The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the United Kingdom or the UK) is a constitutional monarchy

in northern Europe. The Union comprises four constituent nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It occupies all of the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern portion of the island of Ireland and most of the remaining British Isles. It counts Ireland, France, Belgium and Netherlands as its nearest neighbours. The Isle of Man and the various Channel Islands are "crown dependencies", linked to the UK by various ties and mutual obligations but not part of it (or of the EU). Gibraltar is a British territory within the EU with its own autonomous government. The UK today is a diverse patchwork of native and immigrant cultures, possessing a fascinating history and dynamic modern culture, both of which remain hugely influential in the wider world. Although Britannia no longer rules the waves, the UK is still a popular destination for many travellers. The capital city of the United Kingdom (and the largest city) is London. The flag of the United Kingdom is popularly known as the Union Jack, but is correctly known as the Union Flag. It is comprised of the flags of St. George (of England), St. Andrew (of Scotland, also known as the Saltire) and the St. Patrick's Cross (of Ireland) superimposed on each other. Within England and especially Scotland and Wales, the flags of each nation are commonly used, as is the Red Dragon in Wales. The St. Patrick's Cross flag is never seen in Northern Ireland, since it largely represents the pre2

1921 era when the whole of Ireland was part of the UK. Instead either the Union Flag, or the Red Hand of Ulster (similar in appearance to the St. George's Cross flag of England) is flown - particularly in Unionist areas.

Short history of the UK The history of the United Kingdom stretches back over many centuries. Once the largest empire in the history of the world, United Kingdom history is still studied by most of the world to this day. Since the time of the Normans, the history of the United Kingdom has added many chapters. The United Kingdom today is a G8 nation and remains a major world power. Anyone planning a trip to the United Kingdom will certainly benefit from becoming familiar with the fascinating history of the United Kingdom. When William the Conqueror was crowned King in 1066 at Westminster Abbey he began a tradition of monarchy that remains a part of United Kingdom history. Various Anglo-Saxon tribes had inhabited the area for many years, but the arrival of the Normans was a major point of change for United Kingdom history. King William I began taking over and building stone castles and organizing communities around these castles. This system of setting up monarchs to rule over the peasant class created a strict class divide that lasted throughout the ages and, some would argue, still holds sway to this day in the United Kingdom. Over the years, English monarchs began attempts to stretch their empire to other neighboring territories. England history goes on to reflect the expansion of the British Empire to Scotland, Wales, and
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Ireland. The acquisition of these countries bolstered England history and by the 19th century the United Kingdom was the greatest empire in the world, with more then a third of the world's population. England history and the history of Scotland both contain intriguing stories of their own. The history of Scotland is wrought with bloody battles and the fierce independence of a people who refused to be conquered easily. Glorified in such movies as, Braveheart, the history of Scotland produced a culture that to this day retains an independent spirit. Many of the most famous Scottish castles were built as enormous towers to protect inhabitants from encroaching British forces. The government of the United Kingdom developed over the years and many governments throughout the world still imitate its model. Although the monarch is considered to be the head of state and still technically holds full executive powers in the United Kingdom, it is the House of Lords and the House of Parliament under the guidance of the Prime Minister who run the government in practice. The role of the monarch has changed over the years, and more power has shifted to the Prime Minister and the two houses of Parliament as time passes. Many countries throughout the world (such as Canada and Australia), however, still recognize the British monarch as their head of state. During the zenith of the British Empire in the 19th century the country produced some of the world's best literature and art in the history of English speaking folk. Jane Austen, Virginia Wold, J.K. Rowling, Oscar Wilde and many, many more were born of the great British tradition. Older authors like Shakespeare, and more recent authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and George Orwell also hailed from the United Kingdom. The 20th century saw the weakening of the United Kingdom as the first and second world wars shook Europe and crippled many economies. Although the United Kingdom has since reorganized itself into a prosperous and economically sound country, it is no longer the largest empire in neither the world nor the richest. The United Kingdom is, however, still a major player in world affairs. As a nuclear power and still retaining some of the most influential threads of an empire in the history of the world, the United Kingdom remains an important country.

