Here are some of the most common mistakes visitors to the UK make when they land in Blighty, we're just here to make sure you don't repeat them, consider it a public service. 

  1. Only visiting London and assuming the rest of the UK is the same
    It isn't. It really isn't. London is a marvellous city, it has some beautiful buildings, loads of heritage and there is a reason why it is our capital. It's because its pretty cool, there's loads to do and loads of places to stay and so many sights. However... It isn't really anything like the rest of the UK... it is way more expensive than most of the UK's other cities for starters and many places in the UK are a lot more relaxed than London!

  2. Not bothering to visit Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
    Aren't you lucky that we're launching a whole site dedicated to Cardiff soon so you can find out everything you need to know about Wales' vibrant capital - the UK is made up of some wonderful countries other than just England - Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are beautiful and interesting places.
  3. Thinking they can do a Mary Poppins and just feed the birds willy-nilly
    Don't just don't. Pigeons cause massive problems for many shops and cafes in town centres, so... don't. Ducks in parks though, they're fair game, as long as you're not giving them bread because that is really bad for them. Also seagulls are scary, don't engage. 
  4. Assuming the weather will be good in summer.



    Be aware, the weather in Britain knows what it is that you want and will do the exact opposite.
  5. Thinking we all sound the same.
    In a move largely promoted by American movies, visitors to the UK assume that there is a British accent. There is not. It is either this or people assume that everyone in England either speaks like the Queen or like Danny Dyer. There are about one hundred different accents between those two, we recommend visiting lots of places in the country so you can hear the range of dialects. Geordie, Glaswegian and Bristol accents are always a joy for people to hear outside the UK. 
  6. Assuming we have Afternoon Tea every afternoon
    I mean yes, the Brits generally do drink a lot of tea and wherever you go, there is tea available, even in pubs! But that isn't the same as having an Afternoon Tea. If you're in Devon, an Afternoon Tea is a must at least once, but it is a bit much for every day, people in the UK will only have one as a special treat usually. Drink all the actual tea you want though. 

  7. Thinking everyone has a big breakfast
    Look, much like the Afternoon Tea thing, it is very unlikely that you'll find someone in Britian who has had a Full English Breakfast every morning. Do you have any idea how early we'd all have to get up to achieve that? Staying in a hotel or guesthouse is probably the only time we get to have a Full English and while, yes, you should have one, you don't have to have one every day. Most people just have toast. Or cereal. 
  8. Thinking that Midsummer Murders is an accurate portrayal of countrylife.
    There is a place in Somerset called Midsomer Norton, never ask the residents there if it is where they shoot Midsummer Murders. It isn't. They get very upset about it. Midsummer Murders is really nothing like life in most of the UK. This also goes for East Enders, which doesn't really show an accurate portrayal of the east end of London either. 
  9. Expecting everything to be quaint. 
    Tourists to the UK seem to think that everything is made up of thatched roofs, cobbled streets and pretty village greens. There are some places that look like that, don't get us wrong, but there are also a lot of grey, concrete high rises and cities, much like everywhere else in the world too. 


     
  10. Getting place names very wrong.
    Guys, if you can't pronounce Worcestershire, don't try. Also don't forget, Birmingham is more like Burminum and Edinburgh isn't Edinberg. We are aware this is something we should probably start doing when visiting outside the UK too... 

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