England Travel Information - by Road/Car,
Train, Bus,Air
Britain was the first industrial society; it was the birthplace
of the industrial revolution. A major characteristic of industrialisation
is the shift of population from rural to urban life. Less than
2% of the population of England is employed in farming. The great
majority of people live in cities, towns and suburbs. In older
towns, especially in the north and midlands, excellent local urban
bus transport exists. In rural areas and newer towns bus transport
can be patchy and the car is important for many workers.
There are commuter rail networks to most of England’s
largest cities. The south-east has an enormous commuter rail
network focused on London. This network is extensive and trains
run until late. At peak times commuter trains are crowded and
some passengers have to stand.
London is also served by the extensive underground network
(Tube). While many Londoners complain about the state of the
tube, visitors and those who come to work in London find it
a great asset. It is very extensive and it removes the need
for a car.
Long distance travel
Long distance travel is well served by inter-city trains and
coaches. These are most effective on the major north-south routes
that terminate in London.
Advance booking of trains and coaches can result in very economical
fares. The major inter-city routes from London to the large
cities of the midlands and the north have had the track upgraded
and new, faster trains introduced. England is joined to continental
Europe by the Eurotunnel, a rail tunnel, carrying passengers
and vehicles.
See: England
Train Travel
UK Bus Travel
Roads
England is a compact country. Distances appear short on a map
to those who move here from large countries such as Australia,
South Africa, Canada or India. Remember however that population
density in England is much higher than in any of those countries.
Roads are often congested and journey speed can be slow. There
is a comprehensive road network with motorways linking all major
centres of population but it is important to plan journey times
carefully. The major trunk roads between towns are known as
‘A’ roads, lesser roads linking communities are
classed as ‘B’ roads.
Airlines
England is extremely well served by airlines. There has been
a great increase in the number of ‘no-frills’ airlines
operating from English airports. There are regular low cost
flights both within the British Isles and to much of continental
Europe. Most large west European cities have frequent services
from England and an increasing number of smaller European airports
now have daily services. London in particular and to a lesser
degree Manchester have major intercontinental airports with
direct and connecting flights all over the world. London’s
Heathrow airport is the world’s busiest for international
passengers. Currently the airports of the south-east offer the
greatest choice in terms of air travel but there is steady and
continuing growth in the range of services offered by regional
airports. Air
Travel
Ferries
England has good ferry links to the western seaboard of continental
Europe including Scandinavia. Ferries also link Britain with
Ireland and with the large number of small islands that surround
the British mainland. Major cruise ships also sail from England.
Tradition
Traffic throughout the British Isles travels on the left. Many
visitors from countries such as Australia, India, Japan etc
are perfectly used to this but others from countries that drive
on the right sometimes need time to adjust. Although the metric
system continues to be adopted in aspects of life in England
this does not apply to the roads where all information about
distances and speed limits is still provided in miles not kilometres.
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