England Travel Guide: Everything you need to know

England! A country full of history, castles, and legendary sites. Whether you want to enjoy the quiet countryside, quaint villages, and their landscapes or live in the intense rhythms of its capital, England can fulfill every desire. Known for their black humour, love of their homeland, and consistency in their obligations. In our full travel guide below, you will find all the information you need for your first visit to England.

UK ETA — What EU citizens need

England is part of the United Kingdom, which is no longer in the European Union following Brexit. Since 2 April 2025, all Greeks and EU citizens need a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before travelling. This is NOT a visa but a mandatory digital pre-travel permission.

Key facts:

• Cost: £20 per person (since 8 April 2026)
• Valid: 2 years from approval, or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner
• Multiple entries: Yes, unlimited within the validity period
• Stay per entry: Up to 6 months
• Processing: Usually minutes via the official UKVI app
• Apply ONLY at: gov.uk/eta or the UKVI app
• From 25 February 2026: without an ETA, you will be denied boarding (plane, ferry)
• Every traveller, including children, needs their own ETA
• Exempt: British/Irish citizens, settled/pre-settled status holders

Apply at least 3 working days before travel. The ETA is linked to your passport, so a new passport = a new ETA.

US Citizens: Also need a UK ETA, same process and cost (£20).

Canadian / Australian / other visa-exempt nationalities: Same as the US, UK ETA required, £20.

Nationalities that need a full Standard Visitor Visa (NOT ETA): Citizens of countries NOT on the ETA-eligible list (e.g., India, China, Pakistan, many African and South American countries) need a Standard Visitor Visa — £135, apply months in advance through the UK visa portal.

Read our complete UK Visa & ETA Guide.

Where to stay in England — Accommodation Costs

England uses British Pounds (£), not Euros. Accommodation costs vary significantly between London and the rest of England:

London:

• Hostel dorm: £25–45/night
• Budget hotel: £80–130/night
• Mid-range hotel: £130–250/night
• Luxury: £250–600+/night

Rest of England (Bath, Brighton, Cotswolds, etc.):

• Hostel dorm: £20–35/night
• B&B / guesthouse: £60–120/night
• Mid-range hotel: £80–180/night

💡 Book well in advance for London — especially July/August and major events. Browse England accommodation on Booking.com.

Traditional Food

British cuisine is not that popular because they don’t seem to care so much what they eat, so long as they just get on with it and eat something. This attitude has led to widespread food chains of not so good quality food. However, there are some favourite dishes and customs which we will see below:

Fish and chips:  A favourite with both the British and the tourists. A widely known dish that isn’t considered so much a home food as it is a street food. Large fish fillets, usually cod, are dipped in batter and fried. They are served with fried potatoes and tartar sauce or vinegar. The menu is full of different sauces with which you can accompany the fish.

English Breakfast: Another very well-known dish is the English Breakfast. It is delicious, nutritious, and really a powerful start to the day.  The classical version has bacon, sausages, poached or fried eggs, mushrooms, and baked tomatoes or baked beans in tomato sauce. Other versions include fried bread, jam, and one’s favourite tea. It is as enjoyable as it sounds and gives you energy for the entire day. In fact, you might not find it necessary to have another meal for the rest of the day. Of course, if you are not going beagle hunting or doing a hard day’s work, this breakfast might be a bit too much for your stomach.

Tea: This is a national beverage. Usually, tea is taken at four in the afternoon, whereas others start their day with it and drink it throughout. Black tea is usually accompanied by milk and sugar, and green tea, a popular alternative, is drunk with honey or lemon. The traditional way is to accompany tea with scones, butter, and jam or cucumber sandwiches. Alternatively, they might accompany their tea with cake, biscuits, or more healthy, organic desserts.

Trifle: One of the more popular English desserts. Made with rich, fresh cream, fresh fruit, and cake as a base. These ingredients are layered one on top of the other. The taste is topped with an accompanying wine or liquor.

Beef Wellington: A hefty chunk of beef wrapped in pastry and enriched with mushroom sauce. This dish was first created by the personal chef of Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, who lived from 1769 to 1852 and remained famous in history as the “hero of Waterloo”. You will find this dish in the finer, more expensive British restaurants.

