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The adventure of a lifetime!A guide for international students discovering the UK

www.educationuk.org

www.britishcouncil.org

MUSICIS

FROM GLYNDEBOURNE TO GLASTONBURY,EXPERIENCE THE WORLD’S GREATEST MUSIC FESTIVALS



2 3Education UK www.educationuk.org

As a student in the UK, you’llbe working towards greatskills and qualifications. But it’snot just about work – outsidethe classroom, you can have a

fantastic experience too!

Across England, Scotland,Wales and Northern Ireland,you’ll find beautiful greencountryside, wind-sweptbeaches and snow-toppedmountains.

For culture, you’ll love theUK’s theatres, art galleries

and museums. And in theevenings you can enjoythe UK’s legendary nightlife,from pubs and restaurants tonightclubs and comedy clubs.

Whether you want to dancein the mud at a music festival,cheer at the FA cup final, orenjoy snowball fights in winter,we hope you’ll have theadventure of a lifetime whenyou come to the UK.

We look forward toseeing you!

Great UK events to enjoy 4

UK music festivals 6

Shopping and entertainment 8

Enjoy the great outdoors 10

The thrill of the game! 14

Adventure sports 16

Camping in the UK 18

Step back into history 20

Travel and transport 22

Contents

Welcome to the UK

The UK means the

United Kingdom andconsists of England,

Scotland, Wales(Great Britain) and

Northern Ireland.

© British Council 2013

The British Council creates international opportunities for the peopleof the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide.A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).

Education UK is managed by British CouncilBridgewater House, 58 Whitworth StreetManchester M1 6BB www.educationuk.org

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B l u n d e l l ’ s S c h o o l



4 5Education UK www.educationuk.org4 Ed uc at ion U K4 Ed uc at ion U K

Great UK events to enjoy

There’s so much to tell you about great events in

the UK! We’ve chosen just a few of our favourites

here, and there’s more about fantastic music

festivals on page 6.

1

Burns Night, 25 JanuaryScots at home and abroad celebrate the poet

Robert Burns’ birthday, 25 January, with a

ceremonial supper of haggis (a ball-shaped

sausage of lamb, onions, oatmeal and spices).

Traditionally a piper serenades the haggis as it’s

brought to the table.

2 London Fashion Week, February

Twice a year, in February and September,

trendsetters flock to Somerset House in London

to see 50 official catwalk shows and exhibitions

that showcase work from the world’s top

designers.

3 Jorvik Viking Festival, February

York’s Jorvik Viking Centre celebrates the 8th

century Viking invasion of England with

demonstrations, authentic costumes and plenty of

chances to learn more about the ancient era.

4 Ten Tors Challenge, May

This is tough: 400 teams of six teenagers meet on

Dartmoor, one of Devon’s great wildernesses, for

the Ten Tors challenge. Depending on age, they

hike 35-55 miles (56-88km) in 36 hours crossing

rivers, streams and bogs on the way.

5 FA Cup Final, May

At the end of the UK football season, the FA Cup

Final is played at Wembley stadium. Tickets are hard

to find but you can watch it live on TV.

6 Wimbledon, June/July

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tennis event still

played on grass. Watch top players such as Murray,

Nadal, the Williams sisters and Maria Sharapova

battle for the trophies.

7 Boardmaster Festival, August

If you like surfing, skating or BMX biking, the four-day

Boardmaster Festival in Cornwall, south-west England,

is for you. Every year, Newquay welcomes thousands

of visitors to Fistral Beach to watch boarders perform.

8 Eisteddfod, August

The National Eisteddfod, Wales’s top cultural festival,

celebrates ancient Welsh history and the Welsh

language with music, literature, culture, dance and

theatre, and good food.

9 Edinburgh Festival, August

The Scottish capital is completely taken over by

the Edinburgh Art Festival and Fringe as performers

entertain the visiting crowds. The 2013 Fringe was

huge: 2,871 shows and 24,107 performers in

273 venues!

10 Bristol Balloon Fiesta, August

Bristol in England is the ballooning capital of

Europe, and this is spectacular: more than 150

hot-air balloons of all shapes and sizes take to

the skies above the historic estate of Ashton

Court.

11 Belfast Comedy Festival, September

Belly Laughs is Belfast’s funniest festival, with more

than 40 acts over 20 days. It celebrates Northern

Ireland’s rich comedy heritage. Find out what makes

Belfast laugh.

12 Great North Run, September

Fancy running the world’s biggest half-marathon?

About 50,000 runners start the race in Newcastle

city centre and finish in the coastal town of South

Shields, with live bands along the way.

