Britain is just under 1,000 km long from the south coast of England to the extreme north of Scotland, and covers an area of about 242,000 sq km.

Population
Britain's population in mid 1996 was 58.8 million, the 18th largest in the world. It has increased by over 2.4 million since 1981, and has aged overall as life expectancy has increased. Of the four lands, England has the highest population density and Scotland the lowest. Britain is one of the 15 member states of the European Union (EU), and has close ties with many countries elsewhere, notably the other 53 nations of the Commonwealth.

Britain is predominantly Christian, but most of the world's religions are represented in the country. Muslims are the second largest group, and there are also substantial Hindu, Jewish and Sikh communities.

Climate
The climate is generally mild and temperate. The weather changes frequently, but there are few extremes of temperature (temperatures rarely exceed 32°C or fall below -10°C). Rainfall is fairly well distributed throughout the year, although the east of the country is drier than the west and north.

Click here for up to date travel packages for the UK

Click here for UK specials

Sterling currency, money orders and traveller's cheques can be obtained through the foreign exchange department of most large banks or through foreign exchange companies, which may also offer sterling cheque-cashing services. You can organise your travellers cheques or cash online, before you leave New Zealand through Travel Money. Click here for details.

The most common currency in Europe is now the Euro which was introduced in January 2002. The Euro has been introduced in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. There are eight denominations coins - 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cent and 1 and 2 Euro.

Euro FAQ - Click here

VAT (Value Added Tax)
VAT is a 17.5 percent tax which is applied on goods and services like our GST.  Value Added Tax is usually included in the price of an item.

Cash Tips
Load your visa card from home with money or enough cash to help tide you over until the account is activated.

Ask for SWITCH access on your ATM card - this allows you to use it as a debit card to pay for many goods and services.

It takes between three to seven working days to clear cheques.

Britain's largest banks include Barclays, National Westminster, HSBC, Lloyds and Bank of Scotland. Some building societies offer full banking services.

You may not get an overdraft on your account until you build up a credit history in the UK.

Cash Advice
Visa cards are useful when travelling but be very careful. Depending on your credit history in the UK, you may qualify for credit cards - but think carefully about accepting one. The bottom line is this: paying off a credit card in pounds can be crippling especially if you return home owing money.

Opening A Bank Account In The United Kingdom
It is  recommended to open a UK bank account before you leave New Zealand. Some banks have reciprocal arrangements with UK banks to allow you to do this, although you'll need a healthy deposit.

If you arrive in Britain without a bank account make sure you have a letter from your bank at home, stating how long you have banked with them, what accounts you operated and a credit rating. This will help move things along. You have to visit the bank in person to set up the account, but choose its location carefully. It will become your base branch, the only one able to handle certain transactions. You'll need two forms of ID to establish the account - e.g.; a passport and a drivers' licence - and proof of your address in the UK. Proof of address can be a letter or a bill posted to you, but it must be typed.

Working Holiday Visa

Other important conditions to note are:
1. The WHMs visa is valid for 2 years from the date of entry.
2. Individuals will not be permitted a second WHM visa.
3. You must be a commonwealth citizen.
4. Have means to pay for onward or return journey

Permanent Work Permit
If an employer in the UK wants to employ you and you do not have a permanent visa, they may offer to sponsor you.  The employer must apply to Work Permits (UK) for you, but they must advertise the job in a national publication before hand.  They must prove that no European Union resident can fill the position and you are the only suitable candidate. It may be easier to obtain a work permit if you work in a skills shortage occupation such as nursing or teaching. Work permits may be granted for up to 5 years.

Ancestry
Another option is to apply for a UK Grandparent Entry Certificate, commonly known as an Ancestry visa, which gives you permission to live and work in Britain for up to four years. There are no age restrictions. As the name implies, it is dependent on whether you can establish descent from a grandparent born in the UK. If you have a parent who was born in Britain, you may be eligible for a British Passport, which means that you can live and work in Britain without any restrictions. To obtain more information on Working Holiday Entry Certificates, UK Grandparent Entry or British Passports, you will need to contact the British High Commission in Wellington.

