Travel tips to European Countries: England

About the county

England is where world renowned institutions and symbol remain cherished and intact-from Big Ben at Westminster to Canterbury Cathedral, Eton College to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Wembley Stadium to Lord’s Cricket Ground.  Stonehenge to Tower Bridge, but the load is carried with panache as this tiny entity strides into the 21st century offering world-class fashion, cutting-edge clubbing, and fine wining and dining as never before.
 
Best Time To Visit
 
May to September (summer)
 
Population & Languages

The population is more than 51,000,000 and the official language is English. Other regional languages spoke are Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish etc.
 
Electricity

The voltage is 230-240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The type of plug used is rectangular blade.
 
Geographic Location

It is located in Western Europe and consists of islands including the northern one-sixth of the Ireland. It is 22 miles from the France border and linked by a under sea tunnel. The terrain is mostly rolling lowlands and low mountains.
 
 Climate

It has a moderate climate but lots of rain with around half of the years being overcast. The lowest temperatures never go below −15 °C (5 °F) and in summer the average maximum is 34 °C (93.2 °F). It also gets snow in winter and early spring.
 
Local Customs

The handshake is customary when you are meeting somebody for the first time. When visiting someone’s house a small gift like flowers or chocolates is customary. Waiting till everyone is served before eating is also one of the etiquettes. Tipping is usually 10-15% in hotels, restaurants and taxis. Smoking and non-smoking areas are clearly designated and thus should be taken care of.
 
Experiences that should not be missed while in England

• Climbing to the top of St Paul’s Cathedral for an alternative view of London
• Marveling at the prehistoric ruin of Stonehenge and the sheer effort involved in its creation
  Reveling in the sense of achievement on reaching the peak of Scafell Pike in the Lake District, England’s highest mountain
• Mixing Roman and Georgian history in the elegant town of Bath
• Eating fish and chips on a pebbly beach, and willing the sun to shine
• Exploring Cornwall’s coastline of cliffs and bays, dotted with picturesque harbours and villages

Try local delicacies:
 
Eat Sunday roast dinner (typically beef with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, carrots, peas and gravy) followed by a hearty apple crumble with custard and cream
Drink real ale- England is the home of proper beer
 
Further Pleasures:
 
To read: The English by Jeremy Paxman, an exploration of the English psyche by one of the country’s toughest TV interviewers
 
To listen: The Kink’s Waterloo Sunset, a great introduction to the many songs written about the capital; or anything by the Beatles
 
To watch: Sense and Sensibility, a film of a thoroughly English novel in a thoroughly English setting
 
Travel
 
By Air – The domestic airlines is British Airways which also connects almost all major world destinations. Almost all airlines connect UK through London which is hub for all international flights between east to west and west to east. Heathrow and Gatwick are international airports of London.
 
By Sea – Since UK is surrounded by water from almost all sides it has many ports. There are many ferry services operating between Europe and UK.
 
By Rail – Trains connect Ferries at Dover, Folkestone, Newhaven, Portsmouth and Weymouth, sailing for Belgium, France, Germany and Spain (you need to board at Victoria Station in London); and at Harwich, sailing for Germany, The Netherlands and Scandinavia (you need to board at Liverpool Street). Eurostar train connects London with Brussels and Paris through channel tunnel.
 
By Road – The vehicles can enter UK through channel tunnel. Cars and motorcycles, coaches, minibuses, caravans, campervans and other vehicles over 1.85m (6.07ft) can also use channel tunnel. Bicycles are also provided for.
 
Duty Free Items
1.    Up to 3200 cigarettes
2.    400 cigarillos or 200 cigars
3.    1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine or 32 liter beer
4.    Perfumes
5.    Gifts up to ₤145
 
Prohibited Items
Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.