England, Wales & Channel Islands

Pomp and pageantry at Horse Guards Parade in London.

 

England is a country that prides itself on tradition, pomp and pageantry. The national anthem is ‘God Save the Queen’ and a royal presence permeates English society. The sovereign’s coat of arms appears everywhere – from government documents to boxes of biscuits – and the presence of the red Royal Mail bags raises the nation’s postal service to a level of gentility not usually associated with receiving monthly bills in the post.

In spite of its pivotal role, the British monarchy has been reduced over the centuries to a largely ceremonial institution, and the country’s age-old class system – based on inheritance of landed wealth – has been challenged in recent decades by a new breed of Briton whose status is based on merit. Yet, as industrialists and rock stars ascend the social ranks, purchasing country estates next door to earls and countesses, they are merely adding another layer of history to a country built upon a rich and remarkable past.

Map of England & Wales

 

England at a Glance

England occupies two-thirds of the island of Great Britain, which it shares with Scotland and Wales. The population of England is approximately 53 million, with London the capital. England is governed by a constitutional monarchy

England’s currency is the pound sterling (GBP) divided into 100 pence. Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on most goods sold in the UK; stores provide refund forms for foreign visitors. A 12.5% service charge is usually included in the bill at hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers should be tipped 10-15%. Britain’s country code is +44 when calling internationally.

Arriving by Air

The distance from Heathrow Airport to Central London is about 16 miles (26 km). The taxi fare from Heathrow to Central London is £45-£70. The one-way Heathrow Express train (15 minutes from Heathrow to Paddington Station) costs £21-£29 per person one-way and is the fastest link between Heathrow and London. However, if there are three or more people in your party, hiring a taxi might be more convenient. Also, unless your hotel is close to Paddington Station, you will likely still need to hire a taxi to get you and your luggage from the train station to your hotel. The regular Piccadilly Line train from Heathrow to Central London (a 50-60 minute trip) is the cheapest mode of transport (£10). It makes numerous stops but is a good option if your hotel is located close to one of the stops. For more detail on your options for getting from Heathrow to Central London, visit heathrowairport.com.

Map of Southampton

 

Gatwick Airport is located 33 miles (53 km) south of Central London. The express train from Gatwick to Central London’s Victoria Station departs every 15 minutes and is a half hour journey (cost is about £20 per person).

Map of Harwich

 

Coach transfers between London and the cruise ports can be arranged with your cruise line. However, if you prefer travelling independently there are regular rail connections between London and the cruise ports of Dover, Southampton, and Harwich. The train from London (Waterloo Station) to Southampton is 1.25 hours; from London (Victoria/London Bridge/Charing Cross Stations) to Dover is 1 hour and 40 minutes; and the trip from London (Liverpool Street Station) to Harwich is 1.5 hours. Visit BritRail.net for more information.

Car rental firms are located at the airports, and at Southampton and Dover cruise ports. For more information, visit Auto Europe (autoeurope.com; autoeurope.ca).

London

Greater London, with a population approaching 8 million, consists of the City of London (the historic and commercial core) and its surrounding boroughs (32 in total). The City of London is known simply as the City or the Square Mile because it is approximately one square mile in area.

 

Shore Excursions, London

If you’re ending your cruise in Southampton, Dover or Harwich, your cruise line likely will offer several shore excursions that can be combined with transfers to airports or into London if you are overnighting in the city. These excursions usually provide an overview of London, some with shopping in the West End and possibly an interior visit to Buckingham Palace. From Dover, the ship’s shore excursions will likely offer Dover Castle (or other nearby castles such as Leeds and Walmer), Canterbury Cathedral, the medieval town of Rye and a selection of tours to London. From Southampton tours are offered to Windsor, Stonehenge, Salisbury and Winchester as well as various London tours. From Harwich, numerous tours to London are also available, as are visits to the university town of Cambridge. Check your cruise line’s website for details on your specific itinerary.

 

Adjacent to ‘the City’ is the City of Westminster (a borough with city status), which is the seat of government containing the Houses of Parliament, Whitehall and Buckingham Palace. Westminster also encompasses most of the West End with its hotels, restaurants, shops, theatres and upscale residential areas.