United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: a country of many parts

When should you travel to the UK?

The United Kingdom is a diverse country, but you can travel there all year round. Winters are harsh in the north (Northern Ireland, Scotland), and the days are very short. At the height of summer, it's the high tourist season, and you have a slightly better chance of catching the sun.

Generally speaking, the period from May to October is the most pleasant for travelling in the United Kingdom.

Formalities for entering the United Kingdom

Following the Brexit (which is far from being unanimously supported by the four nations), you will need a passport to enter the United Kingdom. Beware: a simple identity card is no longer enough! Unaccompanied minors must also have an exit permit.

Money

The official currency in the UK is the pound sterling (£). Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are widely accepted, and cash dispensers are available for withdrawals. Cash and travellers' cheques in euros are easily exchanged.

It should be noted that several entities issue their own variants of the pound sterling, such as the Scottish pound or the Irish pound. These have the same value as the pound sterling, which is also accepted everywhere.

Transport: getting around in the UK

Throughout the UK, the car will be the most practical means of transport for travelling in complete freedom.

If you're taking your own car, remember to bring your driving licence, identity card or passport, vehicle documents, a European accident report, breakdown and accident cover, and your insurance certificate.

To hire a vehicle, all you need is your national driving licence. You should compare the rates offered by the agencies carefully, and be aware of any additional charges. It's also a good idea to bring your own GPS for a cross-country road-trip, as this bonus can quickly add to the cost of the rental.

Every country in the UK has a good network of coaches, serving the regions efficiently. This is an economical means of transport, although it does have its limitations in terms of timetables.

Trains are another option, but are generally slower and more expensive, except on certain major routes linking the UK's main cities. Unevenly developed, the rail network is much better in England than in Northern Ireland or Wales, for example.

Driving in the UK

Driving is on the left, traffic on roundabouts is clockwise, and speed limits are expressed in miles, with a maximum of 30 mph (or 48 km/h) in built-up areas, only 20 mph (or 32 km/h) near schools, 60 mph (or 97 km/h) on roads and 70 mph (or 113 km/h) on motorways.

Before setting off, familiarise yourself with the road signs. Some are similar to those in France, while others are unique to the UK. Find out how to behave on the road and the basic rules of etiquette. And of course, seatbelts are compulsory!

United Kingdom: what to bring back

You always end up packing a souvenir stamped with the colours of the United Kingdom flag, the Union Jack: there are every conceivable version! London is of course the capital of shopping, and you can bring back everything from English specialities to clothes and tea.

But shopping doesn't stop in London, of course; you can also enjoy it in the streets of Edinburgh or under the Victorian arcades of Cardiff. From Wales, you can take home a piece of Clogau gold jewellery, and from Scotland, you can bring back a tartan blanket or even a kilt, even if you have to find the opportunity to wear it... Above all, you'll fill your suitcases with tea, whisky, shortbreads (Scottish butter biscuits) and marmalade, and that goes for every trip!

United Kingdom: what to eat

British food isn't exactly renowned the world over, especially in the eyes of many French people. However, there are many typical dishes that visitors should try, fresh produce in the markets and a multicultural and varied gastronomy.

Among the classics on the restaurant menu are shepherd's pie, roast beef served with roast potatoes, English stew with beef or lamb, or roast lamb and mint sauce, a roast lamb topped with a sauce made with mint, sugar and vinegar. In the south of England, you can simply eat a good fish and chips while strolling along the seafront.

As for desserts, the UK is the home of crumble, Christmas pudding, jelly, which is not to everyone's taste, and the delicious apple pie. The British don't offer much in the way of cheeses, but cheddar is one of them.

Every region has its own speciality. In Wales, local recipes are popular, such as the Welsh rarebit, a slice of toasted bread covered in melted cheddar, the unpronounceable Tatws Pum Munud, filled with smoked bacon, potatoes, onions and stock, or Welsh lamb casserole.

In Scotland, the national dish is haggis, stuffed sheep's belly. Otherwise, Scotch is a religion in the country!

In Northern Ireland, the ingredients used in the dishes are often mutton and potatoes. TheUlster Fry is a hearty breakfast of sausages, eggs, bacon and bread.

Meals in the UK

The typical day in the UK goes like this: a savoury breakfast followed by a light meal at lunchtime, even a snack, then it's tea time, with a cup of tea and a splash of milk, and in the evening we eat early, sometimes even around 6pm!

Health

No vaccinations are required, but make sure you have your current vaccinations up to date. Make sure you have your European Health Insurance Card (provided by your social security office), which will enable you to be covered locally.

Security

Beware of pickpockets throughout the UK's major cities.

Electricity

240 V. Sockets are 3-pin. An adapter (for British sockets) is therefore essential.

Taxes and tips

In restaurants, service may or may not be included. If this is not the case, leave a tip of around 15% of the amount.