Destinations in the Great Britain
Great Britain is what Germans in particular call the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The country is so diverse that it is hardly possible to present all the destinations worth visiting in Great Britain.
The country is divided into England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are also part of the British Crown Dependencies.
As we are relatively imprecise with the exact designation, here is the official language:
- United Kingdom: includes the 4 countries England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Great Britain: includes only England, Wales, Scotland
The United Kingdom is a founding member of NATO and the United Nations, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and one of the G7 states. A referendum on June 23, 2016 set in motion the process of leaving the European Union, known as “Brexit”. This has since been completed.
British culture is known and loved around the world. Whether it’s British politeness, royal etiquette, a passion for tea or a love of soccer, Britain has a lot to offer. The home of Shakespeare, the Beatles and Harry Potter is known for its impressive theaters, vibrant music scene and internationally renowned museums and galleries.
Britain is full of places worth seeing. London, with its unmistakable landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace, is an absolute must. But cities such as Edinburgh, with its impressive castle and historic Royal Mile, or Bath, known for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture, are also worth a visit. From the windswept moors of Yorkshire, to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and the idyllic villages of the Cotswolds, Britain offers a variety of landscapes that will enchant any nature lover.
British cuisine may have a certain reputation, but don’t be fooled. Culinary Britain has far more to offer than just fish and chips. Try the traditional Sunday Roast, enjoy an authentic Cornish Pasty or be surprised by the variety of modern British cuisine, which is characterized by the rich diversity of local produce and influences from around the world.
Destinations in Great Britain
So far we have only met a small part of the beautiful country.
The seaside resort of Brighton is located on the south coast of England in the county of Sussex. The largest seaside resort in England attracts visitors with a beautiful wide beach and historic pier.
Cornwall, with its picturesque countryside in the far south west of England, is a traveller's dream come true. Here you will find the perfect blend of idyllic scenery, rich history and vibrant culture.
Gibraltar is a fascinating piece of Britain at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. This unique destination offers an impressive blend of British tradition and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Gloucestershire - a land of history, natural beauty and culinary delights. A walk through the picturesque Cotswolds, a visit to Gloucester Cathedral and, above all, the warm hospitality make the region a very special vacation destination. Gloucestershire offers the perfect getaway for every taste.
London, the capital of the United Kingdom and England, lies on the River Thames. The city is one of the most important cities in the world.
In the English county of Wiltshire lies the small town of Salisbury. From London, a Salisbury day trip is a wonderful change.
One of the many mysteries of mankind is Stonehenge near Amesbury in England. A mystical and magical place, surrounded by the unspoiled Wiltshire countryside, with monumental stone circles that have remained unchanged for thousands of years.
Amidst the green hills and on the rugged coast lies the small country of Wales. A vacation in Wales is a wonderful break that you won't forget in a hurry.
West of London, in the county of Berkshire, lies the twin town of Windsor and Eton. A day trip to Windsor and Eton is a good idea during a visit to London.
Travel information about Great Britain
Arrival
By airplane
There are regular flights from German airports to the five international airports in the Greater London area. In addition, there are connections to Manchaster and Birmingham.
Some low-cost airlines also fly to smaller airports throughout the country.
By rail
The Eurostar connects Brussels with London through the Channel Tunnel. This is one of the fastest rail connections to the island.
Within the country, you can explore the island with the InterRail or BritRail pass.
By bus
Destinations in Great Britain can be reached by long-distance bus from many major German cities.
By car
If you want to drive your own car from mainland Europe to the United Kingdom, you have two options: through the tunnel or by ferry.
The Eurotunnel is 50 kilometers long and is used by railroads. PWKs and trucks are transported on car carriers. The trip takes about 35 minutes and should be booked in advance.
Somewhat cheaper is the ferry that runs between Calais and Dover. There are several ferry companies that offer regular trips. The crossing takes about 1.5h and again the ticket should be booked in advance to avoid waiting.
Other ferries run from Hoek van Holland to Harwich and from Zeebrugge in Belgium to Kingston upon Hull.
By ship
There are numerous ships operating between the mainland and the UK. Many of them sail across the English Channel. Among others, there are connections between Dunkerque (Dunkirk), Calais or Boulogne-sur-Mer and Dover.
