United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Capital city description
London is the capital and the largest city in the United Kingdom. London has become the most visited city and has become the best prime destination for tourists. Some of London's major tourist attraction sites include The Tower of London, the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the Globe Theater, among others.
The Monument in the City of London provides views of the surrounding area while commemorating the Great Fire of London, which originated nearby. Marble Arch and Wellington Arch, at the north and south ends of Park Lane, respectively, have royal connections, as do the Albert Memorial and Royal Albert Hall in Kensington. Nelson's Column is a nationally recognized monument in Trafalgar Square, one of the focal points of central London.
Climate
The climate of the United Kingdom, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, is temperate and humid, with relatively small temperature variations between winter and summer. The weather, however, is variable, with frequent changes from day to day or even on the same day.
The rainfall is not much, but they are equally distributed in each month of the year; the east coast has the lowest rainfall of the west coast. The driest areas are the southeast, particularly the region of East Anglia, where there are values less than 500 mm of precipitation per year.
Spring: March to May
Summer: June to August
Autumn: September to November
Winter: December to February
Languages spoken
The official language of the United Kindom is English and is spoken by almost all the country’s population.
Fun/Fascinating Facts
1. The British drink over 163 million cups of tea daily; in contrast with the Americans, the tea’s consumption is 20 times lower.
2. Windsor Palace is the oldest and largest castle in the world that is occupied.
3. Queen Elizabeth II has visited over 100 countries on official duties – but astonishingly, she doesn’t need to have a passport. It is because British passports are issued in the name of the Queen.
4. London houses one of the oldest transport systems globally–and one of the largest. The 270 functioning stations of the London Underground boast over 400 escalators.
5. The towering British Library in King’s Cross, London, has over 170 million items in its catalog. https://www.skyflok.com/2018/09/27/30-interesting-uk-facts/
Unique Customs/Traditions
- Cheese rolling is an unusual British tradition involving a ball of Double Gloucester cheese and a crowd willing to chase it for fun. Every Spring Bank Holiday Monday of the year, the cheese rolling event occurs.
- Morris dancing is a traditional dance in the United Kingdom. It usually involves dancing with sticks, handkerchiefs, or swords in a style that is depicted mainly by location. This type of dance is typically performed on specific occasions and seasons, such as early summer for Oxfordshire and during Christmas and New Year for Yorkshire.
- Afternoon Tea is probably a typical British custom. Afternoon Tea is a meal composed of sandwiches (usually cut delicately into 'fingers'), scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries, and cakes. Interestingly, scones were not a common feature of early Afternoon Tea and were only introduced in the twentieth century. The regatta is a boat race between the rowing teams of Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The race is held annually sometime during the Easter vacation on the River Thames in southwest London. The racecourse is known as the Championship Course. It is almost 7 kilometers long and is located between Putney and Mortlake.https://everythingzany.com/british-culture-traditions-and-celebrations-in-the-uk/#1-cheese-rolling
- Gardening is one of Britons' favorite pass times. May is traditionally the time when the British celebrate flower festivals. The city of Chelsea welcomes all guests to see impressive gardens and various flower compositions.
Popular universities
| Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. The University of Oxford is the oldest in the English-speaking world and the second-oldest surviving university. Located in and around Oxford’s medieval city center, the university comprises 44 colleges and halls and over 100 libraries; the university had recently ranked number one in the world for medicine and among the top ten universities globally for life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, and the arts and humanities. | |
| University of Cambridge | The University of Cambridge is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Cambridge, East of England. The University of Cambridge offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study., Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's fourth-oldest surviving university. | |
| University College London | Founded in 1826, University College London is a non-profit public higher education institution located in London. University College London (UCL) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. University College London is the oldest and largest college in London, known as 'London's Global University. | |
| University of Edinburg | The University of Edinburg is a public research university in Edinburgh, Scotland, comprises three colleges: arts, humanities, social sciences; science and engineering; medicine, and veterinary medicine. The university is one of Scotland's four ancient universities and the sixth-oldest university in continuous operation in the English-speaking world. | |
| University of Glasgow | The University of Glasgow is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Glasgow, Scotland. The university is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's four ancient universities. University of Glasgow (UofG) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. | |
| University of Manchester | The University of Manchester is a non-profit public higher education institution located in Manchester, North West England. The University of Manchester offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. | |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | The London School of Economics and Political Science is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of London. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. | |
| Imperial College London | Imperial College London is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of London. The college focuses exclusively on science, technology, medicine, and business. Imperial College also houses two academic centers, formerly the Department of Humanities, offering to teach undergraduate and postgraduate students in modern languages, arts and humanities subjects, social sciences, and other subjects outside the standard remit of science and technology and medicine. | |
| University of Warwick | The University of Warwick is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of Coventry, West Midlands, founded in 1965. The University of Warwick comprises the Faculty of Arts, Science, Medicine, Engineering, and the Faculty of Social Sciences. The University of Warwick offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. | |
| University of Leeds | The University of Leeds is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Leeds, Yorkshire, and the Humber, founded in 1904. The University of Leeds offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. | |
Festivals & Events
Boardmasters
Date: August
Boardmasters is the UK’s biggest surf and music festival, held across two stunning sites in the lively and picturesque coastal town of Newquay, Cornwall, a five-day festival, attracting more than 50,000 people annually.
The festival presents songs, including rock, RnB, grime, pop, indie, and other genres, from more than 200 performers. It also offers workshops, yoga classes, and comedy at Zennor Haven. Also, see fantastic surfing competitions at Fistral Beach, or party hard at the beach bar.
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Glastonbury Festival
Date: June
Glastonbury Festival is a five-day festival of contemporary performing arts in Pilton, Somerset, in England. It is characterized by its massive Pyramid stage, which has featured big names in the industry – including George Ezra, The Killers, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, and much more.
