London, United Kingdom Guide

Know Before You Go...®

England, known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a country located in the southern part of the United Kingdom. England is a diverse and dynamic nation, encompassing bustling cities, quaint villages, and picturesque countryside. From the iconic Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the stunning coastline of Cornwall, there is something for everyone to discover in this enchanting country. Let’s take a closer look at the land of Shakespeare, fish and chips, and afternoon tea.

Why London, United Kingdom?

  • London has the world's oldest underground railway system.
  • London is home to the world's tallest observation wheel, the London Eye.
  • The Tower of London is the oldest and most famous fortress in the world.
  • The Shard is the tallest building in London and the United Kingdom.
  • London is the most visited city in the world with over 20 million visitors annually.

London, United Kingdom Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
43° F
° F
February
45° F
° F
March
50° F
° F
April
55° F
° F
May
63° F
° F
June
68° F
° F
July
72° F
° F
August
70° F
° F
September
66° F
° F
October
57° F
° F
November
50° F
° F
December
45° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
2.0 inches
February
1.5 inches
March
1.4 inches
April
1.7 inches
May
2.0 inches
June
1.7 inches
July
1.6 inches
August
1.9 inches
September
1.9 inches
October
2.8 inches
November
2.5 inches
December
2.1 inches

History

England is a country that has a long and rich history, with a culture that has influenced the world in many ways. It is a part of the United Kingdom, a political union of four countries including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Over the centuries, England has gone through many changes and developments, shaping it into the country it is today.

The earliest known inhabitants of England were the Celts, who arrived in the 8th century BC. They were later conquered by the Romans in 43 AD, who built roads, forts, and cities such as London and Bath. However, their rule lasted only until the 5th century when the Germanic tribes, known as the Anglo-Saxons, invaded and settled in the country.

In the 11th century, England was invaded by the Normans, led by William the Conqueror. This event had a significant impact on the country’s history as the Normans brought with them feudalism, a system of government where the king owned all the land and granted it to his loyal followers. This led to the development of castles, which were used to defend the land and maintain control over the people.

During the medieval period, England saw a rise in trade and commerce, and the development of the English language. It also saw the formation of the Church of England, which separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century under King Henry VIII. This event had a significant impact on the country, leading to religious conflicts and tensions that lasted for centuries.

In the 17th century, England went through a period of political turmoil, with the English Civil War between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians. This resulted in the execution of King Charles I and the establishment of a republic, led by Oliver Cromwell. However, the monarchy was restored in 1660, and England saw a period of stability and economic growth under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

The industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries brought about significant changes in England, with the development of factories and new technologies that transformed the country into a major industrial power. This also led to urbanization, with people moving from rural areas to cities in search of work.

In the 20th century, England played a crucial role in both World Wars, and its economy and society underwent significant changes in the post-war period.

Today, England continues to be a major player in global politics, with a diverse and multicultural society. Its history has shaped it into a country that is both traditional and modern, with a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated and cherished by its people.

Transportation on London, United Kingdom

Getting to London, United Kingdom and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa not required for most nationalities for stays of up to 6 months. Visitors intending to marry may require a Marriage Visitor Visa.
  • Return/onward ticket required for proof of departure.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax; taxes are included in airfare.

Driving

  • Driving License: EU licenses are valid; non-EU licenses require an International Driving Permit (IDP) if staying for more than 12 months.
  • Driving Side: Left-hand side.
  • Road Conditions: Roads are well-maintained, including motorways and rural routes.
  • Speed Limits: 30 mph (48 km/h) in urban areas, 60 mph (96 km/h) on single carriageways, 70 mph (112 km/h) on motorways and dual carriageways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be cautious of congestion in cities like London, where a congestion charge applies. Public transport is often the best option for urban travel. Ample parking is available in rural areas, but city parking can be expensive and limited.

Local Transportation

England offers an extensive and varied transport network, making it easy to explore the country’s cities, countryside, and coastal areas. The train system is fast, efficient, and well-connected, allowing travelers to easily move between major cities like London, and Manchester, as well as picturesque towns and rural regions. Public buses and the iconic London Underground provide convenient options for local travel within cities. For those looking for more flexibility, rental cars are widely available, making it easy to explore scenic routes in places like the Cotswolds or Lake District. Taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient and direct transport, especially in urban areas.

Know Before You Go...® - London, United Kingdom Travel Tips

Before making their way to London, United Kingdom , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in London, United Kingdom even more relaxing.

Capital: 1There is no single word that is the capital of L
Population: 20199.1 million
Size: 2017Unknown
Electric Current: 230
Time: Timezone: BST, 2025-04-17 23:12:49
(GMT Offset: 1 hours, DST: Yes)
Official Language: London's official language is English, while its secondary language is a diverse mix of over 300 languages, with the most commonly spoken being Bengali, Gujarati, Arabic, and Turkish. This reflects the city's rich cultural diversity and global influence.
Currency: London, the capital city of England, is a bustling metropolis with a diverse population and a thriving economy. As a major global hub for business and tourism, London offers a wide range of currency and payment options to cater to the needs of its residents and visitors. The official currency of London is the Great British Pound (GBP), also known as the Pound Sterling. It is the fourth most traded currency in the world and can be easily exchanged at banks, foreign exchange bureaus, and ATMs throughout the city. The GBP is available in denominations of £5, £10, £20, and £50, with smaller denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, and 50p commonly used for everyday transactions. In addition to the GBP, major international currencies such as the US Dollar, Euro, and Japanese Yen are also widely accepted in London, especially in popular tourist areas and upscale establishments. However, it is recommended to exchange your currency to GBP for the best exchange rates and to avoid any additi
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes are important aspects of the London dining and shopping experience that visitors should be aware of. Tipping in London is generally not expected, but it is appreciated for exceptional service. The standard tipping rate is 10-15% of the total bill, but some restaurants may include a service charge of 12.5% in the bill. In this case, there is no need to tip further unless you want to show your appreciation for exceptional service. Taxes in London are included in the price of goods and services, unlike in some other countries where taxes are added at the point of sale. The main tax in London is Value Added Tax (VAT), which is currently set at 20%. This tax is added to most goods and services, except for food and children's clothing, which have a reduced rate of 5%. Visitors from outside the EU can claim a VAT refund on goods they have purchased to take home with them, as long as they meet certain criteria and have the appropriate forms. In addition to VAT, there is
Dress Code: Dress code in London is typically formal and conservative with a mix of trendy and eclectic styles.
Topography: London is a diverse city with a mix of historic landmarks, bustling urban areas, and sprawling parks, situated along the River Thames and surrounded by suburban neighborhoods.
Telephone: +44 London

London, United Kingdom Weddings and Honeymoons

In England, United Kingdom getting married involves a few clear steps and required documents.

Give notice of marriage at your local Register Office. Both parties must have lived in England for at least 7 days before giving notice.

Required documents include:

  • Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties.
  • Proof of residence (e.g., utility bills or rental agreements).
  • Birth certificates (optional, depending on the local authority’s requirements).
  • Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).

There is a mandatory waiting period of 28 days after giving notice before the marriage can take place.

Civil ceremonies are legally binding and conducted by a registrar in English.

Costs: Marriage fees typically range from £35 to £50 per person for giving notice, with additional costs for the ceremony and venue.

Optional Religious or Scenic Venue Ceremony: England offers a variety of iconic venues for weddings, including historic churches, stately homes, and scenic countryside locations. Religious or symbolic ceremonies are not legally binding without fulfilling civil requirements.