My Top England Travel Tips For First-Timers (The Stuff I Wish I Knew!)
Right then, you’ve only gone and booked that trip to England! I’m excited for you. I’ve spent more hours than I care to admit wandering, sipping tea in tiny cafés, and getting wonderfully lost in the English countryside. And after all that? Let’s just say I’ve picked up a fair few golden nuggets I wish someone had whispered in my ear before my first visit.
This isn’t some dry, cookie-cutter travel guide. Nah, think of it more like a natter over coffee with someone who’s been there, done that, and packed way too many jumpers “just in case.” We’re covering everything from when to go and how to get about, to where to find a banging Sunday roast. Basically, if it’ll save you hassle or help you enjoy your trip more, it’s in here. 🏴
When to Go England: Timing is Everything ✈️
Picking the best time to head over can feel a bit like trying to predict the weather… which, spoiler alert, is no easy feat in England! But don’t worry, I’ve got you.
Your best bets? Spring 🌷 (late March to early June) and autumn 🍂 (September to November). Spring’s when everything starts blooming like mad, seriously, it’s like Mother Nature’s showing off. Autumn, on the other hand, is all golden trees, crisp walks, and fewer crowds. It’s lush.
Summer ☀️ (June to August) gives you long days and warmer temps, ideal for making the most of the coast or ticking off your bucket list. Just brace yourself for the crowds and slightly steeper prices. Winter ❄️ (December to February) can be a total vibe, especially in the cities with their twinkly lights and festive buzz. Rural spots may wind down a bit though, so check opening hours.
🗺️ Guide to England: The Best Time to Visit London
🔹Tinker’s Tip: If you can swing it, September is chef’s kiss — warm days, chilled vibes, and the summer hordes have packed up and gone home. Absolute winner.
Flights from Trip.com (England go-to!)
Getting Around England: Navigating Like a Pro 🚆
Getting around England is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. The public transport network is huge and, for the most part, runs like a dream.
Trains: The Classic Choice
Trains are such a fab way to travel between cities. The National Rail network connects just about everywhere, and you get to watch the gorgeous countryside zip by. It’s not the most reliable but it gets you there, eventually!
Book in Advance: I cannot stress this enough, book your train tickets early! I’ve learned this the hard way. Fares can be ridiculously cheaper when you buy them a few weeks ahead.
Get a Railcard: If you’re planning a few train journeys, look into getting a railcard. There are loads of different types, and they can save you a serious chunk of money (usually 1/3 off fares!).
Peak vs. Off-Peak: If you can, travel during “off-peak” hours (usually outside the morning and evening rush). Your wallet will thank you for it.
Buses and Coaches: The Budget-Friendly Option
For shorter trips and getting between smaller towns, local buses are a great, cheap option. For the long-haul journeys, coaches from companies like National Express and Megabus are brilliant budget-friendly alternatives to the train, though they do take a bit longer.
Driving in England: Freedom to Explore
Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore, especially in stunning rural areas like the Cotswolds or the Lake District. However, here are a few things you absolutely need to know before you jump in the driver’s seat:
Drive on the LEFT: This is the big one! It might feel weird at first, but you’ll get used to it. Chant it with me: “Drive on the left!”
Embrace the Roundabout: You’ll see a lot of roundabouts. The golden rule is simple: give way to traffic already on the roundabout, which will be coming from your right.
Manual vs. Automatic: Manual cars (stick shift) are way more common and cheaper to rent. If you only drive automatic, make sure you specifically book an automatic car well in advance!
Congestion Charges: Heads up! Driving in central London comes with a daily fee called the Congestion Charge.
💡 Good to know: If you’re a bit nervous about driving here, maybe start in a quieter, more rural area to build your confidence before tackling the motorways or city centres. You’ve got this!
🗺️ England Related: 3 Days in London: A Perfect 72 Hour London Itinerary
London Google Maps Legend
Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Money Matters: Let's Talk Pounds 💷
Okay, let’s talk about money, because knowing the deal here will make your life so much easier. The currency you’ll be using is the Pound Sterling (£), and you’ll often hear locals call them “quid.” While some very touristy shops in London might show prices in Euros or Dollars to tempt you, you will always get a better deal by paying in the local currency. Trust me on this one.
Card is Queen, but Cash has its Place: Honestly, England is very card-friendly. Contactless payment (tapping your card or phone) is the norm everywhere from coffee shops to the tube. Your credit or debit card will be your best friend in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, I wouldn’t go completely cashless. You’ll definitely want some cash for those amazing market finds, for smaller independent shops, some rural pubs, and for leaving a tip. 💵
ATMs (or ‘Cash Points’): You’ll find them absolutely everywhere, so don’t panic. They are usually called “cash points” or “cash machines” here. It’s almost always better to pull pounds out of a cash machine when you arrive rather than exchanging a ton of your own currency back home or at the airport. The exchange rates are just way better.
