United Kingdom
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain comprises 4 nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is located in the North West of Europe and home to a number of iconic landmarks, including: Big Ben, the London Eye, the Angel of the North, and Blackpool Tower. It is also home to 10 national parks, such as the Peak District and the Lake District.
United Kingdom - Key Facts
National Holidays
1st January (New Years Day)
Shops and restaurants are open on New Years Day, however, may operate reduced hours.
Good Friday
Most shops and restaurants will be open, but may have reduced hours.
Easter Sunday
Many shops and restaurants will be shut on Easter Sunday.
Easter Monday
Most shops and restaurants will be open, but may have reduced hours.
Early May Bank Holiday
Most shops and restaurants are open as normal. Some may have reduced hours.
Spring Bank Holiday
Most shops and restaurants are open as normal. Some may have reduced hours.
Summer Bank Holiday
Most shops and restaurants are open as normal. Some may have reduced hours.
24th December (Christmas Eve)
Although not a bank holiday, many shops will shut earlier on Christmas Eve.
25th December (Christmas Day)
Most shops will be shut on Christmas Day. Restaurants may be open, but usually by booking only for Christmas dinner.
26th December (Boxing Day)
Most shops and restaurants will be open, but opening times may vary.
31st December (New Years Eve)
Not a bank holiday, however, many shops will shut early on New Years Eve.
Cuisine
The United Kingdom has plenty of traditional dishes and each country has their own specialties.
England are known for their Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, and even the Full English Breakfast (variations in each country). If you are visiting England, be sure to stop somewhere for afternoon tea; this is a selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones and, of course, plenty of tea! Some of the best cream teas can be found in the South West of England, such as Devon and Cornwall.
Scotland is probably most famous for Haggis, a savoury dish containing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, lungs). They are also known for porridge, Irn Bru, and Scotch whiskey; many large whiskey distilleries are based in Scotland, including Bell’s, Johnnie Walker and Glenlivet.
Wales is known for Welsh Rarebit, which is basically cheese topped toast; this was once known as ‘Welsh Rabbit’, but no rabbit involved in this dish! The Welsh are also known for their delicious Welsh Cakes, which are a sweet treat containing raisins and sultanas.
Northern Ireland has plenty of traditional dishes, including Irish Stew, generally containing either lamb or mutton, however, many families have their own adapted recipes. Other dishes are Champ, Potato Apple Bread, and Potato Bread Farl; sweet treats include ‘Fifteens’, which contains digestive biscuits, marshmallows, coconut, and cherries.
Sights to See in the United Kingdom
Angel of the North
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
The Angel of the North is an iconic structure in the North East of England that attracts many visitors every year. The sculpture was commissioned by Gateshead Council and then designed by Sir Anthony Gormley. Find out more here.
Blackpool Tower
Blackpool, Lancashire
Blackpool Tower is one of the most recognisable structures in England and has stood on the Fylde Coast since 1894. The tower was commissioned by the former Mayor of Blackpool, Sir John Bickerstaffe, following a trip to Paris, where he was so inspired by the Eiffel Tower, he wanted something just like it. Find out more here.
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth, Derbyshire
Chatsworth House is a stunning stately home in the Derbyshire Peak District with hundreds of years of history. The estate boasts an incredible 1,822 acres and was originally bought by Sir William Cavendish and his wife, Elizabeth Talbot (also known as the Bess of Hardwick) in the 16th century. Find out more here.
London Eye
City of London
The London Eye is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and is a must-see if you are visiting the capital. It has 32 capsules (one for every London borough) and stands at 135 metres tall, offering some of the best views of London. Find out more here.
Ullswater
The Lake District
Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District and is around 7.5miles in length. It is arguably the most picturesque of all the lakes in the Lake District with its impressive natural and unspoilt views. Find out more here.
York Minster
York, Yorkshire
York Minster is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe and the largest in England. Construction began in around 1220 and took just over 250 years to be completed; it was finally complete in 1472. Find out more here.
Road Trips
North Coast 500
The North Coast 500, also known as the NC500, explores the north coast of Scotland, taking in some of the most beautiful Highland locations. An exhilarating journey along the north coast of Scotland, passing by historic landmarks, beautiful beaches and wonderful woodland. Find out more here.
Northumberland 250
Completing the Northumberland 250 is one of the best ways to explore Northumberland. You will find yourself driving through the vast countryside, alongside the impressive coastline, and underneath the tall forest pines. Northumberland is bursting with history and many of the stops on the road trip will immerse you in the past of the North East. Find out more here.
