- Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, two-story red buses and heavy guards the queen - the symbols of London

- Fish & chips, greasy snacks Flagship

- Black, so. English sense of humor

- James Bond

- Aston Martin

- Shakespeare

- The Beatles

- Monty Python

- Elegant, "kluskowatego" British accent

- Celtic tradition Wales

- Kiltów

- Scotch Whisky

- Endless conflict and fighting the IRA in Ulster (Northern Ireland)

The climate is temperate and warm sea. Gulf Stream, which is the Gulf Stream has a moderating influence on climate. As a result of contact between the cold and warm moist air from over Iceland and the Arctic areas in England created the famous strong winds and heavy rain. Heavy snowfalls have occurred mainly in the mountains of western Scotland, while Northern Ireland are insignificant snowfall. Wales is characterized by cool summers and mild winters.

In southern England winters can be cold, but the warmest year in the islands. Average air temperature and precipitation for the nation's capital are as follows: January 4 º C and 54 mm, in July of 18 ° C and 57 mm.

Every season is good to come - always threatens to rain, but never overheated tropical or icy przemarznięcie. Most pleasant is roughly from May to September, but winter should be enough for a scarf and gloves.

Brits can boast an extremely rich cultural heritage in many fields such as literature, theater, music, art, film, architecture, museums, exhibitions, etc.. It takes place a whole bunch of festivals and holiday celebrations (see Events and nightlife => Festivals), and contemporary artists from the UK operate all over the world. Regardless of the season and everyone will find something of a cultural attraction for each other.

Famous writers m.in. Shakespeare, Tolkien, Jane Austen, Anne Bronte, Anthony Burgess, Daniel Defoe, Ian Fleming, Alistair MacLean, George Orwell, Herbert Wells, Terry Pratchett, JK. Rowling, Virginia Wolf

Famous directors m.in. Alfred Hitchcock, Ridley Scott, Kenneth Branagh, Guy Ritchie

Famous painters m.in. Francis Bacon, Vanessa Bell, Jacob Epstein, Josh Kirby, John Everett Millais, Stuart Sutcliffe

Although 71.6% of the population of Great Britain declares membership of Christianity (including Anglicanism, Roman Catholicism, Presbyterianism, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal), 6% said muzułmanizm, 2.7% Hindu, less than 3% of other religions, but only from 23.1% to 30% of atheism, United Kingdom is a country heavily secularized. In view of the strong influx of Asian population also notes the increasing share of Islam and its impact on social life.

The British are traditionally attached to the form - to smile and good manners (inherently "How are you?" "Well, thank you"), which is manifested even in the bus when the driver getting out thank you for the ride. Residents Islands politely stand in a queue ( is pushing is not acceptable), the men take off their hats when they enter the room, say please and excuse me, open your door, do not speak too loudly in public places, greet with a kiss on the cheek with only family and close friends.

In Scotland, about. 1.5 million people use the Scots language zachodniogermańskiego.

Residents of Great Britain still reluctant to learn foreign languages

Everyone (except for parts of eastern immigrants constitute a large percentage of immigrant population)

99% of the population

'United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland' translated into the languages used in the UK:

- English: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

- Welsh: Prydain Fawr Teyrnas Unedig a Gogledd Iwerddon

- Gaelic: An Rìoghachd Aonaichte the Breatainn Mhor agus Eirinn him Thuath

- Ireland: Riocht Aontaithe the Breataine Moire Thuaisceart Éireann agus

- Scots: Unitit Kinrick about Great Breetain an Northren Ireland

- Cornish: An Rywvaneth Unys Veur Vreten metro station and the Hag Iwerdhon Glédh.

Passports

Must be valid for at least 3 months in advance (not applicable to EU citizens who only have to confirm their nationality, identity card)

Visas

Needed for non-EU nationals for stays over 3 months.

Transportation of currency and goods

Currency can be freely bring only higher amounts must be documented, eg. bank statements. Travelers may bring in over 17rż and export from the UK:

- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250gr of tobacco

- 4 liters of wine

- 1 liter of strong liquor to above 22% or 2l of fortified wine (such as. porto, champagne)

- 16 liters of beer

- Other goods (gifts, souvenirs) not exceeding a value of £ 340th

The carriage of pets

Traveling with dogs or cats must take care of pet microchip identification and equipping it with a passport (should include some information about the rabies vaccination, the level of antibodies against rabies - such studies are valid six months, odrobaczeniu of ticks and tapeworms 24 to 48 hours prior to entry to the UK). These documents replace quarantine.

TICs (Tourist Information Centres) - travel agencies.

