Geographic information about Great Britain. Which city is the capital of Great Britain

United Kingdom located in northwestern Europe. Consists of the island of Great Britain, on which are located England, Scotland and Wales, and part of the island of Ireland, which occupies Northern Ireland. The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are dominions of the United Kingdom, but are not part of it. It is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and north, the North Sea in the east. In the south it is separated from the mainland by the English Channel.

The name of the country comes from the English Great Britain. Britain - by the ethnonym of the Briton tribe.

Official name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Capital:

The area of ​​the land: 244 thousand sq. km

Total population: 61.6 million people

Administrative division: It consists of four historical regions (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), which are administratively divided into numerous counties.

England: 39 counties, 6 metropolitan counties and a special administrative unit - Greater London (administrative center - London).

Wales: 8 counties (administrative center - Cardiff).

Scotland: 12 regions and 186 islands (administrative center - Edinburgh).

Northern Ireland: 26 districts (administrative center - Belfast). The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands have a special status.

Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.

Head of State: The monarch is the supreme bearer of executive power, the head judicial system, supreme commander.

Composition of the population: 83.6% - English, 8.5% - Scots, 4.9% - Welsh, 2.9% - Irish, also live 0.7% - (Indians, Pakistanis, Chinese and from African countries)

Official language: English. Accordingly, in Scotland they use Scottish, and in Wales - Scottish Gaelic and Anglo-Scots (Scots).

Religion: 71.6% Christian, 15.5% Atheist, 0.3% Buddhism, 2.7% Islam, 1% Hinduism, 0.6% Sikhism, 0.5% Judaism.

Internet domain: .uk

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +44

Country barcode: 50

Climate

The climate of the United Kingdom is very mild. Although extreme temperatures above 38°C or below -18°C have been recorded, temperatures very rarely rise above 29°C on summer days or fall below -7°C on winter nights. The mildness of the climate is mainly due to the influence of the North Atlantic Current (an extension of the Gulf ), bringing warm waters to the western coast of Europe. At these latitudes, westerly winds prevail, and thus cool air comes from the Atlantic Ocean in summer and warm air in winter.

Although temperature differences are quite small, winters are warmer on the west coast of the United Kingdom than on the east. In the Isles of Scilly, the extreme southwest of Great Britain, and Holyhead in northwest Wales, the average January temperature is 7°C, in London it is only 5°C, and on most of the east coast it is below 4°C. Despite temperatures are similar, winters become less favorable as you move north along the east coast, where chilly, damp winds blow from the cold North Sea.

Frost and snow are not unusual phenomena, especially at high altitudes, however, in the lowlands in a normal winter, temperatures below 0 ° C stay only 30-60 days a year, and snow - only 10-15 days. In London, snow lies on the ground only about 5 days a year.

The highest summer temperatures are in the southeast. In London, the average July temperature is 17°C, in the Isles of Scilly 16°C, in Holyhead 15°C, and on the north coast of Scotland it is less than 13°C.

In normal years, all areas of Great Britain receive enough rainfall for agricultural work, and in some mountainous areas they are even excessive. Seasonal and annual fluctuations in precipitation are insignificant, droughts are rare.

The greatest amount of precipitation falls in the west of the United Kingdom, relatively little - in its eastern part. In London, the average annual rainfall is only 610 mm, in most of Low Britain - up to 760 mm, and in parts of High Britain - up to 1020 mm. Central Wales averages over 1525mm of precipitation per year, with parts of the Lake District and the western Highlands of Scotland (the wettest places in the interior of the United Kingdom) receiving over 2540mm.

Predominantly cloudy weather most of precipitation falls in the form of constant drizzle rather than showers, and the sun is not shown for many days of the year.

At these latitudes, summer days are long and winter days are very short. In January, the south coast of the UK receives an average of two hours of sunshine per day, and north of Birmingham rarely more than an hour and a half. Even in long July days the southern coast gets only seven hours of sunshine on average, while the northern part of the country receives less than five hours a day. The lack of sunlight depends more on overcast than on fogs.

The famous London fogs of the past enveloped the city because of the thick smoke from burning coal for space heating, and not due to meteorological conditions. However, wet damp fog is still recorded in London on average 45 days a year, mainly in January and February, and in most ports there are from 15 to 30 foggy days each year, and fog can paralyze all traffic for a couple of days or more. .

Geography

Great Britain is an island nation in the northwest of Europe. It occupies the island of Great Britain, part of the island of Ireland and a number of smaller islands (Man, Wight, Channel Islands, Orkney, Hebrides, Shetland and others).

Great Britain consists of 4 historical and geographical regions: England, Scotland and Wales, located on the island of Great Britain, and Northern Ireland. total area country is 244.9 thousand square meters. km. Great Britain has a land border with the only country - Ireland. In the north and west, the country is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and in the east and south - by the North Sea and the narrow straits of the English Channel and Pas de Calais. The entire coast is dotted with bays, bays, deltas and peninsulas, so most of the UK is located at a distance of no more than 120 km from the sea.

Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Northern England are dominated by medium-altitude mountains and uplands with deeply incised river valleys. The highest point of the country is located in Scotland - it is Mount Ben Nevis with a height of 1343 m. The southeastern and central parts of Great Britain are occupied by elevated plains and wastelands. In these areas, only a few places reach 300 m above sea level.

Great Britain has a dense network of rivers. In England and Wales the main rivers are Tyne, Trent, Humber, Severn and Thames, in Scotland the Clyde, Fort and Tweed, in Northern Ireland the Bann and Logan. All of them are short, full-flowing and non-freezing in winter. There are many lakes in the mountains, mostly of glacial origin. The largest of them are Loch Neagh, Loch Lomond and Loch Ness.

The UK nature conservation is carried out by a system of national parks, national nature and forest reserves and reserves for conservation waterfowl occupying about 7% of the country's territory. The originality of the British national parks is that these are not "deaf" areas, but areas quite close to large cities, more like huge city parks or botanical gardens. The largest National parks- this is the Lake District or Lake District and Snowdonia, Dartmoor and Brecon Beacons reserves.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

In prehistoric times, much of the United Kingdom was densely forested with oak, birch and other hardwoods, but now, after more than 20 centuries of economic development, the area is largely deforested. However, despite the absence of major forest areas, agricultural areas appear wooded thanks to hedgerows, shelter belts in fields, game animal sanctuaries, and small forest plantations near farms and homesteads.

Forest plots are usually confined to areas with highly rugged topography or sandy soils that are of little use for agriculture. Enormous old trees are preserved in the royal forests, i.e. in areas such as the New Forest, which were originally set aside for royal hunting, but some of them have never been heavily forested. After 1919, and especially after 1945, the government began to encourage the creation of both public and private border forest belts from fast-growing coniferous trees. According to a 1997 estimate, forest inventory was carried out in the country on an area of ​​approx. 2 million ha. However, Low Britain is not dominated by forests, but by fields and pastures.

The main plant formation in Great Britain is heathworts, which prevail in High Britain at altitudes above 215 m, but are also found in other areas. In general, they account for approximately 1/3 of the area of ​​Great Britain and most of Northern Ireland. In fact, four completely different types are combined here: heath proper, dominated by common heather (Calluna vulgaris), found on rather steep slopes and well-drained, usually sandy soils; grassy wastelands on well-drained soils with a predominance of bent grass (Agrostis sp.) and fescue (Festuca sp.), and in less drained areas - blue moth (Molinia coerulea) and white-beard protruding (Nardus stricta); sedge barrens, represented by cotton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum), reeds (Scirpus cespitosus) and rushes (Juncus sp.) in more humid lands, and sphagnum bogs in the dampest areas.

Animal world

Many large mammals, such as the bear, wild boar and Irish red deer, have long been extirpated in the British Isles as a result of intense hunting, and the wolf has been extirpated as a pest. Now there are only 56 species of mammals left. Noble deer- the largest representative of mammals - lives on the hills of Cornwall, in the Scottish Highlands. There are quite a few roe deer that are found north of Yorkshire and in the south of England.