Budgeting: This is the golden question! To give you a rough idea for a comfortable trip (we’re not talking shoestring budget, but not pure luxury either), I’d plan for around £70–£150, €83–€177, or $90–$192 per person per day. This should comfortably cover a mid-range B&B or budget hotel, your food, local transport, and a bit of sightseeing. Of course, you can do it for less if you stay in hostels and grab food from supermarkets, or spend more if you’re hitting up fancy restaurants and big-ticket attractions!
🗺️ More Guides to England: Most Beautiful Castles in England
🔹 Pro Tip: Before you travel, give your bank a quick call to check about their foreign transaction fees so you don’t get any nasty surprises!
Tipping in England: No Stress, No Fuss
Okay, now that your wallet is sorted, let’s clear up tipping, because it confuses everyone! It isn’t a huge deal here like it is in some other countries, but it’s always appreciated for good service. Here’s the general vibe:
| Service | Tipping Guide |
| Restaurants | Look at your bill. A “service charge” of 10-12.5% is often already included. If it isn’t, tipping around 10% for good service is a lovely gesture. |
| Pubs | You don’t need to tip when you just order drinks at the bar. You might see a tip jar for the staff, so you can pop some change in there if you like. |
| Taxis | Most people just round up the fare to the nearest pound. For a longer journey with a helpful driver, 10% is a nice thank you. |
| Hotels | Tipping the person who helps with your bags (£1-2 per bag) is kind. Leaving a little something for housekeeping is also appreciated. |
🗺️ Recommended Read: Travel Cards vs Cash: Which One Should You Carry?
💡 Fact: A cool law recently passed ensures that 100% of any tips or service charges you pay go directly to the staff, which is fantastic
Finding Your Perfect English Stay: Accommodation Tips 🏡
England has a massive range of places to stay, suiting every budget and vibe. I’ve stayed in everything from quirky B&Bs to swanky city hotels, and each offers its own unique charm.
Hotels: Big cities have it all, from budget chains like Premier Inn or Travelodge to super luxurious five-star spots. Use TripAdvisor for hotel reviews and even booking!
Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs): For a more personal and totally charming experience, you have to try a B&B. You get a cosy room and a giant English breakfast to start your day right. What’s not to love?
Hostels: Perfect if you’re on a tight budget. Hostels are great for meeting other travellers and often have private rooms too if dorms aren’t your thing. Just use Hostelworld, they’re the best imo!
Vacation Rentals: Using sites like Airbnb can get you anything from a cool city flat to a dreamy countryside cottage. They’re awesome for longer stays or if you’re travelling with family.
✋🏼 Good to know: I highly recommend booking your accommodation way in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak season or for a popular event. The good spots get snapped up fast!
Use Booking.com for your perfect English stay!
Savouring England: A Foodie's Paradise 😋 Fish & Chips!!
Let’s be honest, food is one of the best parts of travel, and English cuisine has had a serious glow-up! From hearty pub classics to delicate afternoon teas, you’re in for such a treat.
Full English Breakfast: You must start at least one day with a “fry-up.” We’re talking bacon, sausages, eggs, baked beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms. It’ll keep you going all day!
Fish and Chips: An absolute classic for a reason. It’s best eaten fresh from a proper “chippy,” preferably with a view of the sea. 🌊
Sunday Roast: This is a sacred weekend tradition. Imagine roasted meat (beef, lamb, or chicken), crispy roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, veggies, and loads of gravy. It’s a hug on a plate.
Afternoon Tea: Feel fancy for a day with this delightful experience. You’ll get delicate sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam (the big debate is which goes on first!), cakes, and of course, a lovely pot of tea. ☕️
Pub Grub: Don’t overlook the food in pubs! Dive into classics like Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash, or a steak and ale pie. Pure comfort food.
💡 Fact: While Fish and Chips is a national hero, Chicken Tikka Masala is also consistently voted one of Britain’s favourite dishes! It’s a delicious symbol of modern, multicultural England.
✨ Further guides to this gorgeous country: Best of British: Top 10 National Parks in the UK
Recommended Tours and Tickets across England
London Google Maps Legend
Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Talk the Talk: English Phrases to Charm the Locals 💬
While everyone speaks English, you’ll discover a wonderful jumble of regional accents and some fun slang. Don’t worry, everyone will understand you, but learning a few local phrases is a great way to connect with people.
Cheers: The most versatile word ever! It means “thank you,” “goodbye,” and is used for a toast.
Alright?: This is a super common greeting, kind of like “How are you?”. The correct response is a simple and cheerful “Alright, thanks, you?”
Chuffed: When you’re really pleased or happy about something.
