Great Britain

Sixty-seven million people live in Great Britain, and another forty million tourists come here every year. 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites — from Stonehenge to the Tower of London, from Edinburgh Castle to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct — invite them on a journey. Here there are thousands of kilometres of coastline, green hills where sheep graze, and cities where modern skyscrapers sit alongside Victorian pubs and Roman walls.

We have created a navigator for the four nations that make up the United Kingdom. England — with its capital London, the medieval universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the idyllic villages of the Cotswolds and mystical Stonehenge. Scotland — with its wild mountain ranges, loch lakes, kilts and heather-covered moors where Nessie lives. Wales — with its impregnable castles, Celtic language and national parks where mountains meet the sea. Northern Ireland — with its Giant`s Causeway of basalt, Belfast`s troubled history and the shores where Game of Thrones was filmed. Each of these nations is a complete journey in itself, containing everything: architecture, nature, gastronomy and history. Just choose yours — and don`t try to embrace the unembraceable in one go.

Brief Historical Context

The history of Great Britain is a history of conquests, alliances and the gradual birth of a unique political nation. Around 3000 BC, unknown builders erected Stonehenge. From 43 AD, the Romans conquered Britain, building walls, roads and baths (and left in 410). Then came the Angles, Saxons and Jutes — Germanic tribes who gave England its name. In 1066, the Norman Duke William the Conqueror landed at Hastings and forever changed the country, bringing feudalism and the French language to the royal court.

The Middle Ages are remembered for the Wars of the Roses, Magna Carta (1215) and the birth of parliament. The 16th century — the century of Henry VIII: he broke with the Catholic Church and founded the Church of England. Elizabeth I defeated the Spanish Armada (1588) and ushered in an era of British maritime power. The 18th–19th centuries — the British Empire becomes the largest in history ("the empire on which the sun never sets") at the same time as the Industrial Revolution, which gave birth to trains, steamships and grim factory towns.

The 20th century brought two world wars, the collapse of the empire (after 1947) and difficult relations with Europe (Brexit in 2020). Today, Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy where King Charles III reigns but does not rule, and power belongs to parliament.

Cultural Diversity

Great Britain is not a unitary country but a union of four nations with their own parliaments (in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), legal systems and even national football teams. The English are the most numerous nation (84% of the population), but they are the least likely to call themselves "British".

The Scots have kept their own church (Presbyterian), their own banknotes (accepted alongside English pounds) and the right to another referendum on independence. The Welsh speak a Celtic language (you don`t need to learn it, but signs are bilingual — everywhere). Northern Irish are the most complex case: part of the population considers themselves British (usually Protestant unionists), part — Irish (Catholic nationalists).

This diversity is expressed in cuisine (English full breakfast versus Scottish haggis and Welsh cakes), in music (Scottish bagpipes, Welsh male voice choirs), in languages (in Scotland you can hear Gaelic, in Wales — Welsh, in Cornwall — Cornish is being revived). And, of course, in pubs: they are the holy of holies of all four nations.

England: Green Hills, Red Buses and Royal History

England is the most populous part of the kingdom and the one tourists see first. Here you will find London, university cities, mystical prehistoric monuments and national parks where "green and pleasant" turns from poetry into reality.

London (England) 
The capital of an empire, the financial centre of the world and a city that never sleeps (well, almost). It`s impossible to "see everything" in London — the strategy is to choose areas and themes.

Royal London: The Houses of Parliament (Houses of Parliament) with the Big Ben tower — a symbol of all Britain. Westminster Abbey (Westminster Abbey) — the site of coronations and royal weddings (and the grave of Newton, Darwin). Buckingham Palace (Buckingham Palace) — the King`s residence; the Changing the Guard (Changing the Guard) at 11:00 (not every day, check the schedule).

Historic London: The Tower of London (Tower of London) — a fortress-prison with ravens and the Crown Jewels (diamonds, including Cullinan I). Tower Bridge (Tower Bridge) — the most recognisable bridge. St Paul`s Cathedral (St Paul`s Cathedral) — the dome, which you can climb (just don`t be afraid of 528 steps).

Cultural London: The British Museum (British Museum) — a treasure chest of antiquities: the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles (Parthenon), Egyptian mummies. The National Gallery (National Gallery) in Trafalgar Square — from van Eyck to Van Gogh. The South Kensington museums — the Natural History Museum (diplodocus skeleton and earthquake), the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum (design and fashion).

Oxford and Cambridge (South-East England) 
Two rival universities that look like a time machine to the Middle Ages. Oxford — the "city of spires": the Bodleian Library (Bodleian Library, where Hogwarts was filmed), Christ Church College (Christ Church) with its dining hall, which became the model for the Great Hall in Harry Potter. Cambridge — the river Cam with punts (punt), King`s College (King`s College) with its chapel, whose choir is broadcast by the BBC every Christmas. Easy to get to from London in 50–60 minutes by train.