Wild goats live in mountainous areas. Among small mammals there are hare, rabbit, marten, otter, wild cat, a large number of partridges and wild ducks. From small predators ermine and weasel are the most numerous, ferrets are found in Wales, and wild European cats and American martens are found in the mountains of Scotland.

There are a lot of salmon and trout in the rivers and lakes of Scotland. AT coastal waters cod, herring, haddock are caught. The fauna is practically the same as in England, with the exception of the black polecat, which is not found in England. Various types of fish are found in the waters off the British Isles: in the surface layers of sea waters - sable fish, herring, sprat feed in the bays and estuaries of rivers, and sardines and mackerel appear off the coast of the Kirkwall Peninsula.

Most important commercial fish far and near waters - cod, haddock and marlan. Some cod individuals weigh up to 20 kilograms. Also in rivers and lakes there are roach, chub, barbel. The famous monster of Loch Ness, which could supposedly be a relic aquatic dinosaur, is most likely a fiction invented to attract tourists and various types of business.

The islands and coastal cliffs of Cornwall and Wales are home to gray seals, and harbor seal prefers the coasts of Scotland, the eastern coasts of Northern Ireland and the islands adjacent to them.

More than 200 species of birds can be seen in England, of which more than half come from other countries. The British Isles are home to 130 species of birds, including many songbirds. Many species are able to adapt to changing conditions, and it is believed that there are more birds in suburban gardens than in any forest. The most common sparrows, finches, starlings, crows, kingfishers, robins, tits. national symbol England - red-breasted robin. Millions of birds migrate along the coast of Great Britain from south to north and back.

Attractions

The territory of Great Britain is full of natural contrasts - ancient and dull moors, moorlands and incredible blue lakes of Scotland in the north, picturesque coastal cliffs and crystal clear calm waters off the south and west coasts, hilly cultivated Central England with parks and lawns, majestic mountains and green valleys of Wales in the West. Each region of the country has a characteristic appearance, its own distinctive traditions, culture and customs.

• Beaumaris
• York Minster
• canterbury cathedral
• Tower
• sherwood forest
• Edinburgh castle
• Westminster Abbey
• Loch Ness lake

Banks and currency

The monetary unit of Great Britain is the pound sterling (GBP). There are 100 pence in one pound. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pounds and coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 pence and 1 pound. In the provinces, the names of old British coins are sometimes used - "guinea", "shilling", "penny" and others, but the real unit of payment is the pound.

In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, banknotes are printed slightly different from each other. Although they are valid throughout the United Kingdom, it is best to leave them at the stores in the parts of the country where you received them. If you did not have time to do this, such banknotes can be exchanged at banks, and without commission.

Banks are open from 9.00 to 15.30 without a break weekdays, major banks also work on Saturday.

You can change money at any bank branch (commission 0.5-1%), in the evening - at exchange offices of large department stores and in some travel agencies. Exchange offices at airports operate around the clock. A passport is required to exchange cash.

Credit cards Visa, Master Card, American Express, as well as traveler's checks are widely used. Street ATMs are widespread, but there are cases of mistakenly blocking credit cards, so it is better to use ATMs in institutions.

Useful information for tourists

Shops are usually open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 17.30, although many of the department stores are open until 18.00, and on Wednesdays or Thursdays - until 19.00-20.00. Large stores can also receive customers on Sundays, but only during any six hours from 10.00 to 18.00. In not big cities and villages, shops often close for half a day after lunch once a week, as well as for an hour-long lunch break.

Hotels in many cases have a special service charge, usually 10-12%. Where this fee is not included in the bill, the employees and maids serving you are usually given a tip of 10-15% of the bill.

Service is included in the bills of some restaurants. Where it is not taken into account, a tip of 10-15% of the bill is accepted.

Porters receive 50-75 pence per suitcase, taxi drivers - 10-15% of the fare.

One of the peculiarities of the UK that you may encounter is that, until now, in most hotels, the water taps above the washbasin are not equipped with a faucet. The English do not wash themselves with running water, but draw a full washbasin of water, use it, then lower it.

On the day of departure, you must vacate the room before 12.00. If there is a lot of time left before the departure of the plane, things can be left in the hotel's storage room.

In England, good manners are very important, the ability to stay at the table, so you need to follow the basic rules of the ritual of eating. Never put your hands on the table, keep them on your knees. Cutlery is not removed from the plates, as knife stands are not used in England. Do not shift the cutlery from one hand to the other, the knife must always be in right hand, fork - in the left. Since various vegetables are served at the same time as meat dishes, you should proceed as follows: you put vegetables on a small piece of meat with a knife; learn to hold them there with the back of a fork without piercing them. If you dare to prick at least one pea on a fork, then you will be considered ill-mannered.

Don't kiss ladies' hands or say compliments in public like "What a dress you have on!" or “How delicious this cake is!” - they are regarded as a big indelicacy.

It is not allowed to have separate conversations at the table. Everyone should listen to whoever is speaking and, in turn, speak loudly enough to be heard by those present.

Remember that the British have their own lifestyle, and they, like no other nation, sacredly honor traditions and customs.

Going to Great Britain - the country of fogs - we advise you not to forget that the British weather is unpredictable! Winters are usually quite mild, with temperatures rarely reaching below zero. From March to May, the days can be both sunny and windy, with rain. In June-August, the temperature can reach + 30 °С or more, however, during the day, as a rule, it remains somewhere in the range of + 20-25 °С. It rains 180 days a year in London, and the wettest cities are Liverpool and Manchester.

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Pictured is the capital of England

Capital London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the largest city in the British Isles. The area of ​​the occupied territories of the capital is 1706.8 km², and the population is more than 8 million people, which indicates that the city ranks 17th in terms of population in the world.

The capital of England for the third time will host the Olympic Games, which this time will be held in 2012 in the summer.

One of the main features and attractions of London is the underground. It is considered the largest and oldest in the world. The London Underground began operations on January 10, 1863. The metro has more than 270 stations, some of which are currently closed.

The difference with Moscow in the summer is +1 hour, therefore, trips to the capital of Great Britain do not affect the long process of adaptation. If only to the climate - after all, the city is not in vain known as foggy Albion. There are hours of rain, fog, high humidity, windy and chilly weather, although the summer is quite warm and comfortable. But, it is recommended to take warm clothes with you when traveling.

According to the history of London, the city was founded in 43 AD. e. when the Romans invaded the area. There is an assumption that before the Romans entered the land, a settlement already existed on the territory of the future city, but the excavations did not confirm anything, although they were not carried out in the central historical part of the city. Therefore, historians do not completely exclude this idea. During the reign of the Romans, the city was called Londinium and developed quite quickly as Roman Britain.

There are many attractions in the capital of Great Britain, one of the most popular is Big Ben. The high clock tower is almost a symbol of the city. The clock on the tower went on May 31, 1859. The official name of the tower is the Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster or St. Stephen's Tower. Big Ben ("Big Ben") - this is how the tower was called, according to the most probable theory, in honor of Benjamin Hall, who at the time of the construction of the tower led the process of casting a heavy bell. One of interesting facts says that a prison was located in the tower and in its entire history of existence, only one person sat in it.

The Tower of London is one of the oldest buildings in the city, located on the north coast of the Thames. For a long time, the fortress served as a defensive fortification and the residence of monarchs. Today, the Tower is a museum and an architectural monument. Tourists can visit one of the gloomiest dungeons of the Tower. The lawn adjacent to the fortress is always crowded with flocks of black ravens, which inspire some fear associated with various secrets and palace coups in England.

About 70% of Londoners live in London (2001 census data), 60% of which identify themselves as British, i.е. Scots, English, Welsh, the rest of the population consider themselves Europeans. The rest of the percentage composition is presented in the form of immigrants from the countries of the Middle East, South Asia, the Negroid race (Caribbeans, Africans). The citizens of the capital are also considered the Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is an island Western European state, the political system of which is a constitutional monarchy. Great Britain consists of several countries with certain cultural and linguistic differences - England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The country completely occupies the island of Great Britain, the northern part of the island of Ireland and most of the rest of the British Isles and is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the North and Irish Seas. Ireland, France, Belgium and the Netherlands are considered the closest neighbors of the United Kingdom. The Isle of Man and the various Channel Islands are "crown lands", and are linked to the United Kingdom by various mutual obligations, while not being part of it (and also part of the EU).

