England tours discovery guide

• To enter England, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry. 
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps. 
• There’s no visa requirement for U.S. or Canadian citizens. 
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements. 
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements

• England operates on 230–240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins. 
• We recommend packing a universal plug adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or any device without one built in.

England’s currency is the pound sterling. If you choose to continue your travels to the Republic of Ireland, you will be using the euro.  

As a relatively small country, you can see a lot of England in just a few days. We recommend you spend at least 5 to 7 days on your trip to England so you can have time to explore its many historical sites, charming villages, and natural beauty.

Some of the unique experiences you can have on your tours to England include:

• Spend a night at the elegant Ashridge House. If you’re seeking the royal treatment, you won’t find yourself at a loss for places to visit in England, but this historic home of King Henry VIII and Princess Elizabeth I ranks among our favorites. When you join us on our new Highlights of Southern England: London, Bath & Oxford tour, you’ll spend a day exploring the regal Ashridge House and its sprawling, immaculate gardens.
• Visit a free museum. London is known for having some of the best free museums in the world. Use a free afternoon to explore the antiquities in the British Museum or peruse the artwork at the Tate Modern. London has more than 190 museums to choose from, and while many of them are free, some may feature special exhibitions that charge admission.
• Take a scenic drive through the Cotswolds. The English countryside features painterly scenes that are loved by artists and frequently immortalized on canvas and film.
• Glide through London’s skyline. The London Eye rises 450 feet above the River Thames—the world’s fourth-tallest observation wheel. Settle into an enclosed gondola for a 30-minute ride and view the city below. (In clear weather, the panorama stretches for 25 miles.)

Despite being farther north than much of North America, England has a temperate climate—which means tours of England are enjoyable most any time of year. But when is the best time to visit England? Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds at the most popular sites, making the off-season a perfect time to visit England. Winter, too, offers plenty of charm—despite the cold temps—with Christmas markets happening in London and around the country.

No matter what time of year you plan your trip to England, expect some rain—but don’t let it keep you from enjoying this beautiful destination! Just have your Wellies with you (that’s British for “rainboots”).

There are plenty of places to see in England, and because the country is relatively small it’s easy to do in one trip. On our escorted tours of England, you can choose to live like a local for a week on a London City Stay or see it all on a Grand Tour of Great Britain—or something in-between.

Here are just a few of the destinations you can explore on our tours of England:

• Westminster Abbey in London
• Liverpool, the home of the Beatles
• The historic city of York
• Bath, a UNESCO-listed city
• Stonehenge

But this is just the start! Our tours go to many of the best places to visit in England. One of our expert Tour Consultants can help you choose the escorted tour of England that’s perfect for you.

Traditional British cuisine has ancient roots—meat and game pies, vegetable stews, and hearty breads were on tables all the way back to the Middle Ages! Influences from former British colonies can also be found in local dishes; authentic Indian, African, and Asian food is especially popular in cities like London. But, no matter where you visit in England, you’ll find a local pub where you can stop for a pint and enjoy an iconic English dish like fish and chips.

On all of our England tour packages, you’ll enjoy meals that are authentic to the region and have free time to try new dishes on your own, too! Ask your Tour Director for recommendations—they’re experts who can guide you to the best of England’s culinary scene.

When packing for any of our tours of England, remember to be prepared for many different types of weather! At any time of year, expect occasional rain showers. Boots, an umbrella, and a rain jacket are good to have handy in every season. Layers are also always a good idea, as evenings in England tend to be cooler—even in summer—and the Brits tend to open a window rather than turn on the A/C, too.

Once you’ve reserved one of our England vacation packages, you’ll receive a detailed packing list for your specific trip. Plus, you can download the Go Ahead Tour Companion app so you’ll have everything you need to prepare right in your pocket.