American Reacts to 10 Things That Will Shock You About London, England

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In this video I react to 10 things about London, England that are shocking. While a few of these were things I already knew, others were actually surprising. For example, pubs in London have last call at 11pm and London Police Officers aren't all armed? Are these true?
Overall I found this video to be a good overview of London and some of the culture shocks I may experience when I visit. I must say each time I watch a new video about London I get more excited to visit.
Thanks for watching. If you enjoyed this reaction please give this video a thumbs up, share your thoughts in the comments and click the subscribe button to follow my journey to learn about my British and Irish ancestry.
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[@bunjitsu7046]

A pub is not a bar - They are not the same thing. A bar is usually loud and plays music and is very focused on drinking / music. A pub (short for public house) is actually a different culture. You don't tend to dance at a pub, you can go to a pub with children for a meal or meet a friend after work for a quiet catch up, or chill in the pub garden on a Sunday at 11am and enjoy a sunny day - Very different cultures.

[@ivylasangrienta6093]

Yes. Pubs close at 11, bars stay open later.

[@Addy2023X]

@@ivylasangrienta6093 They have never closed at 23:00 PM with pubs the last couple of years they restricted it

[@torroberts6622]

It was back in the victorian era when pubs started to shut at 11pm because the factory owners wanted to make sure all the workers were on time in the morning Edit: @peterjackson has pointed out in a comment it was WWI when the 11pm close was originally enforced so I leave this comment as a correction ❤️

[@ivylasangrienta6093]

@@Addy2023X Yes they did. I've worked at many of them.

[@peterhall8572]

Thank you for this comment it's worded nicely and better than I would have put it

[@Lilly8Listens]

Every time I hear people talk about the free museums in London, they always seem to not mention the best ones. I've lived in London for more than 60 years, and trust me, the best two museums are the Science museum, and the Natural History museum.

[@TheStar798]

Hear hear! I love the Natural History museum! 🙋🏾‍♀️🇬🇧

[@0KiteEatingTree0]

Also worth a mention is the London Transport Museum and Museum of Childhood And museum of London as well as events in the Barbican

[@philltinson5588]

totally agree

[@0KiteEatingTree0]

There’s even a museum of medicine where you can peruse of such delightful items such as The Elephant Man and early medical practices

[@HavoK-143]

Best museums I've ever been to and completely free!

[@wendyrichards7458]

A little story about the police in Wales .Some years ago my youngest son (18 at the time) had been out with friends and had a little too much to drink .he decided to walk home which was about 1.5 miles .About half way he stopped for a rest and fell asleep on a grass bank .A police car was driving by ,saw him ,woke him up and actually drove him home to make sure he got there ok .He said they just told him to be more careful next time and make sure he had his taxi fare home :-)

[@FuriousFire898]

The good ending

[@eleanorcooke7136]

I was in a gay bar in Wales and some idiot decided to attack someone else with a pint glass. The bar cleared out after a few minutes and nearly everyone was sitting out on the curb. The police came around and after checking out the scene and the injured people, started asking everyone what they'd seen and checking up on the people who were shaken (there had been a lot of blood). They were all really kind.

[@ladygardener100]

Drinking age 18 ,but some are 21, the pub rules.

[@ladygardener100]

Pubs used to close at 10.00 (1960), twenty mins drinking up time.

[@ladygardener100]

Only pubs in harbour towns opened early to cater for fishermen back from their labours

[@emperordemon8605]

If you want an experience of what historical England was like, theres this really great Open Air museum called Beamish in the North of England where you can walk around and see what life was like in different ages throughout British history and it's really good.

[@danielparry2937]

Within 5 miles of Cardiff in South Wales we have something similar, called Saint Fagans. An open air museum where histotical buildings from Wales have been reconstructed. You can spend a good 2-3 hours walking around the beautiful landscape, and going in and out of the buildings.

[@helenr4300]

@@danielparry2937 was just clicking reply to say this

[@jahazbrooga309]

I live about 4 miles away from Beamish and it's great. Thanks for mentioning it.

[@Aspie_Geek_UK]

The only problem with both Beamish and St Fagans (I have been to both and they really are amazing) is that they only show what that particular area of the country was like back in the day, not what the country as a whole was like. Don't get me wrong, they are both great and show their own regions off amazingly well but you cant take them as a snapshot of life in the UK. There are many of these types of museums dotted around the country just not enough in my opinion!

[@helenr4300]

@@Aspie_Geek_UK given that examples of buildings and related history are transferred to these sites (at least in St Fagans which I am familiar with) the range is likely to be regional. Although St Fagans does have elements from across Wales not just the immediate south Wales context, and advertises as a a museum of Welsh life with no claims re rest of UK. Any place trying to cover the whole UK would I think be overwhelmed at the task

[@alancook]

London gets about 23 inches of rainfall per year. New York gets 46 inches.

[@celticcheetah6371]

Yeah but London *feels* rainier because here it drizzles down a lot, whereas in places like NY you tend to get big occasional deluges.

[@heli-crewhgs5285]

@@celticcheetah6371 Quite right. New York City is right next to the Atlantic Ocean.

[@jennarose4695]

London is quite abit warmer & drier than up north/Scotland

[@UKMonkey]

London gets 1400 hours of sunshine / year New York gets 2535 per year. New York may be presented with more rain, but when it comes to cloud cover it's a very different story.

[@craigread5603]

England is dull and miserable for 9 months of the year 😮‍💨 It's horrible!!

[@jenniferdundon5491]

The Bobby on the streets are not armed at all anywhere in the UK. There are tactical fire arms units on standby in special stations,they are called on if required and take minutes to arrive, ie terror attack or other gun situations but this is rare. Armed police patrol airports.

[@georgebarnes8163]

All police are armed in Northern Ireland UK, 24/7 on and off duty.

[@fishfingers8441]

@@georgebarnes8163 necessary fr

[@faithpearlgenied-a5517]

Northern Ireland is in the UK and their police are armed.

[@russcattell955i]

Yes, there are some vehicles patrolling, doing normal police work. However they are also firearms units, they carry pistols, MP5 semi automatics, shotguns and sniper rifles. Usually a big SUV, the crew's often ex military like someone I know in the job. Also, besides airports, armed police patrol sensitive govt establishments and VIP protection.

[@chrismackett9044]

You see armed police around places like the Houses of Parliament

[@ViviCaligo]

When I was in secondary school a regular police woman would drop in to see how things were with students to the point where we'd all say hello to her outside school grounds when we'd see her and would chat and such, I realised a few years later they were intentionally making us all comfortable around police. I think it's one of the reasons the hostility to cops in the states is kind of strange for us in the UK to see.

[@olddogoddments675]

There are parts of society in Britain where the police are not trusted, and with reason. Police have antennae telling them who is from such an area and who isn't, skin colour is a part of it but it's more accent. Accent in England tells everyone what strata of society you're from. But none of that will make any difference to you as an American visitor. The aforementioned antennae tell our bobbies to be on their best behaviour with tourists.

[@user-ed7et3pb4o]

@@olddogoddments675 You're very right. Accent is the single biggest mode of discrimination in this country. I have dark-ish skin but a 'posh' accent and so often I see people's attitudes visibly change as soon as I start speaking. I have no doubt that I would've had a far harder time getting interviews, university places and job offers if I spoke in a Brummy/Asian accent (as you might expect from my looks/hometown) compared to my actual RP.

[@maryandrews4097]

Here in the UK we have very strict gun control, with the result that the level of gun crime is reasonably low. This means that we feel perfectly comfortable with unarmed police. The video mentions the many and varying districts which make up the whole of Greater London. London is basically an amalgamation of villages. Some areas, as in large US cities are places where immigrants have come together and maintain the culture of their homeland, which adds to the diversity and vibrancy of London.