The main tourist information office in London:

Britain and London Visitor Centre (BLVC).

1 Lower Regent St, SW1 4XT

Tube: Piccadilly Circus

Tel: +44 (0) 8701 566 366 (08701 LONDON)

The headquarters of Amnesty International

1917-1925 New Inn Yard

The Human Rights Action Centre

London, EC2A 3EA UNITED KINGDOM

Phone: +44 20 7033 1500

Email: sct@amnesty.org.uk

Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Al. Roz 1, 00-556 Warsaw

tel: (0-22) 311 00 00;

fax: (0-22) 311 03 11

info@britishembassy.pl

Polish Embassy in London

47 Portland Place, London W1B 1JH

Tel: (00-44 207) 774 28 00, 774 27 02

Fax: (00-44 207) 323 40 18

E-mail: polishembassy@polishembassy.org.uk

www.londyn.polemb.net

There is no obligation meldunkowego.

Analogous to the entry into the country.

Some breeds of dogs may not be introduced into the Great Brytan ii

Medical care in the UK is free, but you must either register with the district clinic and choose the so-called. GP - general practitioner - family doctor, or physician to provide the European Health Insurance Card and identity card. Provision of National Health Service facilities - the NHS (National Health Service) covers family doctors (GP), GP (NHS Walk-in Centres) and NHS hospitals.

The referral is needed for specialist treatment and hospital care, but in emergencies can be reported immediately to the emergency department (Accident and Emergency Department).

NHS addresses can be obtained by calling NHS Direct - 08454647 (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk), and at the office 's. health care (in England the Primary Care Trusts in Wales - Local Health Boards in Scotland - Health Boards in Northern Ireland - Health and Social Services Boards).

Charges for services: prescription drugs are issued free of charge only to children and young people under the age of 16 to 18 students. years of age, pregnant women and persons over 60. years of age, others have to pay a flat fee for every prescription in the amount of 6.65 pounds.

Plumbing Transportation is paid entirely by the patient.

No right of reimbursement for use of facilities operating outside the NHS.

Traveling abroad is advisable to take out additional insurance to cover medical costs in a wider area, and the costs of medical care in private hospitals and clinics. It is advisable to take out personal insurance package, especially since accidents and medical expenses.

Europeans can obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). EHIC entitles only to the enjoyment of basic medical services, so it is recommended to take out additional insurance, especially since the accident.

NHS Direct: 0845 46 47 - this number can obtain information about the nearest hospitals

It is recommended to keep proof of payment and invoices in the event of a claim for reimbursement of medical expenses.

Travel to the UK tend to be smooth and free from hazards.

There is no sanitary-epidemiological risk.

Natural hazards are possible in winter storms and floods.

The threat is a crime, such as in other Western European countries, and victims of crime can seek compensation. Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is an institution set up to help victims of crime (information on the website: www.cica.gov.uk).

Despite the negligible probability to be aware of the threat of terrorist attacks that might aim at civilians and the place is often frequented by tourists.

999 or 112 - the police.

For Poles living in Britain who are victims of crime British police launched a special infoline: 02073218289 where you can leave the information in Polish about the event and a phone number or address.

As the United Kingdom is located on the main islands of "border crossing" is called. Eurotunnel (fr. Eurotunnel, ang. Channel Tunnel) - the tunnel under the Channel Tunnel with a length of about. 50 km, connecting the French Calais from Folkestone in the UK. And passenger car traffic through the tunnel is via shuttle trains.

The tunnel is composed of three tunnels (two operating and one emergency), each of which is 50km long and 40m are located beneath the Channel.

Trains, which runs shuttle between Folkestone and Calais, carrying cars and buses and their passengers. Drive at a speed of 160 km / h.

Airports in the UK (if not otherwise specified) meet high international standards and offer car hire, banks and bureaux de change, duty-free shops, restaurants and bars. British Isles are supported by both major airline companies and destination are poularną low cost airlines.

England Airports

Heathrow (LHR) is located 24km west of central London. It goes to the metro (45min drive to downtown), buses serving the airport run from London Paddington (the ride takes 15 minutes), there are also private airlines hotel. Taxi stand before each terminal.

Gatwick (LGW) is located 45km south of central London. Buses serving the airport 30 minutes drive from London Victoria. There are also private airlines and hotel taxis.

London City Airport (LCY) Located 10km from central London. Commutes special railway line, the nearest tube station is Canning Town. Local buses and taxis available at the terminal.

Stansted (STN) is located 48km northeast of central London. Buses serving the airport 45 minutes drive from London Liverpool Street. Local buses are available to surrounding towns. Taxis to central London are going ok. 1.5 hours.

