Planning Trip To The UK

PhilosoPiper

It has been a while since I have been online, i was internet-less for 40 days.

I have a few question concerning a trip my wife and I are planning to Great Britain in September. Specifically London, Oxford, and Bath. It is our first trip to the UK and I was hoping that some of you might have some experience in this area and could help me out.

My questions are as follows:
• Are there any regulations I should beware of before traveling with and smoking my pipe while in the UK?
I've traveled the US with my pipes fairly regularly with no problems.
• Are there any tobacconists I should visit/tobaccos & or pipes I should buy?
• Any other tips or tricks?

Thanks in advance! I'm glad to be back online with all of you. I have a lot of catching up to do!

Topaz75

Keep in mind that the English language as it is spoken in the UK is sometimes only vaguely similar to what you commonly hear in North America. Particularly in certain parts of London, you may well require an interpreter if you want to converse with the locals.

thebadgerpiper

I've traveled to Ireland, Scotland, and continental Europe with my pipes and haven't had an issue. I've only visited Petersons of Dublin while overseas for a tobacconist, so I can't help exactly with any recommendations, but I can help with the others.

You should be able to bring your pipes without any issue to and fro for your trip. There is a limit on pipe tobacco, which after looking online says the limit is 1 kilo (1,000 grams) of pipe tobacco. For tobacco you buy on your trip, I think I remember wanting to stay below 250 grams to avoid extra taxes, but that's it.

As for smoking your pipe in the UK, they're a bit stricter on where you can smoke, but if you just have your pipe while out and about, you should be fine.

Hope you have fun! Always wanted to see Oxford.

PappyJoe

I would take a very small amount of tobacco with me and make a point to visit some of the famous old tobacconists in London and buy blends that are not available in the United States. Just be aware that it will cost more over there. 

PhilosoPiper

Thanks for the feedback guys!

@thebadgerpiper, we are hoping to get to Ireland over the Christmas Holiday, and Peterson's is on the list.

@PappyJo, Thanks for the advice.

thebadgerpiper

@Philosopiper You will love Ireland and Peterson's of Dublin. Peterson's is the neatest pipe shop I've ever been to. You'll find their pipes much more affordable there than any online sale here. Peterson's is in walking distance to Trinity College, so you can go visit their library after a stop in the pipe shop.

motie2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking_in_the_United_Kingdom

motie2

The only pipe shop I visited on my own trip to the UK was https://www.thebackyshop.co.uk/categories/pipe-tobacco

PhilosoPiper

@TheBadgerPiper That sounds right up my alley!

@motie2 Thanks for the links!