Coming from Germany, one can make good use of the Dutch ferry connections. for example, the overnight connections between Ijmuiden near Asterdam and Newcastle upon Tyne and between Rotterdam and Hull, as well as a fast ferry between Hoek van Holland (near Rotterdam) and Harwich.
Entry requirements for Great Britain
Please read the exact entry requirements on the relevant pages of the Foreign Office!
Since January 1, 2021, new rules for entry and residence have applied to EU citizens who were not previously resident in the UK.
Since October 1, 2021, entry for EU citizens, EEA citizens (Norway and Iceland) or Swiss citizens is only possible with a valid passport. An identity card is not sufficient.
From the end of 2024, an electronic travel authorization (ETA) is expected to be required in addition to the passport.
Tourists from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa can enter the country visa-free for up to 180 days per calendar year.
On the way in...
Public transport
The different destinations in Great Britain can be easily reached by bus and train. The network is dense. As a rule, a bus ride is cheaper than a train ride.
By car
In the UK, driving is on the left and there are some special traffic rules. For example, you will sometimes find one or two yellow lines on the side of the road. One line means restricted stopping, two lines absolute stopping. There is no “right before left” rule. The right of way is marked with a sign or ground markings.
Distances are given in miles (1 mi = 1.609 km) and speeds in miles per hour (mph).
For speeds, unless otherwise indicated, the following applies:
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- 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas
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- 60 mph (96 km/h) outside built-up areas on roads without structural separation (single carriageway)
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- 70 mph (112 km/h) on freeways and dual carriageways
On foot
ATTENTION!!! Look right – look right!
Due to the left-hand traffic you have to adjust your line of sight when crossing roads!
English pedestrian crossings are marked with black and white poles and a flashing spherical yellow lamp.
Toll
Roads in the United Kingdom are toll-free with a few exceptions.
There are some exceptions:
a section of the M6 around Birmingham (“M6 toll”)
some complex bridge and tunnel constructions in England and Wales
Payment can be made locally at toll booths, cash or credit card.
A different rule applies to theDartford Crossing, the subject extension of the London ring road. This is subject to tolls, but with no on-site payment option. Payment of the Dart Charge is made in advance or, at the latest, on the following day of use online, by cell phone (UK sim cards only), by cash deposit at a number of stores, or by means of subscription solutions.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a good time to visit the UK, especially the months of March to June, which are the driest on the island. Temperatures are pleasant during this time, but the weather can be very changeable.
Summer (June to August)
The summer months are the best time to visit the UK. Average temperatures are between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. It is slightly less rainy than in the cooler months, with an average of 10 to 11 rainy days per month. The rainiest month in the UK is July with an average of 14.79 rainy days.
Fall (September to November)
Autumn can also be a good time to visit the UK, especially September. Temperatures range between 6 and 11 degrees Celsius, sometimes the thermometer can reach 18 degrees Celsius. However, the days get shorter and the weather can become uncomfortable, especially in November.
Winter (December to February)
The winter months in the UK are often cold and rainy, with short days and little sunshine. Average temperatures during this time are between 2 degrees Celsius and 7 degrees Celsius. For winter sports activities, such as skiing in the English Lake District or Cumbica, the months of December, January and February are recommended.
Money
The pound sterling (also British pound) is the official currency of Great Britain, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
The currency symbol £ is placed in front of the monetary amount.
Tip
In most restaurants, a service charge is included in the bill. Then the tip should be less than 15%. If there is no service charge, a 15% tip is customary.
In pubs or bars, tipping is unusual.
In the UK it is quite normal to tip cab drivers and it is customary to round up the fare to the nearest pound. If the driver helps with the luggage, the tip should be higher.
In hotels, it is customary to tip the porters about 2 pounds. Otherwise, it is at the discretion of the guest to give the staff a tip.
Language
The official language is English. Additionally, Welsh and Gaelic are spoken in Great Britain. Welsh has been an official language in Wales since 1993.
Travel adapter
You want to travel to Great Britain – then you need a travel adapter. The country uses type D, G and M plugs, which are not compatible with the sockets in Germany.