New Zealanders on Holiday
New Zealanders travelling to Britain on holiday just need a valid passport to establish identity and nationality. You can stay in Britain as a visitor for up to 6 months without a visa, however, you are not allowed to work under the terms of entry into Britain. If you wish to stay for longer than six months, as of 5th November 2003, you must obtain a UK Residence permit before you depart New Zealand.

Driving Licences
If you hold a valid New Zealand driving licence or International Driving Permit, you are permitted to drive in the UK for a period of 12 months. You then must obtain a British Licence before the 12 months elapses.

A facility exists whereby New Zealand licences can be exchanged for British licences for up to 5 years from date of entry into Great Britain. You cannot hold a driver's licence in two countries, so your New Zealand Licence will be destroyed once you have obtained you UK one.  When you return to NZ, you can drive on your UK licence for one year after which you have to re-apply for a NZ licence.

Car Hire / Leasing
Generally it is cheaper to pre-arrange your initial car hire or special lease vehicle, before you leave New Zealand.   For more details click here.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
Few major capitals can rival London's range of world class museums and galleries. Most of these charge no admission, and should feature on any visitor's itinerary.

• The British Museum is quite simply a historical treasure house that shouldn't be missed. Free at all times (except for special exhibitions), the British Museum is still much to absorb in one visit. Highlights include the Elgin Marbles, the Great Court, Reading Room, and massive collections of antiquities from civilisations around the world. 

Tube: Holborn or Russell Square
• The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square possesses one of the world's finest collections of medieval and Renaissance art - a 'must see'. Canaletto, Rembrandt, Holbein, and Gainsborough are all represented. Admission is free.

Tube: Leicester Square
• The Imperial War Museum is by far the most impressive war history museum in London. Housed in the once-infamous 'Bedlam' lunatic asylum in Lambeth, the IWM has made a conscious effort to make the museum much more than a specialist house for those interested in militaria, focusing as much on the human experience and tragedy of conflict. Wide-ranging exhibits include reconstructed World War One trenches, a harrowing Holocaust Exhibition, and (of course) some impressive planes, tanks and other survivors of Britain's military history.

Tube: Lambeth North or Elephant & Castle
• The Natural History Museum is one of South Kensington's vast edifices to Victorian science and discovery, but thankfully the museum directors have adopted a mixture of 21st century and traditional methods to display its great treasures of the natural world. Straddling the need to provide interesting exhibits - such as the animatronic dinosaurs and pyrotechnics of the Earth Galleries - and to be a place of scientific and academic endeavour, the Natural History Museum does a commendable job.

Tube: South Kensington
• Museum of London. Don't let the ugly modern exterior of this museum  put you off. It is now free, and this - coupled with the vast and interesting collection, makes it an ideal venue for repeat visits. Focusing on the history of the city - Roman, Viking, Medieval, Victorian, and 20th century - the Museum of London also has regular special exhibits. The new World City Galleries tell the fascinating story of London between 1789 and 1914, when the capital was the most important city in the world.

Tube: St. Paul's 

• The Tate Modern (now spectacularly housed in the Bankside Powerstation) houses a vast collection of twentieth century art, and is the largest modern art gallery in the world. Warhol, Hirst, and Dali jostle for space with more 'challenging' works that visitors will either love or hate.

Tube: Southwark or Blackfriars
• The Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington is a treasure house that is hard to define - galleries include artwork, curiosities, dresses, Indian and Oriental art, slightly bizarre plaster casts of famous statues and monuments, sculpture, and objects d'art. With seven miles of corridors, this is one museum where it is simply Impossible to fully appreciate the collection in one visit. The new British Galleries are stunning. 

Tube: South Kensington
• The Science Museum is the place to go if you want to know, see, and do things which relate to space travel, time, computing, chemistry, telecommunications, transport, and photography. Seven floors of exhibits.

Tube: South Kensington

London markets have come and gone, but the best have survived because they're different, fun, and can offer great value for money.  A London market experience is a must for any visitor.