The festival hosts dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, and other arts attracting thousands of spectators annually.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Date: August
Edinburgh Fringe Festival is among the most prominent art festival worldwide and one of the most significant in the United Kingdom. It is a grand celebration in over 300 venues, highlighting over 3,000 events and welcoming more than 50,000 participants.
It features theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions, and events. Comedy is the most extensive section, making up over one-third of the program.
International Jazz Festival
Date: June
One of the most significant music events in the British Glasgow International Jazz Festival features famous R&B, funk, soul, blues, and jazz artists. The Glasgow International Jazz Festival is held annually in June in the Merchant City area of Glasgow.
The Glasgow International Jazz Festival’s other highlights to enjoy include film screenings, late-night jazz clubbing, and interactive stage chats.
Southwark's Fireworks Night
Date: November
Southwark's Fireworks Night in Southwark Park Fireworks is a famous event in the United Kingdom. This festival, which attracts over 30,000 visitors from within and around the globe, features lots of family-oriented entertainment and excitement. Apart from the bright displays, which dazzle above central London's sky, the fest also highlights a kids' funfair, drinks, and foods.
British Summer Time
Date: July
Launched in 2013, The British Summer Time (BST) is a 10-day music event. The festival highlights six days of concerts featuring rising stars and legendary artists.
Many hospitality packages, drinks, and foods keep the excitement afloat throughout the lovely shows. It also hosts many activities and entertainment in the Open House.
All Points East
Date: May
All Points East is a new festival that started in 2018. It takes place in a stunning Victoria Park and plays host to several famous artists in the hip-hop, indie, and rock genres.
The festival features lots of live music performances welcomes renowned artists and bands – including the Australian psychedelic band Tame Impala, Kraftwerk, and much more.
International Beatle Week
Date: August
International Beatle Week celebrates the famous rock band, The Beatles, which began in Liverpool, England, in 1960, and this festival aims at honoring the music group. It welcomes individuals from 40 countries and features several music bands from more than 20 nations worldwide.
Aside from the live shows, the fest highlights other activities – including a convention, sightseeing tours, video shows, guest speakers, and even memorabilia for sale.
Attractions / Top Sights
Windsor Castle
When to visit: In spring and autumn
A 15th-century building Windsor Castle, a splendid set on a vast, home to the reigning monarch, the sprawling fortress is known as Windsor Castle sits above an arm of the River Thames. Originally the Norman fortress built on the hill, the castle's present structure is primarily the result of Victorian additions.
Close to Windsor is Great Windsor Park, a lush valley home to the Royal Family's safari and much of the palace grounds. Other highlights include Windsor Castle, an excellent zoo, and the Batsford Arboretum, home to trees more than 500 years old and the oldest Tudor beech in the United Kingdom.
Tower of London
When to visit: March to October
The most important building in England, officially Majesty's Royal Palace, the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. Constructed in 1078 by William the Conqueror, it's home to unique exhibits, such as Line of Kings, the world's oldest visitor attraction, established in 1652 with a remarkable display of royal armor. The centerpiece of this Thames-side fortress is the White Tower.
Other highlights include the impressive Crown Jewels exhibition, classic Yeoman Warder Tours, the Royal Mint, and exhibits and displays regarding prisoners and executions. It is one of the World Heritage Site in the United Kingdom.
Edinburgh Castle
When to visit: May, June or September
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United Kingdom, which Scottish King William the Lion built in the 12th century to protect the capital of Scotland. Edinburgh Castle houses several museums, including the Regimental Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, which details the history of one of Britain's oldest regiments.
Edinburgh Castle also provides a unique experience with its spectacular setting. Its medieval prisoners' dungeons, packed with lots of real-life stories, are the stuff of which legends are made.
Roman Bath
When to visit: In spring and autumn
A well-preserved thermae in Bath, Somerset, England, Roman Baths built around the city's rejuvenating hot springs, it's equally well known for its honey-colored Georgian Townhouses. The Roman Baths are preserved in four main features: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House, and a museum that holds artifacts from Aquae Sulis.
Some 500 of the city's buildings are considered historical or architectural importance, resulting in the entire town being granted World Heritage status.
Canterbury Cathedral
When to visit: May to September
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canterbury Cathedral is home to the Archbishop of Canterbury and is the cradle of English Christianity. Originally the earliest Christian cathedral in the country, Canterbury was founded in AD 604 and has been a place of worship ever since.
Highlights of the cathedral include the ancient 7-meter-high Romanesque west front, one of the world's finest, the 12th century Carolingian Palace and the original Norman crypt. The West Gate, a magnificent 12th-century structure, is decorated with numerous mosaics of biblical figures and scenes of flowers and animals.
British Museum
When to visit: May to September'
One of the best and most famous places to visit in London is the British Museum, with collections of antiquities among the world's finest; the British Museum houses more than 13 million artifacts from Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, and Greece, the Roman Empire, China, and Europe.
The most famous ancient artifacts are the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens and Rosetta Stone. The Ancient Egyptian collection is the most significant outside of Cairo.
Chester Zoo
When to visit: May to September
Located in Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, England, Chester Zoo is England's best zoo worldwide and the most visited, perfect for family and trip. There are children's play areas, shops, kiosks, and several picnic lawns around the zoo.
Chester Zoo holds a large and diverse collection. It houses many exotic and wild animals such as Congo buffalo, jaguar, blue-eyed cockatoo, Madagascan tree boa, gemsbok (all ESB species), black rhinoceros, Ecuadorian amazon parrot, Mindanao writhe-billed hornbill, Sumatran tiger, and Rodrigues flying fox (all EEP species). In addition, Chester holds 265 threatened plant species.