United Kingdom
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Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of British landscapes, architecture and culture, which offer a rich diversity and unparalleled beauty. From rolling green hills and historic castles to vibrant cities such as London and Edinburgh, the UK offers a wealth of photo opportunities to delight any photography enthusiast.

London

Capital city

67.961.439

Population

English

Language

243.610 km²

Surface area

From the Premier League to the royal family

Photo spots in the UK

Welcome to the land of royals and historic castles – the United Kingdom, where photo spots invite you on a journey through the many facets of culture, history and breathtaking landscapes. From the green hills and historic castles to the vibrant city life of London and Edinburgh and the charming villages of the Cotswolds, the UK’s architecture and nature reflect a fascinating diversity that will inspire any photographer.

Explore the impressive coastal landscapes of Cornwall, the majestic Highlands of Scotland and the idyllic lakes of the Lake District. The United Kingdom is a country full of contrasts, characterized by its rich history and cultural diversity, which enchants its visitors with every photo spot. From the small hidden gems to the vibrant metropolitan cities, the United Kingdom offers a seemingly endless range of photo opportunities waiting to be discovered. Get ready to be captured by the beauty of this country and start your photo journey through the United Kingdom.

Good to know

Here you will find important information for your visit to the United Kingdom or for your trip through this fascinating country in Europe. We’ll give you everything you need to get the most out of your stay in the UK. Let’s go on a journey of discovery together and experience the best photo spots with Fotogoals.

Regions

The United Kingdom consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These countries are further divided into regions and counties, each offering their own unique sights and cultural highlights. From the green hills and historic castles to the vibrant cities such as London and Edinburgh and the charming villages in the Cotswolds, the United Kingdom offers a rich diversity to explore.

Currency

The official currency in the United Kingdom is the British pound (£), which is accepted as a means of payment throughout the country. The country’s largest banks include HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds Bank and NatWest. ATMs can be found in banks as well as in many public places such as shopping centers, train stations and airports, making access to cash convenient and easy.

Mobile radio

The United Kingdom has the country code +44 and the leading mobile operators are EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three. Other providers (e.g. supermarket chains) offer tariffs. Tesco Mobile, for example) use one of the networks of the major providers. The mobile network is generally well developed and offers extensive network coverage, even in rural areas. In general, 4G LTE is readily available. 5G is largely available in urban areas.

Grocery

In the UK, most supermarkets and discount stores are open from Monday to Saturday from around 7 or 8am until 10 or 11pm. Many supermarkets are also open on Sundays, but with limited opening hours. Some of the most popular retailers include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi and Lidl. They offer a wide selection of food and other products at affordable prices.

Transportation

There are a variety of transportation options in the United Kingdom. National Rail offers an extensive train network for national and international travel. Cities have public transportation such as subways, streetcars and buses. National Express and Megabus offer inexpensive long-distance bus connections. There are also ride-sharing services such as Uber, traditional cabs and car rental companies such as Europcar and Sixt that offer flexible transportation options.

Restaurant

The UK has a diverse restaurant scene that caters for all tastes and budgets. As well as traditional restaurants serving British cuisine, there are also a number of international chains and pubs offering a wide range of dishes, from fish and chips to shepherd's pie. Prices for main meals average between 10 and 25 pounds. It is customary to tip around 10-15%.

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United Kingdom - FAQ: Travel

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about traveling to the United Kingdom

If you want to visit the UK, the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences and the activities you are planning. Summer (June to August) offers warm weather and is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Autumn (September to November) offers mild weather and colorful autumn landscapes, which is perfect for hiking and visiting national parks. Winter (December to February) is ideal for visiting Christmas markets and cozy pub evenings. In spring (March to May), nature awakens and the cities blossom, which is perfect for walks and sightseeing tours. When planning your trip, consider your personal preferences and interests to find the best time to visit the UK.

If you wish to enter the UK, the need for a visa depends on your nationality, the purpose of your stay and the intended duration. Nationals of many countries do not need a visa for short-term stays of up to 6 months for tourism or business purposes. However, a visa may be required for longer stays or other purposes. It is important to check the current entry requirements and apply for a visa in good time if necessary.

If you are planning a vacation trip to the UK, the choice of airport depends on your destination and personal preferences. Most international flights land at major airports such as London-Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN) or Edinburgh (EDI). London-Heathrow is the largest and busiest airport and offers a wide range of connections. All airports are well connected to the public transport network. If you have a specific destination in mind in the UK, it may make sense to choose the nearest regional airport. Find out about the various options in advance and choose the airport that best suits your travel plans.