[@sarahealey1780]

A pub is such a different thing to a bar, pubs open at 10am they serve teas and coffees as well as alcohol, children are allowed in them until 9pm so you can hang out there as a family, most pubs have beer gardens out the back where kids can play and you can sit in the sun, pubs were always the heart of the community where everyone gathered, unfortunately these days pub culture has died off a lot but if you are travelling around the UK stop at a village pub chat to locals have some lunch and relax, you will learn more about the British by chatting with locals in pubs than any other way xx

[@fabulousaardvark4776]

The drinking age in the UK is 5. At home ☺️ You can drink in a pub with a meal from 16. No restrictions from 18. A bar is a loud pick up joint. A pub is a family zone,mostly.

[@kayhoward8723]

Legal age for drinking is 18years old if bars or pubs sell alcohol to minors they can lose their licence and pay a hefty fine

[@lesley4085]

@@kayhoward8723 If you’re accompanied by an adult you can drink but not buy beer, wine or cider with a meal at 16. Although legal places don’t generally offer it.

[@orwellboy1958]

@@kayhoward8723 he's correct drinking age is five if accompanied by an adult and not in a bar or pub but it's ok in a bear garden. 18 is the minimum age for buying alcohol.

[@littleannie390]

Pubs are not bars. We have always had restrictions on opening times. A pub is usually a place where you can go to meet friends and colleagues after work or a place to go for a meal together with a drink. Pubs can get licensing extensions to open later on specific dates eg around Christmas but often people go on elsewhere after the pub. I am surprised you didn’t know that British police don’t carry guns other than for protecting high profile places like government buildings, palaces or airports. There are firearms officers who can be called to any incidents. Normal police only carry tasers and this has only happened in recent years. Ownership of guns is heavily regulated in the UK.

[@MTknitter22]

Well @fabulous aardvark it depends on the Pub!!

[@kellyajewski2583]

You might enjoy watching the British reality TV shows where they follow the Police to see what the police are like. I’d also recommend visiting Liverpool (in the North West), and going to The Cavern Club where the Beatles played. It’s an amazing city, and the people are friendly!

[@jeandyda8804]

liverpudlian friendly you are havig a laugh

[@kellyajewski2583]

@@jeandyda8804 yes, I’ve met plenty of friendly Liverpudlians 😊

[@edschofield37]

Unfortunately The Cavern Club, although good, is a mere replica. The actual club was demolished. Something they neglect to tell you.

[@kellyajewski2583]

Oh really? That’s a bit disappointing. Although it is good, I do love the Cavern Club.

[@edschofield37]

@@kellyajewski2583 Yes it is. You can google its history. And I'm sorry I had to tell you.

[@samo5857]

Just wanted to share.... The guy made me laugh when complaining about prices and used Westminster Abbey as an example with £18 entrance fee. Although London is quite pricey, I payed $25 (£20.44 todays rate) to go in and see the International Curch of Cannabis in Denver, Colorado. Westminster Abbey has over 1000 years of history and seen crownings, weddings and funerals of kings and queens of England. 😂😂 Anyway enjoying your video's, hope the UK will see you soon brother. ✌🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@lordylou1]

A pub is probably one of the worst places for fish and chips. Make your way to the coast and buy your fish and chips from a fish and chip shop, go sit on the beach and eat them directly from the paper they're wrapped in with your fingers. Also don't forget the traditional condiment for fish and chips is salt and malt vinegar - which you'll be offered when you buy them. Enjoy!

[@free_gold4467]

Make sure they don't overdo the salt, impossible to have too much vinegar.

[@christinestromberg4057]

But watch out for seagulls. They will steal anything you are eating outdoors by the sea.

[@parallaxview6770]

Haddock never cod

[@MrBulky992]

Yes, go to a fish and chip shop or fish restaurant: they have the right equipment there and invariably make the chips the right size. Even if you get good fish and chips in a particular pub, it will often not taste like the traditional fish and chips you would get from the shop/restaurant. If you can find a place that only does fish and chips and nothing else (no pies, sausages, burgers etc), so much the better. I always avoiding sprinking the vinegar on the batter because it goes soggy and I like it crisp. I have had delicious fish and chips in Seahouses in Northumberland, South Shields on the Tyne and Filey in Yorkshire. I have heard they are very good at the quayside in North Shields and in Whitby. It cannot be a coincidence that these are all seaside places.

[@olddogoddments675]

@@parallaxview6770 And definitely not "rock cod", it's dogfish.

[@andy4shurr]

If visiting England I highly recommend going to York, it really feels like a magical city which has tonnes of history visible nearly everywhere you go. The jorvik viking museum is definitely worth it but it isn't free.

[@clarewilliams5907]

York is amazing

[@paulwild3676]

@@clarewilliams5907 York is beautiful but a bit pseudo-Home Counties. Cream teas and river cruises are not very Northern.

[@clarewilliams5907]

@@paulwild3676 I don't know - We drive down to York - mostly for the shopping because I'm not really struck on the Metro Centre... Never been on a river cruise or had a cream tea in York - plenty of other things to do and I love the historic buildings there

[@vickywitton1008]

It isn't but if you pre-book everything you can get discounts.

[@clarewilliams5907]

@@vickywitton1008 true - I'm a sucker for viking stuff

[@RTGrain]

Pub closing times used to be at 11:00pm in the evenings and we used to have lunchtime opening hours from 11:am until 3:00pm but the times changed a few years ago and with permission from the local magistrates court pubs can be open 24 hours although very few pubs do that except for special occasions due mainly to the cost of having staff to be paid for 24 hours a day

[@ciaolife]

Greenwich is a borough on the banks of the Thames. It's well worth a visit! It's where the Royal Observatory is and you can see sweeping views of the city from there. Lots of green spaces and grand historic buildings, while maintaining a village feel. You might have heard of it because of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

[@G6JPG]

Yes, the Greenwich meridian passes through it, from which Britain in its naval days charted the world, or a lot of it - the point where you go from degrees east to degrees west. I think there's a bar set into the ground there to show where it is.

[@julessimone4959]

Greenwich is definitely worth visiting. As well as the Royal Observatory you have the National Maritime Museum, the Naval college, the Queen's House, the Cutty Sark and Greenwich Park connecting most of them.

[@alisonwhyte8885]

On my first visit to Germany I was shocked to see police officers with firearms, coming from Scotland that was completely alien to me. That was many years ago but it did make me feel very nervous. After years of travelling I'm used to it now but always feel so much safer with the good old Scottish bobby.

[@Justabitnosey]

Me too when we went to Euro Disney we went to Paris for the day. We visited the Eithal tower there was armed soldiers as we walked towards it.

[@ABC1701A]

One reason we moved to Ireland, the cops here are also unarmed.

[@ianmuir3640]

Difference between German cops and American cops is that the German cop is more than likely not to fire his hand gun in his entire career

[@mikewilson8513]

I really feel uncomfortable when abroad seeing cops with guns. Our system is the best in the world. Keep guns out of the hands of the public and the police do not need to be routinely armed. 30-40 gun deaths a year here, almost all gang related. (US, 30 - 40 THOUSAND !!)

[@eleanorcooke7136]

It's totally understandable but the most fear I've ever felt on holiday to this moment was on a school trip to Russia. It was a few years ago but walking through the Kremlin and Lenin's tomb completely surrounded by highly armed Russian guards is pretty scary.

[@Si_Vert]

The weather isn't shocking. The length of the day usually catches people out though. Mid December, there is only 7.5 hours of daylight, Sunrise is at 7.30am and expect it to be dark by 4pm. However at the start of Summer in June; There are 17.5 hours of daylight from 4am to 9.30pm. From the Middle of May to the End of July we don't have night, we just get a couple of hours of Astronomical Twilight.

