Travel tips for Great Britain - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Great Britain gives an opportunity to all tourists visiting the country during transit travel, to stay for 24 hours without a visa. The decision on whether you can leave the airport limits is taken by a customs officer.

2. Most of the country's museums are admission-free. Visitors can voluntarily decide how much they are willing to donate to the development fund of a museum.

3. The UK features a left-hand traffic, so tourists are not advised to rent cars. The traffic pattern turns out to be so unusual that many people go to the oncoming lane.

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4. Pedestrians also should be careful. Crossing the road, first look to the right and not to the left, as in other countries of Europe. Many pedestrian crossings have a sign reminding of this rule.

5. Parking in the center of London is prohibited. There is a serious fine for violation of this rule. In the rest of the city, parking is paid. The fee is taken for every 15 minutes.

6. It’s accepted to leave tips only for waiters and taxi drivers. An amount is 10% of the check.

7. In the famous pubs, you must pay for the drinks immediately, at the bar counter. Even if you are going to spend in the bar all evening, you must pay for each order separately. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. English people are very tactful and polite. They do not tolerate those who hurry and plow through. It is extremely important in this country to observe all the rules of conduct and decency. A loud laughter and a noisy behavior can cause an unnecessary attention, especially in small towns.

9. When meeting in the UK, it is not accepted to kiss or hug. A handshake is enough. A woman should first give a hand.

10. The Irish, Scots, and Welsh can be greatly offended if mistakenly called English. The long history of coexistence within the framework of one empire led to interethnic conflicts. Therefore, it is better to avoid this topic in conversations.

11. The climate in the UK is variable; rain can begin any minute. Hence, it is necessary to carry a sweater or jacket.

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12. Tourists from other countries may be surprised by three-channel electrical outlets in hotels and houses. For your convenience, it is necessary to take adapters.

13. Water in England is not suitable for drinking. Only bottled water should be drunk.

14. English people consider English as the international language of communication, and, therefore, it is practically meaningless to address them in another language. Locals almost don’t speak foreign languages.

15. When communicating with the British, do not forget to use words of gratitude. Locals are famous for their gallantry. They always open a door in front of the ladies or help to put a coat on.

This collection of travel tips for Great Britain is protected by the copyright law. You can re-use the content, but only under the condition of placement of an active link to www.orangesmile.com.

Great Britain guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Great Britain

Colorful and unique places in Great Britain

Church Of St Mary And All Saints

From the series “Falling towers and buildings”

There is a religious monument in Chesterfield. Destruction may threaten it shortly. This is the Church of St. Mary and All Saints. It was built in the 13th century. The church is one of the largest Gothic churches in the region at present. The church building itself is in excellent condition. But its 28-meter spire has a disastrous deflection angle. It is deviated from the vertical by 3 meters.

The church's spire was built much later than the building itself. It was built in the second half of the 14th century. The spire has a very unusual twisted shape. The years of construction of the spire coincided with the plague that struck the city. According to one version, all experienced master builders died during this epidemic. Ordinary handymen had to complete their work. This resulted in a … Read all

Westminster Abbey

From the series “Gothic Architecture – Magnificent Monuments”

The Cathedral Church of St. Peter is a striking example of the Gothic style in architecture. It is located in Westminster. According to historical data, a small church was located on the site of the abbey in the 11th century. Henry III ordered the construction of a new elegant cathedral in its place in 1245. 15 Royal weddings, as well as other celebrations, were held at the abbey afterward.

Westminster Abbey has witnessed many important historical events over hundreds of years of existence. The last major reconstruction took place after the end of World War II. The beautiful old nave is preserved in the cathedral. Its construction lasted more than 150 years. It was completed in 1517. The height of this nave is 31 meters. It is the highest in England. An equally beautiful design element … Read all

Natural History Museum

From the series “Gothic Architecture – Magnificent Monuments”

London's Natural History Museum is of interest to travelers not only for its priceless exhibits but also for its unique architecture. Dr. Hans Sloane is considered the founder of the museum. He managed to collect a very interesting collection with a herbarium, as well as skeletons of rare animals in the first half of the 18th century. The museum's collection became very large in the mid-19th century. It was decided to build a new building for its presentation.