Luton (LTN) is located 51km northeast of London. Commute to the airport trains and buses in London and other cities, taxis are also available.

Birmingham (BHX) is located 13km from the center. Situated on the railway line, coupled m.in. from London Euston (the ride takes 1h20min). Available local buses and taxis.

Manchester (MAN) is located 17km from the center. It is supported by train (train to Manchester Airport), which goes to the center 20minut by local buses and taxis (25min drive to downtown).

Newcastle (NCL) is located 10km from the center. The railway connects the airport with the surrounding Newcastle. The nearest train station is Newcastle Central, 11km from the airport, operated by Metro. Taxis to the center going from 15 to 20 minutes.

Scotland Airports

Edinburgh (EDI), located 12km west of the center. Powered by buses (including night) and taxis (about. 25 drive to center).

Glasgow (GLA) is located 14km from the center. Station Paisley's Gilmour Street railway station is located 3km from the airport can be easily reached by bus or taxi (5min drive). Buses run to the center and in other parts of the country. Get a taxi to the center in 20 minutes.

Aberdeen (ABZ) is located 11km from the center. Trains to Aberdeen and Inverness are at Dyce station, a little away from the airport. Buses and taxis run to the center (20min taxi ride away).

Inverness (INV) is the largest airport serving the Highlands (mountainous areas of Scotland). Located 14km from the center to which you should take the buses and taxis. At the airport there is ATM, a bar / restaurant and a bookshop.

Wales Airports

Cardiff International Airport (CWL) is located 19km from the center. The railway connects the airport with Cardiff Central station station. Buses and taxis (in front of the terminal building). Online car rental. At the Airport you will find restaurants, shops, currency exchange, Atma, playground for children.

Trains runs to the port of Dover, Newhaven, Portsmouth and Weymouth, where ferry to Belgium, France, Germany and Spain, and to Harwich, where ferries to Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia.

All the major bus lines offer connections to the UK (by the Channel Tunnel).

In the case of driving more people is probably the most economical car journey, but we must remember the inconvenience associated with left-sided movement in the UK, which can be problematic for the multi-prawostronnych drivers.

Water transport is operated by the major ports of Dover, Harwich, Holyhead and Portsmouth.

Driving a car better to fill up the store in France - in general there is a cheaper fuel.

Not counting the big international airports, which also operate domestic flights, there are several smaller airports (mainly in the north) that serve only domestic flights: Barra, Benbecula, Kirkwall (Orkney), Sumburgh (Shetland), Stornoway and Tiree.

Approximate times of domestic flights in the UK are:

from London to Aberdeen: 1h 30min; to Belfast: 1h 15min, 1h20min to Edinburgh, to Glasgow 1h 20min, 1h to Jersey, to Manchester 55min, 1h 10min to Newcastle.

The rail network is well developed in the UK. InterCity lines provide rapid communication between London and major cities, simply a dense network of lines covers the whole Island, including Wales and Scotland. It is worse in some agricultural areas, such as. on the north-west coast, in parts of eastern England, Northern Ireland, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Wales and inland parts of southern and northern Scotland), although in general the local train at a good level.

Trains are comfortable, but expensive means of transport than buses. To avoid the high cost of rail travel should pay attention to several issues, such as. or two single tickets (single ticket) will not be cheaper than round-trip ticket (return ticket), or not worth the long journey to divide into 2 or 3 episodes - from city to city - often leaves a lot cheaper, although this is contrary to logic. It should also pay attention to the hours of travel - tickets are always more expensive during peak hours, around 9 am and between 16 and 18

In England there is a large network of bus routes - the fare depends on the distance, but not less than 90 pence. Every major city has a bus terminal - in London it is a couch Victoria station, located about. 1km from the main train station, which handles connections to all over the country. Private groups / tours can also easily rent a bus.

In the UK there is a drive on the left, the distances are measured in miles (about. 1.6 km). Islands are covered with a dense network of roads and highways. Roads are divided into those connecting the largest cities in the UK ('A' roads) and roads in agricultural areas ('B' roads) which may prevent the fast ride.

Rules

Speed limit is 48km / h (30mph) in built up areas, 113km / h (70mph) on motorways and highways, and in other areas is 80km / h (50mph) and 97km / h (60mph). Do not use mobile phones are kept in their hands while driving. The minimum age for drivers is 17 years. The permissible blood alcohol level is 0.8 per mil.

Documents and the insurance

A green card is not obligatory, but still serves as proof of insurance in case of an accident makes it easier to obtain compensation, is also a good idea to take out insurance AutoCasco. In the UK, bought an insurance policy on the driver, not vehicle. You can possess a national driving license.