Life in the UK Cost Britain is an expensive country even for Britons, and due to the strong pound, even more so for foreigners. The high cost of basics such as transport, accommodation and food means that you'll spend around 50 (approximately US$100) per day as a budget traveller and more if you want to afford luxuries such as taxis, 3 star hotels, and meals in restaurants. London and the South East is up to three times as expensive as other parts of the country. Further North things are more reasonably priced. Money The currency throughout the UK is the pound () (more properly called the Pound Sterling, but this is not used in everyday speech), divided into 100 pence (p). Coins appear in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, 1 and 2 denominations, while notes come in 5, 10, 20 and 50. English notes depict the Queen on one side and famous historical figures on the other. Scottish and Northern Irish banks issue their own notes in the above denominations, with their own designs. 100 notes and some old 1 notes are also in circulation in Scotland. Some vendors are reluctant to accept Scottish and Northern Irish notes outside their respective countries. You may also hear the slang term quid for pounds. It is both singular and plural; "three quid" means "three pounds". ATMs, which are often labelled in the UK as cashpoints, cash machines or less formally 'holes in the wall' are very widely available and usually dispense 10 and 20 notes. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at most banks. Be aware some non-bank ATMs (easily identified, usually kiosk style units, as opposed to fixed units in walls) now charge a fee for withdrawing money and your home bank may as well. On average it's about 1.75 per withdrawal, but it will always inform you of this and allow you to cancel the transaction. Visa, Mastercard and Maestro, are accepted by most shops and restaurants, although American express is usually only accepted in large stores, and it is worth asking if unsure, especially if there are long queues. Since February 14, 2006, Chip and PIN has become nearly compulsory, with only some companies still accepting signatures when paying by credit or debit cards. Customers from countries without chips in their credit cards are supposed to be able to sign instead of providing a PIN, however, it is wise to carry enough cash in case the retailer does not comply. Cigarettes and Tobacco Cigarettes are heavily taxed and therefore very expensive, ranging from around 2 (just under $4) for 10 budget brand cigarettes e.g. Richmond, to 5.50 (around $10) for 20 premium brand cigarettes such as Marlboro and Benson and Hedges. Rolling tobacco is also very expensive, but much cheaper than pre made cigarettes. Rolling tobacco is sold in 12.5 gram, 25 gram and in larger shops 50 gram pouches, at around 2.50, 5, and 10 respectively. 50 grams can make around 100 cigarettes (hand rolled) which would cost around 20-30 for the pre made variants.
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The age to purchase Tobacco throughout the United Kingdom has now been raised to 18. Almost all shops sell tobacco, and most will also sell pipe tobacco and cigars of some sort, for a more extensive selection most towns and cities will have at least one specialist tobacconist. Shopping

UK shopping is not as inexpensive as it once was. The strength of the British pound and UK currency has made UK shopping one of the more pricey endeavors on a vacation to the UK. For just about anyone traveling to the UK, shopping UK has been relegated to souvenir or special item shopping. Though you aren't likely to find a bargain when shopping UK, you will find some interesting souvenirs, and there are some great markets for shopping UK that are worth checking out whether you plan to buy something or not. UK shopping for fashion is usually centered on London. London is on par with New York and Paris as a major fashion capital in the world, and there are overwhelming amounts of shopping options in London. If it's England shopping you are after, you will likely want to start in London. England shopping in London is best tackled with a little planning. Knowing what you are looking for can help you eliminate the hassle of pushing through markets or shops that you may not want or need to visit. If London is at the heart of England shopping, then Regent Street is one of the vital veins of this shopping network. Many of the most popular brand stores and bargain outlets can be found on Regent Street. Take a bus or the Tube to avoid parking, as there is basically none available. Nearby, department store enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll along either Oxford Street or Knightsbridge. These streets are home to the ever-popular Harrods and Harvey Nichols, both of which are insanely appealing for local and foreign shoppers. For music, books, and smaller shops, try the out-of-theway streets. You won't have as many crowds to fight and some of the local owners are incredibly welcoming to tourists. Scotland shopping has a different flavor altogether then England. Of course, Glasgow and Edinburgh still feature many of the high end outlets and department stores that tourists will find in London, and of course they still take the same UK currency, but Scotland shopping for many has a quainter feel.
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Outside the big cities, Scotland shopping can reveal some of the most unique shops and hand crafted local items in the world. Since many residents of Scotland are the descendents of families who have been in place for many generations, cultural traditions have been passed right down through the bloodline. Some of the most fascinating shops will be found in the smaller villages and gift shops that line the shore. These are great places to pick up gifts or special souvenirs by which to remember your trip to Scotland. Antique shopping is also quite popular among UK shoppers. As a country with hundreds of years of history, antique shopping can turn up some wonderful goodies for those who love antiques. Most of the larger cities in the UK feature excellent antique shops. One important thing for travelers to note is that in addition to the high rate of UK currency exchange, the government imposes a tax of about 19% on all purchases. This tax is referred to as the VAT (value added tax). The good news for you regarding VAT is that as a non-British resident you are eligible for a tax refund on your purchases (you should expect to get about 15% back). In order to get this refund, you must get a VAT refund form from the retailer that sells you your goods, and you must have them fill it out for you right then and there. No exceptions. Whether you plan to indulge in full-fledged retail therapy, or simply pick up a paperweight to remind you of your travels once you're back to your daily life, shopping in the UK can be a fun way to stroll through the towns and see the country. UK restaurants

