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Are you planning a trip to the UK? You run the risk of doing everything wrong!
But keep calm and read on, because here we reveal tips that travelers and locals have offered to tourists on Reddit about the worst mistakes they can make while vacationing there.
Reddit user ‘Cashewnutzzzz’ started a lively discussion on the platform asking: ‘I’m trying to help my partner. He is from Germany and wants to travel to the UK, but he asked me for advice. What would be some good tips so you don’t make silly mistakes when traveling to the UK for the first time?
From avoiding the capital’s tourist traps to pub faux pas and “tacky” attractions to avoid, advice came quickly…
Trying to see too much
Travelers and locals have offered advice to tourists on Reddit about the worst mistakes they can make while holidaying in the UK for the first time. Visiting Leicester Square (above) is a mistake, they say
Britain is small, but not that small, the contributors point out, with user ‘KaleidoscopicColours’ commenting that one of the classic mistakes is “trying to pack too much into a trip.”
And they add: ‘Americans are generally the worst at this. No, you can’t visit Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds in one day.
The inefficiency of Britain’s transport infrastructure is also addressed, with ‘Skoodledoo’ declaring that the mistake is “thinking you can drive anywhere quickly.”
They add: “If you don’t drive, use public transport, especially to get to other places in the UK.” Our highways are not as efficient as German ones.’
Visit London’s tourist traps
One user goes out on a limb and suggests that visiting the UK’s “awful” capital, London, is a mistake.
‘MattHatter1337’ comments: ‘It’s worth skipping London altogether. It’s busy, horrible and monstrous. Sure, it has some lovely places. But overall it’s a horrible experience.”
‘Velvetspoonroutine’ agrees that some areas of London are not attractive. They comment: ‘Leicester Square is not particularly pretty and looks tacky, with a large cinema, a casino and fast food outlets surrounding it on all sides.
‘Trafalgar Square is much prettier. Oxford Street is a congested and overcrowded thoroughfare with large chain stores that can be found in most other places in the world.
‘Verbal-Gerbil’ adds: ‘The only good thing about Leicester Square is the Leicester Square Theater and its proximity to the theater district. Oxford Street is difficult to navigate unless you’re a 1.7mph stroller who likes sudden stops and countless obstructions.
Visiting Stonehenge
Stonehenge (left) is “a bit disappointing” according to one user, while another Reddit user suggests heading to Avebury (right) as it is “broadly similar and not even remotely occupied.”
Poster ‘Jwd’ is skeptical about the need to visit the UNESCO site Stonehenge, commenting that it is a place that looks exactly as it does in the photos: “in (a) sense, you’ve already seen it all” .
‘KlaeidoscopicColours’ goes further and describes the site as “disappointing”.
‘Silasgoldeanll’, for its part, suggests detouring towards Avebury, another ancient place. They say: ‘Avebury, not far away, is very similar (to Stonehenge) and not remotely busy, and you can get there between lots of things. Now, the stones aren’t lined up the same way or anything, but in the end it’s all old. Avebury is a nice little walk, nice canteen, gift shops etc. It’s worth a look.
Trying to get table service in a pub.
One poster, ‘Realistic-River-1941’, says that a major mistake is ‘to assume there is table service in pubs’.
‘Randomdude2029’ explains further and comments: ‘If there is a host or waiter who takes you to your table, then there will be table service. If not, you will go up to the bar with your table number and order. You’ll take your drinks, they’ll take your order and bring you the food when it’s ready.’
Eating fish and chips in a pub
Fish and chips must be “from a chippy” (a fish and chip takeaway) and not from a pub.
A comment from a deleted account claims that “eating fish and chips in a pub” is a big mistake. They add that “proper fish and chips comes from a chippy.”
It’s a fish and chip shop, a sort of takeaway restaurant, for those who don’t know.
Stopping in the middle of the sidewalk
‘Temporary-Pirate-80’ says ‘stand on the left and walk on the right’ is a problem, referring to the common system of manners expected when moving around London’s transport system.
The rules system requires you to stand on the right side of the escalators and leave the left side free for those who want to move quickly. The sign also reprimands those who “stop in the middle of the sidewalk to look at a map or phone.”
‘CaptainCate88’ adds: “It makes me want to drink when people stop abruptly in front of me to look at a map or their phone.” To do this, move to the side out of the flow of pedestrian traffic.
Go to great attractions without a ticket
Users explained that tickets must be purchased in advance for top attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle (above)
The thread refers to forgetting the large number of visitors that Great Britain receives, and users explain that tickets must be purchased in advance for the main attractions.
‘Mattynutt’ says: ‘Most tourists think they can attend the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour and buy a ticket. You must book this incredible attraction at least two months in advance.’
‘YawningAngle’ adds: ‘Book things you want to see and do. People think they can walk to Edinburgh Castle and buy a ticket. It’s very unlikely that they have them because they only let in a certain number per day.’
Be optimistic about the climate.
Never underestimate the power of the British weather system to surprise, users say.
‘TaxiDirectory’ says: ‘It’s notoriously unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden rain even in summer.’
‘Tortilla_avalanche’ warns that a key mistake is ‘not bringing a jacket to Scotland in summer’.