Planning a trip to England? Here's what you need to know

England’s hold on the popular imagination around the world is so tight that you might think you know everything you need to know about the country before you visit.

Yet if you expect to be surrounded by well-heeled James Bonds, posh Downton Abbey aristos or eccentric Monty Python characters, think again.

For the everyday English aren’t quite the same as how they’re portrayed in film, television and books. Still, this country does have a number of peculiarities that apply widely, all of which 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 queuing, it’s always important to be ahead of the game when visiting this wonderful and varied country. Which is why we’ve rounded up a few essential things to know before traveling to England.

Planning for your trip to England

1. Make sure you meet the entry requirements

To enter the UK, US citizens need a valid passport, but a visa isn't required for short stays (up to six months). Visitors from the EU will also need to show their passport for entry. There are currently no travel restrictions for US or EU citizens, though it’s always a good idea to check updated health or travel advisories.

Note that as of April 2025, all visitors to the UK need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) prior to their trip.

2. You should pack a jacket, even in summer

While England offers pleasures all year long, the best time to visit is during late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October), when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are thinner. Even in these agreeable seasons, England has a reputation for unpredictable weather. 

Preparing for all types of weather is essential to the English experience. England’s maritime location in the wild North Atlantic means that even in summer, biting winds and untimely rain showers can unexpectedly scupper a balmy afternoon. 

That doesn’t mean you need to take an umbrella everywhere, but you do need to put a jacket in your suitcase and always check your favorite weather app before venturing out to know what to expect. As a rule, London is usually a couple of degrees warmer than other parts of the country.

3. Be ready to discuss the weather 

Talking about the weather is in the English blood and a part of the national psyche. And the more lamentable the forecast, the more likely people are to talk about it. Come rain or shine, prepare to offer an opinion on the day’s weather, and express that things will hopefully brighten up or cool down as the week goes on. 

4. Bring comfortable walking shoes

Many of England's top attractions, especially in cities like London, are best explored on foot. Pack comfortable walking shoes, as you'll likely cover a lot of ground during your trip.

5. Train prices can be steep

Unlike some other countries in western Europe, England’s train system was privatized many years ago. This, along with other factors, has led to some of the highest train prices on the continent.

Try to book ahead of time (around 12 weeks before travel for the best rates) and take advantage of cheap advance fares. While not as quick as train travel (and certainly not as romantic), intercity bus services such as National Express and Megabus offer far cheaper prices when traveling across the country, and work very well for those on a budget. 

6. Narrow country roads can be a shock

England has an extensive transportation network, including trains, buses and flights between major cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham. Still, renting a car can be an excellent option for exploring the countryside.

If you’re driving yourself, be prepared for narrow roads in rural areas, and any possible complexities associated with driving on the left-hand side of the road, if that’s not your usual practice. You may be shocked when you find yourself on a two-way road that’s only as wide as your car. Driving in rural England involves a lot of trying to find a convenient place to move off the road and let others pass. Renting a small car is a good option.

7. While there’s much to see in London…

When visiting London, plan to spend about three to four days seeing just the main attractions. Top places to explore include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. You can also check out Windsor Castle, just outside the city, or Canterbury Cathedral, located about an hour away by train. Don’t miss walking through Hyde Park or exploring vibrant Covent Garden. 

8. …there’s a whole world outside of London

London is big, bold, and full of iconic English landmarks and experiences. But England’s capital isn’t everything. If you have the time to explore beyond, you’ll discover a variety of landscapes, people and cultures, and some truly wonderful things to do. 

From the wild coastlines of Cornwall to the soaring hills of the Lake District, there’s much to see in this ancient land. It’s also easy to visit surrounding countries such as Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which together with England compose the United Kingdom.

9. Summer is festival season

From Glastonbury in June to Reading and Leeds in August and everything in between, lively music festivals and cultural events run throughout the summer in England. No matter which week you’re here, there’s bound to be a festival on somewhere. Getting tickets for the big events is a challenge, though – you'll need to look out for those around nine months in advance.

There are also a plethora of smaller festivals that are often great value and easier to navigate too, such as Birmingham’s superb Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival.