13 Bonfire Night, 5 November

Bonfires and spectacular firework displays light up

the sky across the UK in early November. Battle, in

East Sussex, has a torch-lit parade with people in

fancy dress before the fireworks begin.

14 Pantomime season,

December-January

Traditional UK pantomime takes over many theatres

during the Christmas season. Familiar fairy tales are

reworked to entertain all the family. Look out for the

dame (played by a man), the principal boy (a

woman), the pantomime horse (two actors in a

single costume), and the villain - he’s behind you!

15 Hogmanay, 31 December

The last day of the year, Hogmanay, is a huge

celebration in Scotland. At Edinburgh’s big street

party, everyone links arms to sing Auld Lang Syne.

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© VisitBritain / Jeremy Burgin / Alamy / Comstock




Music is a national obsession in the UK – an

obsession that has helped to produce some of

the world’s best and most innovative music.

Throughout the UK, you will find thousands of live

music events each day – from pop, rock and

dance to classical, RnB, metal and jazz. For a truly

unique experience, why not check out sometraditional UK folk music? Get ready for fast-paced

fiddles, pounding drums and beautiful vocals.

One of the best – and cheapest – ways to enjoy

live music is to go to a gig (a small concert in a

pub or small music venue, usually free or charging

a small fee). Gigs are a great place to check out

up-and-coming bands.

Bigger concerts for popular bands and classical

music are usually held in purpose-built concert

halls, football stadia or theatres. Your Students’

Union might host concerts too.

From May to September every year thousands of

people in the UK set off with tents and backpacks

to have a great time at the UK’s festivals.

Big, quirky and loud festivals

Over on the banks of Loch Ness (keep your eyes

open for the Loch Ness monster!) 35,000 fans of

all ages turn up in fancy dress for three days of

RockNess. The perfect place to dance the

weekend away in beautiful surroundings.

Orkney Folk Festival in May has fantastic

traditional music, ceilidhs (Gaelic dancing), a

fiddlers rally and much more.

T in the Park is Scotland’s biggest festival. Every

year in July, 80,000 fans come to Balado in the

heart of Kinross-shire for three days to enjoy great

acts such as Mumford and Sons and Snoop Dogg.

September sees Festival No 6 in Portmeirion: ‘a

festival unlike any other, in a place like no other’.

Perched in an Italianate village above the River

Dwyryd in North Wales, it’s a gorgeous setting for

live music, arts and culture.

Head to Wales’s Black Mountains for the four-day

Green Man Festival in August: music, comedy,

arts, poetry and literature in a stunning location.

For eight days in July, Rostrevor in County Down

hosts the Fiddler’s Green Festival, with folk,

blues, country and classical music. Great scenery,

free outdoor music and good craic (Irish for fun).

Glasgowbury, in Derry-Londonderry (City of

Culture 2013) in July, is Northern Ireland’s l argest

independent outdoor music. See emerging as

well as established performers.

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in May, is Europe’s

biggest free ticketed music event with top names

appearing live. This event takes place in a

different place each year.

In June most years, 150,000 fans descend on

Somerset for the five-day Glastonbury Festival,

a feast of bands, DJs, comedians and

performance artists and big-name acts such as

U2 and Coldplay. Pack your welly boots as well: if

it rains the site is very muddy!

Manchester’s International Festival (June/

July) is a major showcase for new and emerging

talent, with great music and pop-up events, art

exhibitions and shows.

Late in August the two-centre Reading/Leeds

Festivals combine to make a great three-day

rock festival with top bands such as Greenday,

Biffy Clyro and Eminem.

V Festival has rock and pop bands appearing inHylands Park (near Chelmsford) and Weston Park

(near Wolverhampton) at the same time.

Epic music performances and fancy dress are all

part of Bestival on the Isle of Wight in

September, the perfect way to end the summer.

For more great events, go to www.visitbritain.com

and www.discovernorthernireland.com, or join

www.facebook.com/LoveGreatBritain.

UK music festivals

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8 9Education UK www.educationuk.org 9www.educationuk.org

Shopping and

entertainment

To make the most of your experience time in the UK, be

sure to explore all that your campus and city have to offer.

To save money, have a look at the NUS (National Union

of Students) extra card or ISIC (International Student

Identity Card). Many shops, restaurants and theatres offerstudent discounts.

Students’ Unions: Typically the social heart of any

campus, the students’ union is a great place to meet

friends, eat or grab a coffee between lectures, watch live

music and lots more. Prices are usually low.

Shopping: If you’re a shopaholic then you’ll love the UK’s

high streets, department stores, and shops selling vintage

clothes and second-hand goods. You might even pick up

some fantastic bargains!

