LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Dangers & annoyances
Crime
Britain is a remarkably safe country, considering the wealth disparities you'll see in many areas, but crime is not unknown in London and other cities, so you should take care - especially at night. When travelling by tube, tram or suburban train choose a carriage containing lots of other people. It's also best to avoid deserted tube stations at night; a bus or taxi can be a safer choice.
Pickpockets and snatchers operate in crowded public places, so money and important documents are best kept out of sight and out of reach, rather than in a day-pack or shoulder-bag.
In large hotels, don't leave valuables lying around; put them in your bag, or use the room safe if there is one. There's no harm doing the same at city B&Bs too; in rural areas there's much less risk. In hostels with shared dorms, keep your stuff packed away, and carry valuables with you. Many hostels provide lockers, but you need your own padlock.
If you're driving, remove luggage from the car when parking overnight in cities and towns. The same applies even in some apparently safe rural locations. While you're out walking in the countryside, someone may be walking off with your belongings. Where possible, look for secure parking areas near TICs.
Midges
The millions of tiny biting insects called midges which take to the air on cool windless evenings are not a danger, but they're very annoying if you're camping between June and August, especially in northern England, and most notoriously in Scotland. If you're staying in hostels or B&Bs they're no problem, but the gardens of country pubs can be a bit 'midgey' around sunset. Ways to counter the attack include wearing light-coloured clothing and using midge repellents (available in pharmacies and outdoor stores - those without DDT include Moziguard and Swamp Gel).
Minicabs
In large cities, avoid unlicensed minicabs unless you know where you're going. Tricks include driving round in circles, then charging an enormous fare. Use a metered taxi, or phone a reputable minicab company and get an upfront quote for the ride.
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance
