United Kingdom - Prepare

Sunglasses and an umbrella (doubling as a parasol) are always worth packing, but most important is a smile, the best response to British eccentricity.

See the New Year in in fine style across Scotland on Hogmanay (31 Dec/1 Jan) and continue the toasting on Burns Night (Jan). Northern Ireland celebrates St Patrick's Day (Mar), while London gets floral at the Chelsea Flower Show (May). Rock your socks off at Glastonbury (Jun), or join fine Welsh voices at Llangollen Eisteddfod (Jul). Edinburgh goes festival crazy (Aug), while Blackpool Illuminations (Sep-Nov) light up the night sky. Naughty Guy Fawkes, who wanted to blow up Parliament, is reburnt every year on Bonfire Night (5 Nov).

New Year's Day (1 Jan), 2 Jan (Scotland only), St Patrick's Day (17 Mar: Northern Ireland only), Good Friday (Mar/Apr), Easter Monday (Mar/Apr: not Scotland), May Day, Spring Bank Holiday (May), Battle of the Boyne (12 July, Northern Ireland only), August Bank Holiday (first Monday: Scotland only; last Monday: not Scotland), Christmas Day, Boxing Day (26 Dec).

The British have a national guessing game about the weather – will it be sunny or not? When it is, especially in the crisp temperatures of November or February, it makes for invigorating walking. With the south-east generally drier and the west wetter, everywhere can suffer more than just ground frost in winter and snow can cause as much havoc with the transport system as the British psyche. Summer temperatures hit the early 30°C.

240 v AC, 50 Hz, three-square-pin plugs are standard.

+44 (national).

Pound sterling (£) is the currency.

Precisely (+1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Visit Britain website

The British have a reputation for being rather reserved, but once you get to know them – even in the cities – they are a friendly bunch, with a typically eccentric sense of humour. There are various terms of endearment across the country: "my lover" (Wiltshire), "me duck" (Midlands), "pet" or "hinny" (Geordies from Newcastle) and "hen" (Scotland, usually for women) are just some of them.