Places of interest
The UK has a large network of public footpaths in the countryside. There are also many opportunities for mountain biking, mountaineering and hill walking. There are 15 national parks in England, Wales and Scotland. They are areas of protected countryside that everyone can visit, and where people live, work and look after the landscape.
There are many museums in the UK, which range from small community museums to large national and civic collections. Famous landmarks exist in towns, cities and the countryside throughout the UK. Most of them are open to the public to view (generally for a charge).
Many parts of the countryside and places of interest are kept open by the National Trust in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the National Trust for Scotland. Both are charities that work to preserve important buildings, coastline and countryside in the UK. The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three volunteers. There are now more than 61,000 volunteers helping to keep the organisation running.
UK landmarks
Big Ben
Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the Houses of Parliament in London. Many people call the clock Big Ben as well. The clock is over 150 years old and is a popular tourist attraction. The clock tower is named ‘Elizabeth Tower’ in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
The Eden Project
The Eden Project is located in Cornwall, in the south west of England. Its biomes, which are like giant greenhouses, house plants from all over the world. The Eden Project is also a charity which runs environmental and social projects internationally.
Edinburgh Castle
The Castle is a dominant feature of the skyline in Edinburgh, Scotland. It has a long history, dating back to the early Middle Ages. It is looked after by Historic Scotland, a Scottish government agency.
The Giant’s Causeway
Located on the north-east coast of Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a land formation of columns made from volcanic lava. It was formed about 50 million years ago. There are many legends about the Causeway and how it was formed.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
This national park covers 720 square miles (1,865 square kilometres) in the west of Scotland. Loch Lomond is the largest expanse of fresh water in mainland Britain and probably the best-known part of the park.
London Eye
The London Eye is situated on the southern bank of the River Thames and is a Ferris wheel that is 443 feet (135 metres) tall. It was originally built as part of the UK’s celebration of the new millennium and continues to be an important part of New Year celebrations.
Snowdonia
Snowdonia is a national park in North Wales. It covers an area of 838 square miles (2,170 square kilometres). Its most well-known landmark is Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London was first built by William the Conqueror after he became king in 1066. Tours are given by the Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, who tell visitors about the building’s history. People can also see the Crown Jewels there.
The Lake District
The Lake District is England’s largest national park. It covers 885 square miles (2,292 square kilometres). It is famous for its lakes and mountains and is very popular with climbers, walkers and sailors. The biggest stretch of water is Windermere. In 2007, television viewers voted Wastwater as Britain’s favourite view.
Places of interest explains that the UK has many public footpaths. There are 15 national parks in England, Wales and Scotland: protected countryside everyone can visit, where people live, work and look after the landscape. The National Trust in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the National Trust for Scotland, are charities preserving important buildings, coastline and countryside. The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three volunteers and now has more than 61,000 volunteers. Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell at the Houses of Parliament, though many call the clock Big Ben; the tower is Elizabeth Tower, named for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Other landmarks: the Eden Project in Cornwall has greenhouse-like biomes; Edinburgh Castle is looked after by Historic Scotland; the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is made of volcanic lava columns; Loch Lomond is mainland Britain’s largest fresh water; the London Eye is a 443-foot Ferris wheel on the Thames’s south bank; Snowdon is Wales’s highest mountain; the Tower of London was first built by William the Conqueror after 1066, with Yeoman Warder tours; the Lake District is England’s largest national park, and Windermere its biggest water.
The handbook text is reproduced under the terms printed in Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd edition: © Crown copyright 2013. It is reproduced accurately, the title is given, and this site does not use the Home Office crest or imitate the official edition. We are not an official publication. The reproduced text is the 3rd edition (2013). Later official impressions changed some references from the Queen to King Charles III and renamed some institutions. Where something looks dated, check the current official handbook on GOV.UK.
Practice questions
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In which year was the National Trust founded?
It began in 1895 with three volunteers.How many national parks are there in England, Wales and Scotland?
The UK has 15 national parks across England, Wales and Scotland.Which organisation is responsible for looking after Edinburgh Castle?
Historic Scotland, a Scottish government agency, looks after Edinburgh Castle.What is the largest stretch of water in the Lake District?
Windermere is the biggest stretch of water in the Lake District.