Free UK Information guide

The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the geography sweeps from mountainous highlands, to green and pleasant rolling countryside and vibrant cities. The country is jam-packed with two millennia of heritage, making visits of any length of time feel too short!

United Kingdom Trivia:

Population:
United Kingdom as a whole... 57.5 million
Broken up - England 49.5million, Scotland 5 million, Wales 3 million, Cardiff 280,000, Edinburgh 450,000 and London alone has a whopping 7 million people !

Climate:
Whatever the season, the British weather is liable to change from day to day, so if you're wondering what to pack, a good idea is to take layers. Most days in summer are warm, but evenings can be cool. In Spring and Autumn there can be warm days, but equally there can be very cold ones too! Winter sees Britain's shortest and coldest days but these can be crisp and bright. Remember, there can also often be quite a difference in temperature between Scotland and Southern England.

Average Temperatures in London, England

THE FACTS

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are standard.
Money: The currency remains the pound (£), which is divided into 100 pence. Notes are in denominations of £50, 20, 10 and 5. ATMs are available in all towns and all credit cards are widely accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels, however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks. Travelers cheques are accepted in all areas frequented by tourists; they are best taken in Pounds Sterling to avoid additional charges.
Language: English is the official language, though visitors will be astonished by the variety of regional accents and may sometimes feel they need an interpreter when speaking to locals.

Customs: Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone new. Smoking is banned on public transport, but occurs in restaurants and bars. There is a strict etiquette on escalators - stand on the right, walk on the left. Visitors will find Londoners more rushed and less friendly than Brits in other parts of the country, particularly on London transport where tourists are generally the only people who talk.

Communications: The international country dialling code for UK is +44. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). Mobile phones work throughout the country; the network operators use GSM networks, which may not be compatible with some US cell phones. Internet cafes are available in major towns and cities, train stations and airports.

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Must See Attractions in London:
Buckingham Palace and the Queen's Gallery
No visit to London would be complete without experiencing the pomp and ceremony of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, but now visitors can actually get a peek inside during the annual summer opening of the State Rooms, and see some of the Queen's private art collection at the newly opened Queen's Gallery.

Originally the town house of the Dukes of Buckingham, Buckingham Palace has served as the official London home of Britain's monarchs since 1837. Look to see whether the Royal Standard (not the Union Flag) is flying, which indicates that the Queen is in residence.

Address: Buckingham Palace Road; Post code: SW1A 1AA;
Telephone: (020) 7839 1377;
E-mail: information@royalcollection.org.uk ;
Website: www.royal.gov.uk;
Transport: Green Park underground station;
Opening time: State Rooms open daily 9.30am to 4.15pm (August to September); Queen's Gallery 10am to 5.30pm;
Admission: £12 (State Rooms); £12 (Royal Collection); concessions available

Greenwich
This is the home of the Greenwich Meridian, which splits the globe into East and West and is responsible for setting the world clock on zero degrees latitude. Greenwich has a host of attractions including the famous Cutty Sark, Greenwich Market with its variety of arts, crafts, food and bric-a-brac, Sir Christopher Wren's Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum. Greenwich Park is beautifully landscaped and is ideal for a picnic lunch.
Post code: SE10 9BL;
Telephone: (020) 8858 6376;
Transport: Docklands Light Railway to Greenwich or Cutty Sark underground stations, or a river cruise;
Opening time: Greenwich Market: daily 9am to 5:30pm; Cutty Sark: daily 10am to 5pm (closed 24 to 26 December);
National Maritime Museum: daily 10am to 5pm; Royal Observatory Greenwich: daily 10am to 5pm;
Admission: Greenwich Market free; Cutty Sark £3.50 (adult), £2.50 (child); National Maritime Museum £7.50 (adult), children free; Royal Observatory Greenwich £6 (adult), child free

Hampton Court Palace
Situated on the banks of the Thames, 14 miles (23km) southwest of London, Hampton Court is perhaps the most spectacular royal palace in England and makes a great day-trip from London. The palace was built by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 1500s, it later became King Henry VIII's principal residence and remained the centre of royal and political life in England until 1737 where many important events took place. Visitors can see King Henry VIII's Great Hall, King William III's State Apartments, designed by Wren and completed in 1700, and the unmissable Tudor Kitchens, which remain largely unchanged since the 16th century and no doubt used to cater for raucous banquets. The palace is probably most famous for its grounds and the famous maze which has entertained children since it was planted in 1705.
Address: Surrey; Post code: KT8 9AU;
Telephone: (020) 8781 9500;
Website: www.hrp.org.uk;
Transport: Train from Waterloo (25 minutes), or by the underground; for a more scenic ride take a boat along the Thames from Westminster, Richmond or Kingston;
Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 6pm (summer); 9.30am to 4.30pm (winter); open 10.15am on Mondays. Closed 24 and 25 December. Gardens open daily 7am to dusk;
Admission: £11.50 (adult), £8 (child)