Some of the Best:
Portobello Road Markets are predominantly focused on antiques, collectables, and bric-a-brac, and becomes one of London's most popular Saturday destinations. Notting Hill tube.
The Camden Markets are some of Europe's busiest, drawing a mainly young crowd to the craft and fashion stalls leading along Camden High Road to Camden Lock. Camden tube.
Columbia Road is London's premier market for flowers and plants. Sundays 8am-1pm. Bus 126 from Liverpool Street Tube or a walk from Aldgate East.
Greenwich Markets (Thurs to Sun) offer handmade goods, clothes, and bric-a-brac with a predominantly maritime theme. Greenwich Tube or BR, Cutty Sark DLR.
Camden Passage is one of London's lesser-known antique and collectable markets, thankfully off the tourist trail. Well worth a visit on a Saturday morning, with nearby Upper Street being one of London's more interesting suburban shopping streets. Angel tube.

January

• 01 December 2003 - 28 January 2004: Chicago at Adelphi Theatre
  The world reknown stage show.
• 01 January 2004: The New Year's Day Parade London from Parliament Square SW1, to Berkeley Street W1
  American-style extravaganza of 10,000 musicians, dancers, acrobats, cheerleaders, clowns and floats twirl, march and drum their way from Parliament Square finishing in Berkeley Street. The biggest parade of its kind in the world.
• 08 - 18 January 2004: London International Boat Show at ExCel Exhibition Centre
  One of London's most popular exhibitions. There are more than 600 exhibitors from around the world displaying all the best in boats, equipment and holidays.
• 09 January - 01 February 2004: Cirque du Soleil: Dralion at Royal Albert Hall
  Dralion is the fusion of ancient Chinese circus tradition and the avant-garde approach of Cirque du Soleil. Dralion is a dynamic performance that transcends the boundaries of the imagination.
• 16 - 18 January 2004: The Chocolate Show at Olympia
  London's first ever show dedicated to chocoholics. Includes stalls showcasing international chocolatiers, producers and suppliers, chefs demonstrating recipes, tastings and talks.
• 16 - 18 January 2004: Daily Telegraph Adventure Travel and Sports Show at Olympia 2
  Exhibition created for people who love outdoor adventure. From whitewater rafting to diving, trekking to overland travel. It will also offer advice on safety, insurance, the latest equipment for travellers and talks by famous adventurers.
• 23 - 25 January 2004: Country Homes and Gardens Show at Alexandra Palace and Park
  Inspiration for you, your home and garden. Plus cookery theatre, interior design and gardening roadshow.

February

• 19 - 22 February 2004: London Fashion Week at Duke of York's Headquarters
  British designer clothing at industry prices, makeovers from industry experts and experts revealing tips on what to look for in the seasons to come.
• 01 December 2003 - 01 February 2004: Royal Treasures at Queen's Gallery Buckingham Palace
  Exhibition reflecting the personal tastes of monarchs and members of the royal family over five centuries. Drawn from eight royal residences, highlights include the Diamond Diadem made for George IV's Coronation in 1821, and the jewellery the Queen wore at her own Coronation in 1953.
• 01 December 2003 - 18 April 2004: Hats and Handbags at Kensington Palace State Apartments
  A unique exhibition of royal accessories, including hats and handbags from the collection of The Queen.

March

• 02 - 07 March 2004: Fine Art and Antiques Fair at Olympia Exhibition Centre
  Come to Olympia and buy from over 180 international dealers selling fine art and antiques at the largest indoor vetted fair in the UK.
• 06 March 2004: Frock Me! at Chelsea Town Hall
  A new fashion event for central London. Vintage costume, period fashion, modern design, hats, fans, gloves, shoes, jewellery and accessories.
• 09 - 10 March 2004: RHS London Flower Show at Royal Horticultural Society's Halls
  Spring is in the air. Celebrate with the early daffodil competition and experience a feast of inspiration to bring your garden to life.
• 17 - 19 March 2004: London Drinker Beer and Cider Festival at Camden Centre
  Festival of traditionally-brewed British beers, English cider and perry. Live music by tuxedo clad jazz band.
• 17 - 21 March 2004: Country Living Spring Fair at the Business Design Centre
  See what Britain's wealth of independent artisans, designers and craftspeople have to offer. With interiors and gardens, outdoor living, crafts, food and drink, demonstrations and advice, the Spring Fair is the perfect antidote to chain store shopping.
• 20 March 2004: Head of the River Race on the River Thames
  Processional race for 420 eights, starting at 10-second intervals over the championship course, from Mortlake to Putney. The best view is from the Surrey Bank above Chiswick Bridge or from Hammersmith Bridge. The race actually starts at 1530, and finishes at 1715, but there will be activity by the river from very early on.
• 21 March 2004: Antiques Fair at the Royal Horticultural Hall Lindley Hall
  The Antiques Fair has been a focal point for antique dealers and collectors from around the world since 1971. With exhibitors from all over the country gathering to sell all manner of antiques from precious jewellery to inexpensive painted furniture, dealers from all over the world come to buy the unusual and the unexpected.
• 24 March 2004: Help the Aged Living Legends in Association with BT at The Dorchester
  A glittering award ceremony that publicly recognises the outstanding achievements made by, and for older people. The awards will be presented by a host of celebrities. Last years Hall of Fame winner was June Whitfield.

