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Great Britain

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Great Britain has long been as popular destination for visitors from around the world. It's long and rich history makes it the ideal place to visit for anyone interested in history, architecture and culture. This small country houses some of the world's best art collections, museums and has produced a wealth of music both classical and modern. Away from the major cities the varied countryside, from sleepy English villages to the mountainous highlands of Scotland to the Welsh valleys, will leave a lasting impression of a beautiful and friendly country.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it safe to visit Great Britain?

Great Britain is a safe country to visit, apart from the current threat of terrorism. Violent crime is low, and most tourists will never be affected by safety concerns other than petty crime.

What is the official currency of Great Britain?

The currency used in Great Britain is the pound sterling, which is subdivided into 100 pence.

When is the best time of the year to visit Great Britain?

The best time of the year to visit Great Britain is spring (late March to early June) and autumn (September to November), as the weather is generally warm and dry.

Should you tip in Britain?

It is customary to leave 10-15% of the bill when eating out. If you are eating in a large group, restaurants often add a service charge.

Can you drink the tap water in Great Britain?

The tap water is safe to drink throughout Great Britain.

TOUR REVIEWS

Amazing tour. Any issues we had were addressed in a timely fashion and the resolutions were satisfactory. My only complaint is the driver picking us up was late and none of the cell numbers worked when we tried to call and figure out what to do.

Trip booked through Groupon at a Great offer price - Encounters was nothing but professional from the start. I even purchased insurance - extra days and got the best flights from my local airport- Great experience

My experience with Encounters was excellent from start to finish. The Tour Guide, Sheriff, was the most passionate, enthusiastic and professional guide I have ever had on a tour and his love for Egypt really made me enjoy my time so much more.

Ant provided excellent service. He always responded as quickly as he could, attending to the questions I had for him. He was also very patient and pleasant. I depended on his knowledge and service to make the trip.
I liked the service and the tour guide & driver on the tour. They were professional and provided very good service. I thought 1-2 hotels on the trip were not quite 4-star. It also happened that this group of people was always late for schedule and our walk pace was too slow. It really needs the guide to make people on schedule and be punctual for the activity. Overall I think the time management of this tour needs improvement.

I liked the fact we were met at the airport and helped thru customs and getting a visa and then upon leaving taken to where we needed to go. Its always tough to figure out where everything is in a foreign airport when you do not travel much
Everything was great. Our guide was very knowledgeable and liked that we were interested in what he was telling us. We were lucky to be in a group with like minded people who also wanted to stay in places longer of which our guide accommodated. Only negative thing was the sitting train. Best to just take the flying option. Train was not bad but has no services, no alcohol, and breakfast was all carbs and an egg. Egypt really seems to like their breads and pastries....

ratings

Great Britain Country Guide

Great Britain Country Guide Flag

Factfile


Time: GMT+0
Dial Code: +44
Area: 242 495 km2
Elevation: The lowest point in Great Britain is Holme Fen at 2.75m (9 ft.) below sea level | The highest point in Great Britain is the Ben Nevis, a mountain in Scotland, at 1,344m (4,409 ft.)
Population: 66.57 million (2018)
Capital: London
Government: Parliamentary Democracy, Constitutional Monarch
Language: English

Great Britain is a large island in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of continental Europe. It is the largest of the British Isles, the largest European island and the ninth largest island in the world. Great Britain is the world's third most populous island after Java in Indonesia and Honshu in Japan.

To the west of Great Britain, lies the island of Ireland, and these islands along with 1,000 smaller surrounding islands form the British Isles archipelago.

This island experiences a maritime climate with slight temperature differences between seasons. The term 'Great Britain' is often used to include the whole of England, Wales and Scotland, including their component adjoining islands.

This island is positioned on the European continental shelf, which is part of the Eurasian Plate. Great Britain is also connected with continental Europe via the Channel Tunnel - the longest undersea rail tunnel in the world. The landscape of the island is characterised by expansive countryside in the east and south, while the west and northern regions are more hilly and mountainous.

The official language of Great Britain is British English, which is developed from Old English, brought to the island by Anglo-Saxon settlers from the mid 5th century. Around 1.5 million residents speak Scots - a variety of English that is thought to be a distinct language. Christianity is the largest religion, and numerous religions are also practised, including Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism. Christianity was introduced under the ancient Romans, developing as Celtic Christianity.

Highlights

  • Edinburgh - Scotland’s small, hilly capital city with a medieval Old Town and the Edinburgh Castle.
  • Bath - a town in the countryside of southwest England, famous for its hot springs and architecture.
  • Isle of Skye - linked to Scotland's northwest coast, this island has craggy landscape and quaint fishing villages.
  • The Cotswolds - a rural area of south-central England with medieval villages and stately homes.
  • Snowdonia - a region in northwest Wales, surrounded by mountains, glacial platforms and a national park.
  • Oxford - a city in central southern England centred around its university dating back to the 12th century.
  • The Lake District - a mountainous region in North West England, known for its scenic lakes, mountains and forests.
  • Cambridge - a city on the Cam River, home to the University of Cambridge, established in 1209.

Tips

  • Keep an eye on your valuables in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cities and the countryside.
  • A rain jacket is essential, even in the summer, as the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Queuing is taken very seriously so, do not attempt to jump to the front.
  • If you are staying longer in London, invest in an Oyster Card for the train.
  • Most British banks charge large fees to cash traveller's cheques.
  • Carry some change with you for tipping and paying for small items.
  • Stand to the right on an escalator, especially when using the London Underground.

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