Today, the UK is a mixture of indigenous cultures and numerous immigrants - Pakistanis, Africans, Indians. The capital and largest city is London, which is the world's financial, economic and cultural center with a population of over 8 million people.

The total population was, according to the 2017 census, 66,040,229 Human. More than 85 percent identify themselves as white British, other ethnic groups are Indians, Pakistanis, Irish, blacks from the Caribbean and Africa, and whites from other countries, including Russia (more than 100,000 Russians live in London alone).

Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy, the head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, the prime minister is determined by parliamentary elections. The prime minister is not directly elected by direct vote, he is the leader of the largest parliamentary party or coalition that forms the government. Members of Parliament are elected in constituencies throughout the United Kingdom, and members of the House of Lords (the upper house of the British Parliament) either inherit or are appointed to their seats in Parliament.

Current time in London:
(UTC 0)

The flag of the United Kingdom is more commonly known as the Union Jack, but its official name is the Union Flag. The flag is formed from the superimposed flag of St. George (England), the flag of St. Andrew (Scotland), also known as the St. Andrew's Cross, and the St. Patrick's Cross (Ireland). The flags of each state separately are also widespread, for example, the flag of the Red Dragon in Wales.

How to get to UK

The most convenient (and cheapest) way to get there is through major cities, where there are many flights. These cities are listed below, the links will take you to articles that describe in detail how to get to the corresponding city.

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Climate and weather in the UK

The climate of Great Britain, which is often called "Foggy Albion", is humid and temperate, determined by the North Atlantic current and proximity to the sea. The climate of the British Isles is characterized by warm, humid summers and mild winters, although many people are not pleased with the high rainfall. The weather in the United Kingdom can be changeable and is quite often windy and wet. British rains are nothing more than a legend, in practice, two or three hours of rain is a rarity, and at times in some regions of the country it can not rain for weeks, especially in the east. A much more frequent occurrence is the sky covered with clouds. As a rule, leaving the premises, you should be prepared for likely weather changes; a jumper and raincoat is usually enough, unless, of course, it is winter outside.

Since the UK stretches for about a thousand kilometers from edge to edge, air temperatures can vary significantly in the south and north of the country. There are also differences between the drier climate of the eastern part of the country and the wetter west. The weather in Scotland and the north-western part of England (especially in the Lake District) is generally rainy and cold, with heavy snowfall in northern Scotland. The northeastern and middle strip of the country is also characterized by a cold climate, although with less abundant rainfall. In the southeast of the country, as a rule, it is quite dry and warm, and the southwestern part of the island is warm and mostly humid. Wales and Northern Ireland experience cold to moderate temperatures and light rainfall, while the hilly areas of Wales experience occasional heavy snowfall. Although the highest places in the UK rarely reach 1300 meters above sea level, their impact on both temperature and rainfall is quite significant.

UK weather

Belfast

Cities and regions

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a commonwealth that includes several countries: England,Scotland,Wales and Northern Ireland . Also part of the country are the "Crown Lands" (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) and fourteen "Overseas Territories".

The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are not strictly speaking part of the United Kingdom, but are the so-called "Crown Territories". This means that they have their own democratic government, laws and borders, and they are not members of the EU, but they are not fully sovereign either, falling under the influence of the British crown and allowing the British government to manage a number of issues in the islands. Great Britain became known as United Kingdom when, in 1801, the Irish and British Parliaments united to form the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland". In the 20th century b aboutMost of the Irish counties merged into independent Ireland, and only Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom.

England

England is the largest of the countries that make up the UK. It occupies an area of 133,395 km² and 53 million people live on its territory, that is, the vast majority of the country's population. Capital London.

England is made up of 9 regions, which include a total of 48 counties. The most populous region is South East England. The smallest region in terms of area is Greater London, but due to the fact that part of the agglomeration is part of the South East England region, it is he who is the most populated.

Scotland

Occupying territory in 78,772 sq. kilometers, located in the north of the island of Scotland has a harsh climate and is not too populated - only 5,222,100 people. The country consists of 32 regions, the largest of which - Highland - is located in the very north of the country. Scotland is famous for its mountains and lakes, as well as unique cultural traditions. The capital is Edinburgh.

Wales

A state in the east of the British Isle, inhabited by the Welsh - the ancestors of the Celts, so here you can still hear the Welsh language on every corner. Square - 20,779 km². The population is about 2,900 thousand people. The capital of the country is the city of Cardiff. Wales is administratively divided into 22 regions.

Northern Ireland

A state on the island of Ireland, consisting of 6 counties, with the capital in the city of Belfast. The most troubled part of the UK due to serious religious conflicts and activities terrorist group IRA. In the last couple of decades, the situation has returned to normal. Today, approximately 1,810,900 people live in Northern Ireland.

Cities

Many large and small cities in the UK may be of interest to a traveler in the vicinity of its capital - London. Below, in alphabetical order, is a list of the nine major cities:

• Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland;
• Birmingham is the main city of central England, a great place for walking; motherland the famous dish "Balti";
• Bristol is a historic city and one of the most important ports in the history of the country, famous for its Georgian architecture, nautical and musical traditions;
• Cardiff - the capital of Wales, the center of various cultural events, has a unique combination of antiquity and modernity;
• Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, home to the world's largest arts festivals and home to numerous attractions; also the second most visited city in the United Kingdom;
• Glasgow - the largest city in Scotland, a new cultural center, the former "European City of Culture";
• Liverpool is a city known as the birthplace of The Beatles, as well as famous for its sports traditions (football clubs "Lithuerpool" and "Everton") and nightlife;
• Manchester - a thriving bohemian music center and at the same time a city with a rich industrial history; is the third most visited in the United Kingdom;
• Newcastle upon Tyne - the largest city in the north-east of England, a center of youth culture with a rich nightlife; the main local attraction is Adrianov Val;
• York is an outstanding historical center.

What to watch

Great Britain is a country with richest history and culture; moreover, it did not suffer as much during the Second World War as Germany, so a huge number of historical monuments. The island has a unique, slightly harsh nature, the beauty of which can be appreciated by everyone - from the beaches of Brighton to the lakes and islands of Scotland.

Attractions

• - ancient megalithic structure located near Salisbury in Wiltshire. This famous collection of huge stones is known throughout the world, but it is still unknown what it was specifically used for.
• baht- a city with many monuments of Gregorian architecture, Roman baths and the wonderful Bath Abbey.
• Edinburgh- one of the most beautiful cities in Britain and the world, the second most visited after London. Its Old Town is an example of medieval architecture, and the Edinburgh Festival attracts huge numbers of tourists.
• Adrian's shaft- the ancient border of the Roman Empire, 122 km long, built in in 122 AD e. under Emperor Hadrian. It runs from east to west of the island, actually crossing it in the area of ​​the Anglo-Scottish border.
• York- a city in the north of England, surrounded by medieval walls; its most important sights are York Cathedral, the quarters of Chables, the castle and the abbey of St. Mary of the 13th century.
• canterbury cathedral- a magnificent medieval cathedral, founded at the beginning of the 7th century, and later rebuilt in the Gothic style. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the site of the death of Thomas Becket. The cathedral is sung in the legendary Canterbury Tales by Chaucer.
• Birthplace of Shakespearein Stratford-upon-Avon- a large number of tourists and admirers of Shakespeare's work travel to this city. Today, in many places, it looks the same as it did in Shakespeare's time.
• Liverpool - the city is famous not only as the birthplace of The Beatles, but also as one of the exemplary ports of the past, thanks to which it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Fountain Abbey The ruins of this abbey are located in Yorkshire. This monastery was built in 1132, but was subsequently destroyed. However, its ruins are well preserved and have become a place of pilgrimage for tourists.
• Road of the Giants- located 100 kilometers from Belfast on the northern coast of Northern Ireland and is a series of rocks from of 40,000 massive pillars of black basalt.
• Castles in Wales a number of magnificent medieval castles have been preserved in the country, for example, the castles of Conwy, Harlech, Cardiff, Carnarvon. Some were built directly on the orders of Edward I - English king who conquered Wales.
  
