United Kingdom

UNITED KINGDOM – INCLUDING ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND

Sitting off the coast of mainland Europe in the Atlantic Ocean, the islands that form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have had their hand in some of the biggest events in world history. From such a small land has come a wealth of large and influential characters, a long and rich history, a knack for science and innovation that have changed daily lives, a vast empire on which the sun didn’t set, a musical legacy of songs that the whole world can sing along to and a language that is today spoken in every corner of the globe.

From the iconic capital cities of London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast to the booming modern cities of Manchester and Birmingham, from the historic cities of Bath and York to the quaint market towns of Stratford and Salisbury, there is much to see and do here in the UK. Here lies some of the best countryside in the world – rolling fields, soaring peaks, winding coastlines and babbling brooks abound in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the English Lake District, along the Jurassic Coast and around Hadrian's Wall. With its long and mixed history, the influence of the commonwealth and neighbouring Europe have provided the UK with one of the most varied cuisines in the world - this is a country where the most popular dishes range from the traditional British fish and chips or roast beef and veg to exotic curries created by Indian immigrants or Italian-inspired spaghetti Bolognese. When you’ve had your fill of this, there is still time to embrace all the culture the UK has to offer. In schools of Art, music, design, dance, literature and even the football (which dictates many a Saturday afternoon across the land) the UK is a world leader in many fields! You are sure to enjoy your time discovering all there is on offer. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

US guests please see Travel State website; https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/UnitedKingdom.html 

Passports
All visitors to the United Kingdom must be in possession of a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months at the time of entry and has been issued within the last ten years. It is advised to have at least one blank page. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport

Visas
Citizens of the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and European citizens may enter the United Kingdom for up to 6 months for tourist purposes without a visa. All other nationalities must check the visa entry requirements before your departure. You need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.

Consular Information
There are a number of major international embassies located in London, including those for the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The US also has consulates in Belfast and Edinburgh. However, embassies for other countries, including are located in other European cities, offering coverage to the UK. Please check with your relevant government for the relevant contact details.

N.B. Please note, visa and entry requirements, regulations and restrictions can vary on a regular basis. Please ensure you check in good time prior to travel the current requirements applicable to you.

HEALTH, INSURANCE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Travel Insurance
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Ensure all pre-existing medical conditions are declared to the insurer. Provide the details of your insurance to The Big Journey Company at least 6 weeks before your departure date by emailing info@thebigjourneycompany.com. Take note of important information such as the insurer’s 24-hour emergency number and your policy number.

General Health
Please visit your doctor or a travel health clinic at least eight weeks before your trip for personalized health advice. To stay healthy on tour, use sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and wash your hands before meals. Bring a basic first-aid kit with essentials for minor issues. If you need medical help during the tour, contact your Big Journey Company tour escort. speak to your Big Journey Company tour escort.

Passengers with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility

Our UK tours are an Activity Level 2. Participation will require moderate physical activity and include various forms of transport. Please check our Activity Levels description page to see if this level is suitable to you or contact us if you require further information on the activities involved in the tour.
If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, please provide us with full details before we confirm your booking, or as soon as possible at the time they occur, so that we can try to advise on the suitability of your chosen arrangements. Please note, we may require you to produce a doctor’s certificate certifying that you are fit to participate in the tour.

Medical Conditions and Personal Medication
Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you.
Important:

• Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the telephone/fax numbers of your doctor.
• Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.

Travelling with CPAP or other Medical Machines

Please inform The Big Journey Company that you are travelling with any such device as early as possible, and well before you travel. This is especially important in places where there may be issues with power supply, such as on safari or smaller cruise ships. Also,

• Check that you have the correct electrical and voltage adapters for the country and accommodation you are visiting;
• Check with your airline that they allow your device to be carried as additional hand luggage and ensure that your device is easily accessible and properly labelled as medical machinery;
• Always carry a letter from your medical practitioner prescribing its use for you;
• Ensure you have details of your machine separately in case of the need to secure repairs/replacements whilst you are travelling;
• Check with your medical practitioner about the use of tap or bottled water in the event that distilled water cannot be sourced in the country you are travelling to.

Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at least two weeks ahead of travel, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There will be an additional charge for this.

Special Dietary Requirements
Please let us know in good time prior to travel if you have any special dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, etc.). We will make every effort to accommodate your request with the resources available to us.

LUGGAGE
What to Pack and Wear
We recommend comfortable clothes and comfortable walking shoes for this tour. Feel free to include a few smart-casual outfits for dinner if you wish, however there is usually no formal dress code. The weather is always changeable in the UK, no matter what time of year you travel. Here we say that there is no bad weather- only bad clothing. It is best to be prepared for every eventuality, so make sure you pack a waterproof jacket in case of rain and a fleece/hoodie for cooler days. Layers are good in the summer months and a hat is usually required in winter. Umbrellas are always useful in the UK, though we often have wind to accompany the rain!

At some times of the year, the midges can make travel in Scotland quite unpleasant without such precautions. Don't forget your camera, with charger/spare batteries and memory cards.

Luggage Allowances
International airlines have strict policies about the size and weight of checked in baggage and carry-on luggage. Prior to your departure, please contact your airline or visit their website for specific luggage requirements, as size and weight limitations vary according to the airline and destination.

Porterage
Luggage handling is not included in our UK tours. It may be available at the hotel for a local charge.

Laundry
Laundry services may be available in some hotels on the tour. Ask your Tour Director for further information. 

