Travel tips | Traveller tips | Safety and security

Safety and security

Tips and advice to help you stay safe during your trip

By international standards, Britain is a safe country with low rates of street crime and violence. Use this general guide to help you maximise your personal safety during your trip.

Most of these tips are common sense, and you probably practise them in your own country, but they can make a real difference.

Emergency situations

In an emergency that requires ambulance, police or fire services dial 999 from any telephone. In the case of a non-emergency crime you should contact your local police station.

Insurance

We strongly advise that you take out adequate insurance before you leave to cover you for any health and medical issues, and also for theft or damage to your belongings.

Tips to help you stay safe

Using public transport & taxis

  • Avoid waiting alone at bus stops and on train platforms.
  • On a double-decker bus, sit downstairs where the driver can see you.
  • Avoid sitting in an empty carriage on trains and the Underground.
  • Check the time of the last train, bus or tube back to your accommodation.
  • Walking near railway lines can be very dangerous; never touch them.
  • Always use a licensed taxi – check the back of the taxi to ensure it carries an official licence plate.
  • Minicabs that stop in the street may be cheaper, but they are not as safe as those you arrange over the phone.
  • If you need immediate assistance when travelling on a bus or train you can call the British Transport Police free on 0800 40 50 40.

Be safe on the streets

  • Stay on the pavement walking towards oncoming traffic.
  • Look both ways when you cross the street – remember cars drive on the left in Britain.
  • Never carry large amounts of money with you, but always make sure you have enough for a phone call and a bus or taxi home.
  • Keep your handbag and belongings close to your body and wear them in front of you.
  • Avoid using cash machines at night or in isolated places, and always be aware of people around you.
  • Try not to display expensive items like laptops, mobile phones and jewellery.
  • Avoid confrontation – if you are harassed, try to remove yourself from the situation.
  • If you think you are being followed, find the nearest public place and ask for assistance.

At your accommodation

  • Avoid leaving valuables in your room.
  • Make sure your room door is locked when you leave.
  • All paid-for accommodation has to have a working smoke detector and alarm.
  • Make sure you turn off all gas and electrical appliances (except the refrigerator) when you go out.
  • When you arrive at your accommodation, familiarise yourself with the fire exits, assembly points and the location of fire extinguishers.
  • Make sure your accommodation provider supplies you with information about the procedures for emergency evacuation.

For more information on personal safety when visiting the UK see the Metropolitan Policewebsite.


Скидки И специальныепредложения

Сэкономьте время и деньги до начала поездки!

В нашем онлайн магазине представлено более 150 туристических продуктов по Британии. У нас вы найдете все – от проездных билетов на транспорт до пропусков в знаменитые музеи и аттракционы.

View all products
VisitBritain International SIM...

FREE Global simcard when you pay for £25.00 airtime

VisitBritain International SIM...
£30.65
Чем заняться
  • Маршруты
    • Ben Nevis view from Corpach © Britainonview / - Britain on View
      Walking up Ben Nevis

      Britain's highest mountain features on many people's hit list and while the walking and summit views make it a worthwhile outing, it is not a...

    • River Wye Source:Anguskirk
      Walking the Wye Valley

      The Wye Valley Walk follows the beautiful river valley from Chepstow in Monmouthshire to Rhayader in Powys, criss-crossing the border between...

    • Eilean Donan Castle at night Source:Allan Gourlay
      Scotland's history & heritage

      Taking you through the West Highlands of Scotland, this captivating itinerary allows you to relax and indulge your senses while experiencing the...

    • View over Oxford spires from Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford © Britainonview / Pawel Libera
      Heart of England by car

      On the lookout for everything English? From cosy tea rooms to superb medieval architecture you will find everything in the Heart of England.

    • Wast Water in the Western lake District Source:Barry
      North England by car

      Come and take in some of the prettiest towns and villages and the most inspiring scenery England has to offer, from wild mountains to wooded...

  • Достопримечательности
    • Canterbury Cathedral Source:Spiterman
      Canterbury Cathedral

      Canterbury has been a key location for the Church of England for nearly five centuries and you'll find many important religious buildings and...

    • Kew Gardens, London Source:Roger Quayle
      Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

      Kew Gardens has made continual contributions to botanical and environmental science since 1759, helping conserve unique collections of plants...

    • Major Oak in Sherwood Forest Source:Chris Guise
      Robin Hood

      A brilliant archer, Robin Hood lived a life of adventure, stealing from the rich to give to poor and hiding out in Sherwood Forest. Take a Robin...

    • Durdle Door, Dorset Source:© lovestruck. (Flickr)
      Dorset and East Devon Coast

      The Dorset and East Devon Coast, also known as The Jurassic Coast was the first ever site to be inscribed as a 'natural' World Heritage Site. It...

    • Blenheim Palace Source:Chris Guise
      Blenheim Palace

      The birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace near Oxford is a perfectly preserved 18th-century residence set in a 2,100-acre park...

  • События
    • Llangollen International Eisteddfod Source:© Old Polar_oid
      Llangollen International Eisteddfod

      The Inverness Highland Games on 24 July promises to be one of the most memorable events ever experienced in the Scottish Highlands.

    • Stage at RockNess Festival Source:Pogofish
      RockNess music festival

      Known as 'The Most Beautiful Festival in the World' because of its jaw-dropping location, RockNess on the banks of Loch Ness (do you see what...

    • Overlooking Courts 14 & 15 during The Championships, Wimbledon, London, England Source:© Britainonview / Andrew Orchard
      Уимблдон

      Уимблдон – самый знаменитый теннисный турнир в мире, привлекающий миллионы зрителей. Не упустите и Вы шанс понаблюдать за соревнованиями...

    • Man vs Horse Source:© Dirty Dingus
      Man vs. Horse Marathon

      Who do you think would win in a race between a man and a horse? Seems obvious doesn’t it, but don’t be so sure.

       

    • Minack theatre on the coast of Porthcurno, Cornwall Source:Eve Saint-Simmons
      Театр Minack

      Театр Minack предсталяет летний сезон из 18 постановок на самой живописной и оригинальной театральной площадке Британии.