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to many famous British ships, some of which are on display today in the dock. The shipyard has more than five centuries of history.

Special mention deserves the capital of the country - London, which has played and continues to play a huge role in world history over the past at least a thousand years. It is not surprising that he keeps a huge number of attractions - from to; from to St. Paul's Cathedral; from to ; from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace. You can find out more about the sights of London.

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Private guides in the UK

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with the UK in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Clubs

Most clubs do not allow visitors under the age of 18. ID may be required at the entrance, although checking at the bar is less common. Clubs are usually cheaper on weekdays (Mon-Thurs), as most of the visitors to these establishments are students, but you usually have to pay an entrance fee. Nightclubs are popular in medium and large cities. Bournemouth, Brighton, Manchester, London, Leeds and Sheffield have world famous clubs, along with many alternative establishments. Prices in clubs tend to be much higher than in pubs, and opening hours may not be as attractive as they used to be, as pubs are now also open until late.

For clubs in small towns, the fee is usually £1-2 per night on weekdays and £2-3 on weekends, and over £5 during occasional special events. Regular clubs in big cities and alternative clubs in big cities charge £5-10. Large clubs, especially in large cities that provide large dance floors, usually charge more than 10 pounds for entry, and sometimes more than 15 pounds. For towns with large numbers of students, going to a club on weekdays (Monday-Thursday) is often much cheaper than on weekends, and many clubs attract students on such nights by offering discounted drinks and lower entrance fees.

Surfing

It would seem, what kind of surfing in England or Ireland? Countries that are by no means famous for their beaches, nevertheless, have at least a couple of well-known resorts in the surf community - we are talking about the Irish Bandoran and the British Newquay.

Bandoran

This spot is for both beginners and experienced surfers. Reef break, waves on both sides, cliffs located right there, medium-sized swells - it may seem that the “teapot” has nothing to do here, but with the help of a surf school, you can easily learn the basics of surfing. If you are interested in bigger waves, then you can go to Tullan Beach. In general, on the entire Atlantic coast of Ireland there are a large number of curious surf spots - both complex and simple, and the absence of crowds can only be put as a plus for them.

Newquay

The British were not very lucky with the climate, but they also found a place suitable for boarding - this is Newquay in Cornwall. There are many hostels here, annually clogged with surfers from all over the country. Fistral Beach is not protected from a large swell, and the nearby Watergate is quieter. It is best to go here in September-October, and the spot is considered suitable for beginners.

You can find out more about the best places in the world to practice this exciting sport in the article “Riding the board: what is surfing and where is the best place to conquer the waves”.

Movement around the country

Communication

The languages ​​of Great Britain are a separate topic for conversation. Despite the fact that the vast majority of the country's inhabitants are fluent in English, other languages ​​​​are also common - both the native inhabitants of the island of Scots and Welsh, and national minorities in immigrant neighborhoods. For example, about 300,000 Russian-speaking people live in London.

English- the main and official language of Great Britain, which one way or another is spoken throughout the country. Due to large-scale immigration, in some areas of large cities prevail.

Welsh- widely used in Wales, especially in the northern and western parts of it. Governments with responsibility for Wales use bilingual documentation (English and Welsh) and, for example, road signs in Wales are bilingual.

Gaelic can be heard on the lands of the Highlands of Scotland and on the nearby islands. The old Cornish language came back into the 'living' category in the twentieth century, but it is no longer passed down from parent to child as Welsh and Gaelic are to this day.

You should be prepared for the fact that English learned in Russia may differ significantly from what tourists hear in Britain. Firstly, these are accents - British, Scottish, Welsh, Irish. Secondly, a huge number of idioms that are not known to everyone.

But the British themselves understand English of any kind very well, and guests for whom English is a second language should not be afraid to make mistakes. In the most difficult cases, when after the next phrase it is clear that they did not understand you, you just need to wait a bit until your message is understood or simply clarified. The British will never criticize or correct your speech. In London, you can easily come across cockney - a special slang of Londoners (mainly from the lower strata of the population), which is characterized by the incorrect pronunciation of some words and letters, and even rhymed speech.

Some examples of words that may be unfamiliar to foreign tourists:

• Wee - small (used in Scotland, Northern Ireland, some older English people)
• Loch - lake (used in Scotland)
• Aye - yes (in some regions of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Northern England)
• Poke - ice cream in a waffle cone (used in Northern Ireland)
• Downing Street - used to refer to the UK government.
• Cymru (pronounced by some foreigners as "Sim-roo", and by others, trying to reproduce it more accurately as "Cum-ree") - Welsh (used in Wales)
• Cockney rhyming slang is also used in some areas of London, but it is highly unlikely that you will encounter it in everyday speech.

Politeness

People in the UK are usually polite, good-natured and friendly. Contrary to popular belief, most British people are very talkative and sociable. A good sense of humor is characteristic of the whole country. The British are generally sympathetic towards tourists, but those who do not speak English should be prepared for difficulties, as few people speak foreign languages ​​\u200b\u200bwell, even in tourist areas. The most widely spoken foreign languages ​​are French, Spanish and German. Many people know a few words of French, Spanish, or German from school but have had few opportunities to use them, so don't be surprised if people are reluctant to help you struggle with understanding difficulties.

Public displays of love will not be considered a crime, unless you go too far. Homosexual displays of love are unlikely to upset or offend anyone. On hot days, it is allowed for men to go out without a shirt, especially in parks, near the sea and other tourist places, but mainly in informal places. Shorts are allowed at any time of the year, except for establishments with a strict dress code. It is not customary for women to sunbathe bare-breasted, but it is perfectly acceptable for very young children to be naked on the beach. There are nude beaches in Britain, although most of them are in secluded places away from urban centers. In public saunas, segregation by gender is accepted, although people are rarely completely naked here.

It is acceptable to address people by their first names in most situations, although people who are unfamiliar try to avoid names so as not to sound too familiar. In a particularly formal or business setting, names are rarely used, especially before a close acquaintance; the forms "Mr. X", "Miss Y", "Mrs. Z" are used. Waiters, vendors, and other employees will often refer to you as "sir" or "madam," or as "Mr. X." It is customary to address older people as "Mr. X" or "Mrs. X" at least at the beginning of a conversation. The British caution is not what it used to be, and the suggestion to move from "formal" to "intimate" relationship is "just call me (name)", which they often do at the very beginning of the conversation. If they give you a short name (e.g. Pete, Sue, Tom, Liz, Dave, etc.), then this is a suggestion to leave all the formalities, although many people in Scotland prefer to be called by their full name.

Many Brits use affectionate words at the end of sentences in a conversation with strangers, such as "beloved", "dear", "dear". This often surprises Americans, who are much less inclined to do so. This is just an expression of friendliness and should not be taken literally. Note that this is acceptable when addressing a) a woman to a man, b) a man to a woman, and c) a woman to a woman.

It is commonly said that the Ritans are extremely evasive when they demand certain things from strangers. It is common for British people to ask questions around the bush if something needs to be asked, for example, it is more convenient for someone to say something like “could you tell me where I could find a fitting room?” in a clothing store instead of "where's the fitting room?". Although it is perfectly acceptable to ask direct questions, it can sometimes be perceived as being too harsh or even rude.

Dining etiquette is almost the same as everywhere else. Basically, attention is drawn to the elementary norms of behavior at the table, such as “do not speak with mouthful”, “do not eat with your hands” (unless it is food that is eaten with your hands like pizza and chips), etc. Usually table etiquette is not a first necessity, except for the formal setting of restaurants.

When meeting or greeting someone, you can shake hands, the main thing is not to overdo it. It is considered good manners to stand up when shaking hands. Greetings between friends and acquaintances are usually more casual and expressive, and may include a hug, a pat on the back, or (between women or between a man and a woman) a European kiss on the cheek. Outside of a business setting, men rarely shake hands with women. "Gentlemanship" still lives and thrives in modern Britain, so it is not uncommon for men to keep doors open for women, help them carry heavy bags and refuse to let a woman go home alone. Most British men find it important to be "gentlemen" in this regard, although some teenagers are an exception to the rule.