Fish pie: As we mentioned before, the British love their food quick and easy. Another dish that is very easy to make is a fish pie. Usually, they always use white fish, like cod, white sauce, or melted cheddar. Some might add shrimps or boiled eggs to the pie, which is then baked in the oven. Even though it is called a pie, it has absolutely no pastry or crust whatsoever, but is covered by a layer of mashed potatoes.

Shepherd’s pie: This is a very traditional dish usually made with mutton or lamb and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes and baked until well browned. Another pie with no dough.

Finally, if winter finds you along some part of England’s coastline, do not fail to taste the seafood. Winter is one of the best seasons to try seafood in England. You can find almost every variety of fish in the daily catch. From clams and oysters to sea bass and from mussels to mackerel, all fresh out of the sea.

Find 10 Fun facts for the United Kingdom

Transportation

Airplane: There are quite a few airports in England. However, some of them are quite far from London. (Heathrow and Gatwick are the closest; others like Luton are quite far). Therefore, apart from the ticket price, which isn’t so cheap, there is the added cost of transportation. Some choose to take the train and others the car (which is more economical and faster). Better take a look at the prices before choosing.

Train: It is the best means of transport between cities and towns. Central cities have a very good network. However, the cost isn’t so low. Indicatively, you can find tickets from Liverpool to London at 12 €, but in some cases the price may be as high as 91€. Prices differ according to each company, the distance, and the time.

Underground: The London Underground is highly developed, with a huge network of lines that will take you everywhere and anywhere. There is also a huge railway network connecting all towns and cities, like Liverpool, Manchester, and many others.  

Buses: This is the cheapest means of transport from one town to another. Prices start at 8€ per person. The only disadvantage is the length of the trip. A typical route from London to Liverpool might take 3 hours by train, whereas you will need 6 hours by bus.

Taxi: Used for transport within cities. They are divided into two categories. The traditional black cabs, as the British call them, albeit with more colours added now, and private taxis. The former have a minimum charge of 3 GBP and can pick up passengers from the street, whereas the latter are only arranged by appointment.  

Car: This is one of the best means of transport in the countryside. This way, you are able to take as many routes or deviations down a pathway as you like, totally independently of anyone. In order to rent a car, you must be 21 years old or over. Those who are 21 to 25 years old have to pay an extra cost of 35 GBP per day, which is pretty economical if you are a company of 4 people who want to explore various nooks and crannies off the beaten path.

Availability and prices of the biggest car rental companies can be found on Discovercars.com

Best thing to do in England

London

The memorable and imposing capital of England. The sights of the city are countless and famous all over the world. Tourists arrive from every corner of the planet to admire them. Some of the most well-known ones are Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and many others, which we will mention further down. The only disadvantages of the city are the high cost of living and the frequent rain showers, which might ruin your plans.

Brighton

Some say it is the most beautiful town you will visit. This former fishing village is now a well-known student town. The center is full of energy and positive vibes. Crowded shops, bars that attract people from various areas nearby. Brighton has a lively nightlife throughout the year, with live music concerts and theatrical plays. There you will also find the tallest mobile observatory in the world, The Brighton i360, a 162-metre observation tower on Brighton seafront, which went into administration in December 2024 and reopened under new ownership on 8 March 2025. It is no longer called “British Airways i360”. The viewing pod rises to 138 metres and offers 360° views of Brighton, the South Downs, and the English Channel. Check current ticket prices and opening times at brightoni360.co.uk before visiting.

Bath

This city is in the southwest of England and 185 kilometers from London. It belongs to the world heritage sites of UNESCO. A city that combines history and attractions as well as wellbeing and complete relaxation. The city became a spa with the Latin name Aquae Sulis (“the waters of Sul”) in 60 AD when the Romans built baths and a temple in the valley of the River Avon, although the hot springs were known even before then.  In addition to healing, the water from the springs is also used as drinking water, as it is said to be beneficial for various ailments. Apart from the Roman-built baths, it is also very pleasant to walk through the narrow streets, admiring the architecture. There, you can see how the ancestors of the city used to “hang out”. More information on the facilities available and prices can be found on thermaebathspa.com. 

