England

England — detailed information about the country with photos. Sights, cities of England, climate, geography, population, and culture.

England (United Kingdom)

England (English: England) is a country and administrative unit of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is located on the island of Great Britain, occupying its southern and central parts. England shares land borders with Scotland (to the north) and Wales (to the west). The country also has maritime borders with Ireland (both the island and the country) and France. Unlike other administrative-political parts of the United Kingdom, England does not have its own parliament or government, being subject to the legislative and executive bodies of the UK.

England is one of the most visited countries in the world, boasting a rich history, beautiful cities, and abundant cultural traditions. This part of Britain is famous for its numerous historical sites, from ancient megaliths and Roman structures to medieval villages and ancient castles. England offers picturesque natural landscapes, captivating coastlines, atmospheric countryside, and the dynamic life of its metropolises. It is a stunning country with a very authentic atmosphere and way of life.

Useful Information about England

• Population — over 53 million people.
• Area — 133,396 km².
• Currency — Pound Sterling.
• Language — English.
• Time — UTC 0, UTC+1 in summer.
• The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Agreement. A visa can be obtained by visiting an accredited visa center in person, located in Kyiv.
• Capital — London.
• Public and national holidays: January 1 — New Year, Good Friday (Friday before Easter), Easter Monday (immediately after Easter), Early May Bank Holiday (first Monday in May), Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday in May), Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday in August), December 25 — Christmas, December 26 — Boxing Day.
• England has left-hand traffic. Roads are free, except for a few large bridges, tunnels, and the M6 toll motorway. Motorways in the UK are marked with white letters on a blue background. Speed limits are as follows: 70 mph (115 km/h) on motorways, 60 mph (100 km/h) on single-carriageway roads outside built-up areas, and 30 mph (50 km/h) in built-up areas. Large cities are not very convenient for driving. It is better to leave the car in the suburbs at special parking lots and reach the center by affordable buses.
• Electricity voltage — 230 V, 50 Hz.
• In most restaurants, the service charge is included in the bill. If not, it is customary to leave a 10% tip.

Geography and Nature

England is located on the island of Great Britain, occupying two-thirds of its territory. It shares land borders with two other administrative-political parts of the UK: Scotland to the north and Wales to the west. England is washed by the North Sea and the Irish Sea, which are part of the Atlantic Ocean. The English Channel and the Strait of Dover separate the island from France.

Southern England is a plain interspersed with hills and uplands. Northern England is a relatively mountainous area, home to the Pennines. The highest peak is Scafell Pike (978 meters). Eastern England is a lowland with meadows and marshes, which have been drained and turned into agricultural land.

The largest rivers in England are the Severn, Thames, Trent, Great Ouse, and Wye. During Celtic times, much of England was covered by broadleaf forests (oak, beech, hornbeam, ash). However, most of the forests were later converted into fields and pastures. Today, forests cover only 10% of England’s territory.

Climate

England has a temperate maritime climate, moderated by the warm Gulf Stream. It features relatively warm, sometimes cool summers in the north, and mild winters. The southeast is the warmest region, while the northeast is the coldest. The weather in England can be quite changeable, with autumn and spring often being rainy. The climate is characterized by rare extreme temperatures and small differences between the warmest and coldest months.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit England is late spring and summer. Autumn can be rainy, and winter is cold and damp.

History and Interesting Facts

Before the Roman conquest, England was inhabited by the Britons (Celtic tribes). In the 1st century BC, the southern, western, and central parts of Great Britain were conquered by the Roman Empire and remained part of it until the 5th century. The Romans built roads, a chain of fortifications, and founded several cities. However, Britain was essentially a periphery of the Roman state. After the Romans left, the Britons were pushed back by the northern tribes of the Picts and Scots (future Scots).

In the 5th century, Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes) invaded England. They formed seven kingdoms, which were later united into the Kingdom of England. The first English king was Alfred the Great. In the 9th century, England suffered from Viking invasions. The warlike Scandinavians captured the northern and eastern territories, and Danish kings even ruled the English kingdom for some time. In the 11th century, the Normans, led by William the Conqueror, invaded England. William introduced the feudal system and French customs and traditions.

