Britain may be small when compared with the States – but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with a whole host of curious quirks and traditions. Here are our tips for surviving a trip.

If you’re confused by what exactly constitutes “Great Britain”, don’t worry. On the whole, Britons are pretty baffled themselves, so let’s clear things up once and for all. Great Britain refers to England, Wales and Scotland (the United Kingdom includes all those, plus Northern Ireland too). Each nation has its own customs and eccentricities and your trip really won’t be complete unless you visit all three.

Order “chips” on British soil and you’ll not get the thin, crunchy, potato-based snack you anticipated (Brits know these as “crisps”). Instead, you’ll get deep-fried hunks of potato, much like French fries only thicker and fluffier and usually served with a wedge of battered fish. Don’t pass on the mushy peas, either.

American “soccer” is the same as British “football”. But if you’ve got tickets to a footie match during your trip, expect it to be a much more low-key affair than in the States. There will be no music blaring from giant screens, no extravagant half-time entertainment and no souvenir soda cups the size of your face. You can count on some good old-fashioned chanting and a steaming meat pie though.

The British are fond of their tea – it’s a well-documented affair. But coffee is fast replacing tea as Britain’s national drink. The population now guzzles more than 70 millions cups of the stuff per day, while tea consumption is beginning to decline. So make like the British and eschew the English breakfast tea for an artisanal flat white.

If there’s one thing British people do well, it’s queuing: the neater and more orderly the better. In fact, there a few things more likely to make a Brit squirm than any form of queue-related confusion, or worse, a full-blown huddle. If you don’t want to be met with muttering, death stares or a chorus of heavy sighing, we advise you stay in line.

It’s true, Brits are fond of discussing the weather – and that’s probably because there’s plenty to talk about. Pleasant sunshine one minute and battering rain the next, British weather is mercilessly changeable, so make sure you’re one step ahead. Pack a rain mac, a hat and an umbrella, and check your weather app before planning the day’s itinerary.

You’ll almost certainly spend some time in London during your foray across the pond and the English capital is not always easy on the pocket. But many of London’s best attractions are free – including entrances to some top museums. You can take in modern art at the Tate or ogle at dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, all without spending a buck. And, of course, the view of the Houses of Parliament from across the river is priceless, too. If you're taking the family, check out our pick of the top free things to do in Britain here.

Fish and chips, and pie and mash, are mainstays of British cuisine – and finding good offerings of both is an essential task for any food-loving traveller in Britain. But you’re selling yourself short if you don’t stray from the obvious. London’s restaurant scene in particular is one of the most exciting in the world (check out our suggestions here), even rivalling New York City for innovation and variety, so be sure to eat outside the box. Edinburgh also has an excellent foodie scene – find the best restaurants in our city guide.

Once you’ve peeked at Buckingham Palace, explored some horrible history at the Tower of London and pored over the exhibitions of the British Museum, it’s time to split from the city centre. Head south of the river for Brixton’s delicious street food and trendy pop-ups, east for Dalston’s eclectic art scene or northwest for the cosy pubs and village feel of Hampstead Heath (pictured). Alternatively, try and time your visit with one of Britain's most exciting sporting events and soak up the southwest London vibes of Wimbledon for a weekend.

As difficult as it will be to tear yourself from the Big Smoke, there’s plenty to explore beyond. Decidedly more affordable than the capital, the cities of northern England are resilient and ever evolving. Mighty Manchester (pictured) and Liverpool impress with their cool galleries and incredible musical heritage, while once overlooked Newcastle is itself becoming a cultural powerhouse. If you’re craving something more small-scale, set your sights on York: a charming Yorkshire city with haunted pubs and cobbled alleyways galore.

The States are home to some of the world’s greatest national parks (we’re looking at you, Yellowstone), but Brits are pretty proud of their offering too. The Lake District is a worthy winner of new UNESCO status, while in Wales, the Brecon Beacons is a favoured spot for stargazing. Up in Scotland, rugged Loch Lomond and the Trossachs have hiking trails suitable for all abilities – just remember to pack that rain mac. Check out our guide to Britain's national parks.

