Getting Around

By Car:

This is by far the best means of travel throughout Britain; as much of the spectacular sights and scenery are off the beaten path in tiny little villages that the bus or train often do not reach. All of the United Kingdom drives on the left side of the road. 

Most car rentals will only provide manual vehicles, although you can get an automatic upon request and a surcharge.  The three white stripes on the side of the highway denote upcoming on ramps.  Be wary of round-abouts; you will find these absolutely everywhere, including on major highways.  It takes a little getting used to, but if you pay attention and be aggressive you will be just fine.

Take the Train:

Train travel in Britain is a great way to get around the country quickly, easily, and for fairly cheap.  The earlier you book the cheaper it will typically be.  Travel by train can often be confusing as your stop will often not be the end stop, so determining which train to board may be difficult.  Always ask a conductor, which are usually standing around the train, which platform you need to board at.

Booking: The Trainline is the easiest way to book tickets and goes throughout the island of Britain. Book online at earlier times to find cheapest rates.  Book online or right at the station.

Tip: Check and re-check your destination and departure times as British trains are very PRECISE on their train schedules.

Ride the Bus/Coach:

The major cities of Britain are connected by great bus routes.  Bus is usually the cheapest means to travel the country. Megabus and National Express are the two primary companies that service the U.K.  They also serve wider Europe so it’s quite easy to get a cheap bus from London to Paris or Amsterdam, or many other major cities.

Weather

The British climate is temperate, with no extremes of temperature and rainfall. Winters are usually fairly mild under the influence of the Gulf Stream, whilst summers are neither oppressively hot nor frustratingly cool.  It does rain quite a bit throughout the U.K.  However, what is nice about this rain is that it usually comes and goes quickly.  

The Rule of thumb for travel anywhere in Britain, anytime of the year, is always carry a small pocket sized umbrella AND pair of sunglasses.  The frequent drizzles of showers will come and go that quickly.  The country really is beautiful when the sun is actually out!

Healthcare

The United Kingdom has certain conditions when it comes to using their health system.  NHS (National Health Service) treatment depends on the length and purpose of your residence in the UK, not your nationality.  The following are always free of charge.

• Treatment for accidents and emergencies as an outpatient in a hospital’s accident and emergency department.   Emergency treatment in a walk-in center is also free of charge (England and Wales only). However, if you are referred to an outpatient clinic or admitted to hospital from an accident, you will be charged.
• Compulsory psychiatric treatment.
• Certain communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, cholera, food poisoning, malaria, meningitis and pandemic influenza.

Dining Etiquette

Most pubs require you to order and pay at the bar, instead of with the waiter as in American restaurants.  Restaurants generally are the same as in the States, with a waiter that will take your order right at the table.  Tipping is not expected as gratuity is built into the bill.

Tip:  If you feel you had great service simply leave a couple pounds on the table.

Useful Terminology

Cheers – means thank you, cheers while drinking, and a great many other things
Mate – informal title used for friend or likable acquaintance
Quid – money, it’s like saying buck
You alright? – you will hear this a lot, it simply means how are you doing today
Bin – trash can
Trolley – shopping cart
Lorry – truck
Loo – bathroom
Top up – to add something; more beer, credit to your phone, etc
Cash point – ATM
Across the pond – referring to the U.S. across the Atlantic Ocean

Government

I am going to preface this by saying the real workings and history of the British government are far too complicated to explain in full detail, but I will give a brief overview.  

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.  Queen Elizabeth II serves officially as head of state, with the Prime Minister serving as the head of government.  The Monarchy has very little actual power left, however their symbolic value is enormous.

Members of Parliament (MP’s) are elected, much like they are here in the U.S., to serve as representatives for their given constituency.  The Parliament in London is where the law of  the land truly rests, but there are some interesting nuances that make it difficult to understand. For example, Scotland has its own Parliament and ‘First Minister’ that have power over many local issues, like education.  

In fact, the growing political division between the Scottish Parliament and London is something that threatens to break apart the U.K.  Scotland held a referendum recently to vote on independence from the U.K., but the vote was to remain.  I would expect to see the issue brought up again very soon.