The best of Britain - What you shouldn't miss
Are you wondering whether an au pair stay in Britain is right for you? And what you might find if you do get there? Then come with us on a little tour through England, Scotland, Wales and North Ireland to find out more.
Get to know England inside out – Not just as a tourist
Do you think that England and Co. has nothing to offer besides fast food, lots of rain and passionate football fans? Then you definitely haven't got to know the land of Sherlock Holmes just yet! Its lively nightlife, colourful pubs and modern art scene will soon change your mind when you're an au pair in the UK. Learn how to speak the Queen's English in the land where Shakespeare was born. Why not visit a stunning range of theatres and cinemas and immerse yourself in the country's amazing culture, or head to one of the island nation's many beaches and relax to the sound of the tide?
Whilst you're an au pair in the UK, you definitely should take a trip to London. It is the heart of the island, after all. You could go up the London Eye and take a classic photo of Westminster and Big Ben, something you can treasure long after your au pair stay is over.
But maybe the typical tourist attractions aren't for you. Then head out and discover the after-dark side of the capital! You'll find that London is a city that never sleeps, with its West End lights and funky bars. Failing that, you'll definitely find your favourite activity on this tourist information site, dedicated to the city of diversity.
Scotland: Love at first sight
Discover the captital of the North, Edinburgh, also known as Auld Reekie to the locals. Go on a shopping spree on Princes Street and take a minute to glance up at the majestic Edinburgh Castle, a real jewel of the city.
During your free time as an au pair in Scotland, travel for one hour from Edinburgh and you'll find yourself in Glasgow, the UNESCO City of Music. The beautiful sounds from the Royal Concert Hall are sure to lure you in.
Maybe, whilst you're taking a dip in Loch Ness, you'll spot Nessie. Be sure to take a few snaps, in case she's there lurking in the shadows somewhere! Listen for the bag pipes in the distance as you peer out across the water.
Enjoy the time of your life in Wales
Headed for an au pair stay in South Wales or "the Valleys" as it's called locally? Take a trip to Cardiff and catch a rugby match in the renowned Millennium Stadium! Not only will you see how passionate the Welsh are about their national sport, you'll also understand why they are regarded as some of the best singers in the world, even if you will only be hearing manly rugby chants.
Or, you could go to North Wales during your au pair stay. But, before you go, do you know what this means:
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch?
No, no one has fallen asleep on their keyboard! It's the name of a village in the north of the country, close to Mount Snowdon. You're bound to hear more strange words than just this one, though, since Welsh is the native language of many in the north.
Let yourself be enchanted by Northern Ireland's beauty
If you're an au pair in Northern Ireland, be sure not to miss going to Kelly's Cellars in Belfast, one of the oldest pubs in the city. It is often filled to the brim and regularly hosts traditional Irish bands. This is the place to go if you really want to soak up the culture of Northern Ireland (and a Guiness or two).
If history is more your thing, you could visit the walled city, Derry/Londonderry, and walk around its 17th century perimeters, or go to Giant's Causeway, the incredible result of a volcanic eruption over 50 million years ago. For a spooky surprise, head to the heart of Cushendall for a ghostly festival, which brings the Irish storytelling tradition to life. This is not for the faint hearted!
Time to get started
Does all this seem like your sort of thing? Can you imagine heading out to England, Scotland, Wales or North Ireland as an au pair? That's great! Let the adventure begin. And on our Info pages on au pairing in the UK, you'll find out everything you need to know to get ready for wherever your au pair experience in Great Britain takes you.