LANGUAGE
The main language of the United Kingdom is English. There are a number of regional languages – Scottish Gaelic in Scotland, Welsh in Wales and Irish Gaelic in Northern Ireland. In most urban centres, a huge variety of other languages from across the world are commonly spoken.

TIME ZONE
The time zone in the UK is GMT, 1hr behind continental Europe. Clocks go forward 1 hour on the last weekend in March for Daylight saving and return to GMT on the last weekend on October.

WEATHER
The United Kingdom is a great destination to visit at any time of the year. The weather forecast is always changeable. Weather in Spring and Summer is usually quite mild, with long and light days- be prepared for the sunshine but also for some rain. Autumn usually consists of milder days creeping into October as the countryside turns a glorious colour. Winters tend to be significantly colder. The weather is generally cooler and wetter the further north you travel. 

ELECTRICITY
In the United Kingdom, the standard voltage is 220-240V. You will require a UK plug adapter (three square pins), and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you. Please note, this UK uses different plugs and voltage to the rest of continental Europe.

MOBILES & INTERNET COMMUNICATION
The UK has a well-developed communications infrastructure. A number of cellphone/mobile phone providers offer national coverage and there are well-established landline phone networks. In populated urban areas, there should be good mobile signal but as we head into rural areas, especially in Scotland and Northern Ireland, signal may fluctuate. Internet and Wi-Fi are easily accessible in most urban areas and most hotels and restaurants provide free WIFI. Please check data roaming charges for the UK with your service provider before leaving home as these can quickly become very expensive. Please note to check roaming charges with your operator when travelling from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, as this may differ.

MONEY
• Currency

The currency of the United Kingdom is the Pound Sterling (£GBP). Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, even for small transactions. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you may receive notes from Bank of Scotland or Ulster Bank, which are legal tender but not always accepted in England.

Cash is less commonly used, and many transactions are contactless, especially on public transport like London buses. It's advisable to carry a small amount of cash, as ATMs are more common in cities than rural areas.

*Important for US Travelers: The UK uses chip-and-pin and contactless cards, so cards with magnetic strips may not work in some places. Contact your bank before traveling to ensure your card is compatible. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but Diners Club and American Express may not be. using your cards or whilst on the trip.

Budget
Prices in the UK can vary considerably. Prices in London and in tourist hotspots are higher than elsewhere, so expect to budget more for these days. Prices are on an average with other main European countries.

Bank Opening
Banks in the UK are usually open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, with most open Saturday mornings as well. Most banking in the UK is now done online and High Street branches only exist in larger town centres.

Tipping
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour. Look out for more information in your pre-tour emails.

FOOD
British food is one of the most varied in the world. Traditional dishes of an English Breakfast, fish and chips, Shepherd's Pie and a warming hotpot sit alongside Chicken Tikka Masala or Balti curries, pasta dishes that have been tweaked to UK tastes and jerk chicken from the Caribbean. Good quality traditional dishes are having a revival, spurred on by the many farmers markets you will find across the country, selling fresh local produce. Whilst in the UK, be sure to try one of the alcoholic tipples - from the many craft breweries and distilleries, a booming industry, to the whiskies of Scotland. 

Some meals are included as part of your tour – please check your individual departure for the relevant meal inclusions

WATER
The tap water in UK is generally of excellent quality. Unless otherwise advised, you can drink the local tap water. Bottled water can be bought at supermarkets, kiosks and many shops. It is good practise to bring your own reusable water bottle to keep plastic waste to a minimum on tour. 

SHOPPING
The UK offers lots of good quality, locally made items for visitors to buy. From its clothing shops, its handicrafts, pottery, food and drink, artwork and trinkets, you will be sure to bring something home with you.

Opening Hours
In the cities and towns, most retail shops are open from 9am – 5pm Monday–Saturday, though may vary locally. Some larger shops and supermarkets are open later into the evening. Many shops are open on Sundays with reduced opening hours 10am-4pm.

VAT/Tax Refund
Numerous shops in UK offer a VAT refund when leaving the country. Please ask the salesperson whether tax-free shopping applies to the shop in question.

SAFETY & SECURITY
Crime levels in the UK are generally low. However, there’s a risk of petty theft, particularly in airports, in popular tourist attractions and on public transport. Please take sensible precautions to protect your belongings, particularly your passport, money and credit cards.
The UK has been the target of a number of terrorist attacks. When in large crowds or major tourist destinations, you should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities and/ or your Tour Director.

SMOKING
Smoking is banned in indoor and public places. There are usually designated outdoor areas where people can smoke. Smoking is prohibited on all means of public transport.

RELIGION
Christianity is the official religion of the UK, with the queen the head of the Church of England. There is a huge variety of Christian churches in the UK. The UK also has large Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Jewish communities.

PHOTOGRAPHY
The UK offers photo opportunities one after another. You will return with many photos that can never be repeated. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries and a spare memory card. It is always polite to ask permission when taking photographs of others. Please note any signs informing you that photography is not permitted in certain locations. 

ARRIVAL IN THE UK
Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 3pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.

For tours including arrival airport transfers, proceed through to the arrivals hall after collecting your luggage. There will be a representative holding a sign with your name welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Please advise your flight details no later than six weeks prior to travel.

TOUR HOTEL INFORMATION
Please check your tour paperwork for full hotel information.

OTHER COUNTRIES ON TOUR ITINERARY
For those continuing their stay in the Republic of Ireland or other European countries, please check the relevant Travel Tip pages for information on these countries.

If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com

Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.

Updated November 2024