Researching your trip to the United Kingdom? We’ve done the homework for you with our essential list of top sites for UK travel info and inspiration.
The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s greatest stories of history, landscapes of rolling hills, pubs, castles and royals.
England is big and bold with famous sights everywhere. London is famous for its shopping, eateries (fancy some chips?), multiculturalism, museums, and of course the royal family. Buckingham Palace is a favourite for visitors, as they crowd around to watch the changing of the guards.
Scotland is perhaps better known for its countryside… and that accent. Glass-like lochs, beautiful old castles with many a tale to tell, and Highland games in towns and villages around the country. Enjoy a local whisky or two while you’re there.
Meanwhile, Wales has some of the United Kingdom’s best beaches, which you might enjoy for a swim or just a leisurely scenic stroll. Add to that world-famous golf courses, a white winter or colourful autumn visit, accommodation in a castle, and mountaintop views that go forever, and Wales is looking like a great holiday destination.
To help you plan your trip we’ve scoured the internet for the best UK travel tips.
ORIENTATION
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a sovereign state in Europe. Lying off the north-western coast of the European mainland, the country includes the island of Great Britain—a term also applied loosely to refer to the whole country—the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland and many smaller islands. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that shares a land border with another state (the Republic of Ireland). Apart from this land border, the UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with the North Sea to its east, the English Channel to its south and the Celtic Sea to its south-southwest. The Irish Sea lies between Great Britain and Ireland.
Great Britain itself – the island – is made up of most of England, Scotland, and Wales, with their respective capital cities, London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.
VISAS
The Aussie government’s Smartraveller site is our go-to for the really important stuff on all foreign travel, including Thailand. On tourist visa rules for Australian’s visiting the UK on holiday, Smartraveller says:
Generally, Australians travelling to the UK as tourists for a period of up to six months do not require a visa. However, it is ultimately the prerogative of the UK authorities to determine who is granted entry. Any individual they believe is entering the UK for any non-tourist purpose and does not hold the corresponding visa, may be refused entry. Australians planning to do paid or unpaid work, to volunteer or get married in the UK are required to obtain a visa before they depart Australia.
Because entry and exit requirements can change, contact your nearest Generally, Australians travelling to the UK as tourists for a period of up to six months do not require a visa. However, it is ultimately the prerogative of the UK authorities to determine who is granted entry. Any individual they believe is entering the UK for any non-tourist purpose and does not hold the corresponding visa, may be refused entry. Australians planning to do paid or unpaid work, to volunteer or get married in the UK are required to obtain a visa before they depart Australia. UK High Commission for the most up-to-date information.
MONEY
British pounds – and plenty of it – is what you’ll need on your travels around the United Kingdom.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Smartraveller lists drink spiking, credit card and ATM fraud and opportunistic crimes as risks to watch out for. Terrorism activity is unfortunately also something to keep an eye out for. On 29 August 2014, UK authorities raised the threat level from international terrorism for the UK overall, from ‘substantial’ to ‘severe’ (level 4 of 5). This higher threat level means that a terrorist attack is highly likely. For more information on the UK’s terrorism threat level system, see the UK Government’s official website.
For on the ground emergency assistance such as police, coast guard and ambulance services, bookmark Expatica.com’s important emergency phone numbers.
UK PLUGS AND ADAPTORS
You’re probably travelling with an armload of devices, so keeping those gadgets charged will be a priority. Use this guide to figure out the adaptors you’ll need.
You’ll need travel insurance before heading to the United Kingdom to ensure your dream getaway stays as perfect as possible. Head here to check out our easy and budget-friendly Travel with Jane options.