Renowned architect Francis Fowke worked on the building's design. The museum's collection was moved to a new, fully equipped building in 1881. The luxurious building is surrounded by a lush garden today. It is a favorite holiday destination for citizens and tourists in the warm season. More than 70 million exhibits are collected … Read all

All unique sightseeing Great Britain

Advices for popular cities of Great Britain

London

1. The majority of shops are closed no later than on 18:00. Only large shopping complexes work on weekends. Weekday morning is the best time for shopping. 2. While going for a walk, do not take much money and valuables with you. On the streets of the city it is recommended to avoid large crowds of people as these are the most favorable places for pickpockets. Camcorders and cameras are best to be worn on a strap over your shoulder or fastened to your belt. 3. Buses remain the most … Read more

Edinburgh

1. Tourists are advised to observe basic safety precautions - do not take valuable items for a walk and do not leave bags and coats unattended. The best way to wear camcorders and cameras is by binding them with your belt. 2. Medications in Edinburgh are available not only in specialized pharmacy shops, but also in many large supermarkets or shopping malls. 3. In most restaurants of the city tips are included into the total bill. Tips here rarely make up more than 10% of the total … Read more

Blackpool

1. Tourists, who expect to travel a lot around the city by using public transportation, will be able to save if they purchase a special «Docklands Light Railway» ticket. You can purchase it at any newsstand, however travellers should note that on weekdays they can use this pass only after 9:30. 2. Visitors of restaurants and cafes should not forget to leave tips, the amount of which should be at least 10% of the total bill. In some dining facilities service charges may be included in the … Read more

Manchester

1. National currency is the most optimum way to pay for purchases and services. The cash should better be exchanged before a journey. Currency is exchanged in local banks and exchange offices however the transactions are charged with high fees. 2. Travelers should keep in mind that the prices for goods in Manchester are considerably higher than in other European cities. However in the city the prices are rather fixed from shop to shop. The discounts are possible only during sales. 3. … Read more

York

1. The most convenient way to call to other cities and countries is to use payphones, which can be found in every major street of the city. These phones are operated by plastic cards that can be purchased in any newsstand. 2. Guests of the city are recommended to purchase clothing and jewelry in specialized stores only. In this case you can be sure that the product you buy is not a fake. 3. The most expensive prices are set in the restaurants dedicated to the national cuisine. Therefore, … Read more

Glasgow

1. Summer months are considered the most favorable time for a trip to Glasgow. During this time of year nothing will spoil your excursion program. Travelers, who expect to devote much time to outdoor activities, should not forget to take some warm clothes. It can be rather cold here in the evening, even in summer. 2. Glasgow is distinguished by an excellent public transport system. In addition to buses and trolley buses visitors can also travel by trains. You can also purchase a special … Read more

Birmingham

1. Guests of the city are recommended to leave all valuable items in safes of their hotel rooms. Do not take large amounts of cash or documents for a walk without any particular need. 2. The tourists, who expect to devote much time to excursions, are recommended to visit Birmingham in the period starting from April to September. This time of a year is distinguished by the most favorable weather, so long rains will not be able to spoil your plans. It should be also noted that the majority of … Read more

Cardiff

1. Bus remains the most common form of public transport. Travelers are recommended to buy a map of the city in any newsstand. Maps usually indicate public transport routes, and this will make your journey more comfortable. It should be noted that buses ply not only in the city, but also in suburban areas. 2. The best way to get a taxi is to call it by phone or find a car on a special parking. Stopping free cars on the streets of Cardiff can be quite difficult. Biggest taxi parking is … Read more