Chances are if you are planning a trip to the UK you'll be eating out much of the time. While there are plenty of opportunities to utilize a hotel kitchen to make a quick snack, dining out can be just as fun as some of the other UK tourist attractions. UK restaurants have come a long way over the years and today UK restaurants are among the finest in the world. Whether you want simple fare for a modest price or the tantalizing specialties of a high end UK restaurant, you'll be delighted to discover that the United Kingdom has it all. Restaurants in London England have evolved in recent years to include some of the most famous restaurants run by the most sought after chefs. Gordon Ramsay of reality TV fame got his start at restaurants in London England and his famous London restaurant remains a world-class favorite among foreigners and locals alike. Many of the gourmet restaurants in London England are pricey, but plenty are worth the extra cash. Heavily influenced by traditional French cooking, many restaurants in London England today combine European flavors with modern innovation. Many of these restaurants are located
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in downtown London near such attractions as Trafalgar Square and others- making your dining experience both delicious and historical. Pubs are yet another type of restaurants in London England and throughout the entire United Kingdom. Many of the pubs in the lagers cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Cardiff have gone from dreary places to pound a beer to a hip little food oasis. Many of the more traditional UK food dishes are served up in pubs. The bangers and mash of British fame is making a come-back right along with many other standard UK food dishes. If you plan to head north to explore a Scotland restaurant, you may want to start in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is home to some of the fancier Scotland restaurants and presents UK food with a flair that is uniquely Scottish. In addition to some of the Scotland restaurant fare many foreigners have heard ominous tales about (haggis, for instance), the Scots provide a bounty of European delicacies that are well worth sampling. Pubs are popular here, too, and in addition to a warm and tasty meal, you're likely to meet some colorful locals as well. Scotland restaurants are also well known for their fresh ingredients. This is a major boon for any visitor. Many restaurants, small and large, tend their own gardens out back and toss fresh vegetables and herbs in with the dishes. While some of these restaurants are subject to seasonal fare, you can't beat the freshness or the flavor. Since most Scottish cities and towns are located right on the coast, you'll also find that Scotland restaurants feature plenty of fresh seafood. For anyone who loves the flavor of recently caught fish (as recent as that same day), Scotland restaurants are the place to be. One other unique way to enjoy UK food is through high tea. Although high tea is no longer what it once was due to the workday, high tea is still enjoyed by many. Tourists can even indulge in teatime at many restaurants, and a formal high tea in the late afternoon is an event well worth attending at least once while you are in the United Kingdom. Try the Roman Bathhouse in the city of Bath for a special treat. However you decide to enjoy UK food traditions, the restaurants of UK are sure to delight. Regional specialities Black Pudding - a sausage made of congealed pig's blood and rusks cooked in an intestine. Available in all over the UK but a speciality of the north of England and the Black Country, and in actual fact, tastes better then it sounds. Cornish Pasty - beef and vegetables baked in a folded pastry case. Originally a speciality of Cornwall, but now available throughout the UK. Usually very good in Devon and Cornwall, but can be of variable quality elsewhere. The variety sold in a plastic wrapper in places like petrol (gas) stations and motorway service stations are well worth avoiding Deep Fried Mars Bar - Orignally from Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, but now available in other parts of Scotland and usually by request in fish & chip shops throughout the UK. Haggis - a mixture of sheep innards and oatmeal boiled in a sheep's stomach. Available widely, but a speciality of Scotland. Also available in many supermarkets, where it appears that many sheep have plastic stomachs - although the contents are often quite reasonable. Lancashire Hotpot - a hearty vegetable and meat stew. A speciality of Lancashire, but available throughout the UK.
