The United Kingdom unites Great Britain – comprising England, Scotland and Wales – and Northern Ireland, and is one of the 27 members of the European Union
Language: English
Currency: Poundsterling – Great British Pound (£)
Climate: The UK’s climate is famously changeable, and can vary from day to day. Generally speaking, the country has four seasons: spring (March – May), when temperatures range from 6°C to 11°C; summer (June – August), when temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C; autumn (September – November), when temperatures range from 7°C to 18°C; and winter (December – February), when temperatures range from 1°C to 4°C. Electricity: 240V AC – 50Hz. Electrical appliances use the three square-pin plug-type. Time Zone: 29 October – 26 March: Coordinated Universal Time, 26 March – 29 October: Coordinated Universal Time +1 Climate:British Summer Time begins on the last Sunday in March at 0100 hours, when the clocks are put forward one hour, and ends on the last Sunday in October at 0100 hours, when the clocks are put back one hour.- 2009 – Starts: 00:01, 29 March. Ends: 00:01, 25 October
- 2010 - Starts: 00:01, 28 March. Ends: 00:01, 31 October
- 2011 - Starts: 00:01, 27 March. Ends: 00:01, 30 October
At other times of the year, Coordinated Universal Time is used.
Communications: Public phones are found in many places. Many of them can now be used to send email and SMS, and to access the internet, at the following rates:- Local Calls – 30p for the first 15 minutes; 10p for every 7.5 minutes thereafter. If using a credit card,
the minimum payment for a local call is 95p. Premium rate calls, calls to mobile phones, or calls
placed via the operator cost £1.20
- International Calls – minimum charge is £1.20
- Internet Access - £1 for the first 15 minutes; 10p for every 1.5 minutes thereafter
- Web-based Email Access - £1 for the first 15 minutes; 10p for every 1.5 minutes thereafter
- Text Messages (SMS) – 10p per standard message no more than 160 characters long
- Instant email – 20p per message
Whether you are visiting the UK on business, on holiday, or for study, the UK offers a host of activities and attractions. Here are just a few:
| Major Sporting Events: | Renowned Museums |
| - Badminton Horse Trails – May - The Boat Race – Easter weekend - British Grand Prix - Cheltenham Festival – March - Cowes Week – July - Epsom Derby – June - FA Cup Festival - Glorious Goodwood – July/August - Grand National – April - Henley Royal Regatta – July - The Open – July - Royal Ascot – June |
- The Tate - British Museum - The National Gallery - The Tate Modern - National History - Victoria and Albert Museum - Science Museum |
| Major Attractions: | |
| - Edinburgh Castle - Westminster Abbey - Big Ben - Tower Bridge - The London Eye - The Tower of London - Roman Baths & Pump Room - Windsor Castle - Stonehenge - Giant's Causeway - The Lake District - Buckingham Palace |
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| Bus National Express buses cover the country. Most major cities have bus terminals. Train The national rail network connects London and other large cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. Information on routes, schedules, rail companies and prices can be obtained by contacting National Rail. Underground Cities such as Glasgow, Liverpool, London and Newcastle have underground rail networks. The London network has 275 stations, 63 of which are in Central London. Taxi Taxis are available in most cities, and can be ordered by phone. Tickets And Costs |
Driving You can hire a car from any one of numerous agents in the major cities or at airports, hotels, railway stations and bus terminals. A valid driver’s license is all that is required. The British drive on the left Air This is the fastest and most convenient option when travelling around the UK. The country’s 33 airports are connected by a number of domestic airlines. Tickets And Costs - Oyster – a plastic card that can be used and reused for single-day, 7-day, monthly, 6-monthly and yearly travel - Paper Travelcards – Useful if you are planning to use more than one form of transport for one return journey every day |
