Travel Information

No matter where they want to go in Britain, there is an airport not far from your clients’ destination. London Heathrow is the largest airport in Europe and well connected to central Europe. Major airlines also fly direct to London's Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.

Travelling from the airport
Your clients will find all British airports well connected with local public transport options. For example, London Heathrow and Newcastle in North England are each linked with the cities' Underground (subway) rail networks. Arriving at Heathrow you can also take the Heathrow Express, a fast, direct train to London's Paddington railway station (approximately 15 minutes). Arriving at Gatwick you can take local train services or the faster, direct Gatwick Express to London Victoria (30 minutes). Stansted and Manchester also have regular express train connections. Edinburgh has an easy tram connection to the city centre.

Travelling within Britain by air
With distances small within the UK, domestic air travel isn't essential, but is a good option if you want to save time – for longer journeys such as between London and Scotland, or to get to one of the many fantastic offshore islands around the country.

Beginning in the Summer 2019, we will see the introduction of ePassport gate access for Americans and Canadians at 14 different ports, including Heathrow, to make it easier and faster to travel to the UK by using the e-gates.

Talk to your travel advisor about the best ways to enjoy Britain!

Britain’s national currency is the pound sterling (symbol: £), which is sub-divided into 100 pence (symbol: p). You get notes in denominations of £50, £20, £10 and £5, and coins in £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p and 1p.

There are lots of places you can change money in Britain:
• bureaux de change on high streets, in airports and major railway stations
• banks
• travel agents
• Post Offices

It's worth shopping around to get the best deal and remember to ask how much commission is charged.

Scotland and Northern Ireland issue their own pound sterling notes that represent the same value as an English note - you can use English and Scottish (although the Scottish £1 note is not accepted outside Scotland) money anywhere in the UK, but Northern Irish cash can only be used in Northern Ireland. You can exchange them for English notes in any bank, however.

Your travel advisor will ensure you're totally prepared for your trip!

Official Language: English, Welsh, Gaelic, Scots

Medical insurance
You are strongly advised to take out adequate insurance before travelling to Britain. Your travel agent will be able to suggest a suitable policy.

Bringing medicine into the UK
If you want to bring medicine into the UK, first check that it is licensed for use. Always carry medicines in a correctly labelled container as issued by the pharmacist. Otherwise, bring a letter from your doctor or a personal health record card giving details of the drug prescribed, in case it is queried by customs or you require additional supplies. Remember that some medicines available over-the-counter in other countries may be controlled in Britain, and vice versa.

Pharmacies & chemists
In Britain you can obtain prescription, and over-the-counter (non-prescription), medications as well as expert medical advice at pharmacies – often called chemists. We recommend you carry a letter from your doctor stating your prescription and dosage if you are taking any medication.

Pharmacy opening hours
Pharmacies are usually open from 09:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays and limited availability on Sundays. However, in larger cities you will find a number of pharmacies open late during the week and on the weekend.

Vaccinations & inoculations
You do not require an International Certificate of Vaccination when travelling to the UK, but you should check if one is needed on re-entry into your own country.

Food & water
The level of food hygiene in Britain is very high, so you should simply observe the normal precautions when consuming food products, i.e. ensure it is thoroughly cooked, or that it is within the expiry date. The standard of water cleanliness is also very high, and in general kitchen water supplies, tap water in restaurants and ice cubes are safe drinking water. You can find bottled water in most shops and supermarkets.

Obtaining treatment
If you are unwell during your visit to Britain, first consult a pharmacist – also known as chemists. They will advise on treatments available over-the-counter (for example: available without a doctor's prescription). Chains of pharmacists include Boots and Superdrug.

Medicentres
Medicentres are walk-in private medical centres based in London. No appointment is necessary and you will normally be seen within 20 minutes. New and repeat prescriptions may be issued.

NHS walk-in centres
NHS walk-in centres offer healthcare advice, information and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses. No appointment is needed and assessments are carried out by experienced NHS nurses. They are open and available to anyone who can normally access NHS services. They are located throughout England, with 8 centres in London.

Tipping practices differ from the U.S. In hotels and many restaurants, a service charge is customary (typically 12.5%). If a service charge is not included, a tip is generally 10-15% of the bill. Taxi tips are usually 10-15% or rounded up to the nearest pound.

Britain has an extensive and efficient public transport network, motorways and roads. And as the country is so small, journey times are never very long. For example you can easily reach Scotland from London in just over 4 and a half hours by rail. Read our top tips on getting to grips with the trains, buses and London Underground, plus find out what it’s like to drive in the UK. You’ll be one step ahead before you even arrive for your trip in Britain!

Talk to your travel advisor about the best options to maximize your time in Britain!

VISA requirement for US citizens: A valid passport is required for American citizens. Typically a visa is not required for travel of less than six months.

From Springtime bluebell walks to Winter nights beside roaring log fires, Britain offers delightfully different seasons. Britain has a generally moderate climate which means warm summers and mild winters. It is true Britain has changeable weather and it will rain during the summer as well as the winter. However, London gets less rainfall than Rome, Sydney or New York City per year.

Summer is High season (Jun–Aug) when weather is the warmest and accommodation rates at their peak. Britain has a generally moderate climate which means warm summers and mild winters. It is true Britain has changeable weather and it will rain during the summer as well as the winter. However, we are grateful for the temperamental rainfall that gives Britain its rich green lands, distinct plants and rare wildlife for everyone to enjoy. The temperature is mild enough for Britain to grow vineyards for our award-winning wines! Contrary to the rest of the world's view, Britain is actually surprisingly dry. London gets less rainfall than Rome, Sydney or New York City per year.

Spring and Fall (Mar–May & Sep & Oct) is Shoulder season when crowds reduce and prices drop. Weather is often good; March to May is a mix of sunny spells and sudden showers; September to October can feature balmy Indian summers. For outdoor activities in much of Scotland, the very best times to go are the months of May and September.

Winter (Nov-Feb) is Low Season when it tends to rain a bit more and can be cold. Snow falls in mountain areas (beautiful!).