United Kingdom Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit the United Kingdom?
December
Off
season
January
Off
season
Did you know?
The surface area of United Kingdom is 93.6 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 81 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between London (GB) and Washington D.C. (US) is 3664 miles
To calculate distance between your location and London click here
Time • Timezone
Safety
General travel safety level in the United Kingdom on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).
Level 2 • Exercise a high degree of caution.
Update: 13 Oct 2024Currency
Pound Sterling (GBP) - rate compared to selected currencies
EUR 
USD Get ready for your next trip
With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.
Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to the United Kingdom
| Miles | London | Birmingham | Liverpool | Manchester | Glasgow | Edinburgh | Oxford | Bristol |
| London | - | 101 | 178 | 163 | 345 | 331 | 51 | 106 |
| Birmingham | 101 | - | 78 | 71 | 252 | 245 | 57 | 77 |
| Liverpool | 178 | 78 | - | 31 | 177 | 176 | 135 | 136 |
| Manchester | 163 | 71 | 31 | - | 183 | 175 | 126 | 141 |
| Glasgow | 345 | 252 | 177 | 183 | - | 42 | 309 | 312 |
| Edinburgh | 331 | 245 | 176 | 175 | 42 | - | 301 | 312 |
| Oxford | 51 | 57 | 135 | 126 | 309 | 301 | - | 61 |
| Bristol | 106 | 77 | 136 | 141 | 312 | 312 | 61 | - |
A Brief History of the United Kingdom
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
55 B.C. - 54 B.C.
The RomansJulius Caesar leads two Roman invasions of what is now Britain. The invasions fail, but open the door for Roman emperor Claudius's successful conquest in 43 A.D. The Romans build about 10,000 miles of road during their 400-year occupation.
1066 A.D.
Battle of HastingsFrance's William, Duke of Normandy, defeats Harold II, the Anglo-Saxon King, at the Battle of Hastings. William becomes King.
1096
Oxford UniversityTeaching begins at the site of Oxford University, the world's oldest English-speaking university.
1215
Magna CartaKing John is forced to sign the Magna Carta. The document gives English people basic rights.
1348 - 1350
Bubonic plagueThe bubonic plague sweeps across England. It kills about one-third of the population.
1509 - 1603
Church of EnglandDuring the reigns of King Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I, the Church of England splits from the Roman Catholic Church.
1837 - 1901
Longest-ruling monarchQueen Victoria becomes Britain's longest-ruling monarch. The Prime Minister and Parliament become more powerful, and the country moves toward a democratic system of government.
1914 - 1918
World War IBritain and its allies defeat Germany in World War I.
1939 - 1945
World War IIDuring World War II, Prime Minister Winston Churchill leads the British to victory against Germany, Japan and Italy.
1979
Margaret ThatcherMargaret Thatcher becomes Britain's first woman Prime Minister.
1997
Britain returns Hong Kong to ChinaAfter ruling Hong Kong for 155 years, Britain returns control of the former colony to China.
August 1997
Princess of WalesDiana, the Princess of Wales, dies from injuries suffered in a car crash in Paris, France.
2002
EU-scepticismWhile most European Union-member countries adopt the euro as their new currency, Great Britain chooses to stay with its own currency, the pound sterling.
2012
Summer OlympicsLondon prepares to host the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Best Ways to Experience United Kingdom
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MorePound Sterling (GBP)
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in the United Kingdom.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
United Kingdom for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 6 months
- Up to 90 days if arriving from Ireland
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In the United Kingdom the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type G sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type GFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 21 / 231 Ranking | 67 886 011 white 87.2%, black/African/Caribbean/black British 3%, Asian/Asian British: Indian 2.3%, Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 1.9%, mixed 2% |
Area | 81 / 230 Ranking | 93.6 thous. mi² It is approximately 3% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 28 / 196 Ranking | 81.3 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 79women 83.7 |
Median age | 125 / 157 Ranking | 40.6 Average age of population expressed in years.men 39.6women 41.7 |
Population growth | 119 / 172 Ranking | 0.48% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 11 / 131 Ranking | 99% Ability to read, write and count.men 99%women 99% |
GDP | 27 / 194 Ranking | 45 853 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
Ireland