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.
Fast Facts
| Area: |
244,820 sq. km |
| Capital City: |
London |
| Languages: |
English, Welsh (about 26% of
the population of Wales), Scottish form of Gaelic (about 60,000
in Scotland)
|
| Religion: |
Anglican 27 million, Roman Catholic 9
million, Muslim 1 million, Presbyterian 800,000, Methodist
760,000, Sikh 400,000, Hindu 350,000, Jewish 300,000 |
| Time: |
GMT/UTC or BST (British Summer Time), which is one hour forward
from GMT |
| Electricity: |
240V, 50Hz. |
| Currency: |
Pound; Symbol: £; Subdivision:
100 pence |
| Government: |
Constitutional monarchy
|
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. Seasons
to Visit: 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
cinema, a creche and Megabowl Entertainment Centre. Transportation: 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. [top] |
