Attractions

The United Kingdom remains one of the world's most popular sightseeing destinations drawing high numbers of repeat visitors inspired by its mix of historical splendour and very modern.

Economy

The UK was the world's first industrialised country and is now the fifth largest economy. The City of London is one of the major financial capitals along with New York and Tokyo.

Tourism

Whilst not the largest country in the world by any means, the UK is definitely one of the world's most popular destinations for tourism. The imperfect weather provides the perfect excuse for retreating inside world-class museums and galleries, or enjoying the outstanding theatre. When the sun does shine, the British countryside reveals its irresistible charms with lush greenery, rolling hills and elegant castle ruins in abundance.

Although there is so much to see and do, Britain is very compact which makes it fairly easy to get between the sights.

Climate

The weather is very changeable and unpredictable throughout the United Kingdom. Winters are cold and wet with occasional snow, especially in the high-lying areas. Summers are generally warm with frequent showers.

Health

Since its launch 60 years ago, the UK National Health Service (NHS) has grown to become the world's largest publicly funded health service. It is also one of the most efficient, most egalitarian and most comprehensive.

Travel

The entire country is laced with railway lines, frequently duplicated by bus routes, although for longer excursions it may be better to fly with one of the discount airlines like BMI, Ryanair and Easyjet, or of course British Airways.

Visas

EU nationals do not need a visa.

Entry requirements for Americans: US travelers must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals must hold a valid passport; a visa is not required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport and, from March 2009, a visa is required. The visiting visa will cost £65 while a transit visa will cost £45. UK Immigration officials will decide on a length of stay of up to six months depending on reason for travel. South Africans may no longer travel to the UK on a temporary passport.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must hold a valid passport, but no visa is required. UK Immigration officials will decide on length of stay up to six months depending on reason for travel.

Useful Links

• www.enjoyengland.com
• www.visitbritain.com
• www.somersetgroup.co.uk/site/home

UK Property Hotspots

London
As a major financial centre London property is always in demand. Now that London is hosting the 2012 Olympics the cities transport and infrastructure is being given a new lease of life. The Olympics will also open up new areas for property investment.

Bristol
Bristol is a major city, conveniently located between north and south England, not too far from London, with an international airport and one of the best Universities in the UK, but also with a more relaxed pace of life that you don't find in London.

Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, with about 450,000 inhabitants. Edinburgh is a cozy city, so different from common capitals. Live music performances in the castle is something that should not be missed, and many street performers.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837 and serves as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty the Queen. It is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today.

In August and September, when the palace is not being used in it's official capacity, visitors can visit the State Rooms, which form the heart of the working palace. Nineteen rooms, lavishly furnished with the finest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Canaletto and some of the finest English and French furniture.

As part of the Summer Opening of the State Rooms, an exhibition of dresses, jewels, photographs, and gifts presented to Her Majesty by the people of the Commonwealth are also on display.

Visitors end their tour with a walk along the south side of the Palace garden, which has splendid views of the west front of the Palace and the famous lake.