[@ABC1701A]

@claire louise Then they should visit Ireland, we really do have rain (takes a lot of water to keep the Emerald Isle emerald coloured).

[@judileeming1589]

My first visit to the UK was an eye opener when I crashed at about 9.30 PM (which was still day light) after a 22 hour flight and a 4 hour road trip to Yorkshire from Heathrow then woke up to birds twittering and sunlight at 3.30 AM. I was disoriented and thought it was PM.

[@margaretr5701]

@@judileeming1589 A 22 hour flight from USA to UK? Perhaps you had to take a few flights.

[@judileeming1589]

@@margaretr5701 actually, from Australia to the UK via Singapore, Abu Dabi and the Netherlands. It was cheaper to book a World ticket for four of us because we wanted to return to Australia with a trip to the USA first before going home via Hawaii and New Zealand. I guess you could say we have been around the World many times with all of our overseas trips.

[@margaretr5701]

@@judileeming1589 No wonder you were tired! Especially with the drive at the end. Sounds like a wonderful trip. Safe travelling😊

[@robcooper2065]

Many pubs open later than 11 o'clock these days, I ran pubs in England over 3 decades and I wil say that they are the difference maker in UK society to the rest of the world! Truly you should try and find an independently owned pub as opposed to a large chain/brand pub, it's really apparent when you discover the difference. Cheers!

[@worldwearyuk178]

I'm a Londoner, born and bred. I grew up in the 1950s when it was a safe city for unaccompanied children and its parks, concert halls and museums were my playground. That London no longer exists. It is now crowded, noisy and cosmopolitan; but real England can still be found. Try small towns like Stamford, Lavenham, Totnes, Ludlow Chichester or Richmond, to name but a few....countryside like the Cotswolds, the Malvern Hills, the Yorkshire dales and the Peak District....historical sites as diverse as Ironbridge Gorge with Blists Hill (birthplace of the industrial revolution) and Chatham Dockyard (now a sprawling museum that used to home the naval fleet that once ruled the 7 seas and where Charles Dickens once lived and worked) we have not scratched the surface yet. Don't let me bore on. Go, discover for yourself the countless gems in our small, bountiful country!

[@fenellainnis7216]

My favourite museum in London is definitely the V&A , I don’t have any shame in admitting I’m dirt poor so when I do take my kids for a treat we always go to museums for free , a day out and they are learning stuff 😂

[@robertwilson738]

You seem like a very sensible lady with a great attitude.

[@sallycrane6317]

When my daughter was young one our favourite days out was the science museum on a Sunday. Park for free and free entry to the museum. Lots of interactive stuff.

[@jlelliotton]

I love the V&A. I could spends hours just in the pottery collections.

[@NeckasFBIAgent]

The best things in life are free, they will remember those days out forever

[@elizabethanthony3916]

My divorced daughter does the same with her two children and really enjoy it.

[@Codex7777]

The old licensing laws meant that most, not all, pubs used to close at 11pm. This hasn't been the case for almost 2 decades now. Many pubs, especially in city centres and especially in London, will stay open much later, although many still close at 11pm for commercial and social reasons, as well as it being the tradition. Not to worry, most city centres will have other licensed premises that stay open well beyond that time. One thing to note is that pubs and bars are different things. When I used to go out, in my younger days, people would start the evening, or afternoon, in the pub, before moving on to a late night club, bar, pub, restaurant or cafe. Although many pubs now stay open later, this is still the general tradition. What may shock you more, is that some pubs open early, at breakfast time, or that children (and dogs) are allowed in most pubs, though they can't be served alcohol, obviously. As for the drinking age, there is none! However, the age at which you can legally buy alcohol (and drink in licensed premises, such as pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants) is 18. :)

[@benhawkins4245]

Technically the drinking age is 5 tho

[@garethjones6082]

My local shuts at 10 so the staff can have time off too

[@enarabone2555]

@@benhawkins4245 but only if having a meal and are accompanied by parents or responsible adults

[@Chubbz69UK]

Actually the licensing laws still state that a child under 1 can be given Perry, porter or cider. This goes back to when certain alcohols were used as medicines.

[@Codex7777]

@@Chubbz69UK - As I said, there is no legal drinking age. The so-called drinking age is to do with buying alcohol and to being served it in licensed premises... actually. ;)

[@pheenix135]

One of my favourite things about London are the history pockets. I used to live in Ealing and I remember vividly this gap in the buildings near the studios where you turn through an arch into a cobbled residential street with a victorian lamp post.

[@jimijames6449]

Don’t know if you’ve visited London yet. But going to the British museum is serisuously worth a day out. It’s free. Full of amazing Roman history as well as Ancient Greek, Egyptian, and all sorts of other stuff. And just everywhere in the surrounding area are ancient amazing pubs and great restaurants everywhere.

[@reactingtomyroots]

I haven't been able to visit yet, but will definitely visit London when I get over to the UK. I'm really looking forward to exploring the history that seems to be everywhere over there.

[@Ariadne-cg4cq]

Greenwich is a borough on the South East of London. It is where the Royal observatory is located and where the Meridian line is set and time zones were first set. The time in the UK is designated as GMT (Greenwich mean time) so for example USA Eastern Standard Time is set as GMT minus 5 hours.

[@Paul_W.E_Ingham]

Greenwich is actually just one district within the London Borough of Greenwich. However, it is the district where not only the original Royal Observatory is located, but also the National Maritime Museum, an original Tea Clipper sailing ship the "Cutty Sark" and the "Queens House" built by King James I, but finally occupied by King Charles I queen Maria Henrietta in the 1620s.

[@editname2181]

@@Paul_W.E_Ingham Not forgetting the O2, Greenwich market all the pubs along the river like the Trafalgar, Cutty Sark, Gipsy Moth, Best place in London for a pub crawl! The Golden Chippy, Goddards Pie & mash for a proper London traditional meal. Loads of stuff to do in Greenwich

[@stillstanding123]

UK weather is not so bad but it is easily changeable particularly in Spring and Autumn (fall). My tip is to dive into the museums on wet days and walk beside the river Thames and great parks to see many famous sights on sunny days. You will scratch the surface in a week, culture is so different city to city, so give yourself time to visit a Northern city such as York too. Edinburgh is an easy train ride too [if the railway union is not on strike 😄]

[@davidfownes5476]

There is also the cutty sark and national maritime museum

[@davidfownes5476]

As well as the painted hall in the national martime

[@SalemEverett]

I'm from London, and the areas I still love visiting like a tourist are: Camden, the walk along the river from Southbank to London Bridge / Tate Modern, Bermondsey / Borough Market, Shoreditch, Spitalfields, Soho / Covent Garden, Notting Hill / Portobello Road Market

[@vickywitton1008]

Do You watch John Rogers? He goes to all those places

[@ceripol]

I love walking through the City of London (eg Smithfield’s to Barbican to St Paul’s) on the weekends. Tons of historic places and it’s really quite empty and relaxed on a weekend while all the city workers are home.

[@julidog1000]

I'm from The Toon and I second, third and fourth this. So much mint as fuck places to explore in London! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻❤️

[@fayesouthall6604]

@@ceripol it’s a great walk around there.

[@wesleylamb7782]

You live in a shithole fella

[@MiriamWalcott]

Greenwich is indeed a Borough of London in the South East. When I lived nearby we would take visitors there to the park and to see the Cutty Sark. There's also the Naval College, museums and of course some quaint pubs. I'd say it would be worth adding to your must visit list.