• 04 April 2004: Palm Sunday Services at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church
  Holy Communion at 0800; at 0945 meet outside British Council steps in The Mall with choir for procession, led by donkey, with palms to St Martin's; Sung Eucharist with reading of Passion Gospel at 1000; Visitors to London Service at 1200; Chinese Service in Cantonese & Holy Communion at 1415; Palm Sunday meditation at 1830.
• 01 December 2003 - 12 May 2004: The London Strings at St John's Smith Square
  Four inaugural concerts by London's premier string orchestra. Made up of some of the best London-based professional musicians, conducted by Richard Llewellyn.
• 18 April 2004: Flora London Marathon from Greenwich Park to The Mall
  A 26-mile race through the streets of London attracting runners from all over the world.
• 21 April 2004: Gun Salute to mark The Queen's Birthday at Hyde Park and Tower of London
  A 41-gun royal salute to mark the birthday of The Queen
• 25 April – ANZAC Day is marked with a commemoration at Whitehall

• 01 - 03 May 2004: May Day Bank Holiday Funfair at Alexandra Park
  Traditional family funfair
• 04 - 11 May 2004: Eric Clapton at Royal Albert Hall
  The intimitable Eric Clapton is set to play his first UK live dates in over three years, generally considered the No 1 rock and blues guitar player.
• 16 May 2004: Antiques Fair at Royal Horticultural Hall Lindley Hall
  The Antiques Fair has been a focal point for antique dealers and collectors from around the world since 1971. With exhibitors from all over the country gathering to sell all manner of antiques from precious jewellery to inexpensive painted furniture, dealers from all over the world come to buy the unusual and the unexpected.
• 25 - 28 May 2004: Chelsea Flower Show London at Royal Hospital Chelsea
  The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is well known as the world's most famous floral spectacle. For four days each May, the grounds come alive with the sights and smells of the finest collection of blooms in the world.

June

• 02 June 2004: Gun Salute to mark Coronation Day at Hyde Park and Tower of London
  Gun salute to mark the anniversary of The Queen's Coronation.
• 05 June 2004 (to be confirmed): Vodafone Derby Horse Race Meeting at Epsom Downs Racecourse
  The jewel in English racing's crown and attracts visitors from around the world.
• 12 June 2004: Trooping the Colour - The Queen's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade
  Trooping the Colour ceremony by the Massed Bands and Troops of the Household Division.
• 15 - 19 June 2004: Royal Ascot Races at Ascot Racecourse
  Racing goes posh. This is a special week when the Queen and members of the royal family are in attendance.
• 21 June - 04 July 2004: Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club
  Top players from all over the world compete for the most coveted and prestigious titles of the tennis world.