Like many Europeans, some people in the UK have negative feelings about US policy, mainly due to the war in Iraq, which most people do not support. There is also a low level of hostility towards the EU, so many Britons can complain about Eurocrats, Brussels' wastefulness and overly bureaucratic practices. Many feel that British culture stands apart from continental culture. Again, this does not affect hospitality towards continental Europeans, who are welcome guests throughout the country, as evidenced by the latest wave of Eastern European immigration. Beware of calling Britain part of Europe or the British as Europeans, as many do not perceive themselves as such. Anti-monarchist remarks can cause resentment and should be avoided. Likewise, pro-monarchist remarks can be met with resentment, as part of the British dislike the royal family, and they should also be refrained from. Criticism of British traditions or cultural differences can be met with hostility, especially when compared to your country, especially if your country is the USA. Comments like "sports here are not as good as in our country" will be taken as an insult.

Despite the fact that the British often joke about the nations that make up british commonwealth(especially about Australia), there are really good relations between the British and the representatives of these countries.

Also be careful when talking about sensitive topics like immigration, especially in cities like Bradford where racism is not uncommon. Many people are very tolerant and do not support racism, but there are exceptions.

While Londoners themselves may occasionally joke about the London bombings of July 7, 2005, don't follow suit. It's one thing when locals belittle their own dignity, but if a tourist raises a similar topic, it hurts people. A similar situation can arise when talking about the IRA or the situation in Northern Ireland. The IRA is not well liked in Britain, and any statements in its support are almost certain to provoke outrage. In general, opinions in various regions regarding Northern Ireland are divided, which means it is better to avoid this topic, although with the normalization of the situation in Northern Ireland, opinions began to be expressed less strongly.

The British are a proud and often patriotic people and anyone who does not respect the British way of life will be put in their place, despite the fact that the British criticize their country more than other nations.

Kitchen

Despite all the jokes and stereotypes, British cuisine has improved a lot over the past few decades. Restaurants and supermarkets of the middle and upper class meet the highest standards and the choice of international dishes is very rich. However, unlike their continental neighbors, many (especially the poorer) Britons continue not to make a cult out of food.

Dine in any of the restaurants in the city center will cost you a little more than, say, in the suburbs, pubs - a little more expensive in the countryside, but in general, anywhere in the country, a three-course order without drinks will cost the traveler from 10 to 15 pounds. Chicken tikka in masala sauce with rice is sometimes called the most popular dish in the UK, although roast beef is a more traditional national dish.

In many large stores, especially supermarkets, there is always a cafe or restaurant.
Smoking is now banned in all restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs without exception. However, some establishments have "smoking areas" and smoking is allowed by default in the gardens and terraces outside pubs and restaurants.

Restaurants

Larger cities have a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes, with a very wide selection of dishes from different cuisines of the world, including Indian, Chinese, Thai, French and Italian. Waiters usually expect a 10% tip, and in some establishments this is automatically added to the bill. However, if you are not satisfied with the service, you are not required to pay extra for the service.

Roadside eateries

Roadside eateries are known for their high food prices, but their main selling point is that they tend to be open 24 hours a day. Most of them are equipped with fast food outlets and all have a toilet. Some may have restrictions on the range of hot or cold dishes at night, although this does not apply to most establishments. If possible, it's best to look for cheaper places to dine, which are usually within a mile or two of a highway junction. Try to search for nearby establishments on the site, which contains a list of eateries located at a distance of 5 minutes from the highway.

Vegetarian restaurants

Vegetarianism has become widespread in the UK over the past few decades. If you are staying at a British home as a guest, please politely notify your hosts well in advance of any food requirements you may have, this will not be considered rude in any way.

In general, the best places for vegetarians are specialized vegetarian pubs and restaurants, which are always present in big cities, or simply restaurants with Indian, Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes. They usually have a range of vegetarian and vegan menus. By the way, the prices in vegetarian restaurants can be quite biting.

Popular and traditional dishes

British cuisine has a number of traditional dishes, which you can enjoy during a trip to the country. For example, fish and chips(Fish and Chips) - deep-fried flattened fish (usually cod or haddock) with chips cut into fairly large pieces, always from a whole potato. This dish can be purchased at specialty Fish & Chips eateries that can be found anywhere in the UK. There is probably no better way to start your acquaintance with British cuisine than to order your own fish and chips.

Some of the most popular restaurants in Britain are Indian. They can be found in every city and town. Indian restaurants prepare food commonly known as "curry". The most common Indian dishes in restaurants include masala chicken tikka, shrimp biryani, and extremely spicy vindala (of Portuguese origin). The new trendy version of curry is known as "Balti", possibly named after the metal utensils in which it is cooked and served. Balti, as well as a number of other famous dishes such as masala chicken tikka, are created in the UK, although they are based on Indian food. Birmingham is considered the capital of the Balti, as the dish was invented here.

It should be noted that although these are all British dishes, British cuisine consists largely of imported products, and the menu of even the cheapest pubs will include many international dishes.

Blood sausage- sausage made from condensed pig's blood and breadcrumbs cooked in the gut. Available throughout the UK, but especially in the north of England and around Birmingham, it actually tastes better than its name suggests.

Cornish patty- beef with vegetables, baked in a dough envelope. The dish originates from Cornwall and is available throughout the UK. Usually very good in Devon and Cornwall but can be different quality wherever. Don't buy the ones that are sold in plastic bags at places like gas stations and roadside eateries.

Dough-fried bars "Mars" and "Bounty"- a dish originally from Stonehaven, formerly Kincardineshire (Scotland), available in other parts of Scotland and fish and chips shops throughout the UK.

haggis- a mixture of lamb giblets and oatmeal, cooked in a lamb stomach. Originally from Scotland.

Lancashire stew- a stew of vegetables and meat. Originally from Lancashire but can be found in establishments across the UK.

Laverbred- mashed seaweed rolled in oatmeal, lightly toasted. It is usually eaten with slices of bacon, although it can also be prepared as a vegetarian dish. Available in Swansea and West Wales.

Oatmeal is a signature dish of Stoke-on-Trent and the counties of North Staffordshire and Derbyshire. They are large oatmeal cakes with a spicy filling that are eaten hot. Not to be confused with Scottish oatmeal, which is somewhat similar to a biscuit.

potato bread- a mixture of potatoes, salt, butter and flour. A signature dish of Northern Ireland establishments, eventually added to the so-called "full English breakfast" (as an addition to unleavened bread), is part of the "Ulster fry". Also known as potato casserole in England and potato crisps in Scotland.

Yorkshire pudding- a spicy side dish made from liquid unsweetened dough. Flat and round in shape, it is often served with stir-fry (consisting of fried potatoes, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding). Originally from Yorkshire, but as a side dish is popular throughout the UK.

Cheese - Although the British are not as proud of their cheese as their neighbors in France, there are many different varieties of cheese produced in Britain, which tend to have regional characteristics. Well-known examples are Cheddar (named after the Cheddar Gorge in Somerset), Lancashire (which can be both bold and crumbly), Wensleydale (a valley in Yorkshire), and Cheshire. The quality of these cheeses varies significantly depending on the place of purchase, so the local market is probably the best place for this.

The drinks

The legal age to buy and drink alcohol is 18 (although teens aged 16 and 17 can have a glass of cider, perry or mead with a meal), but many older teens (under 18) do not seem to have big problems with the purchase of alcohol in small pubs or shops operating without a license. However, if you are over 18 but look younger, be prepared to have to prove your age when buying alcohol, especially in popular places in the city. It's easiest to show a passport or driver's license that has both a date of birth and a photo, which is more than enough for most sellers.

Noisy drunk parties and just beer gatherings are something that Britain has long been famous for, and this applies to all sections of British society. It's worth remembering the former prime minister, Tony Blair, picking up his son Ewan from the police after he was found drunk after celebrating passing exams at the age of 16. However, the British have a great sense of humor, and everything is forgotten after a hangover, at least until the next time.

