The collected wonders of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales are many and varied… There are more cultural icons here than most places on the planet — think Tower Bridge, Holyrood Palace, Big Ben — and that’s not all. Think rolling green hills, football, haggis, fish and chips, ancient castles, cricket, Harry Potter, the world's best whiskey, music festivals galore, and well over 45,000 cozy pubs. We’ll cheers to that.
Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the British embassy website in your country of departure.
There aren’t any specific vaccine requirements needed for the United Kingdom. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.
The UK’s weather is famous for its variability, but given that it’s hit by the Gulf Stream, it’s warmer here than you might expect a country to be at this latitude. Summer (June to August) tends to be the warmest time of year, with temperatures floating around the 15 to 20°C (33.8 to 68°F) mark and spells of sunshine. Winters can be cold and are often wet and windy — expect temperatures of freezing to 7°C (44.6°F). Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) lie somewhere in between these two extremes.
The one thing you should know about the UK is that the weather here can change on a dime. Rainfall can occur at any time — pack for all kinds of weather!
There’s no bad time to visit the UK per se, but the best time to visit really depends on what you’re looking for. Spring (March to May) brings beautiful flower blooms and that famous British greenery — so it’s a good time to head to the countryside and go hiking. Summer (June to August) brings the best weather, long daylight hours and plenty of music festivals — but expect peak crowds.
Autumn (September to November) sees falling leaves and cooler temperatures — ideal for cosy pub fires and blustery walks. Finally, winter brings cold weather but also festive markets and plenty of yuletide events.
While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in the United Kingdom. A general rule is 10% of the bill for waiting staff — which is usually added to your bill.
Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour programme, and an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from £3 to £5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however £25 to £35 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.
Internet access in the UK is generally pretty good, and you’ll find it in most public places like restaurants, hotels, hostels, libraries and cafés. Expect it to be better in cities like Edinburgh, London and Bristol than in the countryside, and be aware that if you’re using data on your phone from outside the EU, you may be subject to roaming charges.
ATMs are widely available in the UK — particularly in towns and cities outside supermarkets, on the high street and in post offices, petrol stations, and corner shops. Pretty much all ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard and other major networks of bank cards, though fees may apply for withdrawals. Check with your bank before you travel. You should also carry cash with you if you’re in rural or remote areas in case of emergency or if you can’t access an ATM.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
The UK is generally considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. However, its ranking has slipped in recent years due to its delay in banning conversion therapy and the challenges faced by the transgender community. Nevertheless, there’s generally a thriving LGBTQ+ scene in cities across the country — in rural areas like with most places, it’s more conservative.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.
The official language of the UK is English, which is the de facto language. However, it’s not the only language spoken here. Welsh, Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic and Cornish are also spoken in pockets of the country.
Yes, you can drink tap water all over the UK as a general rule. We recommend you bring a reusable water bottle for environmental reasons as there are numerous filling stations.
In general, yes, the UK is a very safe country to visit. However, as with everywhere else in the world, it pays to be careful. While rare, petty crime like pickpocketing and phone grabbing does exist, and there are occasional tourist scams — especially on public transport and in crowded areas in cities like London.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.