Bristol

An English city that you can enjoy looking at from above. It is known for its hot air balloon rides. Choose the sunset or sunrise as your background and make your reservation accordingly. Every year, the biggest hot air balloon festival is organised (International Bristol Balloon Fiesta), during which you can enjoy a magical sight of air balloons flying high up above the city. Finally, as it is one of the first cycling cities of the United Kingdom and one of the friendliest cycling cities in Europe, you can visit the sights on two wheels. 

Lake District

This is the largest national park in England. A diamond of nature, as many have called it, and the homeland of the poets Wordsworth and Coleridge. In this district, you will see many hilltops, crystal lakes, and vast valleys. If you like excursions in nature and other activities such as walking, hiking, mountain climbing, biking, and canoeing, then this national park is the ideal place for you. After completing your activities, you can relax drinking a pint of ale at one of the many quaint pubs around, or enjoy a traditional lunch and a glass of port in front of the cosy fire, if it’s winter. You may also spend the night at one of the many inns which have more or less remained the same architecturally, with their traditional, thatched roofs.

Manchester

An important commercial, industrial, and cultural center. Known for its eponymous football team and national football museum. This city has a youthful spirit and also has a rich history in the study of science, politics, art, and athletics. In the Northern Quarter of Manchester, you may view unique works of street art on every corner. The elegant Spinningfields is the financial center of the city, but also a popular destination for entertainment and shopping. Football fans shouldn’t miss the chance to watch Manchester United live at Old Trafford or at least at a pub. It is fun to watch adrenaline and passion hitting the roof for the home team. For those who like space and the universe, they can visit the Jodrell Bank Observatory. More information for tickets, schedules, and projection programs can be found on Jodrellbank.net.

Stonehenge

At a distance of 2 hours from the capital, you will be confronted with this imposing monument. It is considered one of the wonders of the world. There are many theories as to the way it was formed. However, up until today, researchers and archaeologists haven’t managed to discover who built this megalithic monument. Some theories even involve extra-terrestrials. Archaeologists believe it was used as a place of worship and as an astronomical observatory. Regarding the stones, which weigh up to 4 tons, it is well worth speculating as to how they managed to transfer them, thousands of years ago, from Wales (a distance longer than 220 km). 

Liverpool

The largest port of northern England. Known as the homeland of the Beatles and the football team. It is misrepresented by its industrial reputation, because it is actually a lively, modern city. You can walk in the historical center of the town, which has been entirely transformed into a commercial park. In Bold Street, there are a lot of pubs and student shops bustling with life. You can walk along the beautiful harbour, where you will also find the museum of the Beatles. Around the port, you will also see many wandering musicians and singers lending their own unique note to the streets of Liverpool. Finally, football lovers can take a tour of Anfield (Liverpool football field). There they can watch a live football match, or from one of the pub screens, together with loud, drinking fans supporting their home team (What fun!).

The Cotswolds

England’s most picturesque rural region. Honey-coloured stone villages, rolling hills, country pubs and farmers’ markets. Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Chipping Campden, Bibury. Best explored by car (no direct trains to most villages).

Packing Tips & When to Go

Travel adapter: It would be a good idea to carry a travel adapter with you. Buy one that is suitable for all countries, so you don’t have to get a different one each time. There is quite a variety for sale that is adaptable to every kind of socket.

Warm clothes: You should bring warm clothes along, even if it’s summer, as the temperature can fall quite low. A jacket, a light coat or raincoat, and a hoodie are always necessary.  

Umbrella: Whether short or long-lasting rain showers are always lurking around the corner in England. Always carry a small umbrella with you in case of a sudden downpour, so your plans aren’t ruined.

Raincoat: Whatever the month of the year, always take a raincoat with you to England. It goes hand in hand with the umbrella. As we said, rain showers are probable even during summer.

The best time to visit England is from March until June and from September until November. The spring months are lovely to enjoy without falling on the crowded, summer tourist period of July and August. Likewise, in the autumn months, you can purchase a cheaper ticket, avoid the Christmas bustle, enjoy the changing colour and falling of the leaves, and taste fresh, delicious Cox apples, especially if you are in the countryside.

Useful Sites & Apps

In the last few years, we have been travelling we have singled out some applications, which we use on every trip or during it. We have chosen them over others for their validity, ease of use, and variety in the options they have to offer. We describe below in detail what these are, together with their characteristics.