Harrods
Harrods, which proprietor Mohamed Al Fayed calls his 'Palace in Knightsbridge', promises one of the most extravagant and luxurious shopping experiences in the world. With 22 restaurants, and a wide range of departments and services across its seven floors, it is easy to see why this is the shopping choice of London's social elite. In its prominent position on Brompton Road, Harrod's is hard to miss, especially at night, when the entire façade is illuminated with a grand total of 11,500 light bulbs.
Address: Brompton Road, Knightsbridge; Post code: SW1X 7XL;
Telephone: (020) 7730 1234;
Website: www.harrods.com;
Transport: Knightsbridge underground station, or bus 14, 74, C1 or A1;
Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm

London Eye
At 443ft (135m) tall, and weighing more than 250 double-decker buses, the London Eye is the most spectacular new addition to London's skyline. With incredible views of most of London's major attractions, and an opportunity to put the city's geography into perspective, it is a must see for all visitors. Originally conceived by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield as an entry for a millennium landmark competition, the project took six years and the expertise of hundreds of people from five European countries to turn it into a reality.
Address: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road; Post code: SE1 7PB;
Telephone: (020) 7654 0828, or (0870) 990 8883 (bookings);
E-mail: capsules@ba-londoneye.com or customer.services@ba-londoneye.com;
Website: www.ba-londoneye.com;
Transport: Westminster, Waterloo or Embankment underground stations;
Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 8pm; until later in summer and on weekends;
Admission: £11 (adult), £5.50 (child). Fast track tickets, avoiding the queue, cost £30

Madame Tussaud's
Madame Tussaud's is the most famous wax museum gallery in the world, with more than 400 life-sized models of stars, famous politicians, royals and sportsmen, as well as the most infamous criminals the world has known. Inside the Museum the 'Spirit of London' ride will take you through the city's history, introducing you to those figures that have shaped the London of today.
Address: Marylebone Road; Post code: NW1 5LR;
Telephone: (0870) 400 3010;
E-mail: events@madame-tussauds.com;
Website: www.madame-tussauds.com;
Transport: Baker Street underground station, or bus;
Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 5.30pm (seasons vary);
Admission: £19.99 (adult). Prices vary according to season and time of day, and concessions are available. Children under 5 admitted free. It is advised to book beforehand to ensure fast-track entry, as queues to this attraction can become tedious

St Paul's Cathedral
The great dome of St Paul's Cathedral has been a distinctive landmark on the London skyline for centuries. Built in 1673 by Sir Christopher Wren, after the previous St Paul's was burnt to the ground during the Great Fire of London, it is the greatest of several cathedrals dedicated to St Paul that have occupied the site for more than 1,400 years. The crypt at St Paul's is one of the largest in Europe, and it houses more than 200 tombs, including those of Admiral Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Wren himself. The Cathedral has hosted many significant ceremonies in London's history, including the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill, the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana and most recently the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
Address: St Paul's Churchyard; Post code: EC4M 8AD;
Telephone: (020) 7236 4128;
E-mail: reception@stpaulscathedral.org.uk;
Website: www.stpauls.co.uk;
Transport: St Paul's underground station;
Opening time: Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 5pm. Note that the Cathedral may be closed to visitors at any time due to special services or events, so it is always advisable to enquire beforehand;
Admission: £6 (adults); concessions available

The Houses of Parliament
Originally built for Edward the Confessor more than 1,000 years ago, the Houses of Parliament, or Palace of Westminster, remained the principal residence of Britain's monarchs for the next 400 years. Thereafter it became the administrative centre of the country. In 1834 the great fire burnt everything except Westminster Hall, and the present Gothic building was completed in the 1840s. It is perhaps most famous for the clock tower, St Stephens, which is commonly, but mistakenly called Big Ben, after the name of the bell inside. Although Parliament is closed to visitors during session, it is still a popular attraction to tourists for its exterior architecture.
Address: Westminster; Post code: SW1A 0AA;
Telephone: (020) 7219 4272;
E-mail: hcinfo@parliament.uk;
Website: www.parliament.uk;
Transport: Westminster underground station;
Opening time: Open during summer recess, usually between July and September. It is advised that visitors check the website for opening times;
Admission: £7 (adult), concessions available