Pubs

The pub (tavern) is the most popular place to buy booze in the UK. Every village has its own pub selling spirits, wines, beer, cider, cocktails along with potato chips, nuts and pork dishes. Many serve light snacks and meals. largest share alcoholic beverages makes up a variety of beers, mostly light, bitter and strong. People not looking for "real ales" can go to any nearby pub, as most light beers and TV-advertised lager are available in any pub. Many prefer real ale pubs. In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland there is a general ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants, although many pubs have outside areas where smoking is allowed.

British Real ale, advocated by CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale - is one of the best in the world, although its taste is unlikely to be appreciated by everyone. People who want to try "real ale" should choose the right pub - you can ask the locals for such.

The British usually follow a set of unwritten rules of behavior in pubs, although the establishments can be very different from each other.

• Don't bang money on the table to get the bartender's attention
• Tipping is not accepted in most pubs, so you should take all the change. Regulars familiar with the staff can order a drink from the owner or the bartender. "A pint to the best owner and one for myself." The owner will often take the money instead of drinking too much.
• Speak in a low voice and try not to draw attention to yourself, especially in small pubs.
• It is better to refrain from heated debates on controversial topics in pubs and bars, because if others join them, the situation can get out of hand
• If you need an extra chair, you can take it from another table. If someone is already sitting there (even if only one person is sitting at a table for six), you need to ask permission to take a chair.
• Be calm at the bar. Attempts to fit the queue can be perceived unkindly and lead to conflicts. If someone got into the line in front of you, you can safely announce it, you will receive support from others.
• In men's rooms, especially in large pubs or clubs, do not try to start a conversation or keep your eyes on the interlocutor for a long time. Toilets in British pubs are in-and-out places, some drunks may misunderstand a casually thrown phrase.

Many pubs are quite old and have the traditional names "Red Lion" or "King's Arms"; before widespread literacy, pubs were identified by most patrons by their signage. Recently there has been a trend, sharply opposed in some areas, to oppose chain pubs such as Hogshead, Slug and Lettuce and others owned by the JD Wetherspoon company. Another recent trend is the emergence of "gastropubs", which are the result of a rethinking of traditional pubs, with a selection of high quality food (at prices close to restaurants).

Beer in pubs is served in pints or half-pints, or in bottles. A simple beer order would be understood as ordering a pint, such as "London Pride, please." Or “half London Pride, please,” which means half a pint. Prices vary considerably depending on the city, pub and beer, but in general a pint will cost between 2-3 pounds. Pubs often offer food during the day. Drinks are ordered and paid for at the bar.

When applying for a licence, pubs can state any opening hours, it can still be changed by neighbors, etc. Normal closing times on weekends are between midnight and 1am, some large pubs open until 2am and clubs until 3-4am night. It is not unusual for some bars to be licensed until the early hours of the morning (6:00), although this is rare as many who are not at home at this time would like to stop by. night club and then home. Theoretically, a pub can get a 24-hour license, but few do. For more information on specific establishments in the British capital, see the London Pubs section.

Purchases

Britain is an expensive country even for the British themselves and, given the stability of the pound, even more expensive for foreigners. The high cost of basic necessities - from food and lodging to transportation - translates into spending up to £50 (approximately US$100) a day on basic expenses alone, and much more if you use taxis, live in hotels from 3 stars and eat at the restaurant.

Living in London and the lands of the south-east of the country will cost three times more than in any other region of the country. The northern regions of the country are distinguished by more reasonable prices.

Money

The currency of the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (£); it has 100 pence. Coins have denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 pence, as well as 1 and 2 pounds, and banknotes of 5, 10, 20 and 50 pounds. On one side of the English banknotes, the queen is depicted, and on the other, famous historical figures. Scottish and Northern Irish banks issue their own banknotes in the same denominations, with their own designs. Scotland also circulates £100 notes and older £1 notes. Merchants are rather reluctant to accept Scottish and Irish banknotes outside of their respective countries.

You can also sometimes hear the word "quid" [quid] for the pound sterling, which roughly translates as "sovereign". This word does not change and applies to both the singular and the plural; "three quid" means "three pounds". Similarly, some regions use slang word"pea" (pea), when referring to pennies or pence. And some people still use such traditional terms as "penny" (a penny or one pence), "tupence" (two pence) and "thrupence" (three pence).

As a general rule, shopkeepers and other establishments in the United Kingdom are not required to accept currencies other than the pound sterling, so don't even bother trying.

£50 banknotes are best avoided, as they are reluctant to accept change - shops simply don't always have change. Most major banks won't accept money from you if you're not a customer, which is annoying. However, you can exchange money without paying a commission in some post offices. It is also advisable to use credit or debit cards when making large purchases in excess of £100. Do not carry many small £10 or £20 bills, as they are not always accepted for purchases over £100.

ATMs, commonly referred to in Britain as cash-in points or less formally as 'holes in the wall', are ubiquitous and typically dispense £10 and £20 notes. Traveler's checks can be exchanged at most banks. It is also worth knowing that non-bank ATMs (they are easy to spot, they usually look like a small kiosk or booth, while bank ATMs are hidden in the walls of buildings) usually charge a service fee, even if you use a foreign bank card . On average, this amount will be 1.75 pounds per transaction, but the ATM will always warn about this and offer to cancel the transaction.

Visa, MasterCars and Maestro cards are generally accepted in most stores and restaurants, but American Express cards are usually only accepted in very large stores, so it's best to ask in advance. In English stores, mostly chip cards are accepted.

If you want to visit only England and Wales, then there should be no problem, since only Bank of England money is used in these territories. These banknotes are also accepted in most regions of Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, in Scotland, banknotes issued by the Bank of Scotland, the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Cladsdale Bank are more common. Such banknotes are accepted by most major outlets. retail in major cities in England and Wales, but some smaller shops, especially in the south of England, may refuse to accept Scots notes. Scottish banknotes are also accepted and circulate freely in Northern Ireland. There are 4 types of banknotes in circulation in Northern Ireland issued by the banks of Northern Ireland. They are freely accepted and occasionally found in circulation in Scotland, and should also be accepted in most major retail outlets in major cities in England and Wales. But small merchants in small towns in England and Wales almost always refuse to accept Northern Ireland notes.

There is no difference in commercial value between the British Pound, the Scottish Pound Sterling and the Northern Irish Pound as they are all official currencies, but the traveler, especially in Northern Ireland, should be careful when choosing where to exchange these banknotes for British Pounds as most ports and airports charge for such services. It is recommended to exchange banknotes in hotels or banks, where they are exchanged one for one without commission or any fees. Sometimes this can also be done in subdivisions of large retail chains with their offices throughout the United Kingdom, whose employees exchange banknotes without a commission, if they are asked to do so. It is better for a person unfamiliar with British currencies to use banknotes of the Bank of England, especially since not a single seller in a store in Scotland or Northern Ireland will be offended when he is asked to give change in this currency, although there are exceptions here.

shopping

Although the shops in Britain are quite expensive, they are generally considered to be among the best places to shop in the world, both in terms of variety and quality of products; it all depends on what and where you buy. High competition in the market has greatly reduced the prices of food, clothing and electronics. Prices vary greatly, so it's always a good idea to visit several. shopping centers to find a product with an acceptable cost. Avoid shopping in tourist areas, try to visit shops on the main streets or in suburban shopping malls - prices here will be much lower.

VAT (Value Added Tax, a statutory duty on many goods and services in the United Kingdom) is 15%. In most stores on the main streets, VAT is included in the price of goods. However, for expensive goods, especially computer equipment and electronics, stores may indicate the price without VAT, in such cases, the mark “price without VAT” must be present next to the value of the product price. The VAT amount can be returned upon return to Russia, read more about the return procedure.

Connection

Telephone

In case of emergency, call 999 or 112 from any phone. These calls are free of charge and are answered by emergency operators who ask for the location and the required service (police, fire, ambulance, coast guard or mountain rescue). You can also call this number from any mobile operator, even if you don't have a roaming plan. It is a very serious offense to call this number without a good reason.

UK calling code - 44 .

To call from the UK to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - the subscriber's number.

If you call a cell phone, you just need to dial the subscriber's number through +7.

To call from Russia to the UK, you need to dial: 8 10 44 - area code / operator code - phone number.

If you call from a cell phone, then simply dial +44 - area code / operator code - phone number.