Car rental widely available in larger metropolitan areas.

London has a huge underground - the Underground (colloquially the 'tube') and urban Docklands Light Railway (DLR). The cities are well-developed network of bus. After a major river ferries sail.

Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and the city of South Yorkshire and Newcastle have suburban rail. Newcastle also has a metro. All cities offer taxi services.

IWT uses the waterways with a total length of 3200 km

Internet cafes are everywhere, especially in areas inhabited by Africans and Asians, most of the offers, even coffee and cake. 30min Internet Price ranges from less than one pound to 3 pounds. The fee to travel with your laptop computer, because most coffee is free WiFi. A lot of hostels is also wireless Internet access.

Stamps are available at both post offices (there are also machines with stamps) and in many stores. Post boxes are red. Priority Mail usually goes one day (except for certain areas of Scotland) and normal shipments of about two days.

Hours mail is: Mon-Fri 9.00-17.30 and Sat 9.00-12.30 though some are open much longer.

Buses are generally much cheaper than trains, only in Wales trains are cheaper.

On the taxi on the street waving or ordering by phone.

Insurance in the UK is on the driver, not the car. If you want to share a car to someone, that person must have taken out additional insurance.

Pound sterling (£ GBP) 1 pound = 100 pence.

Banknotes: £ 50, 20, 10 and the fifth

Coins: £ 2 and 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 pence.

Widespread use of credit / debit cards. Accepted American Express, MasterCard and Visa.

Money can choose from a large number of ATMs.

Traveler's checks are also widely accepted (not to be exposed to exchange charges, it is recommended to take no longer checks in pounds).

- Bread - £ 0.40 - £ 1.00

- Ham 450g - £ 2.00

- Butter - £ 0.60

- Eggs, 10 pieces - £ 0.70 - £ 1.20

- Mineral water 2l - £ 0.40 - £ 0.60

- Juice 1 liter - £ 0.50 - £ 1.30

- Coca-Cola 1L - £ 1.70

- Instant coffee 100g - £ 3.00

- Beer - £ 1.00

- Marlboro - £ 4.30

- Toothpaste - £ 1.00 - £ 2.00

- Postage - £ 0.50

- The first league football match - £ 10 - £ 40

- Room per night, £ 15 - £ 60

Shopping in the UK can do both in the exclusive boutiques of the world's most expensive designers, such as Petticoat Lane in London, after a small family-kiosks in villages.

Many stores umożowia buying the deduction of tax (tax-free shopping) for visitors from abroad - in the shop please complete the form at the time of purchase and receive a tax refund of customs officers at the border.

Opening hours of shops: in the larger cities, Mon-Fri 9.00-17.30. Most cities have one day, mostly on Thursday, "Late buying" when the shops open until 20, but may also have one day, when previously closed. Many stores also open on Sundays from 10 or 11 to 16 or 17. In London and other major cities may be open until 20.00.

- A real whiskey

- Flax from Northern Ireland

- Clothes (much cheaper than eg. in Eastern Europe), especially designer clothes

Travelers may bring in over 17rż and export from the UK:

- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250gr of tobacco

- 4 liters of wine

- 1 liter of strong liquor to above 22% or 2l of fortified wine (such as. porto, champagne)

- 16 liters of beer

- Other goods (gifts, souvenirs) not exceeding a value of £ 340th

Money can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices in some IWW many hotels. Some offices are open outside normal working hours of banks (banking hours), but then impose a percentage of the exchange. Most currencies can be exchanged.

Banking Hours - Mon-Fri 9:30-16:30 (may be different). Some are open on Saturday mornings, some whole Sunday.

There is a wide cross section of hotels, from cheap clothing companies' shops, the city hotels to luxury hotels, country houses. In the cities, especially London, are much more expensive hotels.

There are over 300 hostels in Britain, with different standards (and group are backpackers, and modern hostels and motels chosen by the group and family). Prices are reasonable hostel.

Scattered throughout the UK. Some odnajmują tents and campers for those without their own equipment. Most offers pdostawowe facilities, some have playgrounds, clubs, shops, telephone booths and sports facilities.

Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering - accommodation scattered throughout the country.

- Room per night - £ 15 - £ 60

- Rent a double room in London - £ 200 and more. Often a deposit is required per week or month in advance.

Prices in London is almost always prohibitive. The convenient transportation network can try to accommodate to the west of London.

In the hotels leave 10 to 12% tip for the service (sometimes included in the bill).

