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A
Accommodation
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Africa
Aids Helpline: 0800 567 123 for anyone wanting information or assistance.
Airlines
Airports
Amalfi Coast Amsterdam
Antipodean Pub Guide
ANZAC Day
Arriving in the UK
Ascot - The Royal Ascot races is a famous horse-racing meet at the end of June that attracts royalty, the well-heeled, and the paparazzi in seemingly equal measure. A great chance to rub shoulders with the rich and famous.
A to Z of Work
Australia House is situated on the Strand in central London. Phone 0207 379 4334.
Australia Shop has all the Aussie goodies you might want. Check them out at 26 Henrietta Street; phone 020 7836 2292.
B
B&B's
Bank Holidays in England and Wales take place on 1 January, Good Friday, Easter Monday, the First Monday in May, the Last Monday in May, the Last Monday in August, 25 December, and 26 December.
Banks Barcelona
Bath
BBC, or 'Auntie' as the venerable broadcasting body is known, is a British Institution. On the airwaves from the early decades of the 20th century, when BBC radio was the voice of Empire and the voice of freedom during time of war, to more recent times when BBC television has established itself as one of the most respected broadcasting entities in the world.
Beer Best Museums & Galleries
Best of the Web
Big Ben
Blair, Tony - Labour Prime Minister of Britain since 1997.
Boat Race
Book Reviews
British High Commissions
British Literature
British Movies
British Museum British Shopping
British Sport
Bruges
Buckingham Palace
Buses
C
Cafes have sprung up all over Britain over the last decade in particular, although standards vary. Chain cafes such as Pret a Manger offer fresh sandwiches, croissants, and other snacks of a high quality.
Calendar of Events
Cambridge
Camden Markets
Camping
Canadian High Commission - MacDonald House, 1 Grosvenor Square W1. Phone 0207 930 8422.
Castles - there are over 400 in Britain. The more famous include Windsor Castle and Leeds Castle. Check out Palaces & Castles.
Changing money can be done at any bank or Bureau de Change, and many hotels will also offer this service. Check the rates and commission payable.
Cheap Airlines
Checklists are available for your use: Don't Forget To and Packing.
Chemist Shops are widespread, with Boots being a particularly popular chain store.
Churches in London
Churchill, Winston - most famous Prime Minister of the twentieth century, leading Britain through the Second World War.
Cigarettes are available in 10's or 20's, with common brands such as Benson & Hedges widely available. Prices are generally high.
Clubs
Coaches - refer Buses.
Community - Join our community for free and win prizes!
Contact Us
Costs
Cottage Holidays
Covent Garden
Credit Cards from major organisations such as Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Diners are widely accepted, although less so in rural areas.
Cricket is the summer game in England, with a long and interesting tradition. Lords - situated in Marylebone - is the world 'headquarters' of cricket, and this summer will host the Australians in the much anticipated Ashes Series.
Currency - see Currency Converter.
Curry is a wide-spread national dish (a positive legacy of Empire), and "going for a curry" a popular past-time for many Brits. Highly recommended: see more at Curry Time!
Customs & Immigration
D
Days Out Of London
Destinations
Dickens - Charles Dickens was the quintessinal London writer, penning such Victorian classics as Great Expectations and Oliver Twist. Dickens' house can be visited at 48 Doughty Street, near Russell Square.
Docklands is the controversial redevelopment of the semi-derilect dock areas, once the thriving conduit for the wealth of an Empire. Canary Wharf and its sky-scraping Canada Tower are the most visible signs of regeneration, although a substantial number of structures have been converted for residential use.
Doctors
Downing Street - The Prime Minister's residence at number 10 is one of the most well-known addresses in the world, although the street itself is now cordoned off due to security concerns.
Drinking - refer Pubs.
Drugs are of course illegal, but are in plentiful supply in most parts of the UK. Imprisonment and deportation are possible consequences of being caught with drugs.
Dublin
E
Edinburgh
Egypt
Electricity - the current is 240 volt AC. Australasian appliances will need an adaptor, North Americans will also need a transformer.
elogica - NZ IT, Web, Training & More.
Email or Cyber Cafes are become more numerous throughout the UK, particularly in London, where large and inexpensive cafes are available throughout the city.
Embassies - see British Tourist Authorities.
Emergencies - dial 999.
English Heritage is a preservation society that owns and manages many of Britain's historic places. Membership cards allow free access to these fascinating sites.
European Events
Eurostar is the high speed train service jointly operated by Britain and France. Travelling via the Channel Tunnel, the train links the principal European capitals of London, Paris, and Brussels.
Events Calendar
F
Favourtie web sites
Ferries, Channel
Festivals Find A Kiwi
Fitness Centres
Flats
Flowers
Fleet Street was the printing and publishing heart of the nation for over two centuries, and is today a well-preserved area of alleyways, courts, and inns. Temple or Blackfriars Tube.
