor monarchs to reign and died childless. There were several attempts to unite the two Kingdoms of Scotland and England but they where unsuccessful until 1706 when the treaty of union was finally implemented after being ratified by both parties which eventually led to the creation of the kingdom of Great Britain. That is just a very brief outline of how British Monarchy came to be. Although the Monarch is the head of state. The Monarch and their family try to remain neutral with regards to politics and not give opinions on political matters
What to pack
The uk weather is changeable and can be unpredictable at any time of the year. Its important that you take this into account when packing and take a variety of clothes that will be suitable for both wet and sunny weather. That can be layred up if you’re feeling the cold.
Dont forget those uk adapters and any medication you might need for the duration of your trip. Also check out if there are any special requirements for bringing your medication into the uk.
UK ULTIMATE PACKING LIST
Where to visit
England
England is the largest of the 4 countries that make up the UK and there are some really great places to visit there are 51 cities in England and 935 towns. As well as several villages and hamlets (a settlement thats smaller than a village and traditionally had no church). Of the 51 cities all vary greatly in size and are all very different in what they have to offer visitors. London is a must on everyones bucket list when they visit England. However what about the historic cities of York and Bath both are great places to visit or the lake district is truly stunning area of the country. See my England guide here for Inspiration on the many great places to visit around England.
Scotland
Scotland the country of my birth and in my totally biased opinion (I’m not ashamed to admit it) the best country in the UK in terms of natural beauty. Its a truly stunning place in my opinion. There are 8 cities in Scotland and all offer a unique experience for visitors. There are also several towns and villages throughout the country. Edinburgh and Glasgow are usually on everyones bucket list but what about Stirling for the Wallace Monument and castle or Perth for Scone palace or the lesser known towns such as Gourock and Largs. See my Scotland guide for more ideas on places to visit.
Wales
Wales located on the Southwest of the Island known are Great Britain. It borders England to its East it is a lovely little country it has 7 cities as well as several towns, villages and other settlements. Again they all offer visitors a unique experience. Most people have heard of Swansea and Cardiff and would head off there. However don’t forget to check out the beautiful city of Bangor Wales oldest Cathedral city. Then there is St David’s the smallest city in the UK.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is located in the North East of the Island of Ireland. It borders the Republic of Ireland to its south west. Northern Ireland is Another beautiful country. Although I still say that Scotland has the best Natural beauty I can tell you it gives Scotland a real run for its money. There are 6 cities in Northern Ireland. Most people will visit Belfast without giving the rest of this beautiful country much thought. Derry (officially called Londonderry) the second largest city also has a lot to offer as does so many other places.
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