21 local tips to know before traveling to England

21.11.2024 - 21:07 / lonelyplanet.com / James Bond

Nov 21, 2024 • 9 min read

England’s reach across popular culture is so vast that you may think you already know the country before you visit.

However, if you expect to be surrounded by well-heeled James Bonds or a gaggle of eccentric Monty Python characters, think again.

While the everyday English aren’t quite the same as how they’re portrayed in film, television and books, this country has a number of peculiarities that are good to know before visiting, especially when venturing outside of London. From practicalities like train prices to etiquette tips on how the English approach queueing, it’s always important to be ahead of the game when visiting this wonderful and varied country.

Here are some key things to know before traveling to England.

While you can visit England year-round, the best time to visit is during late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October), when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are thinner. Even in these agreeable seasons, England has a reputation for unpredictable weather. 

Preparing for all types of weather is essential to the English experience. England’s maritime location in the wild North Atlantic means that even in summer, biting winds and untimely rain showers can unexpectedly scupper a balmy afternoon. 

That doesn’t mean you need to take an umbrella everywhere, but you do need to put a jacket in your suitcase and always check the conditions on your favorite weather app before venturing out. As a rule, London is usually a couple of degrees warmer than other parts of the country.

Talking about the weather is in the English blood and a part of the national psyche. And the more lamentable the forecast, the more likely people are to talk about it. Come rain or shine, prepare to offer an opinion on the day’s weather, and express that it’ll hopefully brighten up/cool down as the week goes on. 

Unlike some other countries in western Europe, England’s train system was privatized many years ago, and this, along with other factors, has led to some of Europe’s highest train prices.

Try to book ahead of time (around 12 weeks before travel for the best rates) and look out for cheap advance fares. While not as quick as train travel (and certainly not as romantic), coaches such as National Express and Megabus offer far cheaper prices when traveling across the country and are highly recommended for those on a budget. 

England has an extensive transportation network, including trains, buses and flights between major cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham. However, renting a car can be an excellent option for exploring the countryside. Just be prepared for narrow roads in rural areas, and any possible complexities associated with driving on the left-hand side of the