United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (or UK) is a country of western Europe comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Beginning with the kingdom of England, it was created by three acts of union: with Wales (1536), Scotland (1707), and Northern Ireland (1800). The UK is considered the ancestral home for much of the world's population. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are rich in culture, heritage and history - sometimes in the major cities, you have to look past the technology and rush of daily life to find it. The United Kingdom has a vast range of hotel and resort accommodation styles - deluxe and luxury resorts to budget hotels and comfortable suites; to quaint and cosy bed & breakfasts that dot the green countryside. In this site you will find detailed traveller information as well as details on the major regions.

England, the largest and most populous portion of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is bounded by Wales and the Irish Sea on the west and Scotland on the north. The English Channel, the Strait of Dover, and the North Sea separate it from the continent of Europe. London, the capital of Great Britain, is located in the southeastern portion of England. The Thames and the Severn are the longest rivers. England has a mild climate, attributable to warm currents in the surrounding seas. Most of the region is subject to much wet weather, and some of it experiences severe cold, but in general the climate is favorable to a wide variety of agricultural and industrial pursuits.

Northern Ireland is a division of the United Kingdom in the northeast section of the island of Ireland. The province occupies much of the ancient Irish kingdom of Ulster and is often known by that name. It was colonized by the British in the 17th century and became a part of the United Kingdom in 1920. Belfast is the capital and the largest city. The land is mountainous and has few natural resources. English is the official language. The majority of the population is Protestant, and nearly 40% is Catholic.

Scotland is a constituent country of the United Kingdom. In the ninth century most of Scotland was unified into one kingdom. When Mary Queen of Scots's son James VI succeeded to the English throne in 1603, the two kingdoms were united. Scotland became a part of the kingdom of Great Britain by a parliamentary act of 1707. Edinburgh is the capital and Glasgow the largest city. Scotland is well known for its bagpipes and kilts.

Wales is a principality of the United Kingdom on the western peninsula of the island of Great Britain. Incorporated with England since the Act of Union (1536), Wales has maintained its own distinct culture and a strong nationalist sentiment. Cardiff is the capital and the largest city. The Cambrian Mountains cover most of Wales, with high points at Snowdon (1,085 m), Plynlimon (752 m), and Cadair Idris (905 m). The eastern rivers: the Dee, Severn, and Wye, all drain into England.