If you are traveling to the United Kingdom, no special vaccinations are usually required. However, it is recommended that you keep your standard vaccinations up to date according to your home country's vaccination calendar. If you are traveling from countries with yellow fever infection areas, you may need to provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination. It is advisable to find out about current health and entry regulations before you travel and to seek medical advice if necessary.

United Kingdom - FAQ: Daily life

Get the answers to the most frequently asked questions about daily life in the UK here

In the UK, the voltage is 230 volts and the frequency is 50 hertz. The sockets correspond to the British type G. If you come from a country that uses other plug types, you may need an adapter to connect your electronic devices. These adapters are available in most electronics stores, airports and hotels. It is recommended that you check whether you need an adapter before your trip to ensure that your electronic devices can be used without any problems.

Yes, tap water in the UK is generally of high quality and can be drunk without hesitation. Most cities and municipalities have strict water treatment regulations to ensure that drinking water meets legal standards. It is therefore not necessary to buy bottled water unless you prefer certain flavors or carbonation. Drinking tap water is not only environmentally friendly, but also saves you money during your stay in the UK.

Payment by card, especially by credit card, is widespread in the United Kingdom. In larger stores, restaurants and bars in cities or tourist regions, payment by credit card is generally accepted. However, some smaller stores or rural areas may only accept cash. It is therefore advisable to find out in advance whether payment with your credit card is possible.

American Express credit cards can sometimes cause problems as they are not accepted everywhere. Visa and Mastercard, on the other hand, work almost everywhere. All cards are usually accepted in supermarkets, as are Apple Pay and Google Pay. It is always a good idea to have both cash and a credit card with you to be prepared for all eventualities.

In the UK, you can buy alcohol in supermarkets, discount stores, petrol stations and kiosks. You can get a standard selection of alcoholic drinks almost everywhere, while a larger selection is usually only available in specialty drinks markets or in large supermarkets. The sale of alcohol is generally not limited in time, but it is advisable to find out about local regulations. The minimum age for the purchase of alcohol is 18 years.

In the UK, you can buy cigarettes and tobacco in supermarkets, kiosks, petrol stations and specialty tobacco stores. These products are usually kept behind the counter and must be requested from the staff. It is important to note that the sale of tobacco products is regulated and the minimum age for buying tobacco is 18. A pack of cigarettes costs around 10-12 pounds on average.

In the UK, you can buy drugstore and toiletry products from supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury's, as well as specialist drugstores such as Boots and Superdrug. These stores offer a wide range of products, including body care, cosmetics, household cleaners and baby care. Drugstore items are also available in pharmacies, which are widespread in most towns and communities.

Left-hand traffic prevails in the United Kingdom. The speed limits vary depending on the type of road: in urban areas the limit is usually 30 mph (48 km/h), on country roads 60 mph (96 km/h) and on freeways 70 mph (112 km/h). Seat belts must be worn by all vehicle occupants. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08%. The use of cell phones without hands-free equipment while driving is prohibited. It is important to obey traffic signs and traffic lights and to give priority to pedestrians at crosswalks.

When visiting the UK, there are a few important things to consider to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay:

  • Dress: The UK has a relaxed dress code, but it is advisable to dress appropriately in urban areas and for formal occasions. Conservative clothing should be worn in religious sites.

  • Traffic: Left-hand traffic prevails in the United Kingdom. It is important to follow the traffic rules and drive carefully. Pedestrians should be particularly careful when crossing the road.

  • Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, restaurants, bars and many public places. There are designated smoking areas which should be used.

  • Alcohol: The consumption of alcohol is permitted in the United Kingdom from the age of 18. However, it is forbidden to drink alcohol in public, except in designated areas such as licensed bars and restaurants.

  • Emergency number: The emergency number in the United Kingdom is 999. This number can be used for the police, fire department and ambulance.

  • Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory in the UK, but is appreciated in restaurants and for good service. Usually about 10-15% of the invoice amount is given.

United Kingdom - FAQ: Photo

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about photography in the UK

In the UK there are some important rules and regulations regarding photography:

  • Respect privacy: Do not photograph people without their express permission, especially in private or sensitive situations.
  • Military and government buildings: Photography of military facilities and government buildings is often restricted or prohibited.
  • Religious sites: Special care should be taken when taking photographs in churches and cathedrals. Find out in advance whether photography is permitted.
  • Commercial photography: Permission is required for commercial photography. Find out about the necessary permits in advance.