Essential Travel Tips for Exploring England: 16 Local Insights

Such is England’s reach on popular culture, you may think you already know the country before you visit.

However, if you’re expecting to be surrounded by a bunch of well-heeled James Bonds or a gaggle of eccentric Monty Python characters, then think again.

While the everyday English aren’t quite as they’re portrayed in film, television, and literature, this is a country with a number of peculiarities that are good to know before visiting, especially when venturing outside of London. From practicalities like train prices to etiquette tips on how the English approach queueing, it’s always important to be ahead of the game when visiting this varied country.

Here are a few key things to know before traveling to England.

1. You should pack a jacket, even in summer

Preparing for all types of weather is essential when experiencing England. The country’s maritime location in the wild North Atlantic means that even in summer, biting winds and untimely rain showers can unexpectedly disrupt a pleasant afternoon.

This doesn’t mean you need to take an umbrella everywhere, but you should consider packing a jacket and always check the conditions on your favorite weather app before venturing out. Typically, London tends to be a couple of degrees warmer than other parts of the country.

2. Be ready to discuss the weather

Talking about the weather is ingrained in the English psyche. Therefore, the more dismal the forecast, the more likely people are to engage in conversation about it. Regardless of the weather conditions, be prepared to offer an opinion and express hope that it will brighten up or cool down as the week progresses.

3. Train prices are steep

Unlike some Western European countries, England’s train system was privatized many years ago, leading to some of Europe’s highest train fares. To save money, try to book ahead (approximately 12 weeks before travel offers the best rates) and look for cheap advance fares. While train travel is generally efficient, buses such as National Express and Megabus provide far less expensive options, which are especially advantageous for budget travelers.

4. There’s a whole world outside of London

London is big, bold, and full of iconic English landmarks and experiences. Nonetheless, it is not everything. If you have the time to explore beyond the capital, you’ll uncover a variety of landscapes, cultures, and extraordinary things to do.

From the wild coastlines of Cornwall to the towering hills of the Lake District, there’s so much more to see in this ancient land.

5. Crossing the English Channel means different plug sockets

Yes, England is in Europe, but it doesn’t always adhere to European standards. If you’re travelling around Europe, remember that the UK and Ireland use type G plug sockets (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern). Therefore, ensure you have the right power adapter when arriving in England, as it differs from the rest of the continent.

6. Many museums are free

England boasts several of the world’s greatest museums, and entry is free for many of them. This is especially beneficial for rainy days in London; you can explore dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum or masterpieces by Turner at the National Gallery and save your money for the pub later.

7. Pronouncing place names will be a challenge

In addition to some truly bizarre place names, England has several towns and counties with pronunciations that differ significantly from their spelling. Names with a -ter suffix are particularly notorious, like Bicester (pronounced biss-ter) and Gloucester (pronounced gloss-ter).

8. Hit the beer garden when the sun comes out

During sunny summer afternoons, the English require little excuse to visit the pub; consequently, sitting indoors is nearly unthinkable. Instead, find a table in a local beer garden and enjoy a few cold pints.

9. Expect to hear a different accent in each region

Traveling just a few miles in England can often result in a change of accent, so prepare your ears. Regional accents are incredibly diverse, and while they remain English, they can sometimes be challenging for even fellow residents to comprehend.

The accent you’ll encounter in Birmingham (“Brummie”) is vastly different from what you’ll hear in Newcastle (“Geordie”). London is especially unique, as its cosmopolitan nature means you can expect to hear various accents and languages daily.

10. Never jump a queue

Often excessively polite, the English are very orderly when queueing. Those who jump a line can anticipate stern looks and grumbling at the very least. Therefore, always get in line and patiently wait your turn to avoid any awkward situations.

11. You’ll hear “sorry” a lot

Even in situations where the fault lies with you, you may receive an apology. Only Canadians apologize more than the English, so get accustomed to hearing it and, eventually, using it yourself.

12. English food does not deserve its negative reputation

Stereotypes about the English can be humorous and sometimes painfully accurate; nevertheless, the notion of poor English food can be particularly outdated.

Towns and cities across the country are now home to exceptional restaurants emphasizing fresh, locally sourced produce. Alongside traditional dishes, you can find cuisine from around the globe, showcased in an increasing number of Michelin-starred establishments.

13. Beer standards are high too

The pub experience is a quintessential part of English culture, and residents love a pint. Fortunately, England has evolved from the stale beer perceptions of the 1970s, offering a broad range of beer styles from real ales at historic Victorian pubs to craft beers at modern taprooms.

14. Summer is festival season

From Glastonbury in June to Reading and Leeds in August and everything in between, there are numerous lively music festivals throughout England during the summer. No matter your visit week, there’s likely a festival happening nearby. However, securing tickets for major events can be challenging; therefore, looking out for them about nine months in advance is advisable.

Additionally, a plethora of smaller festivals often provide great value and simpler navigation, such as Birmingham’s Even more engaging Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival.

15. If you encounter any health issues, you’ll be in good hands

Visitors from EU countries will have some treatment covered by the National Health Service (NHS) if they fall ill during their visit using their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Visitors from non-EU countries with a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK may also receive coverage for select treatment needs, especially emergencies.

16. Measurements can be confusing

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a metric muddle. The English use both metric and imperial measurements for different purposes. Although metric measurements were legalized in the UK back in 1875, the country has never fully transitioned to using metrication universally. For instance, roads are still measured in miles and height is often discussed in feet and inches.

This article was first published June 26, 2022, and updated July 13, 2023.