The full name of the United kingdom is United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The capital is London. The United Kingdom includes:

• Scotland
• England
• Isle of Man
• Wales
• Northern Ireland
• Channels Islands (Alderney, Guernsey, Sark & Helm, Jersey)

In England much of the countryside is relatively flat, consisting of fertile plains and gentle hills. Mountains, moors and steeper hills are found mainly in the north and the west; the Lake District (Cumbria) and the northwest are divided from the Yorkshire Dales, and the northeast, by the (relatively) high-rising Pennines, also called “the backbone of England’. The eastern part of the country, particularly East Anglia, is the most low-lying. The coastline is varied, and ranges from long stretches of sandy beaches to steep cliffs and isolated rocky coves.

Scotland consists of the southern Lowland area, a region of moorland and pastoral scenery – where most of the population is concentrated – and the northern Highlands, dominated by the Grampian Mountains and Ben Nevis (1344m/4140ft), the highest peak in the British Isles. The whole of the exceedingly beautiful coastline is indented with lochs (particularly in the north and west). Off the west coast there are many islands, the largest of which are Skye and Lewis, the latter being part of the Outer Hebrides. The Orkney and Shetland Islands lie to the northeast of the Scottish mainland, across the Pentland Firth from John O’Groats.

Wales is a country of great geographical variation with many long stretches of attractive and often rugged coastline. South Wales is mainly known for its industrial heritage but the western part of the coast between Carmarthen Bay and St David’s is similar to that of the more pastoral west country of England, and backed by some equally beautiful countryside. The scenery of mid-Wales includes rich farming valleys, the broad sandy sweep of Cardigan Bay and rolling hill country. North Wales is one of the most popular tourist areas in the British Isles, with many lively coastal resorts. Inland, the region of Snowdonia has long been popular with walkers and climbers. Much of the central inland area of the country is mountainous, with some breathtaking scenery.

Northern Ireland contains some beautiful scenery, from the rugged coastline in the north and northeast to the gentle fruit-growing regions of Armagh. To the west are the Sperrin Mountains and the lake of Fermanagh, where the winding River Erne provides excellent fishing. The high moorland plateau of Antrim in the northeast gives way to the glens further south and to the Drumlin country of County Down; further south still, the Mountains of Mourne stretch down to the sea.

The National holiday in the United Kingdom is the Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, celebrated on the second Saturday in June (1926)

More information:

More information:

• Association of National Tourist Offices - Lists national tourist offices having offices in Britain.
• Beautiful England - Picture guide to England and Scotland. Tourist information and maps..
• British and Irish Villages Web Ring - A collection of web sites about villages in Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England.
• Britishbeaches.info - Details of British beaches with weather, tide times and photos. Also offers list of beaches with map, texture type and quality information. Includes user feedback.
• Butlins Memories - Personal collection of information and photographs featuring the Butlins camps, past and present.
• DisabledHolidays.com - Specialist travel agency offering accessible holidays for disabled people in the UK and abroad with flights, adapted transfers and equipment hire. Includes abroad, cruise, holiday types, extras, disabled travel insurance and grants.
• Good Beach Guide - From the Marine Conservation Society. Lists recommended beaches, giving water quality, activities, facilities and other tourism information for each.
• Great Britain Tourist Guide - Information on the UK, from history to travel facts, and with regional guides to touring areas and photographs.
• Heritage Britain - Guide to Britain's historic houses, castles, museums and ruins; organised by region.
• HolidayNet.com - Directory of tour operators offering destination information and video clips (requires Real Video player), brochure ordering facility, postcards and links.
• Information Britain - Plan a trip on-line to the British Isles; hotels and attractions.
• Picture The UK - Works with local experts to visualise places to visit and things to do.
• Pocket Places - App titles including regional maps and guides, group travel and individual attractions. Offers areas covered and prices.
• Stayin Ltd - Covers The North York Moors, The Yorkshire Dales and The Lake District.
• Surfing Genie - A searchable database of beaches, listings of accommodation, pubs, restaurants, surf schools and other services offered at those beaches.
• Tourism and Travel - Links to mainly British tourism, travel and accommodation websites: compiled by a retired librarian.
• Tourist Information UK - Tourist information guide to the top UK visitor attractions and most popular tourist destinations in Britain including museums, galleries, stately Homes, theme parks, the Royal Family
• Travel to UK Cities - A directory of the largest cities..
• World Travel Guide - United Kingdom - Tourist and business travel information with facts on climate, visa, health, passport, currency and customs requirements.