Finding your bearings in England

Priscilla · 2018-09-05T10:31:47+02:00

Explore practical tips for navigating England, from GPS use to asking locals for directions, and discover helpful resources for getting around.

Priscilla ViP

Member since 30 May 2013

PriscillaViP05 September 2018 08:31:47

42358

Hello,

While technology has definitely helped us navigate ourselves more easily in most countries, it's not the case everywhere.

How do you get to your destinations and navigate yourself in England? Do you use gps systems such as google/apple maps?

Are the gps navigational systems updated enough that they provide accurate information and directions?

Is it enough to simply follow road signs in England?

Is talking to locals and asking them directions the best way to get around? Are they generally friendly and helpful?

Are there any online resources or other types of resources to help you better understand the road systems, transportation, etc., in order to find your bearings?

What are the steps to take if you get lost?

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Priscilla

Iainmac New member

Member since 08 January 2014

IainmacNew member10 September 2018 12:18:03

If you have a smartphone with a data plan, I highly recommend an app called WAZE.
The streets, road closures, and current traffic status are updated by crowdsourcing, and are very accurate. The journey planner/alternate route finder/duration estimator is also extremely accurate.

If you do not have a data plan, but have a smartphone with a GPS capability, then download an app called Navigator, from Mapfactor. In this app, you download detailed maps of specific areas to your phone in advance (while connected to WiFi :-) ). So, if you know you will be spending time in London, go to the maps page, drag and drop your cursor over London, and download the whole detailed London map in advance. This does not give you real-time congestion status, or road closures, but gives you a moving map and turn-by-turn directions to reach your destination.

British people are normally more than willing to give directions. I always start off by asking "Do you live around here?" before asking for directions, otherwise you can find the most friendly person starting to give directions when they themselves are just visitors to the area :-)

What to do if lost is totally dependent on whether you are on motorway, or countryside, or city centre roads.

AlluringAnil Member

Member since 20 August 2009

AlluringAnilMember10 September 2018 14:04:43

I have always been using TomTom as a trusted friend to navigate me across the country but then its not a free tool. I have usually not had a problem but on occasions I found myself lost, the local people have been very helpful guides and they have always navigated me in the right direction. I have found that Google Maps is the worst navigator that one can rely on. Also if a person has working knowledge of English and has a little common sense and sense of direction, they will be able to navigate themselves without a problem in this wonderful country which has roadsigns in every corner to help people.

dianeni Member

Member since 09 June 2017

dianeniMember26 September 2018 11:37:39

We have found the online maps and GPS in our car and phones to be accurate. (We are in Northern England but have traveled to London, Wales and Scotland) It is surprising how much longer it takes to get places then what we are use to in the states. I have also enjoyed the bus system and we have had good experiences using the trains.