United Kingdom Travel Facts

The Basics

Country: United Kingdom

Where is it: United Kingdom is located in western Europe, islands including the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, northwest of France.

Why do people go here: Scotland, N. Ireland, Wales and England have millions of visitors each year who come to party with the beautiful people, relax in the countryside, and marvel at the variant of accents. Although all part of the U.K. and not individual countries, natives tend to identify strongly with their region.

What are the main entry points: London is the most common entry point in the UK, via air. The channel is also available from France, although it costs the same price as a flight.

Currency used: British pound

Country Code for Phones: 44

Area codes for Major Cities: Numerous

Religion: Anglican and Roman Catholic 40 million, Muslim 1.5 million, Presbyterian 800,000, Methodist 760,000, Sikh 500,000, Hindu 500,000, Jewish 350,000

Population: 61 million

Ethnic Breakdown: 92.1% White, 4.0% South Asian, 2.0% Black, 1.2% Mixed, 0.4% Chinese, 0.4% Other

Government: Parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy

Languages: English, Irish, Ulster Scots, Scottish Gaelic , Scots, Welsh, Cornish

Travel Information

Major Cities: London, Glasgow

Attractions: Culture, Theatre, Nightlife

Accommodation: UK Hostels, UK Hotels

Tourism Office locations and links: British Tourist Authority Blacks Road London, W6 9EL, England +44-71-846-9000;; FAX +44-71-563-0302; //www.visitbritain.com/ //www.travelbritain.com

Off-the-Beaten-Path: The Red House, Rievaulx Abbey, Durham Castle

Health Issues: No vaccines are required to enter the U.K. Health care is on par with the rest of Europe and the U.S.

Tips for Visiting

When to go: July and August are the busiest months and are best avoided due to staggeringly high prices and numbers of tourists. Shoulder seasons are still enjoyable, although you should bring a rain coat any time of the year.

Common Phrases: Welcome=Croeso; Good morning=Bore da; Good afternoon=P’nawn da, Prynhawn da; Good evening=Noswaith dda; Good night=Nos da; Excuse me=Esgusodwch fi!

Specific Events/Holidays: Official Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, celebrated on the second Saturday in June (1926)

Getting Around: Trains, although expensive, are the best way to get around Britain. There are bus passes available for tourists that allow unlimited travel for periods of time. Eurail is NOT valid in Britain.

Good to know: Even outside of London, the UK is expensive. Budget accordingly

Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into United Kingdom is the London Heathrow Airport.

Need more information?: Check out the United Kingdom travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.