[@user-pf2rl4mi9c]

I love your enthusiasm and appreciation of everything you see. Thank you, you will be a perfect US visitor.

[@susanroberts2289]

You are right. This man uses the word “shock” when anyone else would say it surprises you, or it was “unexpected”, or it was “strange” or “unimaginably friendly or helpful”.

[@johnp8131]

So true. Vastly over used mainly for 'cl;ick bait' purposes.

[@joelhall5124]

Also, regarding pub closing times: it really depends on the license conditions. Pubs have extended licenses since they were forced to in certain areas, but traditionally the last orders is 11pm, and doors close at 11:30. Many pubs still do this, while others are open until the early hours

[@johnm8224]

It used to be very common for pubs to shut at 11pm or earlier, yes, due to the licencing laws in place at the time (which I believe dated from as far back as World War One, actually!) but these have been relaxed some years ago. It is now common for pubs to be open until midnight or 1am, or even later in busy towns and cities. There is, I believe, no LEGAL limit now, but local authorities will determine what licencing hours they wish to grant the pub.

[@minoumcduff5727]

There is still a legal limit. To be open later than 11pm you need to apply for a late license & even then they only apply til 2am. Sincerely a barmaid 😊

[@robertclark2253]

Unless a pub has a late license or is holding a private function they have to close at 11pm . Last orders are called 15 minutes before closing .

[@marinaknife4595]

Being a Brit I didn't find crossing the road a problem in USA - as we are actually (or were) taught to "look right - look left - if it's all clear - cross" from reception class in primary school PSB road safety aimed at children on TV in magazines throughout childhood. London has loads of free small independent museums POLLACKS TOY MUSEUM - also has a shop where you can buy reproductions of Edwardian & Victorian toys.

[@tonybennett7904]

The green cross man,who became the first man to play Darth Vader

[@234cheech]

the green cross code

[@grahvis]

Jay walking laws in the US, are the result of lobbying by motor manufacturers who were worried people would be put off buying cars if people walked in the street.

[@stevelknievel4183]

It was so well ingrained in me that almost the first thing I did when I went to the USA was jaywalk. I'd looked both ways to check that it was safe first of course. It simply didn't enter my head until a lot later that what I'd done might be illegal.

[@panchomcsporran2083]

There was a hedgehog that told you how to cross.

[@michellemaine2719]

To avoid oopsies, London has helpful writing on the ground at crosswalks to tell you which direction to look.

[@doonewatts7155]

Personal choice: if you visit one city outside London try Liverpool, the people, the vibe, the humour you can't beat it and it's cheaper than anywhere in the south of England. Tower Of London - worth absolutely every penny, once inside it is an oasis of history - great exhibitions and the crown jewels are my all time fave

[@philtrator]

I would counter with Bristol, Brighton and Manchester.

[@chloepepler]

@@philtrator Manchester is sooooo underrated

[@gavinrichardson3918]

Pubs traditionally are in residential areas so close earlier so not be a disruption to people that live nearby they usually have outdoor seating areas, carparks and family friendly. whereas a bar, generally is in a town/city center in a row of shop fronts where people will wander from 1 bar to another.

[@northnsouth6813]

Museums have free entry in the UK.

[@artemisfowl66]

But you may have to pay for special exhibitions

[@EricIrl]

@@artemisfowl66 Most of the major national museums are free entry (with charges for special exhibitions). Other museums may have an entry fee.

[@georgebarnes8163]

The entrance fee to my local museum is £11

[@northnsouth6813]

@@georgebarnes8163 I have just looked it up. Free entrance is standard practice in all UK National Museums, although some exhibits do require an admission fee to view. While London has many fantastic free museums and galleries there are some that have an admission charge.

[@georgebarnes8163]

@@northnsouth6813 We have 4 national museums here in NI, only one is free, two cost £11.00 and the other costs £9.90 to get in at all times.

[@cazzyuk8939]

Hi Steve. Greenwich is a London Borough, best known for naval history & is on Thames. Was a Royal Palace in G built 1443, now the Royal Naval College. Henry VIII spent lots time here & introduced deer into the Park , still here to this day & he built A Boleyn the Queen's House which is still here. Also the Royal Observatory as is the Meridian Line, hence GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). 72% of world's commerce depended on sea charts in years gone by & the charts used Greenwich as the prime meridian.So much more to G but don't want to drone on!

[@purplebongo27]

Well said....what CazzyUK said 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@lisaweinmeyer5782]

I remember a show, where they were discussing video surveillance in London. They mentioned that the average person, was caught on video, a hundred times in one day. There are cameras everywhere! So I guess that the " Bobbies" have a lot of backup!

[@lisaweinmeyer5782]

Oops, sent my text to your comment, instead of to Steve, sorry about that

[@peterwells3268]

The Royal Naval College has moved out of the building (taking their nuclear reactor used in submarines with them!) and Greenwich University uses many of the buildings although one 1930s(?) building at the rear next to the Maritime Museum is now a hotel. To get there I would suggest using the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Cutty Sark station which is just round the corner from the famous ship of the same name. You can connect at Canary Wharf which is on both the Jubilee Line and the Elizabeth line (recommended if you can use it). You can also pick it up at Bank station (a major interchange) and although it takes longer, it does go elevated through much of the East End and then into the Docklands area. This gives a sort of history lession of the area - from council housing to high rise office and apartment blocks. For the other journey, try getting back to central London by river, either the tourist ones to Westminster Pier or the Riverbus which is quicker and has more stops but no commentary. (You can use the Oystercard to pay but it costs an excess). Best to visit at the weekends, ideally Saturday when there is a market in the middle of the old building and antiques in the surrounding roads. If you are there before 1 pm. look at the Royal Observatory at 12/55 and you will see a signal ball rise and then fall at exactly 1 as an old signal to ships so they can align their chronometers. You can get an idea of how "comfortably off" people have lived in London for the last 400 years at the Museum of the Home (formerly the Geffrye Museum) which is next to Hoxton station on the Overground. www.museumofthehome.org.uk/

[@andypandy9013]

Queen's House was not built by Henry VIII for Anne Boleyn. Building was instigated in 1616, well after Henry's death, by the wife of James I/VI to apologise for a misdemeanour she had commited.

[@Liverpoolboy01]

When flying over the U.K., look out of the window and see the patch work of the country it is beautiful.

[@FernStone]

Devon is a great place in the UK lot's of rural country side and also beautiful beaches. Oh and the Moors just incredible landscapes and big Tors to climb, with wild ponies galloping around.

[@saundyuk]

Right now you'd actually be shocked at how much the dollar buys you in the UK - the Pound is at its lowest level against the dollar in a long, long time. As for pub closing times, a pub is definitely NOT the equivalent of a bar. Not only does it cater to families, as opposed to just adults looking to drink alcohol, but most pubs are run as a family business and the people who run them also live in the pub (like literally upstairs, above the bar area). Pub landlords deserve some quiet family time as well - if they closed at 2 or 3am, they'd literally have like 5 hours before having to open up again.

[@MTknitter22]

Yes Mark our economy is a disaster. We appreciate any tourist dollars now. Tourism is way down.

[@Cjbx11]

The pound while still low has actually climbed quite a bit recently. I Think at its lowest it hit about £1 to $1.07 but as of today it’s £1 to $1.20. The value has been hit by two issues, one because of the general economic problems and the other is that the US dollar is extremely strong as investors have switched from European currency’s to the US dollar as they see it as a better bet because of the Russia / Ukraine war.

[@matthill3293]

I wouldn't say that it rains a lot here, it just does it sporadically. You can basically get all four seasons in the space of an hour and then over it. It can rain for 15 minutes heavily and then be bright sunshine for 15 then snow for 15.