The Tower of London
The Tower of London is perhaps as famous for its traditions as its imposing structure. It is guarded by a special band of Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, and dotted with several large, black birds - the Ravens. Legend has it that if the Ravens ever leave the Tower, a great tragedy will befall England, and to this day the birds are protected by Royal decree. The Tower's history dates back to the 11th century, and each new Monarch has played a role in its growth and development. It also houses Britain's crown jewels, a spectacular display of some of the world's finest gems and workmanship. The Tower is next to Tower Bridge, another famous London Landmark.
Address: Tower Hill; Post code: EC3N 4AB;
Telephone: (020) 7709 0765;
Website: www.tower-of-london.com;
Transport: Tower Hill tube station, or bus;
Opening time: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm (March to October); Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 4pm, Sunday and Monday 10am to 4pm (November to February). Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day;
Admission: £11.30 (concessions available)

Windsor
The charming town of Windsor sits on the River Thames, 20 miles (32km) west of London, and is dominated by the magnificent Windsor Castle, the world's largest and oldest occupied castle. The castle was built by William the Conqueror almost a thousand years ago and has been lived in by English monarchs ever since; although Buckingham Palace is the Queen's best known residence, Windsor is her favourite and is where the Royal Family spend their weekends. Highlights in the castle include the wonderful State Apartments, and the Waterloo Chamber, built to commemorate the British victory over Napoleon at Waterloo. St George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in the world and contains the tombs of numerous English sovereigns including King Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, Charles I and King George V. Many of the castle's rooms contain priceless works of art, including works by Rubens, Holbein, Van Dyke, Rembrandt and Lawrence, as well as fine tapestries and porcelain, sculpture and armour.

The 500-acre (200 ha.) Home Park, sits at the back of the castle and includes the site of Frogmore, where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were laid to rest. Beyond is the vast expanse of Windsor Great Park, a popular place for walkers. Over the river from Windsor is Eton College, the world famous school founded by Henry VI in 1440, and today you can still see students walking around in their tails.
Telephone: (020) 7766 7304 (ticket sales and Information office); (01753) 671 177 (Eton College tours);
Website: www.etoncollege.com;
Opening time: Windsor Castle 9.45am to 5.15pm (March to October); 9.45am to 4.15pm (November to April); closed 16 June (Garter Day), 25 and 26 December. Eton College 2pm to 4.30pm, opens earlier during the Easter and Summer school holidays; closed in winter;
Admission: £11.50 (Castle), £3.50 (Eton College); concessions available

The Rest of England...
ENGLAND'S NORTH COUNTRY: In England's North Country you'll find the scenic splendour of lakes and mountains, castles, dramatic coastlines with Britain's favourite seaside resorts of Blackpool, Southport and Morecambe, and glorious National Parks, combined with the medieval city of York, lively Blackpool and Manchester, world renowned for its football.

Must see and do
· Isle of Man Steam Railway, Douglas
· Northumbria Craft Centre, Morpeth
· West Yorkshire Playhouse Theatre, York
· Daisy Nook Country Park, Failsworth
· Gallery of Costume, Manchester
· Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool

EAST OF ENGLAND:
There are so many places to go and things to see in the East of England. It's England as you like it - the perfect mix of soft and gentle countryside, ancient cities, stately homes and gardens, charming towns, storybook villages, bird-reserved beaches and old-fashioned seaside fun. And all with that special additive - so very unique to the East of England - a very quirky individuality. In Stilton, Cambridgeshire, they roll cheeses down the street. At Grimston, Norfolk, they race snails on the cricket pitch for prizes. And at Great Dunmow, Essex, they have a mock trial, complete with a bewigged judge, to find a couple who 'haven't had a brawl for the last 12 months and a day'. Delightfully different!

Must see and do
· Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire
· Kings College Chapel, Cambridge
· Norfolk Lavender, Heacham
· Blickling Hall, Blickling
· Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge
· National Stud, Newmarket
· Audley End House, Park and Gardens, Saffron Walden
· Colchester Zoo, Colchester
· Woburn Abbey, Woburn
· Hatfield House, Hatfield

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND:
The South West is a region of contrasts - Wiltshire, where South West England begins less than an hour from London; Gloucestershire, home to the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds; Dorset, an area of outstanding natural beauty and bordered by the Jurassic coastline; Bristol and Bath, with centuries of history and culture; Somerset, a mix of heather covered Exmoor and the levels of Sedgemoor; Devon, with two coastlines and wide open spaces; Cornwall, bounded by the sea and steeped in Celtic tradition with the delightful Scilly Isles, each with its own features and attractions.

