When Canada gained independence from the United Kingdom, the legacies included afternoon tea and place names such as British Columbia, London (the city and the airport) and Calgary, but the countries that make up the kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – are distinct entities with their own cultures, traditions and histories.
England is a land of rolling green hills, the Lake District, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, London and Manchester, the royal family and the Pearly kings, strawberries and cream at Wimbledon and a late-night curry in Brick Lane.
Many Canadians claim Scottish descent. This is a country of towering peaks and lush glens, castles, tartan and whisky, the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and misty islands. Wales has many attractions – mountains, valleys, beaches, fortresses and one of Europe’s oldest living languages.
Finally, Northern Ireland has shaken off its troubled past to become a resurgent tourist destination boasting the Giants’ Causeway and lush Mourne Mountains, and the lively cities of Belfast and Londonderry.
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The UK has a temperate climate. The weather is generally mild, but it varies according to region. The west (Wales) gets more rain than the east (rain that hasn’t fallen on Ireland); Scotland and the north of England get the snow in wintertime; and the south east enjoys the lion’s share of the sun and mild, dry weather. The weather is changeable. Carry an umbrella.
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Peak Season
The UK is a year-round destination. Peak summer months are busiest, especially in London, and the major tourist centres. Summer (June to August) temperatures range between 14 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Shoulder Season
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) can be great times to visit. The tourist season is just gearing up (or gearing down) and the weather can be sunny and warm. May and September, in particular, can enjoy very good weather.
Off season
Winter months (December to early March) can be cold (average temperatures about 1-5 degrees Celsius), but in general, the further north you go, the colder the weather. This is the time to visit for winter sports. Scotland has five main areas for winter sports: Nevis Range, Glencoe, Glenshee, Cairngorm and the Lecht.
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Several airlines connect cities around the UK including BA, Ryanair, easyJet, bmi, bmibaby and Flybe. Air Southwest operates services to the south west of England. ScotAirways connects Scottish cities and Eastern Airways links the east of the UK with Scotland.
Train service is decent, if expensive. In London, the underground rail is punctual and comprehensive. Buy an Oyster card to get around more cheaply. Buying a ticket at the station is much more expensive than using the card - £1.50 for a zone 1 ticket as opposed to £4 at the station. There are trams in several cities including Manchester and Sheffield. Croydon has a Tramlink and Blackpool, the resort town in Lancashire, has the UK’s only remaining “traditional” tramway.
The National Express bus service is an economical way to get around the UK and it offers a very good service. London buses are fast and regular, linking up the capital day and night. There are good bus services in other cities around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Postbus is a nationwide service of more than 200 routes, mostly in remote areas.
Car-rental is easy. All the major companies are represented at airports and in cities around the UK.
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If a visa is not required, travellers should hold a return or onward ticket, or proof of funds for the duration of stay. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay in the UK. All nationals of non-European Economic Area member states travelling to the UK for more than six months require an Entry Clearance visa.
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Canadian nationals must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.
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