[@alisonrandall3039]

Agree it rains more in New York.

[@AdamTaylor-RDL]

London really is a wonderful place, I am Engish but I go there quite a lot just because I love the Underground. The British Museum & Natural History Museum are really great and free. Tower of London is pricey but it truly is fascinating. Weather wise, yeah it definitely doesn't rain as much as stereotyped. But our weather can change very rapidly, sometime giving you sun, cloud, and thunderstorm within the same hour, and sometimes all at once. Pub last calls vary, its generally between 11pm and 1am, with some nightclubs open all night through until 5-7am serving alcohol. At least record, over 700 pubs/nightclubs/other venues through England & Wales are licenced to serve alcohol 24/7.

[@fenndoggett2977]

The drinking age in the uk is 18 for buying alcohol, 16+ for drinking in a pub/restaurant with a meal if someone else buys it and you can give small amounts alcohol to anyone older than 5 if not in public. It is not very uncommon for children to have a small glass of alcohol at family gatherings (from my experience growing up/living near London).

[@spacechannelfiver]

I usually had a glass of wine with Christmas dinner when I was little. Partially to stop me whinging that everyone else had a different drink and partially because full of sugar and it would put me to sleep.

[@robertadavies4236]

Yeah, this is something that often erroneously turns up in the more rubbishy "weird facts" compilations. Yes, it is (strictly speaking) legal to give alcohol to a five-year-old. No, it is not legal to let your tiny child booze it up. The social services will get very much involved. The law is there mainly to allow for religious rituals and celebrations involving wine. (It also excuses anybody who's being pestered by a child to give them a sip of whatever they're having.) Many families who regularly have wine with dinner think it's a good idea to let older children -- say, pre-teens and young teens -- join in occasionally with a glass on special occasions. They argue that it helps remove the taboo around alcohol, so the children are less likely to go overboard when they're old enough to buy their own. This is also the basic idea behind allowing older teens to drink wine/beer/cider while having a meal with adults.

[@spacechannelfiver]

@@robertadavies4236 lol, maybe its different now. back in the 70's kids would have a shandy (mostly lemonade) or half a glass of wine. Drinking a very small amount of alcohol was normal as part of socializing with adults and also making kids sleepy

[@-_YouMayFind_-]

It's like the Netherlands where I live. They also say we have bad weather, but in the summer it's extremely sunny here and it barely rains. In the summer it's around 26 to 39 degrees these days. In autumn and winter sure it rains more, but that's having seasons. That's also what making our land green instead of yellow. In autumn we have these red/orange trees and rain. In the winter you can have snow but the past years we only had snow for 1 week haha. We always say we are not made of sugar so we cycle through the rain haha.

[@carolineb3527]

It always bugs me when tourists complain about the rain in London and then hop on the train to "sunny" Paris... where it actually rains more. In fact there's only one month a year when it rains more in London than in Paris and that's November when there aren't many tourists anyway. And yes, like the Netherlands, the reason why England is a "green and pleasant land" is that it rains - a little, now and then, throughout the year.

[@101steel4]

London reached the 40s this summer.

[@fasteddie406]

Love how Americans complain about British weather, bit of drizzle whilst in the USA California is on fire due to no rain, Mid West getting ripped apart by tornados and the South East flooded or blown away thank to hurricanes they got to have air con on 6 months a year cuss its too hot and get ice storms in winter.

[@marciashiraishi5891]

Well, I'm from Tokyo so I wasn't shocked. In Japan we also drive on the left side and Tokyo is currently the fifth most expensive city in the world, just behind London but for many years it was the most expensive city in the world

[@jonathanodude6660]

is that to live? your food and booze prices are some of if not the lowest ive seen in any advanced economy. your hotel prices are also dirt cheap by the same standards.

[@AmaBroze]

Just watched this video. Most pubs I know of are open a lot longer than 11pm. Years back there were lockins after last orders in some places. But not been in a pub for over a decade where they close at 11pm.

[@blondy268]

The pub's last orders are about 11 but the night clubs are open till about 4-5 in the morning but there's exception to that depending on what licence they have for the place.

[@sharonkay8638]

Greenwich has a great naval tradition. You have the Royal Naval College, the Maritime Museum, (where you can see Admiral Nelson’s bloodied uniform with the bullet hole in it), the famous Cutty Sark tea clipper in dry dock, the Queens House and the Royal Observatory. Not to mention Greenwich market and most importantly of all, Goddards pie and mash shop!😋 Get the clipper from Waterloo or Westminster Bridge, enjoy a G&T on the way downstream, it’s a lovely day out.

[@jmetaljon]

Another thing to remember about pubs - you order, pay and collect your drinks at the bar. They don't normally do table service, although if you order a meal, they will deliver it to your table. My wife is from the US, and is over there at the moment. She's actually been shocked by how expensive things have become in the US!

[@0KiteEatingTree0]

Unless it’s a gastropub where everything is usually brought over with tablservice

[@CptnKremmen]

Greenwich is also known as Docklands. It's where the O2 (Millennium Dome) is. We went on a photography trip with our Architecture students. I really should get along to the observatory next time I go.

[@brentmilburn7273]

Steve, Richmond-upon-Thames is a great place to visit, particularly Richmond Park, and the view of the Thames from Richmond Hill. Wimbledon Village and Common are also a must.

[@georgemcgukin5576]

I have been living in London for 3 years and my family is from London. Please visit the museum and donate to them as for a student it gave so many of us something to do on a day off and benefit our eduction. We wouldn’t break our bank doing something interesting. If you go with kids, highly recommend the natural history museum but the line can be crazy so keep that in mind. I think rain is our inside joke in the UK. I have told people that the south doesn’t get proper rain. They get soft light rain. My partner and I are moving to Liverpool so I’ll be closer to home and he visited for a day (he’s southern) when it was raining all I got in a message was “Holy Sh*t, the RAIN” I never cried laughed so hard. So do go experienced the rain in the north of the UK we have the best rain

[@wulfcogle9988]

the North of the uk is now Liverpool. You ever heard of Scotland?

[@margaretr5701]

@@wulfcogle9988 Speaking of the north of England, as a country is valid!

[@Simonr501]

You guessed correct! Heavily armed police can respond to an incident in minutes or even seconds in London. Depending how far they are away. They are constantly on alert it is generally a well-oiled machine. The unarmed police are there to help, no guns reduces the risk of confrontation.

[@clareshaughnessy2745]

Come on! Most every day situations are dealt with by unarmed police. I think you do them a great disservice to suggest otherwise. Only the very worst (and usually pre-arranged) operations have any guns involved. If you see an officer driving to an incident with lights and sirens, they will be unarmed officers

[@JJ-ef7lb]

@@clareshaughnessy2745 well actually the armed response guys and gals respond to a lot of calls in London every day.... Not all of them involving firearms.

[@TmHudsonArt]

In the UK, we can go weeks without rain. We've only just had a hosepipe ban lifted here in S.Yorkshire because we had such a dry year and hot weather in the summer which hit nearly 40c at one point, the reservoirs were almost empty....so yeah, the raining all the time thing is definitely OTT. We tend to go from one extreme to the other though. After a prolongued dry spell, when it starts raining, it too often doesn't know when to stop lol.. We have pubs and bars and they are not the same lol. Bars stay open much later like yours.

[@westcountryoutdoors]

You will find welsh weather changes a lot faster and most of Bristol pubs (public house - meaning its open for all) stay open till 12pm-1am. Something to see is a real rural village like castle Coombe. And as the uk is so much smaller than the USA, as you can drive from northern Scotland to the south coast of England in 10-11 hours

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

Unlike some areas of the US (where it is enforced more rigorously than others), we don't have ANY 'jay walking' law, so you can cross a road or street anywhere! This has 'shocked' a few of my American friends over the years... Which is why you must be extra vigilant when crossing the road and remembering which direction the traffic is coming from.

