England Vacations

Humans have continuously lived in England since the end of the last glacial period. The Roman Empire occupied it for three and a half centuries, leaving a legacy that remains today in the geothermal springs of Bath, to the Empire’s northernmost outpost, Hadrian’s Wall. From there, English history is among the best-documented in the world! Through the Norman invasion of 1066 to King Henry VIII and the foundation of the Church of England, to Elizabeth I, Victoria and the vast British Empire, all the way through a tumultuous 20th century, which saw the country survive two world wars and still come out one of the world’s most influential cultural powerhouses, shaping so much of music, art, literature, fashion, film, television, digital arts, and sport as we know them today.

Despite the Church of England remaining an active part of British life, football might be the country’s supreme religion today. If you can tap yourself into that energy by getting yourself to a stadium to attend a Premier League game, or even catching one at a local pub, you’ll get some inclination of the passion. Other sports like rugby and cricket are popular, but they don’t touch football.

If your interest in Sporty British icons ends with the namesake Spice Girl, the nation boasts cultural powerhouses too numerous to list, including authors Conan Doyle, Shakespeare, Tolkien, and Dickens, musical acts like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elton John, Queen, Pink Floyd, Adele, Amy Winehouse, and a slew of acts that dominated the airwaves of the 80s. We’re not even going to start on films, TV shows, and theatre! The arts are fully realized in England, and they show no sign of slowing down.

What is the visiting etiquette in England?

English culture loves to poke fun at its posh stereotypes and nobility, but politeness in England is no joke. Never cut a queue, or talk loudly indoors, including on public transit. A quick "sorry" or "excuse me" will smooth over many an awkward situation, even if it’s the other person’s fault. That humility extends to compliments, so keep them simple and sincere.

What is England best known for?

England has contributed so much to our cultural landscape, perhaps the better question is what do you know England best for? If you want to devote an entire week in London to its theatre scene, you can absolutely do that. Make a pilgrimage to Wimbledon or Old Trafford Stadium, the home of Manchester United. Hum along with the Beatles in Liverpool, dive deep on Tudor history at Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London, or catch up with the current royals at Buckingham Palace or Windsor. Catch a show ye olde standing style at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, explore England’s resilience during World War Two at the Churchill War Rooms, eat fish and chips by the sea, contemplate ancient astronomy and spirituality at Stonehenge, imagine yourself the hero/ine of a Gothic Bronte novel in the windswept hills of Yorkshire, or roam the halls of Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle. England offers a bit of everything, so it’s really up to you what side of it defines your England vacation.

What are some English traditions?

It’s commonly said that there is no problem the British won’t try to solve with tea, and while it might not be the final word in solving a crisis, “I’ll put on some tea” is often the first. On a more serious note, tea forms an integral part of English social life, be it breakfast, morning, or afternoon (or in a crisis). Some even use the word to describe dinner, a practice that’s caught on in Australia and New Zealand as well. Go for High Tea with a tower of yummy sandwiches and pastries if you want to make an event of it…and no, that’s not lunch, it’s High Tea. The Sunday roast is another tradition so beloved in England, you’ll seldom find a local pub that doesn’t do one. It can be a variety of meats (or veggie options), but turkey is a staple usually reserved for Christmas Day.

English people also love a laugh, and the ability to take life’s challenges with good humour. The British are fiercely proud of their comedic legends, from Shakespeare’s farces through classic series from Monty Python in the 70s to Absolutely Fabulous in the 90s to Fleabag in the 2010s, to its never-ending roster of award-winning comedians. They also love to poke fun at the class system (still very much entrenched in England) and cheer on the underdog. Humour also tends to be drier in England than in North America…arguably compensating for the weather.

For all its ups and downs, English people across all classes love their monarchy (attitudes in other parts of the UK vary), and events such as Jubilee years are taken seriously. The late Queen Elizabeth II was particularly beloved, even by many people skeptical of the monarchy. Do not say anything disrespectful about the British Royal Family unless you know exactly how the other person feels about it. Likewise, British people are often simultaneously proud of their culture’s achievements and embarrassed by its colonial past. Problematic as it may seem, the British Empire played a huge part in shaping what England and many other nations are today, and many people are proud of that history, if not its methods or colonial legacy.

