The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy comprising most of the British Isles, and is one of the world's wealthiest nations. 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.

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 and largest city of the United Kingdom is London.

The UK has a benign humid-temperate climate moderated by the North Atlantic current and the country's proximity to the sea. Warm, damp summers and mild winters provide temperatures pleasant enough to engage in outdoor activities all year round.

Many cities and towns in the United Kingdom are of interest to travellers. These include:

London - the capital city of the United Kingdom and one of the most important cities in the world
Belfast - capital of Northern Ireland and becoming a popular tourist destination
Birmingham - The UK's second largest city, features great shopping, and is home of the famous Balti
Bristol - an historical city famed for its Georgian architecture and nautical heritage
Cardiff - capital of Wales, host to varied cultural events and many other modern and historical attractions
Edinburgh - capital of Scotland, home to the largest arts festival in the world and numerous tourist attractions as well as being the second most visited city in the UK
Glasgow - Scotland's largest city, new cultural hotspot, former European City of Culture
Liverpool - Booming city, famous for its prominence in music, sport, nightlife and multiculturalism.
Manchester - Thriving bohemian music scene, gay quarter and home to the world's only new work arts festival as well as being the third most visited city in the UK.

Other destinations worthy of visiting are Giant's Causeway, Gower Peninsula, Hadrian's Wall, Isle of Arran, Lake District National Park, Loch Ness, Peak District, Snowdonia National Park and Stonehenge

The United Kingdom has an array of National Parks and designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty that serve to preserve the country's natural heritage. There are 14 National Parks in total spread across England, Scotland and Wales (9 in England, 2 in Scotland and 3 in Wales) and 49 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (35 in England, 4 in Wales, 9 in Northern Ireland and 1 in both England and Wales). There are no Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Scotland, but there are the equivalent National Scenic Areas, of which there are 35 spread across the country.

Notable landmarks and tourist attractions of note are:

Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh which is a magnificently situated royal fortress located on one of the highest points in the city. The castle has been continuously in use for 1000 years and is in excellent condition. Stonehenge is an ancient stone circle located near the cathedral city of Salisbury in Wiltshire. The Roman city of Bath is famous for its' Georgian architecture and Roman baths whilst the historic city of York is home to the magnificent York Minster (Cathedral). Located in the city of Canterbury in Kent is Canterbury Cathedral, the seat of the head of the church of England and of special note and a "must see" for visitors is Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-Upon-Avon and home of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The Eden Project near St Austell is a massive botanical gardens including indoor rainforest and Mediterranean biodomes. The Giant's Causeway sixty miles from Belfast on the north coast of Northern Ireland is a World Heritage site and a natural wonder. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to three of the most important ships ever built and 800 years of naval history.

The UK offers a wide variety of hotels rated on a scale of stars, from 5-star luxury (and beyond!) to 1-star basic. There is also a vast number of privately run bed and breakfast establishments (abbreviated as "B&B"), offering rooms with usually a fried 'full English breakfast'. Alternatively you can rent a private house which is let as a holiday home. Another option is to stay at short term rental apartments. There are numerous such companies around the country.

There are also many campsites, with widely varying levels of facilities. "Wild camping" on private land outside recognised campsites may be awkward outside remote areas, though one-night camping stops may be feasible if undertaken discreetly, or landowners may give permission to wild-camp for free, or for a small fee, if asked.

The UK has been a centre of learning for the past 1,000 years and possesses many ancient and distinguished universities. The two most famous (and oldest) universities are Oxford and Cambridge (often referred to as Oxbridge by many Britons), but England also has several other world-class institutions, including several in London (notably Imperial College, the London School of Economics, University College London and King's College London, all are part of London University).