The United Kingdom, also called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and often referred to simply as "Britain" is a constitutional monarchy and unitary state. It is headed by the British Royal Family, which rules underneath a common, constitutionally created legislature. Within the United Kingdom are four home nations of distinct cultures and histories: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
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Historic castles are dispersed across the landscape of the United
Kingdom. These magnificent fortresses stand as stone witnesses to the rich
medieval history of the area. Associated again and again with brutality and
violence, the castles' blood tinged past, cultivated with grim times of desperation
and tragedy, leave a mysterious air within the confines of the buildings. With
such a bloody past, a legacy of tales, apparitions and spine-tingling supernatural
phenomena are left for present-day tourists to investigate.
Found in the Irish Sea, midway between Liverpool, England and Dublin, Ireland, the Isle of Man is often described as "quirky". It certainly has a character of its own, mixing Celtic and Scandinavian themes throughout the centuries. Still, the seaport capital of Douglas has a Victorian essence, showing the strong British influence. (continue...)
There is a lot of history in London, and a lot of struggle to go with it—from invasions to revolutions, monarchies overthrown, and constant (often extreme) divisions between social classes. Tragedies are not uncommon throughout a history that dates back to Roman rule in the first century AD, and the locations of many of the city's best known trials are preserved to this day. Even more are celebrated in the many museums found around this ever growing metropolis. (continue...)
The cuisine of the United Kingdom
is oft maligned, sometimes deservedly but more frequently unfairly. Especially in recent times, remarkable culinary experiences are available in Britain. Britons
have become enthusiastic chefs and have absorbed ideas from all over the globe.
Perhaps the greatest indication of this is the number of British chefs and cooks
who are now world-renowned through their T.V. cooking shows. (continue...)
