Travelling through England is usually a safe and enjoyable – but a little preparation can go a long way to ensure this!
Whether you’re navigating the lively streets of London, hiking through the Lake District, or beach hoppingin Devon, knowing a few smart safety tips can certainly enhance your trip.
Here’s a guide to help you travel with confidence in England!
Is England safe?
England is generally a safe country. We certainly do have our issues, including areas that you wouldn’t want to walk around in at night, but on the whole, most tourists trips to the country are safe and secure. Here are a few things to consider if you’re planning an England trip.
Tips for staying safe in England
Stay vigilant in busy areas like London, Manchester, and Birmingham
England’s larger cities, particularly London, can have crowded areas such as Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus or near major landmarks like the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace.
These are hotspots for pickpockets.
Keep your belongings close, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and use bags with secure zippers. In tube stations during rush hour, be mindful of your surroundings, especially on escalators and in crowded trains.
Terror attacks can happen in these areas, but they are very uncommon – and can also happen all over the continent (and in many places in the world). Keep vigilant, but don’t let the threat of these put you off your trip.
Be careful at night
I personally wouldn’t walk around on my own at night in most of England, unless I knew the area and was confident it was safe. This is common travel advice that I give people visiting London.
It’s true that most areas in England (and the rest of the world!) do become less safe at night, but that doesn’t mean that they are dangerous per se. It’s just about being extra cautious.
Don’t drink too much, be careful of drink spiking (don’t leave your drink lying around or use anti-spiking devices) and stay with people you trust.
Or, choose activities like bingo that are more chilled out than nightclubs!
Use licensed taxis and public transport safely
Public transport in England is generally safe, but it’s good to stick to well-lit stations at night.
In London, black cabs are licensed and safe, but be wary of unlicensed minicabs.
If using apps like Uber, check the vehicle’s registration before getting in – make sure they say your name before you say theirs.
In rural areas or smaller towns, taxi ranks at train stations are generally trustworthy, but it’s best to book a cab from a recognised service.
Public transport in England is generally safe and very regulated.
Understand local driving conditions
If you’re planning to drive in England, remember that vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
Roads can be narrow in rural areas, and you may encounter single-track lanes with passing places. Go slow on these and take note of passing places when you cross them.
Watch out for cyclists, especially in cities like Cambridge or Oxford where bike traffic is heavy!
Parking can be limited in cities, so if you’re going into the centres I’d generally recommend using public transport.
Know where to seek help
In the event of an emergency, dial 999 for urgent police, fire, or medical assistance.
If you’re in cities like London or Manchester, police officers are often present in busy areas like train stations.
In rural areas like the Lake District or Dartmoor, make sure you know the location of the nearest town or village in case you need help, as mobile signal can be patchy!
Prepare for unpredictable weather, especially in rural areas
While we definitely have less dramatic weather than elsewhere in the world, the conditions in England can change quickly, particularly in areas like the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales or along the coast in Cornwall and Devon.
Pack appropriate clothing, including waterproof gear and sturdy footwear, if you’re planning on hiking or exploring nature. Don’t go out exploring mountains or moorland in foggy or misty conditions – people have got lost on Dartmoor!
It’s also a good idea to inform someone of your plans if you’re going on a long walk in a national park.
Respect local ettiquette
This is unlikely to land you in severe trouble, but we do have some local etiquette that, if you brush up on before you visit, can help you avoid some cultural faux pas!
The main one is queuing. We love a queue and rarely push infront – so always stand in line and wait your turn without pushing ahead.
Keeping noise levels down, particularly in public places like cafes, buses, and quiet neighbourhoods, is important – we’re generally quite quiet.
In pubs, it’s common to order at the bar and to take turns buying drinks if you’re with a group (although don’t feel like you have to).
Manners are highly valued, so using “please” and “thank you” is always appreciated.
Personal space is respected, so avoid standing too close to others, especially in queues or on public transport.
Some of us are happy to debate about things like Brexit, but it can stir up controversy amongst others, so tread lightly if you don’t want heated debates about these topics.
Be careful with riots and hooligans
Sadly, England did not feel like a very safe place in summer 2024, when far-right riots broke out around the country.
It made me ashamed to be British, and I understand why countries like Malaysia and Australia imposed travel warnings for the UK.
However, I promise it’s the minority of people who think and act this way. Most of us are welcoming to all.
Nonetheless, I would recommend avoiding any large gatherings that look like they could turn into riots or unrest.
This includes any protests in cities or football matches which can lead to hooligan-like behaviour (although this has improved substantially in the last 20 years).
Be cautious around coastlines and cliffs
England has dramatic coastlines, especially in places like Cornwall, Dorset (Jurassic Coast), and the North York Moors.
While these areas are beautiful, the cliffs can be dangerous!
Stick to marked paths, especially in areas where erosion is common, and be aware of tide times if walking along the beach.
Never venture too close to the edge of cliffs, as they can be unstable – I live in Devon where there are relatively frequent cliff falls and it’s really important to be savvy around them!
So, is England safe?
Remember, staying safe in England doesn’t have to be complicated – it’s all about being mindful of your surroundings, prepared for the unexpected and respecting the local way of life.
With this local’s guide, you’re one step closer to doing just that!
