Brits share the major tourist mistakes that ‘drive them crazy’ when people visit UK

From historic landmarks, to traditional pubs and stunning landscapes, the UK has plenty in store for tourists.

But those planning to visit should keep a few things in mind ahead of their travels, as Brits have been sharing the mistakes tourists make when visiting the UK that ‘drive them crazy’.

A social media user known as u/Cashewnutzzzz kicked off the heated discussion on Reddit’s UK Travel forum when they asked: ‘I’m trying to help my mate. He is from Germany and wants to travel to the UK, but he asked me for some advice. 

‘What would be some good tips for him to not make silly mistakes as a first-time traveller to the UK?’’

From ordering fish and chips at a pub instead of a chippy, to standing on the wrong side of the escalator – Brits revealed the ‘silly’ mistakes first-time travellers should avoid.

Trying to get table service in a pub

Pub culture is huge in the UK, but excited tourists may find themselves puzzled when ordering food.

Reddit user u/Realistic-River-1941 points out that a common mistake tourists make is assuming that all pubs offer table service.

Helping to clarify this common misconception, Laura Evans Fisk, head of digital and engagement at Eurochange, said: ‘Unlike in many European countries, most pubs in the UK will not offer table service. Table service is a lot more common in restaurants and some “upmarket” bars.’

In traditional British pubs, Laura notes, customers are expected to order and pay at the bar.

‘It’s all part of the experience, so enjoy it,’ she adds. 

And while you’re at the pub, you might want think twice before ordering fish and chips, as these will often taste better from a proper chippy (especially one at the seaside). Instead opt for other classic pub grub, like a roast dinner, a meat pie, or ham, egg, and chips.

Trying to fit too much into one trip

The UK is much bigger than most tourists expect, and, according to Redditors, trying to see too much in one trip is a big rookie error. 

u/KaleidoscopicColours claimed: ‘Americans are generally the worst for this. No, you can’t do Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds in one day.’

Similarly, u/EmpireofAzad posted: ‘I think Americans don’t realise that U.S distances don’t work the same in the UK. It’s easier to travel larger distances than here. Roads aren’t as direct and neither are trains. Just moving around the UK can eat up days of a holiday.’

Eamonn Turley, Travel & Outdoors Expert and CEO of MPV Rentals agreed many people underestimate how long it takes to travel between places, especially outside of London. 

He told Metro: ‘I always recommend, instead of rushing to multiple cities or regions, choosing a few key ones and spending more time in each. In this manner, tourists can experience the culture properly, taste regional food, and explore smaller attractions without the stress of moving here and there all of the time.’

Visiting London’s tourist traps

For most tourists visiting the UK, London is the highlight – drawing in the largest number of tourists than any other UK city.

However, according to Redditors, some of its most popular attractions are nothing more than ‘overcrowded’ tourist traps. 

u/VelvetSpoonRoutuine claimed: ‘Leicester Square is not particularly pretty and feels tacky with a big cinema, casino, and fast food outlets surrounding it on all sides. Trafalgar Square is much nicer.

‘Oxford Street is a congested, overcrowded thoroughfare with big chain stores you can find most other places in the world.’

To avoid the crowds, Laura recommends booking ticketed attractions well in advance, especially during busy holiday periods. She also suggests visiting later in the day and mid-week, as opposed to weekends, as this will also mean they’ll be less busy.

Standing on the left side of escalators 

Another huge mistake tourists can make when visiting the capital is standing on the left of the escalators when navigating London’s busy underground. Always stand on the right.

Explaining the traffic rule, Laura said: ‘There is nothing that locals in London find more infuriating than people standing on the left-hand side of an escalator. 

‘Typically, the left-hand side is left free for people who wish to walk, while the right-hand side is for standing still. If you get this wrong, you can expect some angry looks and to be asked to step aside.’

Reddit user u/Skoodledoo warned travellers: ‘Go against this at your peril.’ Other users expressed their frustration at tourists who stop and stand in the middle of the pavement on busy streets.

u/CaptainCate88 confessed: ‘It drives me to drink when people abruptly stop right in front of me to look at a map or their phone. Move to the side out of the flow of foot traffic.’

Forgetting about the weather 

The UK has a well-deserved reputation for bad weather – according to Reddit user u/TaxiDirectory it’s ‘notoriously unpredictable’, and tourists should prepare for ‘sudden showers even in summer’. 

When visiting the UK, Laura warns: ‘You need to be prepared for all weather fronts. Even if the forecast is for sunshine, there could be an odd rain shower, so it’s important to pack an umbrella and light rain jacket if you can. 

‘However, London tends to be slightly warmer than other cities due to its dense population and busy roads, so it’s a good idea to wear a jacket that you can easily take off if you do get too warm whilst out and about.’

Eamonn agreed, adding: ‘Packing accordingly with layers and a compact umbrella can make all the difference in comfort during sightseeing.’

Not exploring beyond London

Most tourists visiting the UK won’t venture far beyond London, but Redditors claim it’s the ‘biggest mistake’ of all. 

u/Fantastic-Meet6784 wrote: ‘Visiting London and not anywhere else, especially the countryside would be the biggest mistake! Lots to see.’

While u/Turkeyface95 commented: ‘I find it one of the least exciting places to go’, and u/MattHatter1337 claimed: ‘It’s worth skipping London altogether. It’s busy, horrid and an eyesore. Sure, it’s got some lovely spots. But overall it’s a horrid experience.’

Eamonn also agrees that while London has plenty to offer, exploring further allows a ‘totally different perspective on British life’. 

‘The Lake District has beautiful natural scenery, while towns like Bath or York can feel almost deceivingly historic. I always say to travellers that, unless they go out of London, the full character of the country can’t come alive.’

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