Years ago we had a referendum on whether the UK should leave the European Union. It was called Brexit – I have no idea why.
I have ‘friends’ who were very keen to leave the EU. For all of them, the main issue was immigration. As one said “there are too many bl*cks [here]”. We are not generally great fans of people from other nations, or people who even just look like they are from other nations.
The truth is that for most of the country foreigners are maybe tolerated. But that’s it. If you don’t speak English you will have a tough time. If you don’t look English you will have a tough time. The locals will look at you with derision and may even make comments about you out loud (but it’s not as bad as Poland).
It’s not true in the major cities, or big tourist areas. Come to Manchester, Birmingham or London and you will find people of all nations living, working and visiting. You will be treated as well and the same as anyone else. No-one cares. But the further north you go, the worse it gets.
One great game we enjoy is sitting (upstairs) on a bus listening to the people in front talking and trying to figure out their language.
Some of the larger stores do accept foreign currency, euros and dollars probably, but beware as the exchange rate will not be good. You may find shops with staff who speak other languages. You would normally expect a waiter in a Spanish restaurant to speak Spanish. If you don’t speak English, you will get by though no problem.
We hope you will have a good time, and come back.
The only exception may be those very loud and demanding Americans who still seem to exist.
There’s a funny song by Flanders and Swann about the UK weather. To some extent, it’s true.
The UK is a relatively small country. The north, especially Scotland has quite cold and snowy winters and pleasant summers. The west gets lots of rain, blown over from the Atlantic. The south west can be rather warm and sunny.
London is in the south east of the country. We do have some hot days in summer, maybe an occasional very hot day (which usually causes travel crises) but the days tend to be warm, dry and nice for walking. Summer can be hit with cold spells though.
Winters can be cold but are rarely bitter. London can go through a whole winter with no snow, and even in the coldest snowiest spells it is not bad (though it usually causes travel crises). It can be grey and dark, and many attractions can close for off season. If you go up tall buildings or rides, the view may be restricted.
Xmas does have street lighting and shop decorations, but they are often underwhelming. Theatres tend to close over the holiday, or have pantomimes, but the ones open usually have good availability.
The UK has a tradition for lots of rain, but it’s not that bad in London. There have been flooded roads on occasion, but this is unusual, as is thunder and fog. Sometimes there can be water rationing (oh, tap water is safe to drink).
Summer is a nice time to come, especially for boat trips and outdoor walking or park visits. Autumn is also good. If you are intending to have days out, eg to Brighton, summer is best. Coming out from a night at the theatre and it’s still daylight is a real treat.
On the whole, the extreme of weather are rare. The weather is ‘temperate’. Winter can be grey and a bit gloomy, summer very busy and expensive. Autumn or spring may be your best choice, especially as the kiddoes are still in school, not hanging around on the streets, and flights may be cheaper.