[@georgebarnes8163]

Jaywalking is not an offence in England but it is in Northern Ireland UK

[@cd55896]

@@georgebarnes8163 I visit NI regularly as I live on the border and it's cheaper to shop up the North than in the ROI, and this is news to me!! I've always just crossed the road wherever there was a gap, but now that you mention it, the pedestrian crossings always have a crowd at them. Have I been breaking international law this whole time? 🙈🤣

[@georgebarnes8163]

@@cd55896 Jaywalking is also an offence in ROI

[@isladurrant2015]

Nah, just cross the road innit? What's with a law like that?

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

I did not know that! Thanks for the info, because I've been to NI a few times and never gave it a thought and just walked or crossed over roads as I would in Britain...

[@MagnusNielsenBewick]

Way back in the day, when a family wanted to make a living, they would open up their home to their neighbours, entertain them with music and sell beer, coffee and food. Doing this, they ceased to live in a 'private house' and lived in a 'public house' (or a 'pub' , for short). In past centuries pubs became centres of the local community, in a way that bars could never be. It was a place where you heard news and gossip and found opportunities for employment. It was also a place for entertainment. The landlords had pianos, and the customers would sing and dance. All this was replaced with piped music during the 1950s.

[@paulalexander3171]

The 11pm last orders was dropped years ago, every place sets their own times now. The lines have blurred in many cases between what you would call a pub and a bar, and to some extent a club. Some places are more of a bar during the day but more or less turn into a club in the evening. Pubs are typically more traditional places where you'll find people of all ages, families, not much in the way of loud music, and usually serving food. Though it does vary a lot.

[@zedeyejoe]

One thing about the UK is there is just so much history to explore, 1500 years of it. So best thing is to get a guide book and decide what you want to see/do. Now one thing is the rather strong variations in the English that are spoken (and of course in Wales, Welsh is quite common). In the South, its fairly uniform but the further North you go, the more it changes. I moved up from the South to Lancashire and really only understood 2 words in 3 (I am fine with it now). Newcastle, well its like a whole different dialect. I took my mother up to Edinburgh (worked there for 6 months) and my mother asked me what language 2 men walking past were speaking, my reply was 'Its English but with a strong Scottish accent'. Want to experience it, try looking up Rab C Nesbitt (comedy show).

[@philtrator]

Excellent point. Dialect varies strongly around the UK. I feel sorry for non-natives who have learned 'proper' English and then have to deal with all the accents, dialects and colloqualisms. Poor sods.

[@austinfallen]

Yes London is expensive, but we do have a ton of free museums that are incredible

[@Kizron_Kizronson]

I am always a little nonplussed when somebody mentions looking the wrong way when crossing the road. "Look Left" or "Look Right" is literally written on the road at every crossing. Including a handy arrow for those who may not know their left from their right.

[@helenr4300]

And there is also the handy green cross code which says to always look both ways - not all roads are one way or come with an island midway

[@Robert-cu9bm]

Are you surprised the majority of countries drive on the other side of the road and don't speak English. Probably can't read.

[@Kizron_Kizronson]

@@Robert-cu9bm Yes. I am surprised. Considering that they posted a video on youtube, in English. I have to assume they speak English and know how to read.

[@eleanorcooke7136]

In Wales, most of the time, it is written in both Welsh and English.

[@mattbentley9270]

British museum is stunning, so much to see - my fave is the natural history museum's gemstone hall and dinosaurs

[@zollykod2541]

Yes, Greenwich is part of London - which of course started as just the City, then absorbed all these villages and other areas (Westminster was a village). The picture, where you paused the video to talk about this, is the Royal Naval College at Greenwich. The famous ship, the Cutty Sark is there - and Greenwich has a great market. Also if you go there, visit The Queen's House (architect Inigo Jones) - one of my all-time favourite places. And the chapel at the Royal Naval College is lovely - great for concerts.

[@drandrewclarke]

I'm from north of England and visited there a few weeks ago. to say it is international is a true understatement. I visited a Turkish restaurant in north London and apart from being the only "English" people in the place, the menu wasn't even in English! great food though and cheap.Two young chaps from NYC were in front of me in a queue in Brough Market for some sausage sandwiches and they had trouble with my British sarcasm when I commented on how loud they were 😉

[@englishalan222]

If they cannot or will not print menus in Engish they should be banned from trading in the UK

[@kezl3037]

When you visit the UK, you have to check out the jurassic coast in Dorset, its beautiful and very old school British

[@robertmorrison1711]

Well the O2 is at Greenwich the dome which has 20'000 seat arena plus multi theatre movie house and about 20-30 restaurants to eat at ...

[@RJE48]

Pub closing times vary, more foody pubs close earlier than 11pm. Normal pubs close around 11pm (food finishes at 8pm normally) a bar can be like a pub in the day and comes alive at night with music. They normally close between 1am-2am. Clubs normally open around 8pm-2am/3am. Some more rave clubs can open between 10pm-6am.

[@Shoomer1988]

I really wouldn't worry about paying to visit museums and art galleries in London, especially on a first trip. There are more than enough excellent free ones to keep you busy, including the amazing British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum and National Gallery...plus many many more.

[@sarahwilliams7371]

I live in a hamlet in Wales. There's a pub right outside my house. Traditionally these pubs are people's homes. They generally live upstairs and downstairs is the actual pub. It's a bit like being in someone's home. Generally they are really comfy and cosy - bit like being in someone's living room. Usually they have snooker tables, dart boards, settees, cosy corners even book corners. Locals gather at pubs for a drink and a chin wag. Bars are different. Usually they're in towns and cities and don't have such a homely atmosphere about them. If you ever visit Wales and like museums, Saint Fagans in Cardiff is my favourite - and it's free. Highly recommend looking it up. They also sell handcrafted love spoons last time I went. Also the Brecon Beacons and Tenby.

[@martynlewis9020]

Be sure to go see our countryside, I live in Derbyshire and the Derbyshire Peaks are fantastic. Also the Lake District has some amazing views. York is also worth a visit, it's a small city but full of history and great pubs.

[@G6JPG]

Agreed. Note also the countryside varies greatly between the regions - from Norfolk ("very flat, Norfolk"), to hilly, to mountainous, to moorland.

[@eleanorcooke7136]

Lake district is my second favourite place in the UK and third favourite in the world.

[@G6JPG]

@@eleanorcooke7136 I've given up even looking at, let alone commenting on, this guy's videos: he's clearly made them purely as clickbait - he doesn't respond at all to comments, I doubt he even reads them. What are your other two favourite places (one in UK one not)? I've never been to the Lake district, so can't comment on it; difficult to pick specifically as everywhere has it's features - I have a soft spot for Northumberland. (In Europe, south Germany is nice.)

[@eleanorcooke7136]

@@G6JPG my first favourite is the sub-tropical gardens in Weymouth. They are really beautiful and they have sculptures of fairytale characters, such as Alice in Wonderland and the Owl and the Pussycat. My favourite place outside of the UK, is Delphi in Greece. The sanctuary of Apollo there is really beautiful and it is not as touristy as Athens or Olympia. I am currently learning both ancient and modern Greek so that I can go back there on my own, as I last went there on a classical school trip (so the teachers spoke Greek).

[@boas7742]

I would recommend visiting Newquay it’s down in Cornwall and it has lots of nice beaches down there

[@tmac160]

Mark is easily shocked or has a very low "shock" threshold.🤣

[@elemar5]

Who is Mark?

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

@@elemar5 Mark Wolters - the 'shocked' guy presenting 'Wolters World'.