Flights - see Airlines or Arriving By Air or Cheap Airlines
Football (soccer) is the national game of choice, and has a passionate following in most parts of Britain. Premiership teams like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool have become household names throughout the world, and are key teams in the English Premiership competition. The national sides (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) have had moderate success on the international stage in recent years. Chances are there'll be a Premiership side near you, and tickets are obtainable for many games if you get in early.
Fortnum and Mason is a London institution. Situated on Piccadilly, this elite food emporium was established in the 1770's. Piccadilly or Green Park Tube.
Free & Cheap London
G
Galleries, Best
Gay Scene
Genealogy - Find Your Ancestors
Getting Around London Getting Established
Globe Theatre
Golf was born in Scotland, where there are over 400 courses to choose from, a large number of which are open to the public. Booking your round of golf is always advisable, and it pays to check what the green fees are before you show up. St. Andrews is the home of golf, and actually consists of six courses - even so, you'll need to book well in advance (www.standrews.org.uk).
Great British Heritage Pass
Greek Island Getaways
Greenwich
Guided Tours
H
Hampton Court
Haunted Pubs
Harrods
Health & Fitness Health & Safety
Heart of England
History of London
Hogmanay is the traditional Scottish New Year celebration. These days, Edinburgh is overrun by 'foreign' partygoers at New Year's, and there are numerous tours that can be taken for that purpose.
Hospitals
Hostels Hotels
Houses of Parliament Hyde Park
I
Immigration - refer Customs & Immigration
Immigration & Nationality Directive is situated at Block C, Whitgift Centre, Croydon CR9 2AR. Telephone 0870 606 7766.
Insurance
Internet Cafes - refer Cyber Cafes
Inter-Rail Passes are train passes for European travel, and can be purchased once you have been resident in the UK for at least six months.
IRA is a terrorist organisation from the Irish Republic, and has for decades sought the unification of Ireland. Currently on a ceasefire, splinter groups continue to operate, so the British authorities and public remain alert for suspicious packages at tube stations etc.
J
Jazz clubs can be found throughout London, with Ronnie Scott's (47 Frith St, W1; Phone 0207 439 0747) being the most famous.
Jack the Ripper was perhaps London's most notorious killer, stalking and brutally murdering five prostitutes in 1888. Never caught, speculation continues to this day as to who the Ripper was. Walking Tours that recreate the London of that time and retrace the alleys and streets stalked by Jack the Ripper can be taken.
K
Keeping In Contact
Kensington Gardens
Kew Gardens
Kiwi Recipes
L
Lake District
Leeds Castle in Kent is one of England's most picturesque, situated on a small island in a lake. The Castle has extensive grounds and also plays host to a number of events throughout the year. See also our section on Palaces & Castles.
Legal Services
Left Luggage facilities are available at airports and major railway stations.
Leicester Square in central London is in the heart of the West End. A great place to people watch, buy theatre tickets, or meet up before a night on the town.
Loch Ness in Scotland is the famous stretch of water that is reputed to contain the mysterious Loch Ness Monster. The ruins of Urquhart Castle is a picturesque spot from which to view the lake, particularly at night.
London Accommodation
London Events
London Eye is the city's most prominent landmark, and is yet another tourist hotspot. Rising 443 feet above the Thames, this huge observation wheel offers spectacular views during its half hour circuit.
London Scene
London Zoo is situated in the northeastern corner of Regent's Park (Camden Town tube).
Lords Cricket Ground
Lost Property contact details: Heathrow - 0208 745 7727; Gatwick - 01293 503162; King's Cross - 0207 922 9081; Victoria - 0207 922 9887; Tube - 0207 486 2496.
M
Madame Tussaud's
Major Sights and Attractions
Markets
Medical Treatment
Money
Museums
N
National Gallery
National Insurance is paid by employers, and is a key source of funding for the NHS. You will need to apply for this number yourself when you have commenced employment, and you will eventually be issued with a red and blue card noting your personal NI card.
Natural History Museum
Netball competitions are held throughout London, social and serious. Check out overseas magazines for details.
Netventures Limited are the company responsible for this site. Feel free to contact us.
News & Sport - NZ, Australia, and South Africa.
New Zealand High Commission - 80 Haymarket, SW1. Phone 0207 930 8422.
New Zealand Gifts - see also thekiwistore.com.
Notting Hill Carnival Nursing Work
O
Off The Beaten Track
Oktoberfest
Old Bailey is the main criminal court in Britain. Located on the street of the same name, the nearest tube is St. Paul's.
Old Royal Observatory is situated in Greenwich Park
Online New Zealand shopping - www.thekiwistore.com
Open Air Concerts are held every summer at Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath, Marble Hill House near Twickenham, and in Holland Park. Visit Picnic Concerts for more information.
Open Air Theatre can be enjoyed in Regent's Park and Holland Park throughout summer. Booking lines - Open-Air Theatre (Regent's Park) 0207 602 7856, Holland Park Theatre 0207 602 7856.