What are English people like, socially?

English people, particularly outside of London, are generally very friendly and care about others, but they also value their privacy and rarely engage with strangers uninvited. If you take the initiative, keep the conversation polite, and don’t force the issue if someone seems hesitant to chat. This also varies by region. Londoners may consider eye contact rude and intrusive, while people in other parts of England may take it as a sign of respect or openness, or as an invitation to talk. If you do engage, see prior notes about conversation and the weather.

Politeness is greatly valued in England, so be ready to hear people apologizing for all sorts of things, even if it isn’t their fault. English people will also avoid controversial topics of conversation unless they’re truly prepared for tempers to flare. Even asking how someone’s day is can be seen as intrusive if you’re a stranger. The weather is a good starting point for any chat with a stranger, and a good place to retreat to if things get awkward. As diverse and multicultural as modern-day England is, such old habits die hard, and most immigrants tend to pick them up quickly as well.

What language do English people speak?

No prizes for guessing, the national language of England is English, and give or take some differences in spelling or slang, it’s the same English spoken in most of North America. Scots and Welsh may also be spoken in regions near the border of Scotland and Wales respectively, while you’ll hear many languages spoken on the streets of big, multicultural cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester.

England gets packed in the summertime with travelling tourists and locals enjoying the summer holidays when school is out. But the nation offers lots of other things to do in its low seasons too, with more affordable travel, and fewer crowds. It’s also the only time Buckingham Palace in London can be visited, while the Royal Family is away at their Scotland residence.

Summertime in England is the best time to experience its maritime locations with its beaches and surf. With the Irish Sea on its west, the English Channel on the south, and the North Sea to the east, England boasts dozens of seaside resorts and beach towns to bum around in. Head to Cornwall, Norfolk, Brighton, or Essex—no matter where you are in the country, the water is never more than a couple of hours away. If you’re more of an urbanite, Manchester, York, Liverpool, and many more cities hit fill out their festival calendars during the summer, and most are easily reached by train.

The autumn, winter, and spring each bring with them their own, let’s say, "character-building" weather patterns with plenty of cold weather, snow, rain and fog, depending on the year and the mood of Mother Nature. Luckily, most of these weather patterns are perfect for taking tea and spending time in cozy pubs. If you’re into camping, hiking, hunting and fishing, spring and fall are gorgeous times of transition as the sun returns and things begin to bloom, or in the fall when the colours burst and the land prepares itself to rest under a blanket of snow over the winter. English summers and winters are both milder than many North Americans are used to, though the damp winter chill off the North Sea might convince you otherwise.

When is the ideal time to visit England?

Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October), while they can be fresh, often give you the best of both worlds in England, particularly in London and the south. The weather is warmish, the skies are relatively clear, and the crowds of summer are either yet to descend or have already gone. Things get dicier during these months the further north you go, but if you dress in light, breathable layers and don’t mind the odd downpour, it’s a fine time to be in the country, often offering the best value for money.

When is England’s peak tourist season?

July and August get quite crowded in England, particularly in popular destinations like London, Bath, and York. It’s also Fringe Festival season in Edinburgh, and many like to extend their Scotland vacation with a jaunt south to England. If you’re willing to brave the crowds and higher prices however, these months inarguably enjoy the best weather, and the busiest event calendars, particularly in Northern England. It’s also the only time the public can access Buckingham Palace (through to mid-September), and can be a great time to visit Oxford and Cambridge, with great deals on rooms at colleges while students are away.

Which is the most affordable time to visit England?

If you avoid the holidays proper, the winter months from November to March are the most affordable time to be in England. It’s a time for cozy pubs, West End shows, exploring eye-popping museums and historic monuments, and doing basically everything cultural England has to offer. Dress warmly for that visit to Stonehenge or the Cotswolds, however!

How long should I plan to visit England?

