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A visit to our friends "across the pond" is a delightful study in the roots of American culture. Literary giants like Shakespeare, Dickens and Faulkner come to life on this storied island. Yes, England swings-from the double-decker buses of London to Stonehenge's mystical circle to York's medieval grandeur. Scotland's green grasses give way to pristinely preserved cities and an unmatched commitment to hospitality. The world itself seems just a bit more civilized as you roam the land of tea, biscuits and royalty.
Fast Facts
- Capital: London
- Population: 60.5 million
- Language: English, Welsh
- Currency: British pound (GBP)
- Time Zone: EST plus 5 hours
- Electricity: 240V, 50Hz
History
Not always a world powerhouse, Britain was riddled with invasions during the early stages of its history-from the Roman invasion in 55 B.C. to the pivotal incursions of the Angles, Saxons and Jutes in the fifth and sixth centuries, and on to the Norman conquest in 1066. Norman rule effectively ensured Britain's safety from further intrusions and ushered in a unique culture, system of government, religion and educational system.
Initiated to support William the Conqueror's holdings in France, Britain's policy of active involvement and trade with continental Europe endured for several hundred years. The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 firmly established England as a major sea power. Thereafter, its interests outside Europe grew steadily. In search of an alternate route to the Spice Islands, English explorer John Cabot reached North America in 1498. The first established English settlement didn't occur until Jamestown in 1607. During the next two centuries, Britain extended its influence abroad, culminating with the long reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. At this point, the mighty United Kingdom encompassed roughly one-fifth to one-quarter of the world's area and population.
The twentieth century saw a Britain with resources heavily depleted by war and colonies that had developed a stronger sense of nationalism. Between WWI and WWII, Ireland gained independence from the United Kingdom, save six northern, predominantly Protestant counties. In 1926, Australia, New Zealand and Canada were granted autonomy within the empire, becoming members of the Commonwealth. India and Pakistan gained full independence in 1947, followed shortly thereafter by the majority of the United Kingdom's holdings worldwide. But although the Great Britain of today is only a fraction of its former self, it still maintains a strong, democratic voice in the modern world. As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and a founding member of NATO, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy and enjoys the respect of nations worldwide.
Weather
Great Britain's weather is wet year-round, with pleasant summers and cool winters. London fog goes beyond the city limits, as humidity creates many misty mornings across the whole island. The East Coast is the coldest in winter, while the West gets the most rain. Bring lightweight clothes in the summer, and warmer layers in winter, especially in the North.
City Highlights
London
You'll receive guidance from your Local Host on how to make the most of your stay in the lively British capital. Sightseeing with a professional London guide includes all the famous landmarks: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace and the area's splendid museums, Knightsbridge with Harrods, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, and Westminster Abbey. Highlights are a visit to ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, a 17th-century masterpiece, and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, if held.
Enjoy independent activities with so much to do and see. On the longer (8-day) stay, your valuable London Visitor Travelcard makes it easy to get around on your own, and take advantage of your London for Less information booklet for shopping, dining, and sightseeing discounts. You'll also get a ticket for the 450 ft. high London Eye on the eight-day stay. Excursions to the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge, Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon are available, as well as evening theater options.
Other popular sightseeing choices include Madame Tussaud's Waxwork Museum with its world renowned collection of figures of the famous and infamous; Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, known for its 300 acres of over 40,000 varieties of plants; the Tower Bridge with spectacular views from the walkways 140 feet above the Thames; and the British Museum, the oldest museum in the world (founded in 1753) with over 94 galleries and thousands of artifacts.
If shopping is on your agenda, try some of London's general street markets like Old Spitalfields, an old covered market that is the antithesis of shopping malls; or Petticoat Lane, the famous Sunday market that sells mainly clothes; or Portobello Road in Notting Hill, for antiques and miscellany. The list goes on and on.
Your host will have more information and plenty of suggestions for the rest of your stay. For a few ideas, check out local host picks in London.
Edinburgh
Travel to Edinburgh, the Scottish capital and "Prince of Cities." With a 2,000-year-old castle poised high atop an ancient volcano, Scotland’s capital is bound to impress. From old to new, this World Heritage Site has it all: a splendid palace, grand cathedrals and “kirks” (churches), charming cobblestone streets, medieval alleyways, and an exceptional cultural and entertainment scene. As the “Prince of Cities,” Edinburgh is a magical place—where past meets present in extraordinary ways.
Your host will have more information and plenty of suggestions for the rest of your stay while in Edinburgh. For a few ideas, check out local host picks in Edinburgh.
Vacations
Must-See Sights
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