An American's survival guide to visiting Great Britain
What to know before you go
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1. Great Britain is made up of three different countries
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2. Chips aren’t what you think
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3. Football isn’t what you think either
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4. Britons don’t drink as much tea as you think
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5. The British take queuing very seriously indeed
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6. The weather is pretty unpredictable, so come prepared
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7. London can be pricey – but there are plenty of free things to do
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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.
8. There’s more to Britain’s food scene than fish and chips
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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.
9. It’s worth venturing beyond central London
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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.
10. Don’t ignore the cities of northern England
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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.
11. For a small country, there are some great national parks
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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.
12. The rail system will halt at the slightest whisper of snow
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13. Edinburgh is worth a visit – but so is Glasgow
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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.
14. Scotland makes for an epic road trip
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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...
15. Wales should be on your itinerary
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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.
16. The British drive on the left
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17. The pub is a British institution
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18. Those red phone boxes are usually just for show
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19. You probably won’t meet the Queen
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20. There’s an entire meal dedicated to sugar and stodge
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21. Brits are proud of their musical heritage
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22. ...not to mention their literary legacy
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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.
23. There’s a historic rivalry between Britain’s most prestigious universities
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