Bath (South-West England) 
A city built on hot springs. The Romans left their baths here (Roman Baths) — the best-preserved ancient baths north of the Alps (the water still flows, but you can`t touch it). In the 18th century, Bath became a resort for the London elite — and architect John Wood built the Royal Crescent (Royal Crescent) and The Circus, considered the pinnacle of Georgian architecture. Jane Austen lived in Bath and wrote about it in her novels — there`s a Jane Austen Centre and you can walk in her footsteps.

Stonehenge (South-West England) 
A legendary cromlech built around 2500 BC. Its purpose is still unknown (observatory? cemetery? ritual site?). Tourists cannot get close to the stones (roped off), but you can get a special tour ticket for access to the inner circle (usually early morning or evening). Many criticise Stonehenge for being "small" compared to expectations — it`s still worth seeing at least once. Combine with Salisbury (medieval cathedral with the tallest spire in England).

The Cotswolds (South-West England) 
An area of hills ("wolds") and idyllic villages that are considered the most beautiful rural England. Houses of cream-coloured limestone ("Cotswold stone") with thatched roofs. The most photogenic villages: Bibury (Bibury) with Arlington Row (17th century); Burford (Burford) with its main street sloping down to the river; Castle Combe (Castle Combe) , often called "the prettiest village in England". Better to travel by car — public transport is sparse.

York and Yorkshire (Northern England) 
York — the medieval capital of the north, founded by the Romans, then the Vikings (Jorvik). The main treasure is York Minster (York Minster), one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe with stunning stained glass. A walk along the city walls (York City Walls) — almost 4 km, you can go around in an hour. The Shambles (The Shambles) — a medieval street where houses lean so much they almost touch each other (the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter). The Yorkshire Dales National Park (Yorkshire Dales) and the North York Moors (North York Moors) — heather moorlands, sheep farms, stone barns and pubs with real ale.

The Lake District (North-West England) 
The Lake District National Park (Lake District) — a paradise for hikers and Romantic poets (Wordsworth lived here, wrote about daffodils). 16 major lakes, among them Windermere (Windermere) — the largest (and the most touristy). The best lakes for a less crowded experience: Crummock Water (Crummock Water), Buttermere (Buttermere), Wastwater (Wastwater) with dramatic black cliffs. Flannel, tweed, hill walks and a pub serving local ale, logs crackling in the fireplace — that`s the Lake District. The town of Keswick (Keswick) is a base for hikes.

Natural and Cultural Attractions of England: 
Cornwall (South West): Palm trees, surfing and historic fishing ports. St Ives (St Ives) — artists and galleries. Land`s End (Land`s End) — the most westerly point of England. The Eden Project (Eden Project) — biomes with tropical and Mediterranean climates under huge geodesic domes.

Brighton (South): A seaside resort with a pier, an amusement arcade, a pavilion in the Indo-Saracenic style and an atmosphere of London`s liberal scene.

Liverpool (North-West): The hometown of The Beatles — The Beatles Story museum, the Cavern Club (the very one where they played 292 concerts), two cathedrals, Albert Dock (UNESCO). Liverpool is now a cultural capital.

Scotland: Mountains, Lochs and Heather Moors

This is a country of wild beauty, rain, kilts and whisky. Scotland is the most autonomous part of the kingdom: its own legal system, its own church and its own currency (Scottish banknotes look different but are accepted everywhere).

Edinburgh (Scotland) 
One of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, divided into the Medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town (UNESCO). Edinburgh Castle (Edinburgh Castle) — the city`s dominant feature, standing on an extinct volcano. Here are kept the Honours of Scotland (Honours of Scotland), the oldest crown jewels in Britain (crown, sceptre, sword), and the Stone of Destiny (Stone of Destiny), on which Scottish and then English monarchs were crowned. Every day (except Sunday) at 13:00 a gun is fired — the "One o`Clock Gun".

The Royal Mile (Royal Mile) — the street connecting the castle with Holyroodhouse Palace (Holyroodhouse), the King`s official residence in Scotland. Halfway along is St Giles` Cathedral (St Giles` Cathedral) with its crowned spire. The New Town — an example of 18th-century urban planning with George Street and Princes Street (best view of the castle). In August, Edinburgh hosts the world`s largest arts festival (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) — thousands of performances for every taste.

Glen Coe and the Scottish Highlands (Highlands) 
Scotland beyond the Lowlands is almost deserted mountains, glacial valleys, black lochs and heather moorlands. The most dramatic place is Glen Coe (Glen Coe) , where in 1692 the MacDonald clan was massacred by government forces for being "late in swearing allegiance". Braveheart was filmed here (though historically the events didn`t take place here). The road through Glen Coe is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Loch Ness (Loch Ness) — a huge lake 230 m deep where, according to legend, the monster Nessie lives. There is a visitor centre with an exhibition and "sonar". More beautiful than the lake itself are the ruins of Urquhart Castle (Urquhart Castle) on its shore. Roads: The North Coast 500 (North Coast 500) — Scotland`s answer to Route 66, 830 km around the north coast.

