England is the largest and most populous country of the United Kingdom, offering a remarkable blend of ancient history, vibrant cities, and stunning countryside. From the iconic streets of London to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, rugged moors of Yorkshire, and dramatic coastlines of Cornwall, England captivates visitors with its extraordinary diversity. World-class museums, medieval castles, Shakespearean heritage, and a thriving arts and food scene make England one of the world's most rewarding travel destinations.
England is one of the world's safest travel destinations. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main risks for visitors are petty theft in crowded tourist areas and London Underground stations, scams targeting tourists, and road safety hazards for visitors unfamiliar with left-hand traffic. Standard common-sense precautions are sufficient for the vast majority of visits to England.
Current safety advisory
Very Safe
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep wallets, phones, and bags secure in busy tourist areas including London Underground stations, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, and Camden Market. Use bags that zip closed and keep them in front of you.
Be wary of people asking you to sign petitions, who then demand money. Avoid 'three-card monte' street gambling games which are illegal and rigged. Unofficial 'gold rings found on the pavement' is a well-known scam.
Only use black licensed cabs (which have a Hackney Carriage licence) or reputable ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt). Avoid unlicensed minicabs that tout for business outside nightclubs and stations.
In nightlife areas, never leave drinks unattended and be cautious accepting drinks from strangers. 'Spiking' (adding drugs to drinks) occurs occasionally in English cities. If you feel unwell, seek help from bar staff immediately.
England drives on the LEFT. When crossing the road, look RIGHT first (the opposite of most countries). Most crossings are marked 'LOOK RIGHT' and 'LOOK LEFT' on the tarmac. This is one of the most common hazards for visitors.
When walking in upland areas (Lake District, Peak District, Dartmoor, Yorkshire Dales), always carry an OS map, compass, and waterproof clothing. English weather can change rapidly. Tell someone your planned route and expected return time.
Rip currents and strong tides affect English beaches. Only swim at beaches with RNLI lifeguards (indicated by red and yellow flags). The RNLI rescue over 9,000 people from English beaches each year.
England's city centres can become rowdy late on Friday and Saturday nights when pubs close. Stick to well-lit areas, travel in groups where possible, and avoid confrontations with drunk individuals.
Use ATMs at bank branches rather than standalone ATMs in shops. Shield your PIN. Card skimming devices are occasionally placed on isolated ATMs.
Wear a helmet when cycling (not legally required but strongly advised). Use the cycle lane where provided. At night, lights are legally required front and rear.
Large music festivals (Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds, Download) are generally safe but pickpocketing occurs in crowds. Use festival lockers for valuables and register a meeting point with your group.
England can experience flooding in low-lying areas, ice and snow in winter (particularly the Pennines, Lake District, and Dartmoor), and occasional heatwaves in summer. Check Met Office forecasts at metoffice.gov.uk before outdoor activities.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Petition signing scam
Individuals on busy tourist streets approach visitors with clipboards asking them to sign petitions for charitable causes, then demand cash donations or distract to steal from bags.
How to avoid: Politely decline any approach from strangers with clipboards in tourist areas; keep bags secured.
Three-card monte / street gambling
Illegal street gambling games outside major tourist attractions and Oxford Street area. The games are rigged and unwinnable. Gathering crowds are accomplices.
How to avoid: Never participate in any street gambling game; they are both illegal and rigged.
Gold ring scam
Someone 'finds' a gold ring on the pavement near you and offers to sell it cheaply, claiming it is real gold. The ring is worthless.
How to avoid: Walk away; do not engage with anyone who claims to have found jewellery near you.
Unlicensed minicab touts
Outside major train stations and nightclubs, unlicensed drivers tout for business. They are uninsured, unregulated, and occasionally dangerous.
How to avoid: Only use black licensed cabs (Hackney Carriages) or reputable ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt). Book in advance or hail on the street.
ATM card skimming
Card skimming devices are occasionally attached to isolated ATMs in tourist areas. The device clones the card's magnetic strip while a hidden camera captures the PIN.
How to avoid: Use ATMs at bank branches rather than standalone machines; shield the PIN keypad when entering your number.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- General
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Rating Very Safe, Overview England is one of the most LGBTQ+-welcoming destinations in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2014. Brighton, Manchester's Canal Street, and London's Soho are globally celebrated LGBTQ+ hubs., Pride events London Pride (June/July), Brighton Pride (August), Manchester Pride (August), Birmingham Pride (May)
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police, Fire, Ambulance (emergency)
- 999
- Police (non-emergency)
- 101
- NHS non-emergency medical advice
- 111
- Coastguard and Mountain Rescue
- 999
- UK emergency number (EU alternative)
- 112