United Kingdom Holidays

What is the UK known for?

The United Kingdom is widely recognised as one of the leading cultural hubs of the modern world. Spanning art, fashion, film and music, the UK has and continues to play a pivotal role in shaping today’s cultural landscape. Whether it’s hosting world-famous festivals (we’re looking at you, Glastonbury) and concerts, or serving as the backdrop to immersive exhibitions, Blighty has something for every taste.

Beyond this, the UK boasts a rich and storied history which stretches back thousands of years. No matter what era of humanity you've a penchant for, this island nation has you covered. Explore pre-Roman Britain at Stonehenge, discover more about classic antiquity in Bath, uncover remnants of the Middle Ages in towns like Hastings and Battle, understand the groundbreaking impact of the Shakespearean era all across Avon, or see firsthand how the Victorian way of life influenced the London of today.

Fancy something a little more relaxing? All four home nations (Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England) have a near-never-ending treasure trove of natural wonders to frolic through. Lush green spaces, vast sweeping valleys and crisp blue rivers and glens can be found almost anywhere on the British Isles.

What food and drink should I try in the UK?

The UK might not have the most shining reputation in the rankings of world cuisine, but in our (totally unbiased) opinion, we think that’s a little harsh. There are plenty of amazing recipes and dishes to try. Some of the best are:

• Toad in the hole. Much tastier than the name suggests, this dish comprises Cumberland sausages cooked inside a Yorkshire pudding batter. It's usually served with gravy and peas.
• Cottage or shepherd's pie. This iconic pie is a winning combination of minced beef (cottage) or lamb (shepherd’s), topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown.
• A full English breakfast. You haven’t really experienced the UK until you try one of these. A traditional breakfast sees bacon, sausage, eggs, mushrooms, black pudding, baked beans and a slice of toast served up on one heaped plate of greasy goodness.
• Fish and chips. We’d be remiss not to mention this classic. While it’s common to find this battered cod and deep-fried chips combination in most countries now, it’s worth giving a nod to its inventors. Make sure to have yours with a side of minty mushy peas.
• Sticky toffee pudding. Especially popular in the northwest of England and Scotland, this delectable dessert consists of a rich, moist sponge, layered with silky toffee sauce.

It’s no secret that Brits enjoy a drink (or two). Whether soft or alcoholic, there’s a suitable tipple for every occasion, and here are some of the best options:

Alcoholic

• Gin and tonic. Affectionately referred to as a ‘G&T’ by most Brits, this refreshing drink sees the titular ingredients poured over a large glass of ice.
• Scottish whiskey. The Scots are famed for their whiskey, so be sure to try a dram or two while visiting. These are usually brewed in specialist locations using recipes that have been passed down for generations.
• Homegrown apple cider. With ample apple orchards dotted across the UK, sample cider brewed within close proximity of where you’re staying. While once a seasonal treat, bottles now keep year-round.

Non-alcoholic

• Ginger beer. Although not originating in the UK, ginger beer has grown in popularity since the arrival of the ‘Windrush generation’ in the 1940s. Despite the name, ginger beer contains no alcohol and has a sweet, spicy taste with (unsurprisingly) a strong ginger flavour.
• Ribena. With origins dating back to WWII, this Vitamin C-rich blackcurrant-flavoured drink is a favourite in British homes. You can buy pre-mixed Ribena in a bottle or as a cordial, which you then mix with water.

What are the rules of tipping in the UK?

Tipping is not enforced in the UK, but it's considered polite. That’s especially true if you think your server did a good job. As a general rule of thumb, you should tip anywhere from 10-15% of your total bill. Some restaurants will include it on the bill, but you can ask for it to be removed.

Social norms in the UK to follow

People in the UK like their personal space. While you might get lucky, in bigger cities, it’s less common to strike up a conversation with a stranger. That’s not to say you can’t ask for help if you need it – Brits are very polite.

Public drinking is not as discouraged in Britain as it is in most other places across the world. That said, while enjoying a few drinks is fine, walking around and causing a scene won’t be accepted.

In formal settings, it’s common to shake someone’s hand when you greet them and look them in the eye as you do so. Manners go a long way in the UK. That means remembering to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as often as possible.

When is the best time to visit the UK?

The UK has a relatively moderate climate year-round, which means the best time to visit depends more on what you want to see and do. That’s not to say winter and summer are the same. You’ll experience much warmer temperatures between June and August (with highs of 25°C-30°C), while in the winter, it can struggle to reach above 10°C on a good day and can dip below freezing in the north.

Where is the UK?

The UK is an island located to the north of mainland Europe. It has close geographic ties to France, the only European country with easy access to British shores via either the Channel Tunnel (by car or the Eurostar) or a ferry across the English Channel.

How big is the UK?

The UK has a total area of 94,058 square miles, making it the 78th largest sovereign nation in the world.

What voltage are UK plugs?

The UK only uses type G plugs (three rectangular pins in a triangle pattern), which operate using a 230V with a frequency of 50 Hertz. If you don’t have this kind of plug, you’ll need to bring an adaptor with you.

What is the capital city of the UK?

The capital city of the UK is London. However, each of the four home nations has its own capital: London (England), Cardiff (Wales), Edinburgh (Scotland) and Belfast (Northern Ireland). London is by some way the largest city in the whole country. With just under ten million inhabitants, it’s also the 37th largest city on Earth.

What language do they speak in the UK?

English is the official language of the UK, but you’ll hear plenty of other languages being spoken – especially in big cities like London. Gaelic and Welsh are also native languages, although these are not recognised as official languages of the UK.

What time zone is the UK in?

The UK has two time zones, depending on the time of year. It sits at UTC+0 in the winter months, but during the summer, it moves an hour ahead to UTC+1 to account for daylight saving time.

What is the currency of the UK?

The British Pound (GBP) is the currency of the UK. The country was one of the few members of the EU not to adopt the Euro when it was introduced, even before it broke away during Brexit. Almost every shop in the UK will only accept pounds as a form of payment.

Can you drink the tap water in the UK?

Yes, it’s safe to drink the tap water in the UK. In certain parts of the country, it might taste a little chalkier, but it’s still fine to drink.

How long is the flight to the UK?

That all depends on where you’re coming from. For example, a flight from somewhere in Europe could take anywhere from one hour to three or four. If you’re coming from the east coast of North America, expect at least eight hours to make it across the pond. From the west coast, this could be closer to 11.

Those in Australia and New Zealand can expect flight times of closer to 20 hours, while from places such as Japan, you can plan for around a 15-hour flight.

Do I need a visa to enter the UK?

Whether or not you’ll need a visa for the UK depends on your country’s relationship with the British Isles. It’s smart to check what the exact requirements are for entering, in accordance with the UK Government’s official guidelines.

Whatever the case, you’ll need to apply for a United Kingdom ETA to be let in, even if you don’t need a full visa.

What are the passport requirements for the UK?

Your passport needs to be valid for the entirety of your stay. Sometimes, you might also be asked for it to be valid beyond an additional six-month period.

What are the vaccination requirements to enter the UK?

There are no specific vaccine requirements needed to enter the UK, but it’s a good idea to be up to date on all of the following: hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).