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Mini-Guide To UK

Sometimes known as the United Kingdom or Great Britain, the UK lies to the north-west of mainland Europe. It is made up of 4 constitutional countries - England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

Or view the list of airports in UK.

The main cities in the UK are Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle. There are many tourist places around the UK including 4 world Heritage sites in and around London. Buckingham Palace in central London is a very popular tourist destination (which is where the Queen lives) as is the London Eye, Madam Toussauds, Harrods and the Houses of Parliment. Outside London, tourism is strong across the whole country from the picturesque Lake Distinct to Hadrians Wall, or the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal area to the traditonal seaside towns including Bournemouth and Blackpool. The weather in the UK is generally warmer than other European countries as the climate is moderated by the North Atlantic current - or Gulf Stream as its also known. London's Heathrow Airport is the busiest international airport in the world serving direct flights to almost all countries in the world. London's Luton airport is home to several budget travel airlines including easyjet and Ryanair who provide low-cost flights to a large number of European destinations. Outside of London, airports such as Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and Glasgow service customers from that locality and also provide flights to both international and European destinations. The country's rail network covers the majority of the country from Penzanze in the south to John O'Groats in the north. Althrough the rail network will get you around the country, it is expensive and the time-keeping of trains is historically poor. For those looking to travel by train, check the price of both single and return tickets as sometimes it is easier to purchase a two singles rather than a return or vice-verda. The currency in the UK is pounds sterling - represented with a pound symbol. Although the UK is a member of the EU, it has not adopted the Euro currency. The main language in the UK is English with Welsh being spoke in Wales and Gaelic spoken in the Scottish Highlands. Its very common for those not speaking English as a main language to be able to speak and understand English at the very least. The UK offers a wide variety of hotels and places to stay - many of which offer cheap and clean overnight accomodation. Hotel chains such as Holiday Inn provide child-friendly accomodation often with high-speed internet access and air-conditioning.