Traveling to England: A complete guide to the country for tourists

England is the largest part of the United Kingdom, located on the British Isles. Its capital is London, a global financial, cultural, and tourist center. The official language is English.

Countries that make up the United Kingdom (UK)

Great Britain (officially the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) consists of four countries:

England

• Capital: London
• The largest and most populous part of Great Britain.
• It is home to major attractions such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Stonehenge.

Scotland

• Capital: Edinburgh
• Known for its mountainous landscapes, lakes (Loch Ness), and culture (kilts, bagpipes).
• It has its own parliament and partial autonomy.

Wales

• Capital: Cardiff
• Known for its Celtic culture, castles, and national language (Welsh).
• Autonomous within the United Kingdom.

Northern Ireland

• Capital: Belfast
• Located on the island of Ireland, bordering the Republic of Ireland.
• Known for the Giant's Causeway and cultural traditions.

Popular cities and regions

• London: the capital with famous landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London.
• Edinburgh: Scotland's historic gem with a castle and cultural festival.
• Manchester: a center for music, football, and modern culture.
• Oxford and Cambridge: ancient university cities with charming architecture.

Sights of England: Top 10 places

• The Tower of London
• Big Ben
• Buckingham Palace
• Stonehenge
• The British Museum
• Westminster Abbey
• Loch Ness
• Edinburgh Castle
• Windsor
• Oxford

Interesting facts and symbols of England

England is known throughout the world for its royal family, double-decker red buses, telephone booths, 5 o'clock tea, and left-hand traffic. Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Stonehenge are icons of the country. But did you know that the traditional English breakfast of eggs, bacon, and beans originated in the Victorian era, and that the legendary “Big Ben” is not actually the name of the tower, but the 13-ton bell inside it?

England is a country of paradoxes, where pubs can be older than universities, and royal guards in bearskin hats never smile while on duty. Interestingly, six ravens officially live in the Tower of London — according to legend, if they fly away, the kingdom will fall. The famous red telephone boxes, which have become a symbol of Britain, are now often converted into mini-libraries and even first-aid stations!

The United Kingdom is a country with a rich historical heritage. Its history spans the Celtic and Roman periods, the Norman Conquest, the Tudor era, and the establishment of a parliamentary monarchy. In modern times, the UK became a major colonial power, exerting a significant influence on culture, economics, and politics around the world. Today, it remains one of Europe's key states, with a developed economy and a stable political system.

Political system of the UK

The United Kingdom is a parliamentary monarchy. The formal head of state is the king, but executive power is vested in Parliament and the prime minister. The country consists of four parts: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each of which has its own degree of autonomy and local government.

Population of the United Kingdom

The population of the United Kingdom is approximately 67 million. The majority are English, but the country is also home to Scots, Welsh, Irish, and numerous ethnic minorities. The United Kingdom is a multicultural country where various religions coexist: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and others.

National holidays in England

• Christmas (December 25) — the main family holiday.
• Guy Fawkes Day (November 5) — fireworks and bonfires.
• Easter and the May bank holidays — popular for vacations and trips.
• The monarch's birthday (officially celebrated in June)

Major festivals in the country

• Notting Hill Carnival
• Glastonbury
• Edinburgh Festival
• Chelsea Flower Show
• York Food Festival

Etiquette and behavior

• Queues — observing them is a sacred rule, respect the order.
• Left-hand traffic — be careful on the roads.
• Tipping — usually 10–12% in restaurants.
• Always say “please” and “thank you.”
• Do not interrupt.
• Do not discuss other people's income or personal life.
• Smile, but do not invade personal space.

English food

Traditional English dishes

English food is known for being simple and filling. One of the most famous dishes is, of course, fish and chips: fried fish with potatoes and tartar sauce. Other popular dishes include:

• English breakfast — with sausages, eggs, beans, and bacon.
• Shepherd's pie — a casserole with meat and mashed potatoes.
• Meat pies — filled with beef, chicken, or kidneys.
• Yorkshire pudding — light batter served with roast beef and gravy.
• Christmas pudding — a dessert with dried fruit and spices.
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Drinks in England

Traditional drinks in England:

• Tea with milk — an everyday symbol of the English home.
• Ale and stout — locally brewed ale is especially popular in pubs.
• Cider — often served in rural areas.
• Porter and English lager — for lovers of strong and dark varieties.
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Where to try English dishes?

