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UK Customer Services0330 880 3600*
Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6pm, Saturday 8:30am to 4pm and closed Sundays.
*Calls are recorded for training and quality purposes.
Official name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Capital city: London
Languages spoken: English (official), Welsh, Scots Gaelic, Irish
Population: Around 67 million
Currency: British pound sterling (GBP)
Time zone: GMT (GMT+1 in summer)
Driving side: Left
Climate: Mild but changeable - often cool, wet, and cloudy, with the best weather in late spring and summer
The United Kingdom brings together England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, offering a blend of history, culture, and modern city life. From London’s landmarks to the castles of Scotland, the rolling hills of Wales, and Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, it’s a destination with plenty of variety packed into a relatively small area.
The UK lies off the northwest coast of mainland Europe, separated by the English Channel and the North Sea. England is mostly lowland with gentle hills, Scotland has rugged highlands, Wales is mountainous in the centre and north, and Northern Ireland is a mix of coastal cliffs and green valleys. The weather is famously unpredictable, so an umbrella is always a good idea.
London Heathrow (LHR) is one of the busiest airports in the world, with other major hubs including Gatwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The UK has an extensive rail and coach network, making it easy to explore between cities and towns. Top attractions include Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle, the Lake District, Snowdonia, and the vibrant cities of London, Manchester, and Belfast. Football, theatre, and music festivals are also major draws.
UK nationals obviously do not require a visa to enter the UK, but foreign visitors should check entry requirements before travel. EU and US citizens can usually visit short-term without a visa. The UK has embassies and consulates worldwide offering support for visas and travel queries.
The British pound (GBP) is the official currency. Cards are accepted everywhere, from supermarkets to public transport, and contactless payments are widespread. Cash is still useful in rural areas and for small purchases, though less essential than before.
The UK has a public healthcare system (the NHS), and emergency care is free for everyone, including visitors. However, non-residents may be charged for some treatments, so travel insurance is strongly recommended. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Cold and damp weather can be a shock for some travellers, so packing layers is advised.
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