Most travellers visit England to see London , which is a shame. Sure, the UK’s capital city rocks, but England has it all; surfing down on the south coast, gorgeous and rugged national parks and more pubs than you can shake a stick at. Just remember to pack your waterproofs.
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UK Facts
• Capital City: London
• Currency: Pounds Sterling (GBP)
• Language: English
• Time Zone: 0 GMT
• Dialling Code: +44
• Religions Practised: Christianity (Protestant, Roman Catholic), Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhism
• Total Area:130,395 square kilometres
• Population Size: 50000000
Practical Information
Voltage and Plug Info:
220-240 V. British-style plug socket with three pins.
Visas:
EU residents can travel freely to England. Citizens of Canada, Australia, South Africa, the US and New Zealand can stay for six months without a visa.
Safety:
Keep your personal belongings close, particularly in big cities (pickpocketing is fairly common).
Vaccinations and Health:
There’s no need to get any vaccinations before a trip to England.
Guide to Taking a Gap Year in England
Best Time to Visit?
Summer months are when you’re most likely to catch the best weather, but it’s also the height of the tourist season. Spring or autumn are better bets: less tourists and mild weather.
Getting There and Away
Gatwick and Heathrow airports (both in London) are the most popular for travellers to fly into, but there are lots of other airports dotted around the country. You can also travel from France via ferry or the Eurostar.
Getting Around
Buses are reasonable priced and reliable (look for National Express or the Mega Bus). Trains are faster, but often more expensive; be sure to book well in advance.
Best Things to Do
Shouting until the final whistle
Football is a national obsession. Liverpool v Manchester United may be beyond your budget, but local games, such as Derby County v Nottingham Forest, boil with the same passion.
Digging the London scene
You’ve seen the sights, now hit the bright lights. Hang with the hipsters in Hoxton and Shoreditch, get seedy in Soho or hole up in an East End boozer.
Munching on cockles
And whelks, oysters and, of course, that old favourite fish ‘n’ chips, in seaside resorts from Whitby to Whitstable.
Clinging to a cliff
Cornwall’s dramatic coast has been bashed into some beautiful shapes by the Atlantic. Get off the footpath and view it up close on a coasteering tour, which involves squeezing into a wetsuit and jumping from great heights into a churning sea.
Rambling on and on
Pull your socks up to your knees and set off into England’s green and pleasant land. The Lake District draws the masses, but strolling around the honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds is equally charming.