Cafes and restaurants: The UK is a great place to

discover many world cuisines. You’ll find world-famous

restaurants, cheerful cafes serving great food at modest

prices, and street stalls selling mouth-watering snacks.

Look out for ’early bird’ deals (usually until 6 or 7pm).

Theatre and dance: The UK has a long tradition of

fantastic theatre and dance with great home-grown and

international actors and artists. You can often find special

offers for tickets that won’t break the bank. (See page 18

for more about music festivals.)

Comedy: No visit to the UK is complete without going to

a comedy night and getting to know British humour! Many

top stand-up comedians perform at students’ unions and

pubs, where tickets are often cheaper.

Pubs: You don’t have to drink alcohol to go to the pub (a

sociable destination for adults in the UK). You’ll find

non-alcoholic drinks, and many pubs offer food and

entertainment. Choose friendly pubs where you feel safe

and comfortable (ask staff or students at your college or

university for recommendations.)

Find out more on www.educationuk.org, www.visitbritain.

com, and www.discovernorthernireland.com. You can also

joinwww.facebook.com/LoveGreatBritain.

www.educationuk .o rg 9

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10 Education UK 11www.educationuk.org

You’re never far away from spectacular scenery when

you’re in the UK. So pack your backpack, put on your

walking boots and discover what makes the UK such a

great country!

1 Snowdonia mountains and coast

Head to the Llyn Peninsula in Wales, one of the UK’s

protected Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Fabulous sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs skirt the

sea at the western edge of the Snowdonia National

Park, where you will find Wales’s biggest mountains.

2 Lake District

The 16 lakes and many tarns (smaller mountain pools)

that make up the Lake District are a wonderful

backdrop for walkers, cyclists and boating enthusiasts.

Home to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, and the

deepest English lake, Wastwater, the Lake District is

England’s largest national park, full of dramatic views

over lakes and pikes (peaks), with pretty villages.

Mourne Mountains

In Northern Ireland, people sometimes call the Mourne

Mountains ‘a giant’s carpet that sweeps down to the

sea’. This wild and mysterious landscape inspired the

writer CS Lewis to imagine Narnia. With dozens of

granite peaks crowded into a small area, it’s a great

place to walk, with fantastic views on a clear day.

3 Giants’ Causeway

Located in Northern Ireland, on the stunning North

Atlantic coast, Giants’ Causeway is a popular nature

spot and UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to

legend it was created by a giant. The site, made up of

hundreds of basalt columns, was formed by ancient

volcanic eruptions. Now owned by the National Trust,

the Causeway has wonderful flowers and wildlife.

4 Cornwall

The south-western tip of the UK, Cornwall is a great

place for a holiday, with rolling green hills, sandy

beaches, quaint fishing villages, and unspoilt coastline

with great fishing. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy surfing,

sailing and canoeing.

Enjoy the great

outdoors

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5 Channel Islands

On the five Channel Islands in the English Channel

(Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Sark) there’s a

mix of UK and French influences, warmer weather,

stunning scenery and intriguing history.

Norfolk BroadsFlat land with tidal shallow rivers and ‘broads’ (ponds

and lakes), unspoiled villages and lovely waterside pubs

make this a great area to hire a boat or go fishing,

walking and cycling. Norfolk is the UK’s best county

for birdwatching.

6 Cairngorms

Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park is home to Britain’s

biggest mountain range, is the perfect place to get

away from it all. You’ll find clear lochs and rivers, wild

forests and rugged moorland.

7 Scottish Islands

Off Scotland’s coasts lie 790 islands, of which only

about 100 are inhabited. Among the best known island

groups are Shetland, Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and

Inner Hebrides. You’ll find friendly people, wild scenery,

great birdlife, dramatic seas and skies.

8 The Cotswolds

The green and pleasant hills of the Cotswolds, in the

heart of England, are full of tiny winding lanes, quaint

villages and hamlets, and miles of meadow and

woodland, perfect for walking or cycling.

Peak District

At the southern end of the Pennines (the hills known as

‘the backbone of England’) is the Peak District, a great

place to go walking, rock climbing, horse riding and

mountain biking. If you use a wheelchair you can access

old railway trails and hire adapted vehicles locally.

For more information about top UK places

to visit, go to www.educationuk.org, www.visitbritain.

com, www.discovernorthernireland.com, and

www.facebook.com/LoveGreatBritain. © V


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The thrill of the game!

As the London 2012 Olympics showed, the UK is

sports-mad. Whether you want to watch live sport or

get involved yourself, the UK is the place to be.