In 1154, Henry II of the Plantagenet or Angevin dynasty was crowned in England. During his reign, many cities were granted rights and privileges, contributing to their growth and development. In 1171, Ireland was subjugated. By the end of the 13th century, English monarchs had subjugated Wales. In 1399, the Lancaster dynasty came to power, ruling the country until 1462. The late 15th century was marked by a series of wars between the supporters of the York and Lancaster dynasties, which ended with the victory of the former.

The Yorks ruled the country for only 24 years. In 1485, the Tudors ascended the throne. In 1603, the Scottish king James I of the Stuart dynasty became the king of England. The 17th century was quite turbulent for England, marked by wars, religious conflicts, and a revolution that ended with the restoration of the monarchy. In 1707, England and Scotland formed a single state — Great Britain.

Administrative Division

England is currently divided into 9 regions and 48 ceremonial counties.

Administrative Division of England

Regionally, England can be divided into three major parts:

• Southern England — London, the southeastern and western coasts of Great Britain.
• Midlands (Central England) — East Midlands (central England to the North Sea coast), West Midlands (industrial and rural areas east of Wales), East Anglia (rural province northeast of London).
• Northern England — Yorkshire, large industrial cities between Wales and Scotland.

Population

The largest ethnic group in England is the English. This nation emerged from the mixing of Celts, Romans, Angles, Saxons, and Normans. The English speak English. The predominant religion is Anglicanism (a branch of Christianity).

The English are generally friendly and polite, though they can be somewhat mannered, vain, and conservative. In everyday life, the English are calm, reserved, and quite private. They often express their passion at sporting events and in pubs.

Transport

Since the UK is an island, you can reach England from mainland Europe by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel. The best and fastest way to get here is by air. The country has excellent air connections with most major cities in Europe and the world. London Heathrow Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. The largest airports in England are located in London (five in total), Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.

England has an excellent railway network and one of the highest concentrations of railways in the world. Railways connect all major cities. You can also reach England by train from France and Belgium.

Cities of England

• London — the capital of the United Kingdom and the largest city in the country. It is one of the world’s leading financial centers and global cities, alongside New York. London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It is a noisy and vibrant metropolis with an amazing concentration of wonderful landmarks and historical monuments, as well as being the capital of art, culture, music, education, fashion, politics, finance, and trade.
• Birmingham — the second-largest city in the UK with a rich industrial heritage. It is known for its canals, jewelry, and numerous cultural events.
• Bristol — a city with a glorious history and one of the oldest ports in England. It is famous for its beautiful Georgian architecture and wonderful “maritime” atmosphere.
• Liverpool — the city of the Beatles, known for its music, sports, and Irish pubs. It is one of the centers of transatlantic shipping, an important trade and university city with many beautiful historic buildings.
• Manchester — the commercial and cultural capital of Lancashire. Once one of the largest industrial centers in Europe, it is now famous for its entertainment and sports facilities.
• Bath — one of the most attractive cities in the UK, known for its splendid ancient heritage.
• York — one of the most beautiful medieval cities in England, with charming old streets, many ancient churches, and a wonderful historical atmosphere.
• Cambridge — a university city with a romantic medieval character, stunning Gothic architecture, and one of the highest concentrations of historic buildings in England.
• Sheffield — the fourth most populous city in England, famous for its vast number of parks and gardens.
• Nottingham — a city with a rich history dating back to Roman times, shrouded in legends of Robin Hood. The city is often called the “Queen of the Midlands” due to its wide streets, beautiful architecture, and many picturesque parks.
• Leeds — the third-largest city in the UK, located in Yorkshire. It is one of the largest industrial, commercial, and financial centers in Northern England, known for its excellent shopping, interesting museums, art galleries, and numerous parks.

