Visa requirements for holidays to the UK depend on your nationality, length and purpose of stay. Some visitors are visa-exempt, others need a Standard Visitor visa or electronic authorisation. Always check the latest rules on the official UK government “Visit the UK” pages before you book.

The best time for trips to the United Kingdom is usually late spring to early autumn (May–September), when days are longer and milder. Our UK tours run year-round, so you can choose the package and date that suits you, from summer festivals to cosy winter city breaks.

The UK has a temperate maritime climate: generally mild, with no real dry season and fairly changeable conditions. Summers are warm rather than hot, winters are cool and rain is possible at any time. For the most comfort on our United Kingdom tours, pack layers and a light waterproof jacket.

The currency used in the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (GBP). Banknotes are issued by the Bank of England, with additional notes from Scottish and Northern Irish banks, and coins by the Royal Mint. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted across the UK.

For your UK trip you’ll need a Type G adaptor, with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The United Kingdom uses 230V and 50Hz, so check your devices are dual-voltage or bring a converter if needed. This applies across most UK tour packages and regions.

Tipping in the United Kingdom is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is typical but normally service is included in the bill. Rounding up for taxis or offering a small tip for excellent service is common, but there’s no expectation to tip in pubs for simple drinks orders.

ATMs are widely available in cities, towns and many villages, and most accept international cards. Many businesses now prefer cards and contactless payments, so most guests on UK tours use a mix of cash withdrawals and card payments during their United Kingdom trip.

Internet access is generally good across the UK. Hotels, cafés and public spaces often offer Wi-Fi, and mobile data coverage is strong in most populated areas. On more remote Britain tours, speeds can be slower, but your Travel Director can advise on the best options.

Tap water in the UK is among the most closely regulated in the world and is generally safe to drink, thanks to strict standards enforced by the Drinking Water Inspectorate and local suppliers. In rare cases of local issues, follow any boil-water or safety notices.

For a first trip to the United Kingdom, we recommend at least 7–10 days to see London and another region, such as Scotland or Wales. Longer United Kingdom tours and Great Britain tour packages of 2–3 weeks let you explore England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland in more depth.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all trips to the United Kingdom. A good policy can help cover medical care, lost luggage, delays or cancellations, giving you extra peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your UK tour instead of worrying about the unexpected.