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03/10/2010
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About Britain

Learn our story

Find out what makes us Brits tick. From the history of the monarchy to the role of government through the ages, dip into our About Britain section for a whistle-stop tour of our ancient traditions and rich culture...

Outline map of Britain

BRITAINFACTS

Population
61.4 million
Main airport
London Heathrow
Currency
Pound sterling
Language
English, Welsh, Gaelic, Scots
Main towns / cities
London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament Source:Maurice

History

'Britain' itself didn't exist as an island until around 6500 BC. Read how we came to represent a leading centre for world trade and finance.

History
The monarchy

About Britain

Westminster Abbey Source:hjjanisch

Religion

The official religion in Britain is Christianity as practised by the Anglican Church. However, Britain is a multi-faith society which seeks to promote religious tolerance and acceptance.

Religion

About Britain

Arrival of the Crown at the State Opening of Parliament Source:UK Parliament

Government

The UK is a constitutional monarchy that is a representative democracy. The three elements that make up Parliament are the Queen, the House of Lords and the elected House of Commons.

Government

Countries

  • Britain

    Britain is full of contrasts; whichever direction you travel you will find a wide variety of landscapes and diverse cultures to explore. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are all unique countries with their own customs, cultures and tradition.

  • England

    England is the largest country in Britain, and home to the largest city in Europe, 600 miles of beautiful coastline, and a population almost three times that of Australia.

  • Northern Ireland

    Vibrant cities with shopping, nightlife and festivals, outdoor activities, fabulous food and unspoilt retreats where you can unwind, relax and recharge.

  • Scotland

    Scotland is everything you imagine - whisky, golf, romance of the clans and a wealth of castles and historic sites. The Highlands area is one of the last wildernesses in Europe.

  • Wales

    Wales is different from other parts of Britain and just 2 hours from Heathrow Airport. With 400 castles, yet only one official motorway, you have to take things at a gentle pace.

Cities & towns

  • Birmingham

    Birmingham, a dynamic business city, offering a world class cultural scene, a diverse and lively mix of shopping, attractions, nightlife, major international events and exhibitions.

  • Glasgow

    Known as Scotland's style capital with its art deco brasseries, stylish shops and cultural centres, Glasgow boasts more than 30 museums and galleries and an annual programme of performing arts and festivals.

  • Liverpool

    Liverpool is fast becoming one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations. Awarded European Capital of Culture 2008, it boasts more theatres, museums and galleries than any other UK city outside London.

  • Manchester

    The city is widely recognised as one of the coolest in Britain. Manchester has reinvented itself as a truly contemporary metropolis, with modern landmarks, excellent art and culture, great bars and world-class hospitality.

  • Newcastle

    Expect something different in this fast-moving cultural city. Newcastle-Gateshead has an energy and excitement that is distinctly, uniquely its own, blending world-class attractions with a history that stretches back over 2,000 years.

Events

EVENTS

Llangollen International Eisteddfod Source:© Old Polar_oid

Llangollen International Eisteddfod

The Inverness Highland Games on 24 July promises to be one of the most memorable events ever...

Llangollen International Eisteddfod

FESTIVALS

Brazil Brazil performing onstage Source:Andy Philipson Copyright:2010

Festival Brazil

Festival Brazil brings a dynamic programme of music, visual arts, dance, literature, debate and...

Festival Brazil

MUSIC

Stage at RockNess Festival Source:Pogofish

RockNess music festival

Known as 'The Most Beautiful Festival in the World' because of its jaw-dropping location,...

RockNess Music Festival

SPORTS

Henley Royal Regatta Source:© Peter Haworth

The Henley Royal Regatta

The Henley Royal Regatta comes to the idyllic town of Henley-on-Thames in June for 5 days of...

The Henley Royal Regatta

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Sunset in Cornwall Source:© midlander1231 (Flickr)

Cornwall

Landscape of St Marys Loch, Scotland Source:© Britainonview / - Britain on View

Scotland

View from inside a tent pitched at Dale Bottom Farm campsite in Naddle Beck, near Keswick in the Lake District, Dale Bottom, Cumbria © Britainonview / Rod Edwards

Holiday Village & Campsites

Self-Catering accommodation

Ubytování bez stravy

Autumn Events

  1. 1 Ryder Cup
  2. 2 York Food and Drink Festival
  3. 3 Dylan Thomas
  4. 4 Blackpool Illuminations
  5. 5 London Restaurant Festival
  6. 6 Nottingham Goose Fair
  7. 7 The Heineken Cup
  8. 8 Gauguin Maker of Myth
  9. 9 The Enchanted Forest
  10. 10 Cowalfest2010

Things to do

DiscountsAnd Deals

Save time and money before you travel!

We have over 150 Britain products in our online shop. From transport tickets to popular attractions and sightseeing passes, we have everything in store. View all products
BritRail GB Flexi Pass

The BritRail GB Flexi Pass - flexible train travel around the UK

BritRail GB Flexi Pass
From £135
BritRail GB Consecutive Pass

The BritRail GB Consecutive Pass - British train travel made easy

BritRail GB Consecutive Pass
From £135