If you are planning a trip to England and want to feel like an expert; keep reading to see the 7 things to know!

Travelling to a new country always comes with surprises, and with England being my home country and my favourite place to travel around, it’s safe to say I’m an expert in everything England travel-related so I’ll be giving you a heads up on 7 things to know before travelling to England 

Pack for every season

England is famous for its unpredictable weather, with rain and chilly temperatures often making an appearance, so be sure to pack plenty of warm clothing to stay comfortable and enjoy your holiday.

That said, on rare occasions, especially in the summer, the sun does shine, and it can feel like you’ve landed in Spain! To make the most of these unexpected warm days, bring a few summer outfits or be open to picking up some lighter clothes while you’re here, just in case the weather surprises us.

Buy an adaptive plug

Depending on where you’re travelling from, your electrical items might have different plugs from those used in England, as we use Type G outlets here. To avoid any issues, check your devices before you travel and purchase an adapter plug if needed.

Tip: If you need an adapter, buy just one and bring an extension lead with you. This way, you can plug in multiple devices at once and save money—leaving you with a bit more to spend on your trip!

Decide what transport you’ll be using 

Choosing the right transport for travelling around England depends on your budget, time, and how much flexibility you want. Here’s a quick overview of each to help you decide:

Train

• Best for: Fast, convenient travel between major cities and towns.
• Pros: Trains are generally quick, and comfortable, and offer scenic views of the countryside. Routes like London to Manchester or Birmingham are well-connected.
• Cons: Can be expensive if you don’t book tickets in advance and delays can occur during peak times.
• Tip: Use railcards or book online early for cheaper fares.

Coaches/Buses

• Best for: Budget travel over longer distances.
• Pros: Much cheaper than trains, especially with companies like National Express or Megabus. Good for longer trips if you don’t mind the time.
• Cons: Slower than trains and less comfortable for long journeys.
• Tip: Book online for the best deals.

Car Hire

• Best for: Flexibility to explore rural areas, small towns, and hidden gems.
• Pros: You can travel at your own pace and stop wherever you want. Great for places like the Lake District or Cornwall.
• Cons: Fuel costs, parking fees, and traffic can add up. Driving in cities like London can be stressful.
• Tip: Use a SatNav or navigation app to avoid getting lost and plan parking in advance. Don’t forget we drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Public Transport (Local Buses & Trams)

• Best for: Exploring towns and cities on a budget.
• Pros: Affordable and widely available in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Day passes are often good value.
• Cons: Timetables can vary in rural areas, and buses may not always be frequent.

Cycling & Walking

• Best for: Short distances and exploring scenic areas.
• Pros: Eco-friendly, free, and a great way to enjoy England’s beautiful landscapes.
• Cons: Not ideal for long journeys or in bad weather.

So, which to choose?

• For cities and towns: Trains and local buses are the most efficient.
• For budget travel: Coaches and buses are the cheapest.
• For rural adventures: Renting a car gives the most freedom.
• For short, scenic trips: Walking and cycling are perfect.

Consider mixing and matching transport depending on where you’re going—it can save time and money while letting you see the best of England!

Cultural etiquette 

The British population values politeness, so simple manners will go a long way. Queue is a big deal here as well, always wait your turn!

Research what you want to see beforehand

If you’re planning a short trip to the UK and want to see as much as possible, it’s important to organize your itinerary efficiently. Here’s how to make the most of your time:

List Your Must-See Attractions

Start by writing down everything you want to see and do—prioritize the unmissable activities and landmarks. For example, Stonehenge, Big Ben, Edinburgh Castle, and the Lake District.

Research Each Destination

Look into each attraction to find out where it’s located, opening hours and days and how long you’ll need to explore it properly.

Group Activities by Location 

Once you know where everything is, group attractions based on their location, here are some examples:

• London and Surrounding Areas: Big Ben, Tower of London, Windsor Castle.
• Southern England: Stonehenge, Bath, Land’s End.
• Northern England: Lake District, York, Hadrian’s Wall.
• Scotland: Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness, John O’Groats.

Plan Your Route Wisely

To save time, avoid travelling back and forth across the country. For example; Land in London, spend a few days there exploring then head to southern attractions like Stonehenge and Cornwall after that move north through the Midlands and the Lake District. Then finish in Scotland with stops like Edinburgh and John O’Groats.

This approach minimizes travel time and allows you to enjoy each area fully. Researching and grouping your activities will help you create a smooth and enjoyable itinerary.

Accents

You might be surprised to learn that the UK has nearly 40 distinct accents, depending on where you are in the country. Don’t be alarmed if we don’t sound like the characters in the movies! Some accents can be tricky to understand at first, but most people are happy to repeat themselves or slow down to help you out.

Currency and Card Payments

England uses the pound sterling. While cash is accepted, most places prefer card payments and contactless cards. Mobile payments Apple Pay are widely used too.

FAQs

How many days is enough for England?

It can depend on what you want to do while visiting, however, to have a fully immersive English experience, I would recommend 10-14 days with 3-4 days in each location you wish to visit.

What is a good month to go to England?

British summer runs from June to September, with August being the busiest month due to school holidays and staycations. If you’re looking for warmer weather but want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip for June or September instead.

How much money a day do you need in England?

There are two answers to this question; how much you NEED and then how much you WANT.

If you want to stick to a budget but still enjoy your holiday I would save £100 per person a day – this is what I take when staycationing in England. 

£100 a day will still give you the freedom to do any activity and eat out, all it means is checking the price on the menu, and having water instead of a second alcoholic beverage or pop etc.

However, if you’re not sticking to a budget and don’t want to keep a check on your daily spending I’d recommend around £180.

Conclusion 

England is a beautiful country to travel to and explore (although I might be slightly biased) – with a rich historical background and ample amounts of nature to emerge in; England is a must-do travel destination and after reading this article, you should now feel more confident about what to know before planning a trip to England!