Payphones are a thing of the past in recent years, but are still available in many public places - stations, airports, etc. Payphones usually charge cash (minimum 30p, although some private payphones may charge more), change is non-refundable, but you can continue using the money on the next call. Some newer payphones accept credit and debit cards and may even let you send email and surf the web. Phone cards are disappearing, although a number of prepaid phone cards can be bought from newsstands for cheap international calls. Some payphones now accept euros. A simple and cheaper alternative for international calls are direct dialing services, also used on mobile phones and sometimes on skype: , , , , , , , , or . This significantly reduces the cost of a call compared to standard services and does not require you to purchase a card or open an account. You just need to dial access numbers that are charged at different rates (for example, 0870 - at a non-geographic national rate)

mobile connection

Mobile phones are used by the vast majority of Britons today. The UK has almost complete mobile coverage - 99% of the island. Many cities also have 3G coverage. The main mobile operators - T-Mobile, Vodafone, Orange and O2 - use the GSM standard. Various services and services are also available, such as simple mobile Internet. Since 2003, new 3G networks based on the CDMA standard began to develop, the operator "" became the first provider of such services. Tariffs for mobile communications in the UK they are very expensive - 20-30 pence per minute when calling to the phones of another operator and around 10 pence within the network. Tariff plans are mainly divided into 2 types:

• SIM card with contract- suitable for those who come to the country for a long time; the contract is concluded for 12 or 18 months, and for its conclusion a passport and proof of address are required; every month the subscriber pays from 20 to 70 pounds, plus about 150 minutes he already immediately has on his account.
• Contractless SIM card- the phone account is replenished with cards or for cash through terminals, no contracts and no bills, some operators also offer a number of free sms. This is the best option for tourists.

You can purchase a SIM card from electronics and telephone retailers on the high streets, or buy it online. However, keep in mind that prices differ significantly - from cheap cards of companies and, which are easy to purchase in Carphone Warehouse stores, to expensive SIM cards of popular companies, and. However, these giants have an incredible number of offers, which are easier to find out on the official websites.

The cost of calls can vary significantly depending on when, from where and where the call is made. Calls from hotel rooms can be significantly more expensive due to additional charges, so it's best to check this out right away (it might be cheaper to use a payphone in the lobby). Calls from payphones and landlines to mobile phones can also be expensive, if possible, call your subscriber to a landline number. Beware of premium calls, which can also be very expensive. Text messages from mobiles cost around 10p per message, while a picture or MMS message costs around 45p (20p on some networks). Calls between city phones are priced either locally or nationally based on regional area codes, if they are the same, it is not necessary to dial the code and the call will be priced at the local rate. Please note that local calls are not completely free. The following table contains the first few digits for different calls to avoid some of the errors described above.

Education

Great Britain has been the center of education for 1000 years and has many old and famous universities. Many former polytechnics and other colleges have become universities in the last 25 years, and there are now more than 120 certified institutions in the UK, which has led to a relative degradation of research activity, so that now the phrase "British scientists" is almost never pronounced without irony.

In addition to London, the main universities in England are located in Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, York, Nottingham, Bath, Lowborough, Newcastle, Southampton, Warwick and Durham. However, the two most famous universities are Oxford and Cambridge (often called Oxbridge by the British) - have not lost their highest level and status, and are still considered reference. To be fair, there are several other world-class institutions in England, including several in London (the most famous of them: Imperial College, Cass School of Business, London School of Economics, University College and King's College, all - parts of the University of London).

Scotland has its own, partially separate education system with universities in Aberidine, Dundee, Edinburgh (Edinburgh, Napier Universities, Queen Margaret University and Heriot-Watt University), Glasgow (Glasgow University, University of Strathclyde and University of Caledonia), Stirling and St. Andrews.

There are only two universities in Northern Ireland: Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University (with campuses in Belfast, Jordanstown, Coleraine and Londonderry). Although Queen's University is older and more famous, both have earned a high degree of respect in the UK for their excellent quality of education.

Traditionally, the University of Wales included four large universities in the cities: Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea.

International students make up a significant proportion of the student population at UK universities, with over 300,000 students in 2004. All applications go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) which acts as a clearing house sending applications to universities for consideration , and then passing their solution to the applicants. Tuition fees for international students differ significantly, amounting to significantly higher amounts at prestigious institutions.

The UK - London, Manchester and Edinburgh in particular - remains a hugely popular destination for people who want to learn English language. A huge number of organizations and companies are ready to satisfy their desire (among them there are both really worthwhile and not very attractive options).

Security

The UK is considered, in general, not the most dangerous country in the world, but if you compare it with the Scandinavian countries or the Benelux countries, it is immediately clear that it is not always calm here. In general, more crimes are committed in the country than in other states of Western Europe, but this is hardly surprising for Russian tourists.

In tourist places, you should carefully monitor your pockets - special signs often warn about the presence of thieves here. Valuable documents should also not be taken with you, and it is better to leave them in a safe at the hotel.

A lot of street crimes are associated with the actions of young people, especially in neighborhoods with a large number of migrants from Pakistan, African and Caribbean states. For example, many areas of East London have become almost a ghetto, so you should not look there.

In case of any emergency call 999 or 112 and ask ambulance, fire brigade, police or coast guard after connection. In almost all services of the country, calls requiring the involvement of the police are evaluated by urgency. In the event of a risk to life or property, the police will arrive immediately, while in less serious cases, the police may not respond as quickly.

In some places, minor crimes like pickpocketing can be more annoying than actually harmful, but even such crimes are not very common, except in the centers of big cities, etc. The main precautions are:

Outdoors:

• Do not show wads of money or wear massive jewelry.
• Be careful, if there are signs of vandalism on the territory and a suspicious-looking person is walking around, this is probably not the best place to stop.
• Walking anywhere alone at night should be done with great care, keeping to well-lit main roads, not walking along side streets.
• Try not to get drunk. If so, take a taxi home.
• Like many Western countries, in recent years the UK has developed something of a “culture of provocation”: disgruntled and mostly young people behave anti-socially, usually in a state of intoxication, and can shock others by shouting obscenities and doing rash things. It's best to ignore them if possible. Their language and behavior can be threatening, but in crowded places they are usually not dangerous. However, be careful: in deserted places and suburban areas, they can be more dangerous, and may even attack in response to any provocation from you. If this happens, don't try to fight, just run away. It is not uncommon for young people to carry knives, and even firearms in a number of places.
• If you suspect or feel threatened, go to the nearest official you see. It can be anyone from a police officer to a pub owner.

Using car:

• The UK is one of the top countries in the number of car thefts, so make sure you close your doors when you leave your car, or better yet, park it in a designated area.
• Keep the trunk closed - in some places, thieves open the trunk and steal bags while parked at traffic lights
• Keep mobile phones and jewelry out of sight - especially when parking your car.
• Park in well-lit places without objects blocking the car, if there are bushes, etc., thieves can open the lock without being noticed.
• Insurance should be extended to cover the cost of replacing glass, as it is not uncommon for thieves to break glass to get inside.

In public transport:

• Buses and trains: upon entering, stand near the driver/conductor. Be careful on buses and trains at night (especially in cities).
• Taxi: Get into licensed black taxis by voting on the road, or alternative private taxis (mini-taxi) by reservation. Do not stop mini taxis on the street, as this is prohibited by licensing law and the driver will charge you as much money as he wants. When using any taxi, it is worth checking its license, its number is written on the license plate. It is not uncommon for used black cabs with expired licenses to be taken on Friday and Saturday night routes.

In public places:

• In some cities it is illegal to drink alcohol on the street, although this law is widely violated.
• Nudity in a public place is very rare and although not a criminal offense, it can lead to prosecution if it is established that you intended to shock people in this way.
• Sex in public places is prohibited.
• The legal age for both heterosexual and homosexual public contact is 16 (in Northern Ireland it is 17). However, such contact in the case of a "trust relationship" (for example, between a teacher and a student, a lawyer and a client, etc.) is possible only at the age of 18.