[@zahrans]

Let's just say Mark's 'facts' are not to be taken seriously.

[@davidjones332]

Wolters is a bit of a drama queen; he hypes up trivialities for effect.

[@EricIrl]

@@davidjones332 It's an internet tradition to use the word "shock" as often as possible.

[@andrewbrumana3226]

* Sticker shock: When the pound sterling was worth a lot more than the USD, it seemed to me that the "number" of the prices were roughly the same, but we just got hosed by the exchange rate. For example: you go to out to eat & paid 20GBP for a meal that would be roughly 20USD back home. It wasn't bad, until you realized that you just spend 30USD for an "okay" meal. * International city: The best Indian food I've ever had was in London. Additionally, one of the most amusing things my girlfriend (now wife) and I experienced was being in London, and going to a restaurant (after going on a "Jack the Ripper" walking tour). It was an American diner, our waitress was Ukrainian, my wife ordered a salad with vegan dressing made in Germany. * You might want to check out the Sherlock Holmes museum on Baker Street - around the corner from the Baker Street Tube station. Very cool. * Pubs: I'm a homebrewer, so it was great to go to pubs & try pints of the 'local' to get inspiration of new stuff to make. I fell in love with hard ciders over there back in the 90's & now make hard ciders fairly regularly - they can range from dry to sweet ciders - it's a matter of finding your own preference. Pubs closing at 11pm - I think those laws have recently changed where pubs can get a license to stay open later (I could be mistaken). This is in contrast to nightclubs, which stay open waaay later. But most pubs still close at 11. * Greenwich: Was a royal residence, is host to the Royal Naval College, and is the home of the Royal Observatory, where they mark the Prime Meridian of the World (you're probably familiar with "Greenwich Mean Time"). You can hike up the hill to the observatory and see all of the maritime and astronomy related stuff in the museum, but most tourists like to get their picture taken whilst straddling the Prime Meridian. They also have the Cutty Sark Clipper ship near the river (the booze is named after the ship), which is dry-docked in Greenwich. I recommend catching a round-trip ferry from the Victoria Embankment (next to the Houses of Parliament) and taking a half-day to explore Greenwich. * Police: Back in the 90's, they were using 18" wooden batons. Not sure if they still use them or have switched to expandable metal batons (like cops use in the States).

[@petersums]

Love your attitude to London / England / UK - people here are going to love you and I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Good luck with your plans and I’m sorry I can’t contribute to your bucket-list fund - I’m a poor old age pensioner - but I’d love to buy you a pint and show you some sights when you do make it here.

[@jowragg947]

Greenwich was a borough when I lived there but lines are changing all the time, the market is great, the park is lovely, the maritime museum is fabulous. There is the Cutty Sark is tea clipper ship to nose around and the Greenwich Observatory in the park which marks the Greenwich Meridian. Which was the standard marking for time zone. So for example Eastern time is GMT -4

[@BoredOfBills]

The weather: Just remember that even the southernmost point of Britain is further north than the northernmost part of the contiguous United States, while London is further North than almost all major Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec, and Toronto. So it rains here and in the winter it gets properly cold. In the summer it gets properly hot - last July it was 40 degrees C (104 F) in London. Worth knowing too that Paris gets more rain than London 😁 Drinking age: to BUY alcohol you have to be 18 but if you are eating with adults you can drink in a pub at 14. Pubs are allowed to be open 24/7 so it's just up to the landlord - you can ALWAYS get a drink in London. 95% of cops don't have guns. The 5% that do are HEAVILY armed but you'll only see them at places like Parliament, Downing St and the Airports.

[@Jim-kt6is]

"Pubs are allowed to be open 24/7 so it's just up to the landlord"....no, pubs are licensed by local authorities. Many have policies for particular areas and when applying for a licence, the authority will consider comments from local people/businesses, police etc. The license will specify the opening hours permitted. The landlord can choose the hours but must stick to the licence. Eg my local Wetherspoons is licensed for the sale of alcohol between 8am and 1am every day. Most nights they stop at midnight. Historically there were laws forcing pubs to close at 11pm and even close in the afternoon, but now the law allows local authorities to grant 24/7 licences - but they don't have to and the majority of licenses are not 24/7.

[@sunnyh2334]

Thank goodness for the Gulf Stream, which keeps us from freezing too much

[@Paul_W.E_Ingham]

You may also see Police with sub-machine guns at major transport hubs like the main Stations, particularly if the terrorist threat is high. Trained armed police officers are always travelling about in cars and vans in major cities, ready to offer back-up if needed.

[@garethjones6082]

We regularly have armed police in manchester they are required to still be on the beat until they are required its calming to see them in the city centre because it means nothing bad is happening

[@BoredOfBills]

@@garethjones6082 I'm not sure if it is "calming" because having armed police on the streets actually means only one thing - that we NEED armed police on the streets and that is not something I want or welcome. I'd rather it wasn't necessary.

[@judileeming1589]

A small group of us met up in London after doing our own separate thing in the previous weeks (some cruising, others visiting British relatives) etc. My daughter who had lived in London for 6 years told us to pre-book our tourist bus tours and to only do Stonehenge and Bath in a one day tour as there is a lot involved in what becomes a long day. We pre-booked our return train trip to Windsor Castle and bought a three day double decker tourist bus pass of London. The bus is a hop on/hop off tour which is a really cheap way of being taken to all the tourist sites (same in Paris by the way). If you are lucky, and can get tickets, you can tour Buckingham Palace. Yes you can spend a lot of money, but visiting the UK isn’t something you will do often, so enjoy yourself. Last time we visited London, we stayed at the Taj near the Palace and just paid for a room (without the extra £’s for a full buffet breakfast) and just wandered across the road to a cafe for tea/coffee and something light to start the day, which for both of us was around £10 a saving of around £60 which we spent on touristy things. We tipped whilst in London as it is an expensive city to live and work in. We have hired cars every time we visit the UK, but haven’t bothered whilst in London as the public transport is extensive using an Oyster card. Be prepared for single car width roads when you get away from big cities. Up in Scotland (we were on our way to Skye) the road was so narrow we were glad to know that there are many little lay-bys where the car that has that lay-by on the passenger side has to pull into to allow oncoming traffic the right of way. A lot of big cities also have a “Park and Ride” system where you park on the outskirts of a city and are bussed into the city and back to your car throughout the day. It saves packing up and re-settling in a new hotel if you can pick a base and go off each day for a day trip to a new tourist town. The UK may look small on a map, but it has so much to see, is stunningly beautiful and very safe. One thing though, although the people are overwhelmingly friendly, serving staff are well paid and do appreciate a tip, but tipping isn’t a matter of survival to them and you will not get good service if you are deemed rude or demanding of their service at cafes and tea rooms etc. I have seen people not using their “please” and “thank you” and it comes off as rude when compared to the polite tourists and locals. You will get the servers showing friendly interest in where you come from because of your accent and it is quite common for them to have a “chat” with you. I hope you take that trip and thoroughly enjoy yourself.

[@VanillaMacaron551]

Accommodation is cheaper just about anywhere than in central London. However then you will pay quite a bit in train fares to get into London.

[@marksimons8861]

One reason pubs shut at 11PM is that public transport shuts down by about midnight. If you have been out drinking you definitely don't want to be driving a car. There is a skeleton bus/tube service in London (but no rail), but these services tend to cater for the nightclub people. I don't know how they do it in the USA but in the movies you don't imagine people arriving at a bar on the bus/tram/train, or walking.