Knackered: Means you are completely exhausted. “I’m knackered after all that sightseeing!”
Gutted: To be really, truly disappointed about something.
🔹 Pro Tip: Honestly, a polite “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” will get you everywhere in England. We’re known for our politeness, so join in!
Cultural Know-How: The Little Things ❤️
Observing local customs is a brilliant way to show respect and dive deeper into the culture. Here are a few little things I’ve picked up on my travels:
Queueing is a National Sport: Seriously, the English love to queue. Always wait your turn in line, whether it’s for a bus, in a shop, or at an attraction. Never cut in line!
Personal Space: The Brits generally like their personal space, so try not to stand too close to people you don’t know. A handshake is the normal greeting when you meet someone new.
Pub Etiquette: When you go to a pub, you almost always order your drinks and food right at the bar. Don’t wait for someone to come to your table.
Punctuality: Being on time for reservations and appointments is a big deal and is seen as good manners.
✋🏼 Be a culture master: Travel Etiquette: Your Guide to Being a Charming Globe-Trotter
Beyond the Obvious: Discovering England's Hidden Gems ✨
Look, London’s landmarks are incredible and you should see them, but there’s SO much more to England than its capital. I’m obsessed with finding those off-the-beaten-path places, and I’m letting you in on a few of my favourites.
The Cotswolds: A picture-perfect region of adorable villages with honey-coloured stone cottages. You have to visit Bibury—it’s often called the most beautiful village in England for a reason. It’s like a fairytale!
The Lake District: A simply stunning national park with breathtaking lakes and mountains. It’s an absolute dream for hiking and enjoying the great outdoors. Autumn here is out of this world.
Cornwall: Famous for its wild coastline, beautiful sandy beaches, and cute-as-a-button fishing villages. It’s also home to the unbelievable Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre carved into a cliff. 🤯
York: A gorgeous historic city with a massive cathedral (York Minster), charming medieval streets you can get lost in (The Shambles), and a rich Viking history.
The North Pennines: People call this “England’s last wilderness.” It’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a wild, rugged landscape of moorland, rolling hills, and ancient stone villages.
⛰️ Fact: The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, off the Northumberland coast, is a tidal island. This means you can only reach it by driving over a causeway when the tide is out! How cool is that?
Safety First: Stay Smart & Secure
England is generally a very safe country to travel in, which is great. But like any popular destination, it’s always smart to take a few simple precautions to make sure your trip is completely worry-free.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: In busy places like London tube stations, just be mindful of your belongings to avoid any pesky pickpockets. Keep your valuables zipped up and out of sight.
Road Safety: When you’re crossing the street, remember the mantra: Look right, then left! Traffic comes from the other direction here.
Emergency Number: The number for police, fire, and ambulance is 999. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s good to know.
Scams: Just use your common sense. Be wary of anyone being overly friendly on the street who might be trying to distract you from your belongings.
🔹 Peace of Mind: The official terrorism threat level in the UK is ‘substantial,’ which means an attack is considered likely. You’ll see signs about this and a visible police presence. Don’t let it scare you; just be vigilant and if you see something that doesn’t feel right, report it.
🚨 We like to help out at The Travel Tinker: Don’t Get Done! 20 Crafty Travel Scams and How to Dodge Them
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
And there you have it – my complete guide, jam-packed with all my best England travel tips for your first big trip! Enjoy lovelies! 🌍 ✨
Now, over to you…
Have you been to England? Got tips, stories, or funny travel fails to share? Drop them in the comments👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
Simliar Articles:
How to Visit Stonehenge: Your Guide to England’s Mysterious Stones
York Travel Guide
20 Famous Landmarks in England to Visit
Recommended Websites and Resources:
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Qs about England
What’s the best way to pay for things in England?
Contactless is king — tap your card or phone and go. Still, carry a bit of cash for markets or countryside cafés.
Do I need a special power adapter?
Yep — you’ll need a Type G plug (the chunky three-prong one). Bring a universal adapter to be safe.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Totally safe — and tasty too! Bring a reusable bottle and fill up as you go.
How much should I budget for a trip to England?
For a mid-range trip, aim for £70–£150 a day (including hotel, food, and activities). You can definitely spend less or more depending on your style.
Is England veggie/vegan friendly?
100%! Loads of options everywhere — restaurants, cafés, supermarkets. You can even get vegan full English breakfasts and roasts now.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Author
Logan Riley
Hey there, I'm Logan, a wandering soul with a passion for uncovering the world's hidden gems. From sipping coffee in cozy Parisian cafés to hiking rugged trails in Patagonia, I chase experiences that spark joy and curiosity. My blog is a scrapbook of adventures, filled with tips, stories, and photos from off-the-beaten-path destinations. Whether it's savoring street food in Bangkok or stargazing in the Sahara, I’m here to inspire your next journey.
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