Dining, drinking, tipping and more – advice from our local travel experts
Make your holiday in the United Kingdom even more pleasant by brushing up on the local etiquette and other practical travel tips below.
Water
It is perfectly safe to drink cold water from the tap across the UK. Save some money and be kind to the environment by using a refillable water bottle!
Accommodation
Check-in time at most accommodation is between 2–4 PM. If you will be arriving at your accommodation later than 6 PM, please call to let them know.
Likewise, if you would like to eat dinner at your accommodation, we recommend calling ahead, particularly if you’re staying in a rural area.
Tipping
The UK doesn’t have the same tipping culture as North America. Here, tipping isn’t compulsory, but it’s greatly appreciated when offered. At restaurants a 10% tip is standard or you can round up the bill in cafés or taxis.
In hotels tipping depends on the level of service, but it’s common to tip concierges for hiring a taxi, making dinner reservations, etc. As for porters, about £1 per bag is standard. And while not required, leaving a few pounds for the housekeeping is always nice.
If you go on a walking tour or join another kind of guided tour, leaving a small tip is also appreciated.
You’ll also notice that local VAT (20%) is included in all prices. This encompasses products and services, such as at shops, restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers, etc.
Food and snacks
Tesco and Sainsbury’s are among the UK’s most popular grocery chains. Stores are typically open from 9 AM–6 PM, though weekend and holiday hours vary. In cities you’re likely to find some supermarket branches open until 10 PM and even a few 24-hour shops.
Please note that in rural towns and villages in Scotland, and widely across England and Wales stores may close early, or be shut altogether, on Sundays.
Laundry
Most hotels offer some laundry or dry-cleaning services for a fee. You’ll also find launderettes and dry cleaners in all major cities.
Pubs & alcohol
British pubs are often social gathering places and are good for mingling with the locals. If the pub serves food and has a children’s licence, kids are welcome with their parents until 8 PM.
Pubs are usually open 11 AM–11 PM, or until midnight or 1 AM in major cities. Some bars and clubs (mostly in the cities) may stay open until 3 AM.
Aside from bars, restaurants and some hotels, alcohol can be bought at grocery stores and various specialty shops.
Please note that the legal age to drink and buy alcohol in the UK is 18, and in Scotland you can only buy alcohol in stores from 10 AM–10 PM.
Bear in mind that the drink driving laws in the UK are strict. If you’re planning on drinking alcohol while you’re out and about you’ll need to call a taxi to get to your next destination, use public transport, or walk.
Dining and nightlife
Restaurants in major towns and cities tend to be busiest between 11:30 AM–1:30 PM for lunch and 6–8 PM for dinner (these times can be a bit later on weekends).
Restaurants and coffee houses are usually open on Sundays in towns and cities, but in the countryside this may not be the case. Outside cities you will often find more limited opening hours.
In all of the UK, smoking is banned in all eating and drinking establishments.
Getting around in the cities
Public transport is well connected across the country. This includes the London Tube, buses, trams and trains.
Fares range depending on the city that you’re in, and it’s easy to buy tickets with card, contactless or cash payment. You can usually purchase single tickets, day passes or multi-day passes depending on your needs.
Taxis can be found at airports, train and bus stations as well as in major central locations. You can also book a taxi via companies such as Uber and Bolt in major cities and towns.
Cities in the UK are also very walkable, especially the historic centres, which you’ll want to get lost in anyway. Go for a stroll to discover charming cobbled streets, hidden cafés and local shops.
Contact our travel consultants if you want to know more about travelling in the United Kingdom.