The Isle of Skye (Skye, Inner Hebrides) 
The most popular island for tourists: sheer cliffs that look like frozen waves, pastoral meadows and it almost always rains (bring a waterproof jacket). Must-see spots: the Old Man of Storr (Old Man of Storr) — a stone finger visible for miles; the Quiraing (Quiraing) — a lunar landscape with green terraces; Kilt Rock (Kilt Rock) waterfall, falling into the sea from basalt columns (resembling a kilt). Get there via bridge or ferry.

The Islands of Islay, Arran and Mull (Hebrides, Firth of Clyde) 
Islay (Islay) — the "king of whisky islands": 9 working distilleries (Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Bowmore). Fans of peaty whisky come here on a pilgrimage. You can go on tours, taste straight from the cask. Arran (Arran) — "Scotland in miniature" (mountains, lowlands and castles). Mull (Mull) — lavender fields, seals and the ferry to the Isle of Iona (Iona), where Christianity came to Scotland.

Natural Attractions of Scotland: 
The Cairngorms National Park (Cairngorms) — the largest in Britain. Reindeer live here (the only herd in the UK, you can meet them). In winter — skiing, in summer — trekking.

Loch Lomond (Loch Lomond) — the largest loch in Scotland by area (easy to reach from Glasgow). The West Highland Way (West Highland Way) starts here.

Castles: Eilean Donan Castle (Eilean Donan) — the most photographed castle in Scotland, standing on an island in three lochs. Dunnottar Castle (Dunnottar) — ruins on a cliff over the sea where the Scottish crown jewels were hidden from Cromwell. Stirling Castle (Stirling Castle) — Edinburgh`s rival, where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned.

Wales: A Castle for Every Day

Wales is the most mountainous country in the United Kingdom, as well as the country with the most castles per square kilometre in Europe (over 600). The Welsh have their own Celtic language, which is currently undergoing a revival: all road signs are bilingual, and it is compulsory to study it in schools.

Cardiff (Capital of Wales) 
A capital that was a port city and now is a cultural centre. Cardiff Castle (Cardiff Castle) — a medieval fortress rebuilt in Victorian Gothic (stunning interiors with arabesques). Castell Coch (Castell Coch) — the "Red Castle" on the hill above the city, looking like something from a fairy tale. National Museum Cardiff — an excellent collection of art (including Impressionists) and archaeology. The Bay — the docklands area with the Wales Millennium Centre opera house, whose façade shines with Welsh poetry.

North Wales: Snowdonia, Castles and Trains 
Snowdonia National Park (Snowdonia) — a mountain range with the highest mountain in England and Wales — Snowdon (Snowdon, 1085 m) . You can climb to the summit on foot (the Llanberis Path is the easiest) or on the old-fashioned Snowdon Mountain Railway (Snowdon Mountain Railway) — tickets months in advance. On a clear day you can see Ireland. The Castles of Edward I: the King of England built an "iron ring" of castles to subdue Wales. The best: Conwy Castle (Conwy Castle) — the walls run for 1.3 km around the medieval town; Caernarfon Castle (Caernarfon Castle) — the most monumental structure, where the Prince of Wales is now crowned; Harlech Castle (Harlech Castle) , standing on a cliff above the sea. All three are UNESCO sites.

The Coast, Welsh Traditions 
The Pembrokeshire Coast (Pembrokeshire Coast) — a national park with some of the best beaches in Britain (Whitesands Bay, Barafundle Bay). The Pembrokeshire Coast Path (Pembrokeshire Coast Path) (299 km). St Davids (St Davids) — the smallest city in Britain with a 12th-century cathedral, a pilgrimage site in honour of the patron saint of Wales. Welsh cakes (Welsh cakes) — sweet scones with raisins, sold at markets. Pubs with the Welsh language — look for the Cymraeg sign.

Natural Attractions of Wales: 
• The Vale of Glamorgan (Vale of Glamorgan) — rural idyll with castles, valleys and pubs. 
• The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (Pontcysyllte Aqueduct) — UNESCO, an aqueduct in the style of the Industrial Revolution, along which a canal runs (you can walk or take a narrowboat 38 m above the valley). 
• Dan yr Ogof caves (Dan yr Ogof) — the largest cave system in Britain with waterfalls inside.

Northern Ireland: Giant`s Causeway, Titanic and Peace Walls

Northern Ireland is the smallest part of the United Kingdom and the one where the history of the conflict (The Troubles, 1968–1998) is still visible to the naked eye. But here too are the natural wonders that were filmed in Game of Thrones, and surprisingly hospitable people.

