Where to start travelling in Britain

The country's full title is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; however, Britain is solely the island that encompasses England, Scotland and Wales which has a population in the region of 58 million. About 50 million live in England alone making it a fairly densely populated country. Britain is one of the largest countries in the European Union and the second richest, in terms of GDP, after Germany.

People who have never set foot in Britain often think of it as an over-industrialised eyesore, possibly attributing images of what the towns must have looked like in the days of the industrial revolution. In truth however, Britain is one of the world’s most beautiful islands with a wonderfully diverse landscape of rolling hills, coasts, lakes and rivers, and it is astoundingly green!



Millions of overseas visitors are attracted every year by this, its exciting cities, as well as by the nation's long history, traceable in numerous ancient buildings and archaeological sites. Visitors are also enthralled by the monarchy, with its pomp and ceremony. British culture is traditionally strong in the theatre, literature, painting, and sculpture, and the pub is part of British society.

Britain has the pound (?) divided into 100 pence. Notes are issued in denominations of ?50, ?20, ?10, and ?5. Coins are issued in ?2, ?1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 pence. Travellers cheques are the safest way to carry money, and you should buy these in your country of residence before departure. You can change travellers checks at bureaux de change and banks but not in shops or restaurants. Visa, Mastercard, Access, American Express and Diners Club are the most widely accepted credit cards in the United Kingdom.