10. Crossing the English Channel means different plug sockets

Yes, England is in Europe – but even long before Brexit, it hasn’t always played by European rules. If you’re backpacking around Europe, remember that the UK and Ireland use type G plug sockets (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern). Make sure you have the right power adapter when arriving in England as it will differ from those on the rest of the continent and North America.

11. Many museums are free

England is home to many of the world’s greatest museums, and you won’t need to pay a penny to enter some of the greatest of them. Especially great for rainy days in London, you can peruse dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum or masterpieces at the National Gallery – then spend the money saved at the pub later on.

From real ales at historic Victorian pubs to craft beer at bright modern taprooms, choose from sours, stouts, saisons, New England IPAs and beyond. 

12. Hit the beer garden when the sun comes out

The English need no excuse to go to the pub on a sunny summer afternoon, and sitting indoors is almost unthinkable. Find a table in the beer garden at the local watering hole and order a few cold pints. Job done.

Etiquette in England

1. Never jump a queue

Sometimes polite to a fault, the English are very orderly when queuing, and those who jump a line can expect stern looks and grumbling at the very least. So get in line and patiently wait your turn to avoid awkward situations.

2. Carry some cash

The local currency in England is the British pound (£). In the past few years, the number of places accepting credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay has increased. Still, it's still a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions, particularly in rural areas or for toll gates that aren’t automated.

3. Tipping isn’t mandatory but is always appreciated

It might feel strange not to add a 20% tip to your restaurant bill, but tipping isn’t expected in England – though it is appreciated for great service. Leaving around 10% at restaurants is fine. While tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also appreciated, it’s not required.

4. You’ll hear “sorry” a lot

Even in situations where the fault lies with you, you might receive an apology. Only Canadians say sorry more than the English, so get used to hearing it and (eventually) saying it yourself.

5. Pronouncing place names might be a challenge

Alongside some truly bizarre place names, England also has several towns and counties that aren’t pronounced the way they are spelled. Names with a -ter suffix are particularly notorious for this.

Bicester is pronounced biss-ter rather than bi-ces-ter, Gloucester is pronounced gloss-ter rather than glou-ces-ter, Leominster is pronounced lem-ster rather than Leo-minster. You get the picture. 

6. Expect to hear a different accent in each region

Traveling just a few short miles in England can often mean a change in accent, so prepare your ears. Regional accents are hugely diverse, and while those with strong ones all still speak English, they can sometimes be difficult for even fellow countrymen to understand. 

The accent you’ll hear in Birmingham (“Brummie”) differs wildly from what you’ll hear when you arrive in Newcastle (“Geordie”). London is a separate case as it’s so cosmopolitan that you can expect to hear a variety of different accents and languages throughout the day.

7. English food does not deserve its negative reputation

Stereotypes about the English are often amusing and sometimes painfully true. But the one about the poor standard of English food can be comfortably consigned to history’s trash can. 

Towns and cities across the country are now dotted with superb restaurants emphasizing fresh and locally grown produce. Alongside traditional dishes, you’ll find cuisine here from all over the world amid an ever-growing list of Michelin-starred restaurants. 

8. Beer standards are high

The pub is a rite of passage here, and the English love a pint of beer. And these days, a pint of good beer, for England has happily moved beyond the standard of warm, stale beer.

There are myriad styles to sample up and down the country, from real ales at historic Victorian pubs to craft beer at bright modern taprooms, with a range of sours, stouts, saisons, New England IPAs and beyond. 

9. Measurements can be confusing

Don’t be surprised if you get into a metric muddle. For some things, the English use metric measurements; for others, they use imperial. Though metric measurements became legal in the UK back in 1875, Britain has never fully transitioned to using metrication in all situations. Roads are still measured in the imperial unit of miles, for example, while height is often discussed in feet and inches.

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

Visitors from EU countries with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will be covered for emergency treatment from the National Health Service (NHS). Visitors from non-EU countries with a reciprocal health-care arrangement with the UK may also be covered for some treatment needs, particularly emergencies. US citizens, on the other hand, are not covered and should consider purchasing travel insurance.