Opera fans should check out the English National Opera at the Coliseum, St. Martins Lane, WC2 (Phone 0207 632 8300). The Royal Opera House is adjacent to Covent Garden, and can be contacted at 0207 304 4000.
Oxford
P
Packing
Palaces & Castles
Pamplona
Pantomimes are an institution in Britain, particularly in holiday and sea-side towns. This form of slapstick theatre was perhaps typified by the Carry On movies, and attracts celebrity guest appearances in the bigger productions.
Paris
Parks
Parliament
Parma, Italy
Passports
Piccadilly Circus is a central hub of London's West End, and the steps below the statue of Eros is a favourite meeting spot.
Rechargable pre-paid phone card - easy online purchasing
Portobello Road Prague
Premiership Football
Preparing For Your Trip
Public Holidays - refer Bank Holidays.
Pubs
Public Transport
Q
Queen Elizabeth II is Britain's ruling monarch, and has been on the throne since 1953.
R
Rail Passes
Railways Recommended Partners - check out our recommendations.
Regent's Park
Register for a Doctor
Remembrance Day is held on 11 November, when the battlefields of World War 1 fell silent. A parade is held by the Cenotaph in Whitehall, with the Queen, Prime Minister, and veterans in attendance.
Restaurants
Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly was immortalized by the tune Puttin' On The Ritz, and is one of London's most stylish hotels. Taking tea at the Ritz is a popular tourist past-time.
Riverside Pubs
Roman London
Rome
Royalty
Rugby is a major sport in Britain, although in winter it plays second fiddle to soccer (football). Twickenham (England), Cardiff Arms Millennium Stadium (Wales), and Murrayfield (Scotland) are the respective home grounds of the British sides.
S
Safety
St. James's Palace was the residence of Prince Charles, and is for the most part off-limits to the public.
St Paul's Cathedral
Santorini
Savoy Hotel on the Strand is one of London's top hotels.
Science Museum
Selfridges is a landmark department store on Oxford Street.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Shopping
Ski Europe
Soccer - refer Football.
Soho is one of central London's most characterful districts, where there is always plenty going on. Restaurants, theatres, Chinatown, sex shops - SoHo has it all. Covent Garden or Piccadilly Circus Tubes.
South African High Commission is located on Trafalgar Square, WC2. Phone 0207 451 7299.
Southern Hemisphere Supporters Club - cheap tickets, events.
Speakers' Corner
Sport
Stratford-upon-Avon
Streetmaps
Studying
Surfing takes place mainly in Newquay (Cornwall), although decent waves can also be found at Croyde (Devon) and Saltburn in the northeast. Expect smaller, colder surf than the southern hemisphere.
T
Tate Gallery
Tax
Taxis
Teaching Positions
Telephones
Theatre
Things To Do - 20 suggestions.
Time's Up?
Tipping is generally expected for good service in restaurants, hotels, and taxis. Note that many restaurants will add a service charge automatically. While it is your personal choice as to whether you tip - and if you receive poor service there is certainly no obligation - it is not particularly fair to ignore this convention on the basis of "we don't do it at home".
Travel Tips
Touch Rugby competitions are run in summer, with registrations etc starting in March. Check out the traveller magazines for details.
Tourist Information
Tours
Tower of London
Tracing Your Family
Trains
Trafalgar Square is a transport and tourist hub in central London. A short stroll from Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square is named after Lord Nelson's famous maritime victory, and Nelson himself stands atop the 165 foot column. The National Gallery borders the northern edge of the square, and numerous bus tours start their journeys from in front of the gallery. Night buses also start or travel through the square.
Transport
Travel Agents
Travellers Pubs - refer Pubs.
Tube
U
Underground - see Tube.
UK Ancestry
United States Embassy is located at 24 Grosvenor Square W1. Phone 0207 499 9000.
University Accommodation
Upcoming Events in London.
Useful Phone Numbers
Useful Websites
Useful Phone Numbers & Websites
V
Vaccinations are not required to enter the UK.
VAT (Value Added Tax) of 17.5% is charged on almost all goods (much like GST in New Zealand and Australia), and should be included in the marked price. Non-EU visitors who are staying in Britain less than three months may claim back VAT, but to do so you must take your passport with you when shopping, complete the exemption forms, keep receipts, and hand the appropriate documentation to customs as you leave.
Venice
Victoria and Albert Museum
Visas - for Travel to the UK Visa and UK Residency Advice
W
Walking
Weather
Westminster Abbey
Whisky is the national drink of Scotland, and has been produced there since the fifteenth century. Whisky tours can be taken in Scotland, with Johnnie Walker, Glenfiddich, and Teacher's being amongst the better known brands.
Wimbledon
Winchester
Windsor Castle
Working Work Permits
Wren, Sir Christopher - see St. Paul's Cathedral
Y
York
Youth Hostels
Z
Zoo - refer London Zoo.
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