Welcome to United Kingdom

Pound Sterling

Currency in United Kingdom

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Basic Country Profile

UK Google Map

Location: The United Kingdom is made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and is situated off Western Europe.
Capital: London
Population: 62.8 million
Major language: English
Major religion: Christianity
Currency: Pound Sterling
Climate: Temperate maritime with warm summers and cool winters
Terrain: England mostly flat with highlands in Scotland and Wales.
Dial code: +44
Time zone: GMT+1 (summer time)
Disability: 11 million
Emergency Numbers:
Universal number in any emergency – 999
Emergencies-ambulance, fire, police – 112
NHS direct – 08454647
Non-emergency number for police – 101
Non-emergency medical number – 111

Disability Legislations and Policies

Wooden gavel on wooden table, background UK Flag

UK ratified UNCRPD in June 2009. The Equality Act 2010 protects persons with disabilities from discrimination. It provides legal rights for persons with disabilities in the areas of employment, Education, access to goods, services and facilities, buying and renting land or property. Get more information about the Equality Act 2010.

Legislature and Policies:
Under the Disability Discrimination Act (1995, extended in 2005), it is unlawful for organisations to discriminate (treat a person with disability less favourably, for reasons related to the person’s disability, without justification) in employment; access to goods, facilities, services; managing, buying or renting land or property; education. Businesses must make “reasonable adjustments” to their policies or practices, or physical aspects of their premises, to avoid indirect discrimination.Since 2010 the Disability Discrimination Act has been replaced with the Equality Act 2010.

Travel Related Information

Man in a Wheelchair and A Woman Leaning on a Fence In Conversation Chatting Overlooking the River Thames at Bankside London United Kingdom

Man in a Wheelchair and A Woman Leaning on a Fence at Bankside London. Photo: Dreamstime

The facilities on offer for visitors with disabilities are steadily improving. Recently designed or newly renovated buildings and public spaces that provide lifts and ramps for wheelchair users are becoming more common. It is important that you make your needs very clear when booking any service or facility in the UK. Your disability may not be obvious to other people, and its best not to assume that reservations staff will know your needs.

Buses are also becoming increasingly accessible, and, if given advance notice, train, ferry or bus staff will happily help any passengers with disabilities. Ask a travel agent about the Disabled Persons Railcard, which entitles you to discounted rail fares.

Many banks, theatres and museums now provide aids for people who are blind or have low vision. Specialist tour operators, such as Tourism for All, cater for visitors with disabilities.

For more general information on facilities for travellers with disabilities, contact Disability Rights UK. This association also publishes two books that carry a wealth of information for disabled holiday-makers, which could be useful. To assist journey planning for your holiday, make sure you check-out this detailed guide and visit Open Britain.

Go to www.visitbritain.com to read about Accessible Britain.

Travel guide for persons with disabilities visiting the UK – www.visitbritainshop.com