Booking.com

Booking.com is a popular online booking platform for accommodations worldwide. With a vast selection of hotels, apartments, villas, and more, Booking.com offers travellers the convenience of finding and booking their ideal stay in just a few clicks. The site’s user-friendly interface and extensive filtering options make it easy to narrow down search results based on specific preferences such as price, location, amenities, and more. As a result, Booking.com has become a go-to destination for travellers looking for hassle-free booking options. With competitive pricing and a loyalty program that rewards repeat bookings, Booking.com is a top choice for travellers seeking great deals and a seamless booking experience. Check for available rooms and prices on Booking.com.

Air Bnb

With over one million properties all around the world, and always increasing, ideal for a low budget stay even in expensive areas. Furthermore, because you stay in people’s villas, houses, or flats, you are made to feel more at home by the host of each destination and the homely surroundings.

Hotels.com

Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering booking services through its own network of localised websites. Once you reach 10 nights, you’ll have a free night, which you can apply at checkout. You can earn multiple free nights by continuing to book with Hotels.com, though. The platform gives travellers one of the widest selections of accommodation on the net, including both independent and major chain hotels as well as self-catering in over hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities, and availability. Find the best deals on Hotels.com.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travellers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travellers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travellers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places nearby.

Omio.com

Omio is a leading travel platform that helps you easily plan and book your trips. With a comprehensive network of trains, buses, and flights across Europe and beyond, Omio allows you to compare and choose the best travel options for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or an extended vacation, Omio’s user-friendly interface and competitive prices make it easy to create unforgettable travel experiences. Check available routes on Omio.com.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a leading global travel search engine, helping millions of travellers find the best flights, hotels, and car rentals. With a user-friendly interface and powerful search technology, Skyscanner makes it easy to compare prices and options across hundreds of travel providers, giving you the best deals for your trip. From budget to luxury, domestic to international, Skyscanner has everything you need to plan your next adventure. So whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, start your journey with Skyscanner and discover the world like never before. Available flights and prices can be found on Skyscanner.

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is an online marketplace for booking travel activities and experiences. With a wide variety of tours, activities, and attractions available in destinations around the world, GetYourGuide makes it easy to find and book unique experiences for your next trip. From city sightseeing tours and food and wine tastings to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, GetYourGuide has something for every type of traveller. With a user-friendly website and mobile app, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, GetYourGuide is a top choice for travellers seeking memorable and authentic experiences.

Discover Cars

DiscoverCars.com offers a hassle-free car rental booking experience, with a wide range of rental car options available worldwide. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates, 24/7 customer support, and flexible cancellation policies. With no hidden fees and a user-friendly interface, booking your rental car has never been easier. Choose from a variety of car rental options, including economy, luxury, and family-friendly vehicles, and enjoy the freedom of the open road on your next adventure. Book with DiscoverCars.com today and start exploring the world on your own terms!

Hotel Tonight

Here you will find last-minute discounts on vacancies from hotels. This is an amazingly simple app, and it doesn’t take long to book a room. You may search in each town for sights and maps. Furthermore, you can check the reviews and photos of other travellers in order to be sure about the reliability of each hotel. It also has a 24/7 customer service. If you’re stuck somewhere and you need a room desperately, this is the perfect app for you.

City Maps 2Go

Maps for travelling, hiking, mountain cycling, and many other activities. A necessary app for every adventure, activity, or touring abroad. You may only download one map per country, whereas it was possible to download two in the past. For an additional map, you need to pay. Alternatively, as soon as you have looked at the information on a map, you can delete it and then download a new one. 

You can mark all the places of interest on the map you have downloaded. Whether they are sights, shops, or restaurants, you can use the directions guide to get there. The great advantage of this app is that you don’t need to have an internet connection, although it might get stuck a few times. Nevertheless, it is quite a reliable and useful app.

iVisa.com

iVisa.com is an online platform that helps travellers obtain electronic visas, eVisas, and other travel documents quickly and easily. With an extensive database of travel requirements for over 200 countries and a user-friendly application process, iVisa.com makes it simple for travellers to apply for and obtain the necessary documents for their trips. Whether you’re planning a vacation, business trip, or other travel experience, iVisa.com can help you navigate the complexities of travel documentation with ease. More information for the necessary travel documents, depending on your nationality and destination, can be found on iVisa.com.

England Travel Guide FAQ — Everything you need to know