Sights and Landmarks of England

Stonehenge — the most famous prehistoric monument in Europe, located 10 km north of Salisbury. This ancient megalithic structure was built between 3000 and 1500 BC and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mysterious Stonehenge consists of huge stone blocks called menhirs or megaliths. Its exact purpose is still unknown, though archaeologists believe it was either an ancient burial site or a structure for predicting cosmic events.

London Tower — one of the most famous historical landmarks in the UK, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This mighty fortress was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has witnessed the rich history of London. Over its existence, it has served many roles: from a grim prison to a palace, from a royal treasury to a zoo. Today, the Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK, featuring wonderful historical exhibitions.

Tower Bridge — one of the main symbols of London, with beautiful bridge towers housing old steam engines. This bascule bridge was completed in 1894 and was considered a marvel of Victorian engineering at the time.

Big Ben — one of the symbols of England and its capital. This clock tower of the Palace of Westminster was built in 1859 to a design by Charles Barry. The huge clock dates back to the same period.

Roman Baths in Bath date back to the 1st century BC and were built around the largest of three hot springs. The baths are one of the best-preserved examples of ancient architecture in England.

Westminster Abbey (or the Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster) — a magnificent masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the legendary places in London. The origins of this religious structure date back to the early Middle Ages. Westminster Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor in 1065 as a burial place. Since 1066, most British monarchs have been crowned and buried here.

York Minster — the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, founded in the 7th century. It is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and one of the most important religious buildings in England. York Minster has a stunning Gothic facade adorned with numerous decorative elements. The interior features beautiful stained glass

Canterbury Cathedral — a magnificent Gothic cathedral and the main Anglican church of the United Kingdom. This ancient church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and reflects the architecture of various centuries.

The Cotswolds — a hilly range located in the west of central England (mainly in the counties of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire). Known for its picturesque beech forests, small villages with old stone houses, and pastures.

The Lake District — a national park considered one of the most beautiful places in England. It includes 12 large lakes and numerous picturesque landscapes.

Most of the landmarks and historical buildings in Cambridge are concentrated in the colleges of the University of Cambridge, almost each of which is an architectural masterpiece and renowned for its rich traditions. The university was founded here in the 13th century and is considered one of the oldest educational institutions in Europe.

Warwick Castle — one of the most beautiful medieval castles in England. This amazing fortress was founded 9 centuries ago and is located in a beautiful historic town.

Durdle Door – a picturesque beach in Dorset with a secluded bay and an ancient limestone arch.

St Michael’s Mount — a charming tidal island (resembling the French Mont Saint-Michel), located 500 meters from the coast of mainland Cornwall and crowned with a medieval church and castle.

Alnwick Castle — the second-largest inhabited castle in England, located in Northumberland. It has a rich ancient history and stunning medieval architecture.

Hadrian’s Wall — a chain of ancient fortifications stretching over 117 km. These defensive walls and ramparts were built in the 2nd century AD to protect Roman provinces from the tribes of Scots and Picts who lived in ancient times in what is now Scotland.

Accommodation

England offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and dormitories to luxurious hotels. The best option in terms of price and quality is a bed-and-breakfast hotel.

Cuisine

English cuisine is famous for its simple meat dishes: roast beef, steak, and bacon. Fish dishes and puddings are also popular.

Traditional foods:

• Cornish Pasty – a flaky pastry filled with meat.
• Lancashire Hotpot – a hearty vegetable and meat stew.
• Pies – meat pie.
• Yorkshire Pudding – a liquid pudding served with roasted meat.
• Full English Breakfast – a famous English breakfast (fried bacon, scrambled eggs, bread, fried black pudding, and a large cup of tea with milk).
• Roast dinner (Sunday dinner) – roasted meat with vegetables and potatoes.

Pubs are an excellent place to try English food at a reasonable price. However, it is important to note that kitchens in such establishments usually close by 9:00 PM.

The traditional drinking establishment is called a pub. The most popular alcoholic drink is beer, which can be divided into lager (light), ale, and stout (dark). The most popular non-alcoholic drink is, of course, tea.