UNITED KINGDOM

The UK has a temperate maritime climate, making it an excellent destination year-round:

• March–May (Spring): Best for blooming gardens, mild weather, and fewer crowds.
• June–August (Summer & Peak Season): Ideal for long daylight hours, music festivals, and pleasant temperatures.
• September–November (Fall): Great for autumn colors, cultural events, and fewer tourists.
• December–February (Winter & Holiday Season): Best for Christmas markets, cozy pub experiences, and winter landscapes.

• London (Big Ben & Buckingham Palace) – The capital city filled with royal landmarks and world-class museums.
• Edinburgh Castle & The Royal Mile (Scotland) – A historic fortress offering stunning city views.
• Stonehenge (England) – One of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments.
• The Tower of London – Home to the Crown Jewels and fascinating medieval history.
• Windsor Castle – The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
• Lake District (England) – A breathtaking region perfect for hiking and scenic boat tours.
• The Cotswolds (England) – A charming countryside region with picturesque villages.
• Giant’s Causeway (Northern Ireland) – A UNESCO-listed natural wonder with unique basalt columns.
• Snowdonia National Park (Wales) – A stunning landscape of mountains, lakes, and historic sites.
• Oxford & Cambridge – Home to the UK’s most prestigious and historic universities.

• Fish & Chips – A classic British meal of battered fish and thick-cut fries.
• Full English Breakfast – Includes eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, mushrooms, and toast.
• Sunday Roast & Yorkshire Pudding – A traditional meal served with roast beef, potatoes, and gravy.
• Afternoon Tea – An elegant experience with scones, clotted cream, and finger sandwiches.
• Haggis (Scotland) – A hearty dish made from minced meat, oats, and spices.
• Welsh Rarebit – A cheese-based toast dish from Wales.
• Cornish Pasty – A flaky pastry filled with beef, potatoes, and onions.
• Scotch Eggs – Hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat and fried.
• Black Pudding – A blood sausage often served at breakfast.
• Pimm’s Cup – A refreshing summer cocktail made with fruit and herbs.

• Flights: Arrive at London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Edinburgh (EDI), or Manchester (MAN).
• Trains (National Rail & Eurostar): The UK has an excellent train network, including the Eurostar to Paris.
• Buses & Coaches: Affordable options like National Express & Megabus connect cities and towns.
• London Underground & Public Transport: London has one of the best metro systems (The Tube), and major cities have trams and buses.
• Car Rentals: Ideal for exploring the countryside, Scotland, and Wales, but not necessary for London.
• Ferries: Great for traveling to the Isle of Wight, Scottish Isles, and Northern Ireland.
• Walking & Cycling: Many UK cities are pedestrian and bike-friendly.

• For U.S. travelers: No visa required for stays up to 6 months, but a valid passport is necessary.
• For international travelers: Check the UK’s visa requirements based on nationality.
• EU Travelers: Can enter with a valid passport (ID cards are no longer accepted post-Brexit).

• Currency: British Pound (£ GBP).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are popular.
• ATMs are available throughout the UK, offering good exchange rates.
• Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and currency exchange offices.

• English is the official language.
• Welsh, Gaelic, and Scots are spoken in some regions, but English is widely understood everywhere.
• No translator is needed, but UK slang and accents can be fun to learn!

• Queueing (standing in line) is important – Always wait your turn.
• Mind the Gap – A famous phrase reminding people to be careful stepping onto the Tube.
• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory – 10-12.5% is common in restaurants.
• Stand on the right when using escalators – Let people pass on the left.
• British politeness is real – Saying “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” goes a long way.
• Pub culture is strong – It’s normal to buy a round of drinks for your group.

• Restaurants: 10-12.5% tip is common if a service charge isn’t included.
• Bars & Pubs: Tipping is not expected, but leaving small change is appreciated.
• Hotels: £1–2 per bag for bellhops, £2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest pound is polite.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: £5–10 per person for excellent service.

• For peak season (June–September & December holidays): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels and flights.
• For off-season travel (October–April): Booking a few weeks ahead is usually fine.
• For major attractions like Buckingham Palace & Stonehenge: Book tickets online at least a few weeks in advance.

• No COVID-19 test is required for entry, but check for updates before traveling.
• The UK can be expensive—consider a Visitor Oyster Card for public transport savings.
• Weather is unpredictable—always carry an umbrella, even in summer!

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com