England: Your complete guide to Old Blighty

Here are a few stats and tips that we picked up in our time here. Let us know if there is anything we should add!

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* We will be updating this section to a new format in the future. Stay tuned!
 

Total Population: 56.5 million | Capital City: London (9.6 million)

Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP) | Driving: Left Side

Measurement Standard: Metric (km)

⪢ Entry requirements

The entry requirements for England vary depending on your nationality, purpose of travel, and length of stay. However, there are some general requirements that all visitors must meet.

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• Passport: You must have a valid passport that is at least six months old on the day of your departure from England.

• Visa: If you are not a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you will need to apply for a visa before you travel to England. You can apply for a visa online or at a British embassy or consulate.

• Travel insurance: You are required to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and cancellation.

• Proof of funds: You must have enough money to cover your expenses while you are in England.

• Return or onward ticket: You must have a return or onward ticket to your next destination

If you are traveling to England for a short stay, you may also need to provide the following information:

• Accommodation booking: You must have a confirmed booking for accommodation in England.

• Itinerary: You must have a detailed itinerary of your trip, including dates and places of travel.

• Purpose of visit: You must state the purpose of your visit to England.

If you are traveling to England for a long stay, you may also need to provide the following information:

• Proof of employment: If you are traveling to England for work, you must provide proof of employment.

• Letter of invitation: If you are traveling to England to visit friends or family, you must provide a letter of invitation from your friend or family member.

It is important to note that these are just the general requirements for entry into England. The specific requirements may vary depending on your nationality, purpose of travel, and length of stay. It is always best to check with the British embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.

When you arrive at the airport, you will be asked a number of questions by immigration officials. Be prepared to answer these questions honestly and in a clear and concise manner. When you are interacting with officials, it is important to be respectful and polite. This will help to ensure that your entry into England is smooth and uneventful.

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⪢ Currency

The currency used in England is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). England seems to be well on its way to becoming a cashess society, with contactless credit and debit cards accepted pretty much anywhere. You can even tap your bank card directly on most buses and the London Underground, and most taxis now have card readers too! Convert your currency here.

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⪢ Sunday Trading

Sunday trading hour restrictions in England are governed by the Sunday Trading Act 1994. The Act allows large shops (over 280 sqm) to open for six consecutive hours on Sundays between 10am and 6pm only. However, there are a number of exceptions to this rule, including:

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• Shops must close on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.

• Shops must close on Good Friday if they are located within two miles of a church.

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Small shops (under 280 square meters) are not subject to any Sunday trading restrictions. This means that they can open for any number of hours on Sundays, including 24 hours a day.

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⪢ Transportation

England has one of the most extensive public transport networks in the world, including trains, buses, and the London Underground. Consider getting an Oyster card or use contactless payment for convenient travel in London.

⪢ Driving

If you choose to drive, be aware of traffic and speed cameras (and driving on the left). The UK's roads are home to around 7,000 speed cameras – the fourth highest amount in the world, beaten only by Russia, Italy, and Brazil. In 2022, over 1.74 million people were convicted of road offenses via the army of cameras. All drivers are required to have an International Driving Licence, and insurance, by law. 

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⪢ Health & Safety

England has a high standard of healthcare, which is free, but it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. It's also advisable to follow basic safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. 

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⪢ Tipping

Tipping is not customary in England but is always well received. In restaurants, if you would like to leave a tip, 10-15% tip is ok, but always check to see if there is already a service charge. In bars and cafes, rounding up the bill is appreciated, but again, not expected.

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⪢ Connectivity

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces, but it may require registration or have limited usage. Consider purchasing a local SIM card or using a portable Wi-Fi device for continuous connectivity. The top mobile carriers are EE, O2 & Vodafone.

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⪢ Customs and etiquette

The British are known for their love of queuing (standing in line). Respect the queue and wait for your turn, whether it's at a bus stop, ticket counter, or attraction. Brits also highly value manners and general politeness, so not saying please and thank you is generally frowned upon. Another tip is to be careful not to interupt! This is a big no no in England. 

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⪢ Cuisine

English cuisine is a diverse and delicious mix of traditional and modern dishes. It has been influenced by many different cultures over the centuries, including British, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, European (mainly French) and Indian. This has resulted in a wide variety of dishes that are both delicious and unique. Some of the most popular English dishes include Chicken Tikka Masala (curry), Full English breakfast, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, Yorkshire pudding, Cornish pasty, trifle, scones, and Victoria sponge cake. If you are looking for a taste of England, be sure to try some of these classic dishes. You won't be disappointed!

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⪢ Heritage sites

England is home to numerous heritage sites, such as castles, cathedrals, and historic houses. Some of these require an entry fee, so consider purchasing a heritage pass with the National Trust or English Heritage if you plan to visit multiple sites. There are over 400 heritage sites in England, including:

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• World Heritage Sites: England has 19 World Heritage Sites, including Stonehenge, the Tower of London, and Bath.

• National Heritage List for England: The National Heritage List for England is a list of over 40,000 buildings, structures, and archaeological sites that are considered to be of national importance.

• English Heritage: English Heritage is a government agency that is responsible for protecting and preserving England's heritage.

• National Trust: The National Trust is a private organization that is responsible for protecting and preserving over 500 historic properties in England.

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These sites represent a wide range of England's history and culture, from prehistoric monuments to medieval castles to Victorian industrial sites. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and are a great way to learn about England's rich history.

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⪢ Weather

The weather in England can be unpredictable, so it's advisable to pack layers and be prepared for changes in temperature and rainfall. As we say in England, always have a 'brolly' (umbrealla!) to hand. Unless of course you like getting wet!