Football

‘The beautiful game’ of football is one of the UK’s

most popular sports. It’s hard to beat the excitement

of going to a live match and cheering along with the

crowd. For a cheaper way to enjoy the game, why not

watch the match on television at your Students’ Union

or in your hall of residence with your friends?

Cricket

Typically British, cricket is a hugely popular sport both

to play and to watch, with tense national and

international matches every summer.

Cricket has been played in the UK since 1598, and

today it has a strong following across many UK

regions. While 20/20 matches last for an afternoon or

evening, international Test matches can last five days!

Rugby

The full contact sport of rugby is extremely

competitive, often very muddy, intense and

exciting to watch.

Every year the Six Nations Championship sees Wales,

Scotland, England and Ireland plus Italy and France

compete fiercely to win – and to avoid the wooden

spoon (coming last with no wins).

Horse-racing

From the excitement of point-to-points (horse-racingover fences for amateur riders) to the drama of major

races such as the Aintree Grand National (also over

fences), the Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot (where

horses race on the flat) going to a horse race is a day

out with a difference..


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Adventure sports

If you’re interested in sports and you want to

explore the great UK outdoors, then why not try

something new and exciting?

The UK has plenty to offer – from adrenalineadventures to sports courses for beginners. Taking

part is a great way to make friends and keep fit.

Sea, surf and sail

With 7,723 miles (12,429 km) of coastline from the

islands of Scotland to the idyllic beaches of

Cornwall, and hundreds of lakes and lochs, the UK is

the ideal place for water sports.

Many coastal areas offer surfing l essons, from

half-day sessions to summer-long courses, and you

can find boogie- and wake-boarding schools too. Or

if you prefer boats, try white-water rafting at centres

around the UK, or sailing on the sea and inland on

rivers and lakes.

Mountain climbing

UK mountain climbing caters for all levels with lots of

options to choose from.

Wales’ Snowdonia region, England’s Lake District

and Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains all offer

climbers spectacular rock-faces.

Scotland is one of the UK’s most popular climbing

destinations – there’s Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest

peak, plenty of climbing schools and mapped

routes. With snow-capped ridges and spectacular

views, it’s a climbing hotspot.

Rambling and walking

The South West Coast Path (England’s longestfootpath) stretches for 630 miles (1,013 km).

It’s easy to follow, running from Somerset

along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall to

Dorset.

Whether you walk for a day or a week,

anywhere along this route will be a stunning

experience and you’ll get a bird’s eye view of

the coast. You’ll be on the Jurassic Coast, the

UNESCO World Heritage Site through Dorset

and East Devon.

Cycling and horse-riding

Combine transport with adventure by cycling or

horse-riding in the UK. There are plenty of marked

paths and bridleways, so it’s easy to explore

different regions. At many national parks and

protected areas, such as the South Downs and

New Forest, you can hire bicycles and go pony-

trekking.

Education UK, www.educationuk.org, has lots

of information about things to do while you

are in the UK.

Find out more at www.visitbritain.com, and

www.discovernorthernireland.com or join


© VisitBritain



Sleeping in a tent may not be everyone’s idea of

fun, but camping is the cheapest way to holiday in

the UK – and in our opinion, it’s the most fun!

Nothing quite beats sitting round a campfire

beneath the stars, zipping up in your sleeping

bag, and then waking up to glorious countryside

right outside your tent door.

It’s perfect for students on a tight budget – you

can find plenty of tent pitches costing just a few

pounds per night.

Before you and your friends begin your camping

adventure, make sure you have the correct

equipment. You’ll need essentials such as:

Waterproof tent

Sleeping bag

Food and water (most campsites offer

drinking water)

Torch

First aid kit

Map and compass (essential if you are going

to walk or hike – don’t rely on your phone)

Sun cream

Spare clothes and rainwear

In the countryside, some shops and pubs do not

accept payment by bank card, so take some cash

with you.

The best time of year to camp is from May to

September, when it is warmest and driest. Even

then it can be chilly at night, so it’s worth investing

in a sleeping bag that is suitable for cold climates,

and you might want to wear socks, a jumper and

a hat when you sleep.

At other times of year, it can be bitterly cold and

you may experience strong wind, rain, fog or

even snow and ice. Camping in such conditions is

best avoided.

Campsites vary in the facilities they offer; some

have showers and washing facilities, while others

are more basic.

Make sure you camp responsibly, in an area

where it’s allowed. Wherever you camp, be sure

to leave absolutely no rubbish behind and if you

are going alone, make sure you tell someone

where you are.

Some of the UK’s campsites are in spectacular

locations, for example near beaches or overlooking

wonderful landscapes. You could also combine a

walking or cycling holiday with camping, which lets

you discover different parts of the UK.

