Planning a Trip to England? Start With This Guide.
- Kylie Petty
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Pints, pounds, and pies — along with everything else to know about food, weather, and safety in England.
England covers most of the lower two-thirds of the United Kingdom, north of mainland Europe. Within the country, you can find bustling and artistic cities, sleepy countryside towns, and just about everything in between.
Language
English is the official language of England, so it is spoken across the entire country. However, you might also hear Cornish if you visit Cornwall.
Currency
England uses the pound (￡). All major credit cards are also accepted throughout the region, but check conversion and foreign transaction rates with your bank beforehand.
￡1 = $1.33
￡1 = €1.17
English Food and Drink
While in England, trying the iconic and crispy fish and chips is a must, and don’t be afraid to get it with a bit of vinegar. Sausage and mash is also a great option for something simple yet flavorful. Pies and pasties are meat-filled pastries that are often eaten by hand. A steak and ale pie is a popular choice, and try any option from a Cornish bakery. For dessert, grab a bite of sticky toffee pudding — a date-sweetened sponge cake covered in a sticky toffee sauce. Wash it all down with a cider with black currant, a popular pub drink in England. Bartenders add a splash of black currant syrup to the cider, giving the drink a deeper red color and adding a bit of sweet berry flavor.
Visa requirements
Depending on your nationality, you’ll need either an Electronic Traveler Authorization (ETA) or a Visitor Visa. The Electronic Traveler Authorization allows American citizens to stay in the U.K. for up to six months at a time.
Weather in England
England has a temperate climate, so it doesn’t get too hot or cold (unless there’s a heat wave). No matter the season, it’s a good idea to bring layers — summer evenings can get a bit chilly in England. Rain is also a year-round occurrence, so bring a raincoat and umbrella.
Spring (March-May): Spring is when flowers burst to life in England, leaving the ground, trees, and bushes a riot of color. Temperatures range from about 16°C (60°F) to lows of 3°C (37°F) at night.
Summer (June-Aug.): Summer is the driest season, but the country is rarely completely devoid of a drizzle. Temperatures usually get up to 21°C (70°F) during the day, and much hotter during heat waves. Nighttime temperatures cool down to about 10°C (50°F).
Autumn (Sept.-Nov.): The start of autumn is similar to summer, but the trees change color by October. Early autumn has highs of 18°C (64°F), but drop to about 10°C (50°F) later on. Lows start at 10°C (50°F) in September and can get down to 3°C (37°F) by November.
Winter (Dec.-Feb.): England doesn’t get much snow, and there are plenty of opportunities to watch the late sunrises and early sunsets in the winter. Daytime temperatures can get up to about 9°C (48°F) and drop to 1°C (34°F) or even lower at night.
England (as well as the rest of the U.K.) is incredibly social, friendly, and genuine. Going out to pubs means you’ll run into friends of friends of friends, or you can just make new friends by saying hi to the people at the table next to you.
Safety in England
*Disclaimer! This information is based on research and personal experience. This assessment does not guarantee the safety of your trip.
Like any other country with flocks of tourists, petty crime is somewhat common in densely populated areas of England. Just be aware of your surroundings, keep your valuables close to your body, and leave your passport at your accommodations. However, the people in England are generally welcoming to all.
Women | Other than the mild verbal street harassment and the ever-present chance of pickpocketing, I felt very safe traveling in England. As an American, I’ll add that verbal street harassment is actually quite polite compared to the States. However, still ignore hollers and keep an eye on your drink in crowded pubs. |
People of Color | England is generally safe for people of color, as physical attacks are rare, but microaggressions and sometimes overt racism may occur. Cities and urban centers are often more diverse and accepting than rural areas, but experiences may vary across the country. |
LGBTQ+ | Historically, England and the rest of the U.K. have ranked in the top 10 safest countries for members of the LGBTQ+ community, but the region has seen an increase in crime and hate speech against the community. Overall, it’s still pretty safe for same-sex couples to show affection in public, but do some research on the location you’re visiting beforehand to stay safe. |
Emergency number: 999
This free service connects you to ambulances, fire and rescue, coastguard and the police.
Events and Festivals in England
England has plenty to do year-round, but spring and summer are packed with events. The Manchester Film Festival pops up in March, and if you’re visiting in May, try to catch a May Day celebration. The Glastonbury Festival in late June is the largest music festival in England, but there are festivals for every genre throughout the summer. In late August, check out the Notting Hill Carnival, the largest street carnival in Europe. September holds the Jane Austen Festival and the London Design Festival. Fall and winter have film, literature, or light festivals nearly every month, as well as the beloved Christmas Markets in November and December.
The Briefest History of England
Humans have been on the land since before the Romans invaded in 43 AD. Architecture from various invasions and settlements can be found throughout the country, like the Roman Baths in Bath, Norman and Baroque landmarks in London, and medieval streets and cathedrals in York and Canterbury. Britain established itself as an international power around the 18th century with the Georgian age, then the reign of Queen Victoria.
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