US
GB
United Kingdom
Archaeological remains show that the first group of modern people to reside in the British Isles were hunter-gatherers following the end of the last Ice Age. Whilst the date is unknown, it is considered to be as early as 8000 BC, but definitely by 5000 BC. They built mesolithic wood and stone monuments, and, between 3000 and 1600 BC, Stonehenge was built.
Britain was a changing collection of tribal areas, with no overall leader as Celtic tribes arrived from mainland Europe. Julius Caesar attempted, unsuccessfully, to invade in 55 BC. The Romans, however, successfully invaded in 43 AD.
Writing was brought to Britain by the Romans and this is when written history began in the country. Rome ruled in Britain from 44 AD to 410 AD, but they only ruled England and Wales. The Romans never conquered Scotland north of the Clyde-Forth valley, or Ireland – their northern boundary changed from time to time, and was delineated for a period at Hadrian's Wall.
Following the Romans, two waves of immigrants came to Britain. Firstly, German tribes: the Angles, Saxons and Jutes. Then, secondly, the Vikings.
For a long period, England was split into various kingdoms. It was unified by Æthelstan (Athelstan) in 945 AD. Subsequently, by force, England and Wales were unified by Edward I (Longshanks) in the 13th century. The union with Scotland took much longer. It was plagued by hundreds of years of conflicts between both parts of Britain. This union between England and Scotland in 1707 formed the United Kingdom of Great Britain, which merged Scotland and England into one country.
So, much of what gives the UK its unique appeal for visitors is the look of its heritage buildings and the age of its ancient monuments. Its majesty is a blend of archaeology, history and heritage.
Upcoming Departures
6 days
$2,795
20 June 2022
6 days
$4,040
15 August 2022
11 days
$5,165
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6 days
$2,595
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9 days
$3,570
4 July 2022
1 days
$300
7 July 2022
1 days
$190
24 June 2022
1 days
$245
13 August 2022
1 days
$260
4 June 2022
1 days
$330
2 August 2022
1 days
$240
27 June 2022
1 days
$105
1 July 2022
1 days
$250
5 October 2022
1 days
$210
29 July 2022
1 days
$205
24 June 2022
1 days
$210
25 June 2022
1 days
$210
27 May 2022
1 days
$210
11 August 2022
1 days
$295
10 June 2022
1 days
$225
5 August 2022
1 days
$195
21 July 2022
8 days
14 May 2023
1 days
$210
3 September 2022
3 days
$1,135
1 July 2022
3 days
$1,065
24 June 2022
3 days
2 September 2022
3 days
$1,115
1 July 2022
3 days
21 April 2023
3 days
1 September 2022
4 days
$2,025
26 July 2022
3 days
12 September 2022
5 days
$2,950
21 June 2022
5 days
$1,940
4 July 2022
5 days
$2,360
8 July 2022
5 days
15 July 2023
4 days
$1,255
30 June 2022
1 days
$300
16 July 2022
11 days
$4,830
23 August 2022
6 days
5 September 2022
7 days
$3,220
20 June 2022
6 days
26 October 2022
8 days
$3,935
20 June 2022
6 days
$3,625
1 August 2022
5 days
$2,770
14 June 2022
8 days
$4,150
10 August 2022
1 days
$275
12 November 2022
1 days
$230
2 July 2022
6 days
23 December 2022
1 days
$260
18 June 2022
1 days
$230
8 July 2022
1 days
$230
15 October 2022
1 days
$308
13 August 2022
3 days
7 October 2022
-360 days
5 June 2023
5 days
21 June 2023
4 days
$1,980
13 June 2022
4 days
27 September 2022
4 days
19 September 2022
1 days
$230
7 July 2022
1 days
$330
4 August 2022
1 days
$215
24 September 2022
1 days
$230
20 August 2022
Visa:
UK: Not required.
USA: Not required for stays less than six months.
Currency:
Pound sterling (GBP).
Packing advice:
In the summer, wear light cotton clothes such as t-shirts, shorts, and sandals. Although, if you are planning to visit the cities and towns, you may want to bring comfortable walking shoes. Pack sunglasses, a sun visor or hat, and sunscreen for the sunnier days. It rains often, so be sure to pack a waterproof coat. In winter, it's advised to wrap up warm as it's often windy and temperatures can fall just below zero.
Cultural differences:
In a country where the favourite dish is an Indian curry and the people drive on the left side of the road, it’s easy to be a little confused about the UK. There are numerous dialects and accents can vary from south to north, and sometimes baffle even the Brits themselves. There are some regional languages including Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, and Welsh. The official state-sanctioned religion in the UK is the Church of England, which is of the Christian Protestant faith. There has however been a huge decline in the role of the Church in Britain since the middle of the last century, with less than half the population attending church services or believing in God. Modern Britain is a multi-cultural country and minority religions include Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism.
Language:
English.
Tipping:
British tipping etiquette is pretty straightforward. Most bills include a form of service fee, and tipping on top of that is a personal choice. In upmarket hotels and restaurants, tips are welcomed, but not expected.
Most restaurants in the UK include a 12.5-15% tip, although it’s not universal. If no service charge policy is stated in the menu, don’t be embarrassed to ask the waiter. You’re not expected to add further gratuity if service is included. If it’s not included, the common tip is 10-15%. In pubs, tipping the barman is not customary. Andante Travels will take care of gratuities to restaurant staff, local guides and drivers.