Glamping – upmarket camping

If you are looking for something a bit different,

‘glamping’ is fast becoming one of the UK’s most

popular ways to holiday. The idea takes all the

best bits of camping – beautiful settings and

being outdoors – and adds home comforts with a

touch of glamour.

Many sites have luxury tents or yurts, sometimes

with en-suite bathrooms or facilities such as

barbecues. Glamping is a great way to have a UK

camping adventure, and to celebrate a special

occasion with friends.

Find out more at www.visitbritain.com and

www.discovernorthernireland.com, or join


Camping in the UK


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Step back into history

The UK is a true paradise for history-lovers. Across the country

you’ll discover thousands of awe-inspiring castles, beautiful

churches and ancient monuments. Many are free of charge to

visit and offer great discounts for students. Here are some of

our favourite places to visit.

1 Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

Elegant and historic, Chatsworth House is a stunning country

estate, set in the heart of the Peak District. The house is open

to the public and you can wander around the stately rooms,

painted gallery and family chapel. Chatsworth also has huge

grounds which feature bronze artworks and a 300-year-old

water cascade – the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.

2 Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Dating back to the Bronze Age, Stonehenge is one of the

world’s most significant prehistoric monuments – a circle of

giant monoliths (standing stones) and hundreds of historic

burial mounds. Scientists estimate that Stonehenge could date

back to 3000 BC. People come to celebrate ancient traditions

such as the summer and winter solstices.

3 Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd

At the heart of north-west Wales stands the iconic structure of

Caernarfon Castle. Edward I ordered the castle built in 1283,

and today it is part of a World Heritage Site. You can walk

along the top of the walls and the twin-towered gatehouse,

see the imposing battlements and the polygonal towers. This

is a place where history comes alive.

4 Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh’s beautiful castle looms over the Scottish capital.

Time your visit for the firing of the ‘One o’clock gun’ (cannon)

from the castle battlements. See the royal apartments and the

Great Hall’s ornate ceiling, as well as the Scottish Crown

Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and weapons down the ages.

5 Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

Hampton Court Palace was given to King Henry VIII by

Cardinal Wolsey in 1528, and it became the king’s favourite

palace. Visit the amazing Great Hall, the Tudor kitchens and

the Chapel Royal, and then head out into the wonderful

gardens – try not to get lost in the world-famous Maze!

Find out more at www.educationuk.org,

www.visitbritain.com, www.discovernorthernireland.com

and www.facebook.com/LoveGreatBritain. © V


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Travelling around the UK is easy: all the regions have

very good transport services, with trains, coaches and

buses connecting cities, towns and vil lages. You can

often save money by buying tickets online a few days

before you travel, or you can just buy them when you

set off.

You can ask at the information desk at your nearest bus

or train station. While you’re there ask for a pocket map

of the routes and a timetable too. And of course you

can check out the information online! Take a

look at www.discovernorthernireland.com and

www.visitbritain.com.

Student discounts

There are student offers and discounts which you can

use to travel around the UK. If you’re between 16 and

25 (or older and in full-time education) the Young

Person’s railcard can save you a third off rail fares.

Many bus and coach companies offer a student

discount if you have an NUS Extra or ISIC card.

Your European adventure begins in the UK!

Connections to mainland Europe from the UK are very

straightforward with regional airports as well as major

international hubs such as London’s Heathrow and

Gatwick, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham and

Belfast. There are always cheap flights on offer to

hundreds of destinations, sometimes for as little as

£20 one way.

If you’re travelling to France or Belgium you could goby Eurostar, the high-speed train direct from London to

the heart of Paris and Brussels. If you prefer a more

leisurely journey there are lots of ferry routes to

France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland

and Scandinavia.

See international students’ favourite places in the UK at

www.educationuk.org.

Travel and transport

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Dundee

Sunderland

St AndrewsPerth

Aberdeen

Inverness

Edinburgh

Stirling

Glasgow

Carlisle

Belfast

Newcastleupon Tyne

Durham

Middlesbrough

Kingston

upon HullLeeds

Derby

York

Bradford

Manchester

Caernarfon

Liverpool

Nottingham

Birmingham

Coventry

Leicester

Bedford

Oxford

Luton

Swansea

Aberystwyth

Bristol

Bath

Taunton

Exeter Bournemouth

Southampton

Portsmouth

Brighton

Dover

Canterbury

Plymouth

Penzance

Reading

Kingston

CambridgeIpswich

Norwich

London

ENGLAND

IRELAND

WALES

SCOTLAND

NORTHERN

IRELAND

Chester

Isle of Arran

Newtownabbey

Derry-Londonderry

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