You can enjoy English cuisine in various formats:

• Pubs — the best choice for authentic home cooking and ale.
• Farmers' markets — fresh produce, street food, and culinary discoveries.
• Camden Market and Borough Market in London — street food, snacks, and dishes from different regions.
• Michelin-starred restaurants — a modern interpretation of classic cuisine with local ingredients.

Scottish cuisine

Traditional Scottish dishes

Scottish cuisine is renowned for its hearty, simple dishes that reflect the country's harsh climate and rural heritage. The most famous national dish is haggis, made from sheep's offal with oatmeal and spices. Scones, Scottish broth, and smoked salmon from the islands are also popular.

Drinks of Scotland

Scotland is the home of world-famous whisky. Dozens of varieties are produced here, from mild Highland whiskies to smoky island whiskies. Ale, gin, and herbal teas are also popular in the country.

Where to try national food in Scotland?

The best gastronomic experiences await in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and on the Isle of Skye, where you can find both traditional pubs and haute cuisine restaurants serving local produce.

Irish cuisine

Traditional Irish dishes

Irish cuisine is comfort food, ideal for the cool climate. Among the iconic dishes are Irish stew with meat and potatoes, colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage), and soda bread, a special yeast-free bread. Great attention is paid to the quality of meat and fish.

Irish drinks

Ireland is famous for its ales and stouts, including the legendary Guinness, as well as Irish whiskey, which is smooth and aromatic. Warming drinks are popular, such as Irish coffee with whiskey and cream.

Where to try

You can enjoy authentic Irish cuisine in Dublin, Cork, and small villages across the island, where the traditions of home cooking and family pubs are still alive.

Welsh cuisine

Traditional Welsh dishes

Welsh cuisine is characterized by the use of local products such as lamb, fish, and vegetables. Famous dishes include cos-leeki (leek and potato stew), clammy (vegetable stew), and Welsh rarebit (toasted bread with cheese, mustard, and beer sauce). Another distinctive feature is the large number of pies and pastries.

Welsh drinks

Wales produces excellent craft ales and ciders, especially in the southern regions. Local gin and mead are also becoming increasingly popular.

Where to try

The best places to sample Welsh cuisine are Cardiff, Swansea, and the coastal villages. There you will find cozy taverns serving dishes made from fresh farm produce.

Public transport

• The metro (especially in London), buses, and suburban trains are convenient and well organized. We recommend using an Oyster Card or contactless payment.
• According to TfL, the peak time for thefts on the metro is between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., so be careful and stay alert.

Car rental and traffic rules

Car rental in England has a number of peculiarities. Left-hand traffic is the main thing to get used to, especially if you are driving in the UK for the first time. In addition, large cities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester have paid parking zones (e.g., the Congestion Charge in London) where drivers are required to pay to enter.

What you need to know about car rental:

• An international driving permit (IDP) is required for citizens of most countries, including Russia and Ukraine.
• Age restrictions — many rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old (sometimes 25 for premium cars).
• Insurance — basic coverage is usually included, but additional insurance (e.g., for tire and glass damage) can save you a lot of hassle.
• Toll roads and bridges — for example, the Severn Crossing and Dartford Crossing must be paid for online.

Important: British traffic laws are strict — fines for speeding, talking on the phone while driving, or not wearing a seatbelt range from £100 to £1,000. It is also worth remembering the strict parking policy — unauthorized parking can cost £60–130.

Taxis and bike rental

You can get around England not only by car, but also by classic black cabs or modern services such as Uber. Black cabs are a symbol of London; they are reliable but more expensive than alternatives. Drivers pass a rigorous test of their knowledge of the city (The Knowledge), so it is impossible to get lost with them.

Alternative options:

• Uber, Bolt, FreeNow — cheaper than cabs, but prices depend on demand.
• Bike rental (Santander Cycles in London, Beryl in other cities) — a great way to get to the center without traffic jams.
• Oyster card — convenient for frequent trips on the subway and buses.

Pros of bike rental:

• Affordable rates (e.g., £2 for 30 minutes in London).
• Many bike lanes, especially in city centers.
• Environmentally friendly and fast during rush hour.

Cons

• The weather in England is changeable — rain can catch you off guard.
• In some areas, cycling requires getting used to busy traffic.

Tip: If you plan to travel by taxi, download a special app — it will suggest the best route and compare transport prices.

Money in England:

• The pound sterling (GBP) is used.
• Payment by bank cards is widespread.
• Currency exchange is available at banks, airports, and tourist offices.

How much money to take with you on a trip:

For a comfortable trip to England, you should budget £70–100 per day per person (excluding accommodation).

Mobile communications in England and the UK

Best operators: EE, Vodafone, O2, Three. Travel SIM cards are a great option.