The number of violent crimes. Most of them are associated with banditry and drugs in dangerous areas around the main cities, although the chances of a tourist ending up in one of these places are slim. Most travelers should generally be vigilant at night after pubs and clubs are closed, especially in taxi queues, and at places where football fans clash. A number of small towns, especially in the north, can be especially dangerous. However, the UK is no more dangerous country than most other European countries, if you follow the necessary security measures.

The police in the UK are quite tolerant, although the new laws give them considerable powers over those who, in their opinion, are behaving inappropriately. Excessive profanity when speaking to a police officer or other member of the public can result in arrest or an £80 (approximately $150) fine on the spot.

Now there are also "community police officers" patrolling many areas. They are predominantly foot patrols in uniforms similar to regular police officers who have a certain amount of power that allows them to arrest offenders and levy fines for certain offences. Their rights are very different in different regions of the country.

Non-white tourists are unlikely to encounter overt racism or racial violence. White tourists should not visit places where there are large numbers of non-white immigrants. If someone makes any racist remarks that you find offensive, call the police. Racial crimes are a high priority for the police, so a quick police response is virtually guaranteed. It is unlikely that you will have to face any danger in public or tourist places. As mentioned above, if in doubt, go to the nearest law enforcement representative.

Health

The local emergency number is 999, but the EU 112 can also be used. For advice on non-urgent medical issues, you can call the National Health Service (NHS) 24-hour telephone number 0845 4647 (08454 242424 in Scotland).

Emergencies are handled by the National Health Service and are treated at any hospital with first aid departments. Also, be prepared to wait about 4 hours for an inspection if the case is not serious.

While treatment at hospitals and by National Service doctors is free for British citizens, overseas visitors in many cases must pay for the treatment. However, citizens of the EU and certain other countries may receive certain medical services if they have a European health insurance card.

A pharmacist can be consulted for advice for minor ailments and over-the-counter medicines (there are a large number of retail pharmacies where pharmacists must be registered with the Royal Society of Pharmacy and have a university diploma and/or certificates of completion of any additional courses ), well-known pharmacy chains include Boots and Lloyds, and many supermarkets have their own pharmacists.

Sexually transmitted diseases are very common among young people, so it is worth protecting yourself during sexual intercourse. There are about 50,000 HIV carriers in the UK. Many people practice unsafe sex, get the virus and don't know they are infected. So, as in the rest of the world, safe sex is the key to health.

Where to stay

The UK has a wide variety of star-rated hotels, from luxury 5-stars to budget 1-stars. There are also a large number of private establishments offering bed and breakfast (bed and breakfast, abbreviated as "B&B"), providing rooms and, as a rule, "full English breakfast". It is also possible to rent a private house provided as a "holiday home". Many of these houses are offered on various free websites, or on the service providers' own websites. Many options can be found using search engines by asking the query "self-catering holiday accommodation".

Travelers on a budget can stay at the youth/tourist base.

• YHA England and Wales, tel. 0870 770 6113
• ScottishYHA Email: [email protected], tel. 0870 1553255
• HI Northern Ireland, tel. 028 9032 4733
• AT recent times many independent hostels appear, some private hostels offer more attractive conditions than the Youth Hostel Association (YHA). Their addresses can be found on the website (Guide to independent hostels).

There are also many campgrounds with different levels of services provided.

Many travelers in the UK tend to travel in "campers" (caravans equipped with a kitchen, bedroom and toilet), in which case the accommodation travels with you. There are campsites and caravan parks in many parts of the country.

The most bizarre option is Landmark Trust Houses, a charity that buys historic buildings, various exotic buildings and other unusual pieces of architecture, especially those that are on the verge of collapse, restores them and rents them out to tourists. To order, call tel. 01628 825925 or write to [email protected].

In our time it is difficult to find a person who does not have at least a general idea of ​​​​London. Being the capital of Great Britain and England, it can rightly be called one of the world capitals of politics, economics, finance, culture and art. Greater London (one of the nine administrative regions in the southeast of England) is the largest metropolis in Europe, spread over 1,579 thousand km 2, with a population of nearly 9 million people. (2018). It is here that the Greenwich area (full name Green village - Green Village) is located, along which the zero meridian passes, serving as a conditional border between the Eastern and Western hemispheres of our planet.

Outer limits of United Kingdom capital jurisdiction

Most people know perfectly well which city is the capital of Great Britain, but not everyone clearly understands the boundaries of the state itself. Some confusion may arise from the fact that most of the United Kingdom is located on a single island, which is itself part of the British Isles, located in the northwestern part of continental Europe. They include Great Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Isles of Scilly, the Channel Islands, and over 6,000 other small islands.

The United Kingdom is a sovereign state made up of four separate countries: England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. But there are also a number of which are still subject to British rule. Being the largest both in terms of territory and population, England has taken on the role of the basis in creating a single state, and its main city, London, is the capital of Great Britain. Therefore, often (though erroneously) the name England is used as a term to describe all subjects of the English crown.

Italian Roots of English Greatness

The history of the capital of Great Britain dates back to the time of the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD. where they founded the city of Londinium at the mouth of the River Thames. Occupying an area of ​​approximately 2.6 km 2 (one square mile), surrounded by a stone wall around the perimeter, it still forms the oldest area of ​​London, called the City.

Here are the major financial institutions of London, including the Bank of England and the most influential in the world

By the middle of the third century, Londinium had become the largest city in Britain with a population of about 50 thousand inhabitants, and its borders practically corresponded to the historical central part of the modern capital of Great Britain. In the 5th century, the Romans, besieged by the German invaders, left Londinium. The city entered a long period of decline. It was revived only in 878 after the invasion of the Danes, already as Londontown (Londontown), when King Alfred of Wessex recaptured and began its restoration, significantly expanding the boundaries of the city to the north.

royal residence

Began to develop and located upstream of the Thames to the west of the original island of Thorney, surrounded in those days by marshy lands. For King Edward the Confessor (1003-1066) a palace was built here, where he lived during the construction of the abbey of the "Western Church" (West Minster).

This was the beginning of Westminster's history as the home of royalty and then the British Parliament and the seat of the Prime Minister. With the development of Greater London, this area became part of it and for several centuries has had the status of a City, which implies the presence of a municipality and police independent of the city government. Since that time, the question of which city is the capital of Great Britain has received an unambiguous answer. Absolutely all the kings of England, and later of Britain, ruled from London, and Westminster, located along the Thames, became the political center of the state.

The path from a small fortress to a huge metropolis

London can be divided into three concentric areas that reflect the city's growth over time. At the heart of the historical city ​​of london. It was part of a larger contiguous area known as Inner London. This part developed from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries. That, in turn, is surrounded by outer districts, consisting of residential suburbs built in the middle of the last century, and forming the modern look of Greater London.

The main landmark in Inner London is the River Thames, which divides the city into north and south. Another one important feature cities, this is the contrast between east and west: the richer and more prestigious parts of the metropolis are located in the west, while industrial enterprises, delivery services and sleeping areas are located in the east, where workers and maintenance personnel mainly live.

London - it's always like this... London

The inhabitants of England themselves often call their capital The Big Smoke (“Big Smoke”), thanks to the London smog that has already become a classic. Also, the definition of The Great Wen is used by the local population, which does not have a literal Russian translation and means approximately “a crowded city”. During the period of world hegemony of the British Empire, London was unofficially nicknamed the "Capital of the World", and during the Cultural Revolution of the sixties of the last century, the city was called Swinging London ("swinging London").

Forever alive and always young

London is a city with a thousand-year history, which gave the world a galaxy of the greatest personalities from legendary conquerors and politicians to brilliant writers and musicians. The capital of Great Britain either almost completely perished from the "Black Death" (a plague pandemic in the 14th century), or held the championship of the most populous city on the planet (1825 - 1925). Having become the center of the industrial revolution in the middle of the 18th century, London amazed the whole world with the wonders of technological progress and the severe social disasters that it created at the dawn of its formation. In the 20th century, the city rebuilt and rebuilt itself after the devastating bombings (1939 - 1945), opened a new chapter as a post-imperial, multi-ethnic metropolis.

The capital of Great Britain entered the new century (and the third millennium of its history) not as a decrepit and prim old man, savoring past victories, but as an active, rich and ambitious dandy, forcing everyone around to reckon with himself and listen to his opinion.