[@annietalbot6605]

It depends on the pub but the ones by me last call would be 11 closed at 12 except friday and Saturday where they're open an hour later but most people will go to a club or bar after as they're open til 4/5

[@matthill3293]

It's 18 to buy alcohol however anyone over the age of 5 can drink in their own home with parental consent. A 16 year old can also drink certain types of alcohol in a pub provided that they are eating a meal and that the alcohol is purchased by an adult and they are accompanied by an adult. Most people know that due to The Inbetweeners...

[@twoofsix3b3g]

My son when he was young had his own small version of a wine glass to have with meals usually at the weekend or special occasions..he would always..and still does..have a large glass of water. When he was an adult I was pleasantly surprised to be told by his friends that they took the mickey out of him out in clubs and bars because he often accompanied his alcohol drink with a pint of water! ..and it's free

[@barat824]

Pubs close at 11pm in cities but out in the countryside you'll find pubs that stay open until around 1-2am, some pubs even have lock ins where they lock the doors at closing time but let people stay inside and continue drinking through the night on weekends, it all comes down to the local culture.

[@loopyloo788]

Can’t beat a good lock-in 🍻

[@dennismills6887]

I know of more than 8 pub’s that have late opening

[@jenniferm2884]

Some pubs will close around 11pm / 12am however bars will close anytime between 1-4am and you have to be 18yr to drink in the uk

[@KittyKat-ip6qt]

Closing times of pubs depends on their own times. You will have some that close at 11pm, but there are some that are open until 1-2am. The clubs definitely don’t close until early in the morning.

[@protarget1]

Here's a fact he missed; the actual City of London is only 1-mile square. When he mentions Greenwich, East End etc, he's referring to is the boroughs of London

[@Paul_W.E_Ingham]

The City is really just the financial centre. Westminster Abbey, Parliament, and Buckingham Palace are in the L.B. Westminster.

[@protarget1]

@@Paul_W.E_Ingham You missed out that it "constituted most of London from its settlement by the Romans in the 1st century AD to the Middle Ages, the modern area named London has since grown far beyond the City of London boundary The City is now only a small part of the metropolis of Greater London"

[@mehitabel6564]

Definitely experience pubs both in the city of London and also country pubs, they have quite different characters. I love them all.

[@stephenwellstead]

Yes good place to visit borton on water in Oxfordshire .. great place people our lovely to talk to

[@uppyraptor49]

No some pubs close at 11 but theres a lot of bars & clubs open all night

[@foxman1546]

Ales are usually uncarbonated beer and made by small producers. British beer is made using a warm ferment, whilst lager (American/Scandinavian style beer) uses a cold ferment. You'll find so many different beers you'll be amazed. Try a Draft Guiness (not can).

[@Kari_B61ex]

London is a beautiful city and has always been more expensive than the rest of the UK. I would suggest staying and eating away from the 'tourist areas' if you want to see a bit more of the real London I would suggest watching KZbin videos - Joolz Guides, he walks the areas of London and gives some fascinating historical information. I really enjoy his videos.

[@sharonkay8638]

That’s a great shout. I love Joolz’s walkabouts.😄

[@digidol52]

There are dozens of Joolz Guides, they give you a good idea of how London grew from outlying villages that eventually joined up to form the sprawling city today.

[@MTknitter22]

And watch where you go - Londonistan is not a joke and there is much uptick in violent crime as in any big city. Do be safe and we appreciate every tourist dollar in London right now!!! Thank you!!

[@nikkijayne4451]

No ones gonna get a hotel now. There all full of illegal immigrants.

[@zollykod2541]

Yes, 18 is the drinking age here. I remember when pubs weren't open that much - all closed by 10.30pm and often didn't open until 6pm. Now they're open more - many open 10.30am and you can have morning coffee!

[@alanwhiplington5504]

The difference between a pub and an American or German bar is that you collect your own drinks in a pub. There is a waiter/waitress service in a bar. This increases social mingling but is prevented in some countries because it increases the chance of fights (in those countries). Food is sold in many/most pubs today because the profit margin on drinks is small and that on food is much greater.

[@Hirotoro4692]

Pubs actually can have your drinks brought to you if you're having them with a meal at a table

[@alanwhiplington5504]

@@Hirotoro4692 Indeed, although this is not a common situation in British pubs. The very low profit margins on selling alcoholic drinks is pushing pubs to sell more food, however. Unfortunately, the meals are usually not of good quality. The key thing is that in many countries is is not permissible to collect drinks at the bar.

[@stevegray1308]

York is a good tourist city and the Yorkshire moors, coast and wolds nearby have great scenery.

[@matthewskinner1637]

Pubs stay open later depending on a few things so mid week the shut at 11, the end of the week so Friday, Saturday and sometimes Sunday they stay open until 1-2. Depends how busy it is and where it is, obviously if you have a pub next to houses it will shut earlier!

[@patrickkeenan1111]

Hi Steve, When are you hoping to come over? Definitely come in the summer months!

[@lynnejamieson2063]

Generally speaking, pubs are not the best place to get fish’n’chips, that would be a chip shop in a coastal town or village and sitting either on the prom or beach to enjoy them. The fish will normally be super fresh and the sights and smells of the seaside (except for the seagulls) will enhance the experience.

[@helenagreenwood2305]

Yes come up to Whitby for fish & chips 😋😋😋

[@markjones127]

Some pubs have illegal lock-ins in the UK but it's just for their regular drinkers, when I lived in Brighton quite a few pubs had lock-ins, my local would close at 2-3am every morning and there was a pub in town we used to go to which stayed open all night, sometimes we'd drink there until the sun came up and go and have breakfast before going home. I now live in North Wales where the winters are very mild, I live in the rain shadow of the Snowdonia mountains, so we get slightly less rainfall than average.

[@CiaraOSullivan1990]

It's the same here in Ireland. In one of my locals, there's a lock-in every weekend and near the end of the night the owner will drive you home if you want. While she's dropping people home, you just go behind the bar, serve yourself whatever drink you want and leave the money in a jar. If you run out of cash, you can write down your name and what you owe on a notepad that's next to the jar and you pay the next time you come to the pub. You can even sleep there if you'd prefer and go home the next day. When the owner gets tired and wants to go to bed it's the same system as when she's gone out.

[@markjones127]

@@CiaraOSullivan1990 That's awesome! I remember drinking in Galway once on New Year's Eve, the pub was so packed getting to the bar was almost impossible, so we'd just hand our money and order to a complete stranger, and they'd hand it to another till it reached the bar, 10 minutes later a tray would arrive with our drinks and exact change on a tray, that's the only time in my life I've witnessed such a thing!

[@rh645]

@@CiaraOSullivan1990 thats a real human culture thats becoming more rare these days, and which i only experinced travelling to so called lesser 'developed' countries. Really hope you can all cling onto that forever! Made my day reading it thanks!

[@hadesdogs4366]

Kinda Greenwich has the London observatory as well as the London military museum

[@shininglightphotos1044]

Pubs generally close earlier still in the actual 'city' of London, which is the square mile around the Bank of England area, as it is mainly office space, where the workers have gone home.

[@ensignbodybag]

Not all pubs close at 11:00 - they can apply for "Late licenses" and stay open later. Minimum drinking age is 18. Enjoy :)

[@wallythewondercorncake8657]

My local is 11 on weekdays, 1 on the weekend

[@digidol52]

You can get a light misty drizzle in London that goes on all day, New York seems to prefer a torrential downpour for half an hour or so.

[@EhsanMusic]

Minimum drinking age isn't 18 minimum age to buy alcohol is 18. You can legally drink literally any age at home. And age around 11 with your family in a restaurant, a glass of wine.

[@wallythewondercorncake8657]

@@EhsanMusic not in the UK it's not

[@EhsanMusic]

@@wallythewondercorncake8657 yes I'm talking about the UK, look it up.