Wi-Fi and roaming in the UK

Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafes, and on public transport. Free roaming does not apply to EU citizens.

Crime

The overall level of safety in England, especially in tourist areas, is considered high. According to the UK Home Office, the overall crime rate has fallen by 4% since 2022.

The police are effective and the level of violent crime is low. However, as in any large city, it is advisable to take basic precautions — be alert in crowded places, do not leave personal belongings unattended, and keep documents in a safe place.

In some areas of large cities, especially in London, it is advisable to avoid poorly lit streets and deserted alleys at night. Pickpockets may operate in popular tourist areas, train stations, and on public transport, so it is important to keep an eye on your belongings, especially during rush hour. For added security, consider using taxis or licensed taxi services instead of walking at night.

Medical care

• Emergency care in the UK is free for everyone, but:
• The average cost of a visit to a private doctor is £120–300.
• Insurance is recommended: COVID-19 treatment costs £2,000+.

Therefore, taking out medical insurance is strongly recommended for tourists.

Pharmacies (or chemists) are widespread, especially large chains such as Boots and Superdrug, which can be found in city centers, airports, train stations, and shopping streets.

They sell both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Pharmacists can also provide basic advice and recommend medicines for common ailments such as colds, sore throats, allergies, and others.

Where to stay in the UK

London

• Soho is a great area for nightlife, theaters, and restaurants.
• Westminster is in the center of attractions: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace.
• Kensington is a prestigious and quiet area, close to museums and parks.
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Edinburgh

• The Old Town is close to the castle, historic streets, and pubs.
• The New Town features Georgian architecture, shops, and cafes.
• Leith is a modern waterfront area with good restaurants and hotels.
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By accommodation type:

• Budget: inexpensive hostels, guest houses, apartments.
• Comfort: 3–4★ chain hotels, B&Bs with breakfast and a cozy atmosphere.
• Luxury: boutique hotels, hotels in historic buildings, premium apartments.

What to bring back from England

Tea, jam, biscuits, antiques, jewelry, tweed and wool clothing, themed souvenirs with London symbols.

Where to shop

Oxford Street, Camden Market, Portobello Road, Covent Garden, Bicester Village are popular shopping destinations.

Family vacation in England

A family vacation in England is suitable for both young children and teenagers. London offers many attractions for children, from interactive exhibitions to amusement parks. Many museums have special areas for young children and teenagers, as well as free workshops.

We recommend visiting:

• Natural History Museum — dinosaurs, planetarium, and games.
• London Zoo — more than 650 species of animals.
• LEGOLAND Windsor — a park with roller coasters and shows.
• Science Museum — interactive areas, robots, and technology.

Solo travelers

England offers solo travelers a wealth of opportunities for an active and eventful vacation. It's easy to meet new people here and enjoy some privacy if you want some peace and quiet.

We recommend trying:

• Coworking spaces and cozy cafes for work and socializing.
• Walking tours and pub crawls in London.
• Day trips to Oxford, Cambridge, or Brighton.
• Theater performances in the West End or chamber performances in Edinburgh.

What to see in England in 3 days?

Itinerary:

Day 1: London — Big Ben, Westminster, Thames, London Eye.

Day 2: British Museum, Covent Garden, shopping.

Day 3: Windsor or Stonehenge.

How to save money in the UK?

• Buy travel cards
• Free museums
• Find discounts on Booking and Airbnb
• Lunch in pubs instead of restaurants
• Budget buses and advance travel

Unusual places in England

• Victorian cemeteries in London
• Cornwall — landscapes and fishing villages
• York — a medieval city
• Cheddar Caves

Free museums in England

The British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, and others.

Detailed information about visas and entry requirements for the UK can be found in the sections “Visa” and “Entry requirements”. Find out what documents you need to obtain a visa, in which cases visa-free entry is available, and what you can bring into the country, including food. Answers to these and other important questions can be found on our website!

Do I need a visa?

According to UK Visas and Immigration, citizens of many countries require a visa to enter England. A tourist visa (Standard Visitor Visa) is issued based on the purpose of the visit and the length of stay.

Entry with animals

Allowed subject to the following requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, Pet Passport, and quarantine measures.

Buch-dein-Visum.de is an accredited visa agency with more than 10 years of experience in the field of international migration. We specialize in professional assistance in processing visas and electronic permits (ETA) to England, USA, Canada and other countries in Europe and around the world. Our team provides full support: from consultation to application, which helps clients to avoid mistakes and speed up the process of obtaining a visa.