Great Britain
Between British humor, rugged coastlines, and royal splendor: your guide to Great Britain.
Our Guide to Great Britain
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Flair
Traditional, green, and wonderfully idiosyncratic.
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Best time to visit
May through September — usually the driest months.
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Trip length
One to two weeks covers London plus one region (e.g., Cornwall).
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Currency
British pound — and it's seriously cashless, so card is king.
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Tipping
A 10–12.5% "service charge" is often already added to the bill — check before you tip extra.
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Getting around
Trains work great between cities; rent a car for the countryside — just remember to drive on the left!
Orientation
What exactly is Great Britain?
Great Britain sits in the northwest of Europe and is made up of four parts: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. And yes — Great Britain is not the same as England. Worth remembering before you arrive.
The capital is London, which is also the largest city in all of Great Britain.
Surrounded by the Atlantic, Great Britain shares a land border with only one country — Ireland to the southwest. Unlike Northern Ireland, Ireland is an independent country and not part of Great Britain.
Each of the four regions has its own distinct character: stunning landscapes, fascinating cities, and plenty of highlights that are absolutely worth your time.
Below, we’ll show you what makes each region special — and the three attractions we’d personally recommend not missing in each one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency is used in Great Britain?
In Great Britain, you pay with the British pound. For one euro, you get approximately 0.86 pounds.
In Scotland, you’ll also come across the Scottish pound. The exchange rate is exactly the same, and you can pay with the regular British pound anywhere in Scotland too. The reverse isn’t true, though — Scottish pounds won’t be accepted in England or Wales.
One practical tip: exchanging money once you’re in Great Britain usually gets you a better rate than exchanging before you leave.
Is Great Britain expensive?
Is Great Britain dangerous?
Generally speaking, Great Britain is very safe to travel.
The main thing to watch out for is pickpockets at busy tourist spots — London especially. Keep an eye on your valuables in crowded areas and you’ll be absolutely fine.
How much time do you need for Great Britain?
For a city break to London, Edinburgh, or Belfast, a long weekend is plenty.
If you want to explore Britain’s stunning countryside — a road trip through the Scottish Highlands, for example — plan for at least a week.
What language do they speak in Great Britain?
The official language is English, of course. But be prepared — the different regions have their own strong (and sometimes seriously tricky) dialects. A thick Scottish or Welsh accent can take a little getting used to, even for native English speakers.
Are England and Great Britain the same thing?
No — England is just one of four countries that make up Great Britain. The others are Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