Majestic cathedrals grace cities like Salisbury, Gloucester, Wells, Truro and Exeter while Bath boasts famous Roman remains and Georgian splendour. Maritime history features strongly in Plymouth from where the Pilgrim Fathers and Sir Francis Drake sailed. And for contemporary arts, Bristol, the largest city in the South West, is home to the wonderful Arnolfini.
Wherever you go you will see spectacular scenery, wonderful countryside and a beautiful coastline. Walk the coastal paths, discover sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and picturesque fishing villages, or visit the larger and livelier resorts. Inland, visit prehistoric sites, villages with thatched, cob cottages and riverside pubs, stately homes with landscaped gardens or the wide open spaces of the wonderful National Parks, Exmoor and Dartmoor.

Must see and do
· Eden Project, Cornwall
· Roman Baths, Bath
· Stonehenge, Wiltshire
· Bath Spa, Bath
· Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol
· Exeter Cathedral, Devon
· Wells Cathedral, Somerset
· Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
· Dartmoor, Devon
· Exmoor, Somerset

THE HEART OF ENGLAND:
Like the rest of England, the Heart of England is charmingly individual, but the bonus is that the Heart of England is at the hub of Britain's road network, so exploring every last bit of it is made very easy! You don't have to fly into London because there is the international airport at Birmingham right in the centre of the region.
Take some time to visit the Cotswolds, taking in the many honey-coloured villages. The potteries of Staffordshire and dramatic landscape of Derbyshire and the Peak District to the north of the region are juxtaposed with Shakespeare's Stratford-on-Avon and the nearby lesser-known parts of Warwickshire. Lose yourself in the legends of Nottinghamshire and Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest.
Explore the counties of Herefordshire and Shropshire along the beautiful borderlands of England and Wales, sampling the myriad of excellent restaurants and locally produced food. Shop for antiques in Lincolnshire and visit the impressive Lincoln Cathedral whilst you're there. Sample some of the countries finest cheese and pork pies in Leicestershire, before visiting the tranquil beauty of Northamptonshire. This is just a taster of what's on offer in the Heart of England, you have to come here yourself to discover the rest!

Must see and do
· Herefordshire Regimental Museum, Hereford
· Eyam Hall, Derbyshire
· Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Lincoln
· Rutland Water Nature Reserve, Egleton
· The Rugby Museum, Rugby
· The Royal Theatre, Northampton
· National Space Centre, Leicester

SCOTLAND:
which is everything you imagine - whisky, golf, romance of the clans and a wealth of castles and historic sites. The Highlands area is one of the last wildernesses in Europe.

Must see and do
· Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
· Mercat Walking Tours of Edinburgh
· National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh
· The Royal Yatch Britannia, Leith Docks
· Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow

WALES:
Renowned as Britain's 'Great Outdoors', breathe the fresh air of Snowdonia's magnificent mountains in the north or discover the tranquility of mid-Wales' lakes and the south's lush valleys. With three stunning National Parks and over 750 miles of coast, Wales is an exhilarating choice for activities or simply get away from it all on Pembrokeshire's wide golden sands and finish off with a traditional tea of Welsh cakes in picture-postcard Tenby.

The history and myths of one of the world's oldest civilisations have created an unforgettable range of sights to explore: ancient burial chambers, Roman forts and more than 400 castles, including World Heritage sites at Conwy and Harlech. Follow legendary King Arthur to Caerleon Amphitheatre, Merlin the magician to Carmarthen and relish Wales' rich culture in museums and galleries everywhere.
Charming market towns and quaint villages pepper the countryside, while cities like Swansea and the capital, Cardiff, are vibrantly cosmopolitan and forward-looking, with a fabulous collection of Impressionist paintings at the National Museum and Gallery of Wales.

Must see and do
· Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis
· Erddig House, near Wrexham
· Harlech Castle, Harlech
· Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth
· St David's Cathedral, St David's, Pembrokeshire
· Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire
· The National Maritime Museum, Swansea
· Techniquest, Cardiff Bays
· The Big Pit National Mining Museum, Blaenafon
· The Museum of Welsh Life, St Fagans, Cardiff

Events:
June
a.. Royal Ascot
b.. Wimbledon
c.. Henley Regatta Fawley Meadows/Phyllis Court Club

July
a.. Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
b.. Goodwood Festival of Speed

August
a.. Edinburgh Military Tattoo
b.. Big Chill Eastnor Castle
c.. Reading Festival
d.. V Festival Chelmsford/Staffordshire

September
a.. The Ryder Cup K Club, County Kildare, Ireland

Lastly, and let's hope you don't need it, but should you require consular help - here are the details:
United States Embassy, London: +44 (0)20 7499 9000
Canadian High Commission, London: +44 (0)20 7258 6600
Australian High Commission, London: +44 (0)20 7379 4334
South African High Commission, London: +44 (0)20 7451 7299