You could literally spend the entire six months your visa-free visit allows in England and barely scratch the surface. One week gives you time for a pretty awesome London vacation, with a side trip to Bath and Stonehenge, and perhaps another to Oxford and the Cotswolds. A more varied England  tour might spend three days in London, then a night or two in Oxford or Bath before heading north to the Lakes District or York. A week gives you enough time for two major stops in addition to London’s essentials, but you’ll almost certainly want to come back.

How to plan a trip to England?

It’s true that a person who "tires of London, tires of life," but that doesn’t mean you should spend your whole vacation there. Spend anything from three days to a week in the capital, then extend the adventure to historic cities like Bath and York, or other exciting urban hubs like Birmingham or Manchester. If you’d rather explore England’s natural beauty, give areas like the Lakes District, Yorkshire, or the Jurassic Coast a couple of days each, and don’t be afraid to dip into Scotland or Wales as you explore. It’s impossible to see it all in one trip (some would say, even one lifetime), so take your time and enjoy the many surprises this familiar country has to offer.

How long can you vacation in England?

Visitors can stay in the UK for up to six months, provided they aren’t working, claiming public funds or getting married. A longer stay may be possible with the right visa.

How much is a trip to England?

Excluding international flights, US $220 per person per day is a good budget for a simple trip to England, even if you spend most of that time in London. Add a few West End shows or meals at famous restaurants to that itinerary, and prices will start to creep up. Likewise, more specialised England tours taking in more remote parts of the country or catering to specific interests will cost more. Many of London’s most famous museums are free to visit, which can help balance the budget, particularly for families.

How do tourists get around England?

Despite frequent strikes in recent years, England’s rail system (reaching into Scotland and Wales) is on par with most of Europe, and miles ahead of North America. The further you can book in advance, the better, since last-minute fares can be much higher. It’s also possible to rent a car, but the abundance of low-speed roads and roundabouts in England, coupled with high fuel costs and dense traffic in and around major cities can make this a slower, less attractive option. Remember, England drives on the left and distances on English roads are given in miles. Public transport is easy in London, with a visitor’s Oyster card, or any contactless credit or debit card. Just be mindful of fees your bank may charge for the latter.

What currency does England use?

England uses the pound sterling, which trades around 0.78 to $1 USD. It can be exchanged just about anywhere. Most businesses and even tour guides in England will accept credit cards as well. They will not accept EUR or USD.

Do I need to tip in England?

The UK does not traditionally have a tipping culture, though this is changing, particularly in London where the cost of living is very high. Ten percent is good if you want to show your appreciation to your server, driver or guide.

What to pack for a trip to England?

Contrary to stereotype, it doesn’t rain all the time in England and winters are warmer than in many parts of North America or Europe. Still, the damp air and wind-chill, even into late spring, can be uncomfortable, and weather can change quickly. Be prepared with breathable layers and a light, waterproof jacket. Good hiking shoes are recommended if visiting England’s national parks, particularly in the rainier north. In summer, bring shorts or a light dress for those warm days…and a jacket, just in case. If it feels like we’re talking a lot about the weather, consider this a primer for small talk in England. Locals also love to be outside as soon as the weather’s fine, so feel free to join them.

Is England LGBTQ+ friendly?

LGBTQ+ people have long been a visible part of English culture and identity and LGBTQ+ tourists are very welcome. Same-sex marriage and adoption are legal. London, Manchester and Brighton are renowned for their extensive gay nightlife, cultural offerings and Pride festivals while smaller celebrations and scenes can be found in almost every English city. In recent years, transphobia has become a concern in the UK, though less so in major tourism hubs like London. Anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination or harassment of any kind is illegal in all parts of the UK and should be reported if encountered.

Can you drink the tap water in England?

Water quality in the UK is among the highest in the world, and it is safe to drink tap water throughout England.

Traditional fare far exceeds boiled meat and potatoes with a side of boiled vegetables, though that meal has seen its fair share of tables, especially in the England of old. Today’s England is richly spiced with global influences and has developed several of its own dishes that have reached continents in every direction.