Unlike in the States, even a light dusting of snow has the power to stop British trains in their tracks. Not just snow, either: fallen leaves, hot weather and even heavy rain can be enough to cause delays. So if you’re relying on National Rail to get you to the airport on time, be on the safe side and head off early.

The Scottish capital has a lot going for it: some of the best pubs in Britain, a huge hill right in the city centre and its very own castle. But you shouldn’t skip Scotland’s second city, either. Glasgow has established itself as a must-visit foodie destination, plus it has all the intriguing museums and creative appeal of the capital. The fantastic Kelvingrove Art Gallery should be your first stop.

The stillness of Loch Lomond, the bleak beauty of the Cairngorms, the sheer drama of Skye’s Old Man of Storr: Scotland’s landscapes are the stuff of legend. Whether you’re braving the switchbacks of Bealach na Bà (Scotland’s most extreme drive) or following the North Coast 500 (touted as the Scottish equivalent of Route 66), you’ll find it hard to keep your eyes on the road. The country is also pretty epic for a cruise, too...

Wales may be the smallest of Britain’s three nations, but it has a huge amount to offer. Whether you end up trekking in Snowdonia, sampling the nightlife in student capital Cardiff or sunning yourself in Portmeirion (the Welsh answer to Italy’s Positano) it’s a mistake not to strike west before you journey on to Scotland. 

Much to the dismay of American tourists (and two-thirds of the rest of the visiting world), the British drive on the left. If you’re planning to self-drive during your trip, it may take some getting used to. But rest assured, when Britain’s great country roads are spooling out before you, you’ll be glad you took the plunge.

The pub is the pillar of the British social calendar. It’s the place for after-work drinks and for long Sunday lunches. It’s the place to sit cosy by the fire in winter and bask in a beer garden in summer. However long your trip, it simply won’t be complete without a swift half in one of Britain’s best boozers.

Today, the scarlet “phone boxes” dotted across Britain’s towns and cities rarely house a working telephone. Their uses include teeny tiny libraries and remote work spaces – but mostly they serve as selfie fodder for roving Instagrammers. The bottom line is, make sure you charge your mobile before you leave the hotel.

Despite a common misconception, not everyone in Britain knows the Queen. In fact, most Brits have only ever seen Her Royal Highness (and the rest of the royal family for that matter) on a TV screen. That means your chances of catching a glimpse of her on a long weekend in London are almost zero. Be content with a peek at Buckingham Palace instead, or roam the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The cream tea is a simple yet delicious concept. Take two scones, slather them with jam and clotted cream (the order in which you do this remains an area of hot dispute) and wash them down with a cup (or two, or three) of English breakfast tea. There are plenty of spots in London to try this most traditional of English delicacies, but there’s no substitute for sampling it where it all began: Cornwall, or Devon – no one really knows.

The Beatles, David Bowie, Queen, Adele – these are but a handful of Britain’s musical exports. If you want to impress the locals with your musical knowledge, swot up at one of the many attractions dedicated to them across the nation. Head to The Beatles Story in Liverpool to learn the story of the Fab Four or pay tribute to Queen’s late Freddie Mercury outside Garden Lodge, the singer’s former home and studio.

JK Rowling’s Harry Potter was penned in a café in Edinburgh (find out which one here); Jane Austen drew inspiration for her works from the spa city of Bath (there's even a festival to celebrate every September during which fans dress up in period costume); and the grit and grime of Victorian London pulses through the pages of almost every Dickens novel. Pack a British classic in your suitcase and use it as an extra insight into this fascinating isle.

Oxford and Cambridge are two of Britain’s oldest and most esteemed universities – and each year their historic rivalry comes to a head on the river Thames during the annual Oxford versus Cambridge boat race, which dates back to the 1800s. Eager spectators cheer on their favoured team from the bankside – if your trip is scheduled for March or April, pick a side and join them for free.