Historically, British cuisine means "simple dishes made from high quality local produced, mixed with simple sauces that describe the taste". Today's kitchen has little in common with her already, and popular in the UK alluvial dishes, such as the Anglo-Indian chicken tikka masala, okrzykiwane are "true national cuisine Great Britain"

Classic British (Welsh, Irish, Scottish - is the same), breakfast consists of: sausages, eggs (usually scrambled eggs: scrambled eggs), bacon, black pudding (black pudding), and sometimes mushrooms and potato pancakes (Hash Browns). Early in the afternoon to eat lunch and about 17 is the time of the famous Polish Tea, which means there tea - both tea and lunch. Lunch (dinner) is given in our dinner time

British cuisine does not enjoy great fame, but try the local cheese, and beef dishes with beer and ciderów (alcoholic beverages made from apples or pears).

- Fish and chips

- The Sunday roast

- Bangers and mash

- Cheshire cheese

- The Yorkshire pudding

- Arbroath Smokie

- Haggis

- The Ulster fry

- Irish Stew

- Welsh rarebit.

- Cullen skink (fish soup).

- Partan bree (crab with rice and cream).

- Porridge (traditional Scottish porridge)

- Trifle (three-layer dessert yoghurt, fruit and doughy)

- Marmite (sour, bitter lubricant resulting from the yeast as a byproduct of beer brewing)

- Scotch Whisky

- Welsh beer

- Irn Bru (carbonated soft drink)

- A real English tea

- Pimm's, a refreshing gin drink, usually mixed with lemonade, fruit and mint

In larger cities, we find (especially in Asian areas), bars, cafeterias, all-you-can-eat where you can eat for 5-8 pounds. In London and Manchester can be found in the heart of the Chinatown. Worth to see a network of cheap food.

10 to 15% of usual in restaurants if the service included in the account, you do not need to leave an additional tip.

The so-called. rush hour - break office workers (from about. 12 to 14) miejce rather hard to find in popular restaurants and bars in major cities.

Keep in the left fork and knife in his right hand.

In restaurants and pubs in the UK do not smoke

Most travelers begin tour of London, which is a fascinating place in itself and a good starting point in this diverse country.

Not far from the capital cities are located in Oxford and Cambridge university, characterized by an old, elegant architecture, and Windsor Castle, the residence of the queen.

Very well known is the 5000-year-old circle at Stonehenge - one of najsłynnieszych monuments of the world.

It is worth to explore Celtic spóściznę in Wales - in Celtica in Machynlleth

London:

- Houses of Parliament

- London Eye

- Tower of London

- Westminster Abbey

- St Paul's Cathedral.

- Hampton Court

- All we see from the London Eye - the great devil's mill on the Thames

Other places:

- Cardiff Castle

It should go on to present the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's hometown

British houses many beautiful coastal resorts such as Brighton and Bournemouth, and the port village in Cornwall. Ne beau, wild beaches can be found on the Pembrokeshire coast of Wales or Scotland wyspkach Skye, Shetland and Orkney.

Walkers have extremely long route to visit the Peak District, mountainous Lake District, Wales and Scotland, and trails off the coast of southern England.

In Northern Ireland, have to cross the underground tour to see the caves of Marble Arch Caves in Florencecourt

Note the special day free of charge of the museum.

A special celebration for Great Britain is 8 June - Queen's official birthday celebration.

Days off are commonly called "bank holidays" and in 2010 year will include:

1 / 01 New Year's Day.

2 / 04 Good Friday.

5 / 04 Easter Monday (except Scotland).

3 / 05 Early May Bank Holiday.

5.31 Spring Bank Holiday.

30/08 Summer Bank Holiday (except Scotland).

25/12 Christmas Day.

26/12 Boxing Day.

Alcohol can be used in people who have completed 18 years. Most clubs have entrance fee (usually more expensive after 23 or after midnight). Most pubs and bars close at 1923 Monday to Saturday and 22:30 on Sundays. Clubs usually open by 22, to fill the north and close to 2 or 3 am during the week, and about 5 am on weekends, and sometimes even later. Prices of drinks are very different depending on the location.

In England, the most famous events takes place, of course, in London, where a broad array of pubs, cafes and clubs in every style.

In Scotland in Edinburgh and Glasgow nightlife is very much alive, albeit in small towns and islands could disappear almost entirely.

In Northern Ireland, are popular events with live music and Irish dancing stepowanym.

Adapter to power - if not, can be purchased at airports and train stations - about the price. 10 pounds and electrical stores - about the price. 5 pounds.

It should always carry an umbrella.

Passing through the street look left - right - left!