Great Britain is a fascinating and highly diverse country comprised by England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Even though these areas have the same government, you can explore their different cultures, languages and customs. Natural scenery varies a lot in this great country, Scotland and Wales in particular have very impressive landscapes - among the most beautiful in the world.
Find your travel arrangement to United Kingdom here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Capital
London (7,074,300 1996)
Size
241,752 km2
Principal Languages
English is the principal language, but there are areas that speak Welsh and Gaelic.
Principal Religion
Protestantism (Church of England), with a minority of Roman Catholicism.
Inhabitants
58,801,500 (1996)
Government
Constitutional monarchy
Geography
The landscape of Great Britain can generally be divided into the highlands and the lowlands. The highland areas consist of mountain ranges, most of which are to be found in Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and northern Wales. The lowland areas feature hills of sandstone and limestone and long valleys. Great Britain also has many great lakes, inlets, small islands, tall cliffs and long sandy beaches.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
Great Britain can be visited all year around. The warmest months are from May to September, whilst snow can occur between November and March. The weather in Great Britain is very unpredictable, therefore it is recommended to always bring warm/waterproof clothes. The northern parts of the country in particular can suddenly become very cold.
Literature
Eyewitness Travel Planner: British Isles
Fodor's 2001 Great Britain
Fodor's 2001 Great Britain
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
In Great Britain the following measurements are used
Distance: feet/miles/kilometres
Capacity: litres
Weight: kilos
In Northern Ireland you use these measurements:
Distance: feet/miles/kilometres
Weight: pound/stone
Capacity: pint/gallon
Distance: feet/miles/kilometres
Capacity: litres
Weight: kilos
In Northern Ireland you use these measurements:
Distance: feet/miles/kilometres
Weight: pound/stone
Capacity: pint/gallon
Photography
In churches and other religious sites you should follow the indicated procedures. Otherwise, there are no special rules for photographing in Great Britain.
Drinking water
It is safe to drink the tap water in Great Britain.
Electricity
240 volts AC, 50 Hz. The plugs have three pins.
Behaviour
In Northern Ireland and in Scotland it is advisable not to discuss religion or politics with the people, as many of the inhabitants feel passionate about these issues. Apart from that, common courtesy will be appreciated.
Business Hours
Shops have different opening hours in the different areas, but the usual opening hours are 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday-Friday) and Saturday until lunch.
Banks and post offices also have different opening hours, but the usual opening hours are 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday-Friday), most of which are also open on Saturday until lunch.
Banks and post offices also have different opening hours, but the usual opening hours are 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday-Friday), most of which are also open on Saturday until lunch.
Food and drink
Great Britain is famous for its English breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausages etc). There are several other specialities around the country. Scotland is well known for its salmon dishes, while Northern Ireland is known for shellfish, potato dishes and dried seaweed. They drink a lot of beer in Great Britain, try quenching your thirst with one of the numerous brands. The "Brits" are also renowned for drinking a lot of tea.
Disabled travellers
Gradually, the facilities for disabled travellers are improving in Great Britain. Many sights and attractions are sign posted if they have facilities for disabled people
Holidays
New Year's Day, January 1st
Christmas Day, December 25th
Boxing Day, December 26th (if it is a Sunday it will be the 27th)
Movable holidays
Easter, March or April
May Day, first Monday of May
Bank holidays, last Monday of May, last Monday of August (except for Scotland)
Christmas Day, December 25th
Boxing Day, December 26th (if it is a Sunday it will be the 27th)
Movable holidays
Easter, March or April
May Day, first Monday of May
Bank holidays, last Monday of May, last Monday of August (except for Scotland)
Accommodation / Hotel
There are a large variety of different types of accommodation all over Great Britain that includes guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels and camping sites. Nearly every city has hotels in all price ranges. There are lots of possibilities to rent caravans all over the country.
Book your Hotel in United Kingdom here
Book your Hotel in United Kingdom here
Camping
There are numerous campsites all over the country. Most sites have good facilities that include baths and playgrounds, shops and sport grounds can be found in the more expensive ones. Many campsites rent tents if you have not brought your own.
hotels in all price ranges can be found in nearly every town. There is a tendency towards higher prices in the bigger cities, London is definitely the most expensive. One should be aware that England, Scotland and Wales have different systems of classifying hotels, so the standards vary and you will not necessarily receive the same service for the same amount of money.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
B&Bs and Guesthouses are popular in Great Britain. They can be found everywhere, both in cities and in the less populated areas. They vary in price and comfort, but most of them are cosy and have a charming atmosphere.
Hostels
Hostels often offer the cheapest accommodation, and there are plenty of them (especially in England and Wales). Hostels vary in price and comfort, but generally they are good value.
Other Accommodation
In many areas of the country it is possible to rent caravans.
Local transport
Great Britain has a thorough transport network. There are domestic Flights between all large cities, and you can also travel by train or bus when travelling between cities. Both buses and trains are generally efficient and run regularly.
Planes
In Great Britain there are domestic Flights between all large cities. There are several companies in competition with each other, which means that you can often get a cheap ticket.
Bus
The bus services in Great Britain cover practically the whole country. Coaches go between most cities and areas. Most coaches are in good condition with a toilet and with the possibility of buying refreshments.
Trains
Great Britain has an incredibly well extended train service that covers most of the country. The trains leave regularly and with good service. It is possible to buy a train pass, which allows you to travel as much as you want within a limited period of time. Such a pass must be bought before entering the country, so buy it before leaving home.
Taxi
There are many taxis in all towns in the country, and they can be good value for money if you are travelling in a group. Most taxis with a taxi-meter can easily be hailed on the streets.
car rental
It is possible to rent cars in all large cities. You will find both big international companies and small local companies. You must, however, be aware that they drive on the left side of the road.
Boat or Ferry
Boats and ferries regularly connect the islands (not all of the small ones).
Region and City Guides
Region
• Cardigan Coast
• England with Channel Islands and Isle of Man
• Gower Peninsula
• Northern Ireland
• Orkney Islands
• Scotland with Orkney & Shetland Islands
• Wales
• England with Channel Islands and Isle of Man
• Gower Peninsula
• Northern Ireland
• Orkney Islands
• Scotland with Orkney & Shetland Islands
• Wales
City
• Aberystwyth
• Belfast
• Birmingham
• Brighton
• Cardiff
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Liverpool
• London
• Manchester
• Swansea
• Belfast
• Birmingham
• Brighton
• Cardiff
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Liverpool
• London
• Manchester
• Swansea
