BRITAIN - Travel tips and information

BRITAIN: Exciting cities, historic places rich in heritage, stunning countryside and beautiful coastlines. There's a destination to suit everyone in Britain. Destinations and maps click here....

POPULATION: 61.4 million
MAIN AIRPORT: London Heathrow
CURRENCY: Pound Sterling 1GPB equivalent to 1.60 CAD
LANGUAGE: English, Welsh, Gaelic, Scots
MAIN TOWNS: London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast

COUNTRIES: Britain is full of contrasts; whichever direction you travel you will find a wide variety of landscapes and diverse cultures to explore. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are all unique countries with their own customs, cultures and tradition.
England is the largest country in Britain, and home to the largest city in Europe, 600 miles of beautiful coastline, and a population almost three times that of Australia. Guide ....
Scotland is everything you imagine - whiskey, golf, romance of the clans and a wealth of castles and historic sites. The Highlands area is one of the last wildernesses in Europe. Guide ....
Wales is different from other parts of Britain and just 2 hours from Heathrow Airport. With 400 castles, yet only one official motorway, you have to take things at a gentle pace. Guide....
Northern Ireland. Vibrant cities with shopping, nightlife and festivals, outdoor activities, fabulous food and unspoiled retreats where you can unwind, relax and recharge. Guide.....

HISTORY:
Great Britain was the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century and played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its peak, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two World Wars. The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding member of NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy. Click to read more....

GETTING THERE:
There are many flight options from the major cities across Canada to the main airports in Britain. Air Canada, British Airways and Air Transat all offer direct flights into London's main airports as well as other locations in Britain. May to October is high season so if considering a trip during these months it is advisable to plan early.

CAR RENTALS
Hiring a car is a great way to travel around Britain at your own pace. You can use one for your whole visit or for a short part of it. You'll need to have a full, valid licence issued in your country of residence and held for at least a year (some companies ask for 2 years). If your licence is not issued by an EC/ECA country, an International Driver's Permit may be required. Check out the information on driving regulations........

SPECIAL EVENTS 2011 AND THINGS TO DO:
The Royal Wedding - On April 29th Prince William will marry Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey, London. The day has been declared a public holiday.
London Theatre - This year promises a number of big shows. Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz at The London Palladium. A much anticipated musical version of the 1990 film Ghost, at the Piccadilly Theatre, directed by Matthew Warchus .
London theatre guide click here....
The Stage - The Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon. For a schedule of what's playing click here....

GETTING AROUND:
Travelling by rail - Britain's rail network is modern and efficient. It covers all the main cities as well as smaller regional towns. The network is made up of a few large companies, which run routes from London to stations all over Britain, and smaller companies running routes in regional areas. You can buy a train ticket for any departure point to any destination on the National Rail network at any train station. National Rail schedules and fares.....
Rail Passes - If you're going to make lots of train journeys, there are a number of Britrail passes available to help you get the best value. Click here....
Fast trains to airports - The Heathrow Express train is the fastest way to get into central London from London Heathrow airport. Trains depart every 15 minutes and take just 15 minutes to reach London Paddington train and underground station. Click here.....
The Gatwick Express train is the fastest way to get into central London from Gatwick Airport. Trains depart every 15 minutes and take just 30 minutes to reach London Victoria train, bus and underground station. Click here....
London Travel Card - unlimited 1 or 7 day travel passes for London's underground, buses and trains. Click here for info....

SIGHTSEEING:
London Sightseeing Pass - Free entry to over 50 top London attractions. Save up to £500 on entrance fees. Click here for info....
Great British Heritage Pass - Free entry to over 580 castles, gardens and stately homes.
Click here for info
Attractions in England - click here....
Attractions in London - click here....
Attractions in Scotland - click here....
Attractions in Whales - click here....
Family day out: Castles offer great family days out, with events, exhibitions and activities available in wonderful surroundings for the whole family to enjoy. For the TOP 10 family days out at Britains castles click here....

TRAVELLERS TIPS:
Free Mobile Guides - You can now get loads of top website information including destinations guides, maps, attractions, events and accommodation listings live and completely free to your mobile phone. Bye bye guidebooks! Free guides to your mobile....
Tourist Guides - Blue Badge Guides are registered, professional tourist guides who are passionate about British history, art, literature, and traditions, and know how to bring them to life. Tourist guides ......

GREAT BRITAIN'S WORLD HERITAGE SITES
There are a number of sites in Britain recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites : Hadrian's Wall, Westminster Abbey, Giant's Causeway, Bath, and Canterbury Cathedral to name a few. These sites range from natural beauties like the Dorset and East Devon coast to cultural riches such as The Tower of London and Stonehenge. To view a list of these sites click here.....

COACH TOURS Sit back relax and watch the British countryside roll out before your eyes on an escorted coach tour. Traveling in luxury motor-coaches and with the expertise of a professional guide you will travel further and learn more than when traveling independently. An escorted coach tour has one all-inclusive price, and there are many tour companies offering a range of itineraries taking you to all corners of England, Scotland and Wales.
Insight Vacations offers a variety of tours from as few as 4 days up to 22 days with their most popular tours filling quickly. When booking early you save: pay in full 10 months prior to departure and save 7.5%, pay in full 6 months prior and save 5%. Single travellers savings with Insights match program, they will match you with someone of the same gender so you don't have to pay the single supplement. Click here for Insights Britain & Ireland tour info....
Globus, Cosmos, Monograms provide a variety of vacations that address the needs of today's diverse travelers. Whether its fully escorted, premium or independent.
Globus offers luxury escorted coach tours of Britain and Ireland. Globus tour info ....
Cosmos offers affordable escorted coach tours of Britain and Ireland. Cosmos tour info ....
Monograms combines freedom and helpful assistance so you get more fun and less hassle with your vacation. Book on select 2011 Europe Vacations and save $200. Monograms tour info ....
Trafalgar offers a variety of travel experiences: first class escorted coach tours, CostSaver tours, At Leisure and Family Experiences. Trafalgar tour info....
Collette offersa variety of travel styles: educational, small group and family tours. For tours click on the following Educational, Family vacations, Scotland, Wales

Contact Womens Travel Network if you require assistance with planning your trip to Britain.
P: 905-771-8338 or toll free 1-888-419-0118
Email: info@womenstravelnetwork.ca