Belfast (Capital of Northern Ireland) 
A city that survived industrial prosperity (built the Titanic) and three decades of conflict, and has now become an attractive tourist destination. Titanic Belfast (Titanic Belfast) — an interactive museum at the Harland & Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was built. A huge iceberg-shaped building, an exhibition that takes you from the blueprints to the sinking (including underwater footage). Very well thought out.

Peace Walls (Peace Walls) — still separate Protestant and Catholic neighbourhoods. You can leave a message of peace on them (markers are available at the tourist office). Murals (Murals) — on Falls Road (Catholic) and Shankill Road (Protestant) — political graffiti, historical scenes. The Cathedral Quarter (Cathedral Quarter) — pubs, music and restaurants, where life now boils. The Albert Clock — a leaning tower, a symbol of Belfast.

Giant`s Causeway (Giant`s Causeway, North Coast) 
The main natural wonder of Ireland — 40,000 basalt columns, resembling giant hexagonal steps, stretching into the sea. They were formed 60 million years ago as a result of lava cooling. Legend: the giant Finn McCool built a bridge to Scotland to fight a rival. UNESCO. Nearby — footpaths along the cliffs and the unusual Dunluce Castle (Dunluce Castle), standing on a crag with a chasm in the rock.

The Causeway Coast (Causeway Coast) 
A stretch of miles between Belfast and the Giant`s Causeway — this is a continuous Game of Thrones filming location. Tollymore Forest (Tollymore Forest) — where Ned Stark found the direwolf pups. Glenariff Forest Park (Glenariff) and The Dark Hedges (Dark Hedges) — a beech avenue that became the Kingsroad (the battle with the Brotherhood Without Banners). Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (Carrick-a-Rede) — a suspension bridge over a chasm (a former fishermen`s route).

Ulster and Routes 
Lough Neagh (Lough Neagh) — the largest lake in Britain and Ireland. Derry/Londonderry (Derry/Londonderry) — the only completely walled city in Ireland. The 17th-century walls were never breached. The Tower Museum with an account of the conflict. The city`s name is the first test of your diplomacy (Catholics say Derry, Protestants say Londonderry). Malahide (Malahide) and Hillsborough (Hillsborough) — castles with gardens.

Natural Attractions of Northern Ireland: 
The Mourne Mountains (Mourne Mountains) — granite peaks (Slieve Donard — the highest in Northern Ireland, 852 m). Hiking enthusiasts come here for several days. Legends of the Mournes: "as the poet said, `the land cannot show anything fairer than the Mournes`".

Strangford Lough (Strangford Lough) — a marine nature reserve with seals, birds and historic castles.

Practical Tips for Great Britain (Transport and Logistics)

Trains (National Rail): The network is dense, but tickets are expensive if bought on the day of travel. Buy in advance on Trainline or directly from the operator (LNER for the east coast, Avanti for the west, GWR for the west of England). London – Edinburgh (from 4 hr 20 min, you can save with the overnight Caledonian Sleeper). London – York (2 hr). Edinburgh – Glasgow (50 min). In Wales and Scotland, trains are slower but more scenic.

Underground: In London — the Tube (11 lines, pay cheaply with a contactless card or Oyster card). A trip in zones 1–2 at peak times — expensive. Escalators: stand on the right. In Glasgow — a small subway, in Newcastle — light rail. In other cities — buses and trams.

Car: Rent for Scotland (North Coast 500), the Cotswolds, the Lake District, Wales and Northern Ireland. But remember: drive on the left! Learn the rules of roundabouts, parking in city centres is expensive and limited. Country roads are narrow (often single-track with passing places).

Ferries: To the Scottish islands (Skye, Islay, Arran) — Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferries, book in advance in high season. To Northern Ireland — ferries from Cairnryan (Cairnryan) or Liverpool.

Food and Water Safety: Tap water is drinkable across the country. Full English breakfast — bacon, eggs, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, black pudding, toast (in Scotland add porridge and potato scones). Sunday roast — beef with Yorkshire pudding. In a pub — ale and cider. Tea — with milk. In Scotland — whisky, haggis (sheep`s pluck with oats and spices, actually delicious). In Wales — Welsh cakes. In Northern Ireland — Irish stew and potato dishes.

When to go: May–September — long daylight hours, but the biggest crowds and prices. June–August — festivals. April and October — compromise weather, few tourists. December–February — short days (in Scotland it gets dark by 15:30), but Christmas markets and cheap tickets. Be prepared for rain in any month.

Money: Pound sterling (GBP). In Scotland and Northern Ireland, banknotes differ in design, but they are legal tender across the country (although in London they are sometimes looked at with suspicion — better to change them).

Visa: For most tourists from outside the UK and the EU, a standard visa is required. Check the rules of the UK Home Office.