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 England, United Kingdom?

  • England has the oldest parliamentary democracy in the world.
  • The world's first modern railway ran between London and Manchester in 1830.
  • England is home to the world-famous Stonehenge.
  • The region is home to some of Europe’s most stunning castles such as Windsor Castle and Leeds Castle.
  • England is the birthplace of the Beatles, Shakespeare and the English language.

England, United Kingdom Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
45° F
° F
February
46° F
° F
March
51° F
° F
April
56° F
° F
May
61° F
° F
June
66° F
° F
July
71° F
° F
August
69° F
° F
September
66° F
° F
October
58° F
° F
November
51° F
° F
December
47° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
3.3 inches
February
3.3 inches
March
2.3 inches
April
2.3 inches
May
2.3 inches
June
2.9 inches
July
2.5 inches
August
2.8 inches
September
2.3 inches
October
3.9 inches
November
3.5 inches
December
3.8 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.

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Transportation on England, United Kingdom

Getting to England, 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...® - England, United Kingdom Travel Tips

Before making their way to England, 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 England, United Kingdom even more relaxing.

Capital: London
Population: 55.98 million (estimated)
Size: 50,301 square miles (estimated)
Electric Current: 230
Official Language: English is the official language of England. It is the most widely spoken language and is used in all official capacities. Secondary languages spoken in England include Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Cornish.
Currency:
  • England, uses the British Pound (GBP) as its currency.
  • ATMs are widely available throughout the country, and most major credit and debit cards are accepted. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash with you for smaller purchases and in case of any issues with card payments.
  • Major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and other establishments. Contactless payments, where you can tap your card or phone on a card reader to make a payment, are also popular in England.
Tipping and Taxes:
  • In England, tipping is not mandatory but is generally expected for good service.
  • The usual tipping rate is around 10-15% of the bill, although some establishments may add a service charge to the bill. It is customary to round up the bill to the nearest pound for smaller amounts. Tipping is usually done in cash, although some restaurants may have an option to add tip to the credit or debit card payment.
  • VAT is a consumption tax that is added to the price of most goods and services in England. The standard rate of VAT is 20%, although there are reduced rates of 5% and 0% for certain goods and services.
Dress Code: The dress code in England is generally smart casual, but can vary depending on the occasion.
Topography: England has a diverse topography, ranging from rolling hills and fertile valleys in the south to rugged mountains and moorlands in the north.
Telephone: * Telephone Country Code: +44 * Mobile Networks: Reliable coverage across the country, including rural areas. * Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. Free Wi-Fi is common in public libraries, transportation hubs, and many restaurants.

England, 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.