New Year's Day 1 January
Good Friday 10 April
Easter Monday 13 April
Early May Bank Holiday 4 May
Spring Bank Holiday 25 May
Summer Bank Holiday 25 August
Christmas Day 25 December
Boxing Day 26 December [Read more]

Try not to stare at people in the street. Privacy is highly prized. People shake each other's hand by way of greeting. Loud conversations and other forms of boisterousness should be avoided in the street. The queue is a British institution (and famous worldwide) and you should never push in i.e. jump the queue. The 'V' sign has two meanings: the one with the palm facing away from you, means victory; the other with the palm towards you means the same as sticking up your middle finger, so beware! [Read more]

The universal emergency number for police, fire brigade and ambulance is 999. Alternatively you can dial the European number 112. If you're the victim of theft or a non-urgent offence, then go to the nearest police station. In the city centre this will be the West End Central London Police Station, tel. + 44 (0)20 7437 1212. The other addresses can be found on their website. If you need a doctor or a dentist to treat a minor problem, click on the National Health Service website, www.nhs.uk, or phone them on +44 0847 4645. This website also lists neighbourhood chemists. [Read more]