Scones, not quite cake or biscuit, are a beloved snack often served at tea time, with Cornish clotted cream and jam. There is some debate as to whether you spread the cream or jam first to let it soak into the scone. You’ll have to experiment to see on which side of the debate you land. Don’t get locals started on MIF (milk in first) versus TIF (tea in first) when it comes to tea!

Bubble and squeak, a meal traditionally made on Mondays with leftovers from the big Sunday meal, is a fried meat, cabbage, and potato casserole. Black pudding is a blood sausage made with pork or beef blood, oatmeal and spices like marjoram, mint, and thyme. Bangers (sausage) and mash (mashed potatoes) are often served with baked beans and make a hardy meal. A full English breakfast is made in a frying pan filled with eggs, bacon, blood sausage, beans, fried tomatoes and fried bread on the side.

Tea time is a serious tradition across the country and for expats living abroad as well. If you can make it for a cuppa at the Ritz in London, you’d be doing yourself a favour. Same goes with a visit to a Chippy—a fish and chips shop with deep fried fish and potatoes. These are traditionally wrapped in newspaper to catch the grease and keep it warm on the way home (they’re also a bit cheaper than sitting down to fish and chips at the pub).

During the time of the British Empire, the country absorbed a diverse mix of Afro-Caribbean, Asian, Muslim, and Indian people who brought with them their own culinary traditions—in the larger cities, all kinds of ethnic foods are available, but even in small towns, you’re likely to find at least one Chinese restaurant and a curry house. Curry has been so popular it has been adopted as a national dish. In fact, the first curry house opened in London in 1810, more than two-hundred years ago.

What is England’s traditional cuisine?

The food scene across the UK is fiercely competitive and varied, keeping Michelin inspectors busy, year after year. That said, the traditional Sunday roast remains an institution in many British pubs and fish and chips is still the national comfort food. For something more creative, try a scotch egg, a sausage roll, or black pudding if you’re feeling adventurous. High tea is an afternoon treat enjoyed across the country, typically including a variety of sandwiches and pastries, while desserts ranging from jam roly poly to spotted dick to the Eton mess are sure to tempt your sweet tooth. Some of your favourite "Indian" dishes were invented in London and Birmingham as well.

What is the dining etiquette in England?

There are countless points of etiquette to be observed at an English table, and almost as many situations in which they go right out the window. Always use cutlery, with your fork in your left hand and your knife in your right. Only use fingers for eating at a barbecue (or a takeaway wrap, kebab or sandwich) and never speak or chew with your mouth open. If invited to dinner, try to arrive within half an hour of the start time, and bring a small gift such as flowers or wine. Always respond to an invitation, whether you can go or not, and give plenty of notice if your plans change. Likewise, any allergies or food preferences should be given to the host well in advance. They’ll almost always accommodate you, but criticizing or avoiding the food during the meal is very bad manners.

What is the drinking etiquette in England?

English people love to share a pint or a chi-chi cocktail, but one thing to watch for in England is "the shout." This is essentially taking turns in buying a round for the whole table, and English people will often do this automatically if sharing a drink. If you don’t want to be part of the shout, be sure to say so. It’s extremely bad etiquette to leave before at least offering to buy a drink for those who’ve bought you one, and you can forget anything we’ve said about British politeness if you do!

Does England cater to dietary restrictions?

If you can imagine it, there’s probably a kitchen in England that serves it. English food is as diverse as English society, so vegetarians, vegans, coeliacs, people with allergies, and those with religious restrictions will never have to look far to find a tasty meal.

What do meals typically cost in England?

Dining out in England is expensive. A humble plate of fish and chips or Sunday roast can easily set you back US $25-30 in London, with a 3-course dinner for two running closer to US $110. Even Londoners often can’t afford those prices every day, which is why you can also pick up a delicious snack at a local market or cheap eatery for less than US $15.

Restaurants are roughly 20 percent cheaper in the rest of England, unless you’re dining in touristy areas of historic towns like Bath or York, or in the upmarket restaurants that shape England’s food scene. Asian restaurants often have cheaper options too, and South Asian food in England ranks among the best you’ll try anywhere.