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Laverbread - a puree made from seaweed, rolled in oatmeal, lightly fried and generally served with bacon rashers, though can be prepared as a vegetarian dish. Available in Swansea and West Wales. Oatcakes - this speciality of Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and Derbyshire is a large, floppy, oatbased pancake, eaten hot with a savoury filling. Not to be confused with the Scottish oatcake, a sort of biscuit. Potato Bread - a mixture of potatoes, salt, butter and flour. A speciality of Northern Ireland, which when added to a Full English Breakfast (alongside Soda Bread) forms an 'Ulster Fry. This is also known as Potato Cakes in England and Tattie Scones in Scotland. Yorkshire Pudding - a savoury side dish made from unsweetened batter. Squat and round in shape often served with a roast dinner (consisting of roast potatoes, roast beef and yorkshire puddings). Originally a speciality of Yorkshire, but a popular side-dish throughout the UK. Having fun Clubbing is popular in large towns and cities; Manchester, London, Newcastle and Sheffield have world-renowned venues as well as many alternative venues. Prices in clubs tend to be considerably higher than those charged in pubs, and opening hours may not be the attraction they once were, as pubs can now open late, too. Most clubs will not admit anyone under 18. ID may be asked for at the door, but ID checks at bars are less common. Clubs are often cheaper during the week (Mon-Thu) as many of these nights are designed to cater for students, however you usually have to pay an entrance fee. For a club in a small town (capacity 250-300) this will usually be 1-2 on week night, 2-3 on weekends, and seldom more than 5 on special occasions. Conventional clubs in bigger towns and alternative clubs in cities will cost anywhere between 5-10. Large clubs, especially those in cities, that cater for a "dance" crowd will almost certainly cost over 10, though seldom more than 15. London nightlife has as much to offer as any other large city in the world. London nightlife tends to be a trendsetter for other major cities throughout Europe, and travelers will find that one vacation will hardly have enough nights to explore all that London nightlife includes. Whether the perfect night out for you can be found at the opera or under the bright lights of a dance club, nightlife in London has something for everyone. London has long been known for its incredible classical music and opera scene. Nightlife in London at the orchestra is a world-class treat, and the city of London has five major orchestras. The London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, the London Philharmonic, the BBC Symphony, and the BBC Philharmonic are the major orchestras, but there are also smaller music groups and operas to be enjoyed as well. With all of these groups, there will almost certainly be a classical show to enjoy during your vacation. Classical nightlife in London has no off-season, though the winter months tend to be busier then the summer months. All of the orchestras post schedules online. Nightlife in London pubs is another intriguing way to spend an evening. Sitting near a fireplace, chatting up the locals or enjoying a book can the perfect end to a long day of sightseeing. Charming pubs with world class beer that have graced the London streets for centuries are a great way to take a peek at another side of life in London. Many of the pubs are also great places to find a bite to eat, with less expensive fare then some of London's other restaurants. Some of the world's oldest pubs can be found in London, and the city has more then 4,500 pubs. The older pubs are generally located in the heart of the
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city, downtown. Camden is a particularly popular area of the city for native Londoners looking for somewhere to spend an evening, and travelers will likely enjoy the areas mix of history and modern service. If London night clubs are more your style, you have a lot to choose from. Most of London's trendiest night clubs are located in the West End, and London night clubs are constantly coming and going as the trends continue to change. Certain London night clubs may be hot one moment and not the next, but one thing will remain constant; you will always be able to find a dance club in the city. For these flashy clubs on the West End, travelers should expect a dress code and a hefty cover. In general, tourists should also stick to main roads when traveling through London at night. Pickpockets abound in the back alleys and unlit areas, and travelers unfamiliar with the city will do best to travel by taxi or stay in the main sections of downtown and the West End.

Many London night clubs are members-only and tend to be celebrity night clubs London. Sightings of famous stars are a common occurrence at celebrity night clubs London. Many of the celebrity nightclubs London features are popular, but entrance will come at a price (sometimes thousands of dollars). Celebrity sightings at non-exclusive London night clubs happen frequently, as well, so if checking out a star is on your list of things to do, you need not shell out unreasonable collections of cash. Night clubs in London can also be a great place to catch a jazz show or see what might be an upand-coming band. The city that gave the Beatles its start has turned out plenty of popular bands in the past, and the clubs and bars are still a great place to see an act. However you decide to dive into the London nightlife scene, there is something for every taste.

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Bibliography:
1,000's of Hotels and Guest Houses in the UK and Worldwide http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/ All in London http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/whats-on.php?type=nights Destination 360 http://www.destination360.com/europe/uk Free Photo http://www.freefoto.com History of the Union Flag http://www.unitedflags.co.uk/historyunion.htm Wikitravel http://wikitravel.org/en/United_Kingdom

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