United Kingdom – Important Information

At a Glance

Capital 

London (£)

Local Currency

British Pound

• Currency Converter

Local Time 

GMT + 1

• Current Time

Official Language

English 

Visa Information

UK Visa

Power

In England the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Local Weather

In general, the United Kingdom has warm summers and cool winters. The summers are cooler than those on the continent, but the winters are milder. The overall climate in the United Kingdom is called temperate maritime. This means that it is mild with temperatures not much lower than 0ºC in winter and not much higher than 32ºC in summer.

• Current Weather

Tourism Website

Visit England

Health Information

Vaccinations

Recommended Vaccines for United Kingdom

Health Tips

Health Tips for United Kingdom

Family Services

Babysitting Services

Snuggles

Rockmybaby

Sitters.co.uk

Baby Gear Rentals

Tiny Tots Rental 

Air Tots Rental

The London Baby Equipment Hire Co. 

Transportation

Car Seat Laws

The law requires all children traveling in the front or rear seat of any car to use the correct child car seat until they are either 135 cm in height or 12 years old (whichever they reach first). After this, they must use an adult seat belt.

Transportation Services

There are two sorts of taxis in England: those with meters that can be hailed in the street; and minicabs, which are cheaper but can only be called by phone. Ridesharing apps such as Uber (www.uber.com) are an option in most towns and cities.

Trains

The main public transport options are train and long-distance bus (called coach in England). Services between major towns and cities are generally good, although at peak times you must book in advance to be sure of getting a ticket. If you book early or travel at off-peak periods – ideally both – train and coach tickets can be very cheap.

Local Airlines

If you are looking for local airlines for domestic travel, some options are British Airways, Eastern Airways, Easyjet, and Jet2.

Emergency Services

Police

999

Fire Department

999

Ambulance

999

Other Things To Know

Tipping Customs

It is customary to leave 10-15% of the bill when eating out. However, restaurants often add on a service charge (usually 12.5%), especially if you’re in a large group, so it’s worth checking your bill if you don’t want to tip twice. It’s not customary to pay a tip for fast food, self-service or takeaway meals.

Important Holidays

United Kingdom Public Holidays

Safety Issues

Violent crime is low, and most tourists will never be bothered by safety concerns other than petty crime.

Families Love Travel is not liable for any injuries and/or damages to persons or property occurring as a result of your vacations influenced by the suggestions on this website. We are not responsible for any information given on this website, such as recommendations for babysitting services, car rentals, or accommodations. All content provided is for informational and review purposes only. The information we provide is meant to make it easier for families to travel together and nothing more. Try the suggestions at your own risk. 

Popular Reads

All About Aruba With Kids: Important Information You Need to Know

If you’re traveling to Aruba with kids, there’s some important information you need to know first. From the local currency Read more

All About Antigua & Barbuda With Kids: Important Information You Need To Know

If you’re traveling to Antigua and Barbuda with kids, there’s some important information you need to know first. From the Read more

Florence – Important Information

Find important information you need while planning a Florence family vacation, including babysitting and transportation services.

Venice – Important Information

Find the important information you need while planning a Venice family vacation, including transportation and babysitting services.