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| England - The abiding fascination of Britain lies in its infinite variety. Short excursions in any direction weave a spell of magic compounded by its history, culture, people, pageantry and landscapes. Each season carries its own unique appeal - big city excitement in shops, shows and restaurants, as well as the calm, tranquil and green beauty of the rolling countryside. Their renowned gardens are scattered in the grand style of every region. The pub is an integral part of traditional English life and a good way to meet the English. Irrespective of season, there is a vast range of entertainment available - music and arts festivals, carnivals and fairs country wide, and live theatre in the provinces and London's West End. Wales - Wales, with its historic language and culture, is a country of unsurpassed variety. Mountain landscapes, stunning coastlines, three National Parks and ancient castles combine with modern leisure and holiday facilities to provide a memorable visit. Scotland - Home of Britain's highest mountains, wildest dramatic scenery and 'moorland', 'lochs' (lakes), bagpipe music, kilts (the national men's dress) and much more! Scotland's dramatic landscapes, fine whiskies and unique national identity are world-renowned. Its historic cities combine old traditions with modern lifestyles while the vastness of the Scottish Highlands provide one of Europe's last wildernesses. |
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Britain's weather is unpredictable. London's temperature is generally mild, but may drop below freezing point for brief periods during the winter. November through February are characterized by cold weather and short days -- not ideal for visitors. In March and October, days are longer but it can still be cold. The best months to visit are the drier months from April to September. London's peak tourist season is during the warm months of July and August, when temperatures average under 20 degrees Celsius. As insurance against London's volatile weather, bring an umbrella and a raincoat.
Entry Requirements: Visa requirements depend on nationality. Check with us for complete information.
Dress: Most locals take fashion seriously. Londoners spend good money for clothing, always making sure all elements go together and paying close attention to color coordination. The common attire for businessmen is a two or three-piece suit. Corporate women are uniformly dressed in dark colored skirts and blazers. For street clothes, pack as you would for travel to the US -- a heavy coat for winter or lightweight jacket for summer months. Many upscale restaurants require jackets and ties.
Food/ Restaurants: Many cultural influences have created an eclectic variety of cuisines over Britain, with Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean and Malaysian to name but a few. But for good food at a reasonable price you can't beat pub grub. There are plenty of pubs to choose from, most with a British homely atmosphere. You may be surprised to hear how good British food and drink actually is! Choose from traditional regional specialities like roast beef and Yorkshire pudding or fish and chips, or take High Tea with scones and clotted cream.
Shopping: As one would expect, London offers everything one could possibly want to buy. There are many specialty stores where you will likely find that much-sought-after gift. London's main shopping districts are Oxford Street, Covent Garden, King's Road and Regent's Street. For the finest of everything under one roof, head to one of London's many excellent department stores. There are many Shopping Village Outlets throughout the United Kingdom, and every one has a variety of shops that offer up to 70% off the retail price of the products they sell. ShoppingVillages.com is here to help you save money and plan that perfect day out. This style of shopping is very popular in Britain. Shopping villages group dozens of famous names in one purpose-built village. You'll find china, crystal, high street fashions, designer clothes, household goods, shoes and more. The Metro Centre in north east England houses over 360 shops, more than 50 restaurants, bars and cafes, an eleven-screen Heathrow Airport to City Center is the airport linked to London by the underground railway network, allowing quick access to and from the city. There are several coach and bus services, and taxis are available. Edinburgh Airport to City Center is about 25 minutes. Taxis can be hired from stations outside the airport. Bus and coach services are also available. Birmingham International Airport to City Center is connected by a monorail system, which is free. There is also a train service from BIA to London. Buses and coaches are available, as well as taxis. All cities have efficient bus services, but there are no long-range services.
Health risks: Living and traveling in the United Kingdom poses no serious health risks; the only problematic illnesses are common flu, sinus problems, and rheumatism caused by the cold, damp weather. Food laws are extremely strict so food is safe, as is the tap water, although it will take some time to adjust to its chemical content.
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