• 02 - 25 July 2004: Greenwich and Docklands International Festival at various venues in Greenwich
  Multi-arts festival combining free outdoor celebrations with ticketed events offering international theatre, comedy, dance, spectacle and fireworks, with music from classical to jazz and rock.
• 31 July - 01 August 2004: The London Triathlon at ExCel Exhibition Centre
  The largest in the world and is a unique spectacle in London's sporting calendar.
• Summer sales across the UK
• 06 to 11 July 2004: Hampton Court Flower Show at Hampton Court Palace
  The palace hosts this popular annual event loved by amateur gardeners and professionals alike.
• Summer Festivals throughout London

• 02 August - 26 September 2004: Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
  Visitors may tour the State Rooms, which include the Throne Room, the Picture Gallery and the State Dining Room. The extended route includes the gardens.
• 03 - 07 August 2004: Great British Beer Festival at Olympia
  Over 500 real ales, ciders, perries and imported beer, food from all over the world, entertainment every session, including live music, festival games, family area (not creche) and craft stands.
• 19 - 23 August 2004: Cricket: Npower Test Match Series: England v West Indies at the Oval Cricket Ground
• 29 - 30 August 2004: Notting Hill Carnival in the streets around Ladbroke Grove
  Europe's largest street festival of music, dance, drama, food and street trading. Also parades of costumes and steel bands.

September

• 01 - 30 September 2004: Thames Barrier - Annual Full Tidal Closure at Thames Barrier
  The gates of the Thames Barrier will be raised for a full tidal closure to simulate the Barrier's movements when protecting London against flooding.
• 11 September 2004: Great River Race on the River Thames
  From Richmond to Island Gardens, opposite Greenwich Pier. Mad boats, mad contestants
• 11 September 2004: Last Night of the Proms at Royal Albert Hall
  Land of Hope and Glory etc
• 18 - 19 September 2004: London Open House Weekend
  Stick your nose in where it (normally) isn't wanted, as some of London's great buildings and residences throw open their doors
• 22 September - 17 October 2004: London Festival of Chamber Music at Various venues in London
  The 9th annual series of 16 concerts in the 4 London boroughs of Camden, Enfield, Merton and Southwark, with great music performed by some of London's finest musicians.

October

• 16 - 17 October 2004: The International Halloween Festival at Queen Mary College
  The largest Pagan Festival in Europe. Events include free lectures and workshops, folk and rock music, entertainment, witchcraft, Halloween ritual, information about Paganism, craft market, oriental and morris dancing and much more. Money will be raised to maintain Raven Wood. Plus a real ale bar.
• 24 October 2004: Trafalgar Day Parade at Trafalgar Square
  Parade and service to commemorate the anniversary of Lord Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. Attended by Sea Cadets; a national dignitary reviews the parade, music by Cadet bands, laying of wreath, a short service and hymns and a reading of Nelson's Prayer.
• 29 October - 07 November 2004: Daily Mail Ski and Snowboard Show at Olympia
  The show that launches the ski season. See the world's biggest indoor Big Air competition on a real snow slope!

• 05 November 2004: Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night
• 07 November 2004: London to Brighton Veteran Car Run at Hyde Park
  Annual run commemorating Emancipation Day (abolition of a man preceding the car with a red flag). Spectators may watch along the route.
• 08 - 11 November 2004: World Travel Market at ExCel Exhibition Centre
  Global event for the international travel industry
• 11 November 2004: Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall
  Unites people in a service of Remembrance, and includes a two minute silence. Every year the Legion Poppy Factory produce thousands of poppy petals which fall from the ceiling at the end of the proceedings.
• 13 November 2004: Lord Mayor's Fireworks Display on the River Thames
  Fireworks display as part of Lord Mayor's Show. Fireworks are set off from a barge on the Thames. Good vantage points are from Victoria Embankment, Blackfriars Bridge, or Waterloo Bridge.
• 13 - 14 November 2004: Crufts Presents Discover Dogs in London at Earls Court 2
  Over 180 breeds of pedigree dog on display under one roof. Other attractions include numerous canine displays and a variety of trade stands selling related products and services. London's leading canine event!

• 01 - 05 December 2004: Tennis: The Honda Challenge Tennis Tournament at Royal Albert Hall
  Legendary tennis heroes, including the likes of McEnroe, Cash, Lecoute and Bahrami, return to London for the final leg of the Champions Tour.
• 16 - 20 December 2004: Olympia International Show Jumping Championships
  International show jumping event featuring top riders from all over the world. Includes a special appearance by Father Christmas.
• 25 December 2004: Christmas, of course. Christmas lights on Oxford/Regent Street are always a highlight
• 31 December 2004: New Year's Eve, Trafalgar Square