Although the United Kingdom is tiny, its scenery is vast and diverse, ranging from rolling green hills and old woods to magnificent mountain peaks, picturesque lakes, and harsh moors. Take a journey of the UK's 15 National Parks to see all the varied types of landscapes the UK has to offer, from the flat Norfolk Broads and the wilds of Exmoor to the high drama of the Lake District and Peak District and the globally recognized black skies of Northumberland. This is definitely one of the things about the United Kingdom you should know.

There is a wide variety of national parks to visit whether you are seeing the greatest sites in England, trekking the Scottish Highlands, or visiting the gorgeous spots in Wales. Even better, many of them are quite simple to reach by rail, car, or bus.

They're very stunning, and there are so many great sites. Expect windswept cliffs, hazy moors, and generally unspoiled scenery that will inspire every visitor to this amazing nation.

You might be forgiven for believing you were in southern Europe rather than North Wales if you were dumped in the midst of Portmeirion. The multicolored, Italian-inspired town appears to be from another universe. Portmeirion Village is a colorful collection of rainbow-hued buildings set on its own calm peninsula stretching into an estuary, fully designed by Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. It's not the truest representation of Welsh living, but it's certainly worth a visit for the stunning architecture, lush gardens, and sandy beaches.

The Architects' Journal published the first article on Portmeirion on January 6, 1926, with images of scale models and early plans made by Clough to show possible investors. John Rothenstein says in this article: "He has bought what he feels to be a perfect location on the sea-coast of North Wales, close to his own old house, Plas Brondanw, and he is working on designs and models for the layout of a complete tiny village. The outcomes of his project will be substantial, and they should do much to undermine the existing belief that, although buildings must be carefully constructed, communities may grow up by accident."

The Jurrasic Coast is a 95-mile length of south England seashore known for its distinctive geology. The rocks, which stretch from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, chronicle 185 million years of Earth's history - and they look quite beautiful, too. Beer's stunning cliffs, the ancient coastal town of Lyme Regis, Chesil Beach's sweeping shingle ridge, Old Harry Rocks, and West Bay's golden sands are all highlights. Don't miss Lulworth Cove, a stunningly blue isolated bay, or Durdle Door, a majestic, natural limestone arch.

The Jurassic Coast is a vastly diversified and stunning area supported by world-class geology. UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 2001 for the remarkable universal worth of its rocks, fossils, and landscapes. It is still the sole natural World Heritage Site in England. The Jurassic Coast runs from Orcombe Point in Exmouth, Devon, to Old Harry Rocks in Swanage, Dorset, for 95 miles. This area encompasses four unique physical regions: East Devon, West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland, and Purbeck, each with its own distinctive cities, villages, and natural landscapes.

Cornwall's dark moors and foggy clifftops evoke a sense of mystery. It's no surprise that it's the setting for so many tales and stories. After a visit to Tintagel, the spectacular remnants of a castle on a stunning length of coastline, even the most skeptical tourist will fall for Cornwall's peculiar and mysterious attractions. The picturesque location is associated with King Arthur mythology, and low tide reveals 'Merlin's Cave' on the beach below. After that, travel along the coast to the little town of Boscastle to see The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, which houses the world's greatest collection of magical artifacts. The museum is presently closed due to the epidemic, but it will reopen shortly for daring explorers of all sizes. Getting a taste for magic on the Cornish coast is one of the things about the United Kingdom you should know.

Tintagel Castle, high on Cornwall's craggy north coast, is steeped in history, stories, and breathtaking beauty. For generations, this majestic castle and shoreline have sparked the imaginations of poets, painters, and even the brother of a king.

The world-famous ancient stone circle on Salisbury Plain attracts millions of tourists each year, yet its fame does not diminish its allure. Were these majestic standing stones — bluestone from Wales over 150 miles away – a cosmic clock, a burial cemetery, or a place of sacrifice? Was it constructed by Merlin the magician and a horde of giants? Is it supernatural or perhaps alien in origin? Or is it simply an astounding act of human will? Visit to discover what you believe the monument's true story is. This is one of the things about the United Kingdom you should know when you come to this island.

A day to Stonehenge is about so much more than the awe-inspiring Stone Circle. Discover how the Stonehenge builders lived and worked in our fascinating museum, then ask our educated staff and volunteer your burning Stonehenge questions before grabbing a portion of food from the café and enjoying the finest view in the world!

Few towns can claim to be home to an old volcano, but Edinburgh can. Arthur's Seat, a grassy, jagged summit 351m above sea level, can be seen from practically anywhere in the city and is only a short walk from the Royal Mile in the city center. Begin your ascent in Holyrood Park. Even though it's a short trek, it'll get your heart racing. Rest at the summit and take in views of Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and further beyond.

The highest point in Holyrood Park is Arthur's Seat, which is part of the Salisbury Crags (the remnants of an extinct volcano that last erupted 350 million years ago). The top is 251 meters high and, for a hill in the heart of a huge city, surprisingly rugged and untamed. Despite its popularity, it still seems like a true get-away spot.

This natural structure is the subject of an ancient Celtic tale. It is claimed to be the abode of a sleeping dragon from the past. Originally, the beast would fly around terrifying people and devouring their cattle. The dragon ate so much one day that he landed near the towns and fell asleep, never to be awakened again. Arthur's Seat is also sometimes connected with King Arthur, the mythical British leader, as the location of Camelot. However, the term might also relate to the potential of an archer's seat, with the elevation serving as a perch.

The north Norfolk shoreline is a lovely area to spend a few days. Visit Blakeney to see the salt marshes, sand dunes, marine birds, and seal population. A flourishing grey seal colony may be found at the National Nature Reserve. Take a boat from Morston Quay to witness the lovely creatures, including thousands of puppies, from a safe distance. When you return to land, visit the charming towns of Blakeney, Stiffkey, Cley-next-the-Sea, and Wells-next-the-Sea, as well as the expansive Holkham Beach.

The reserve is internationally significant for its dramatic displays of the summer breeding tern colony and winter breeding grey seals, which entertain tourists all year. Blakeney National Nature Reserve is ideal for hikers, sightseers, and wildlife enthusiasts of all ages, and it is open all year.

Pork pies are available in Melton Mowbray. Cheese is available in Wensleydale. Birmingham also has balti. This version of curry, invented by the city's Pakistani minority in the 1970s, ranks with Peaky Blinders, Cadbury's Dairy Milk, and the Industrial Revolution as one of Birmingham's most renowned exports. Spice connoisseurs go from all over the world to experience the UK curry capital's baltis, thalis, and dosas. Head to the famed 'Balti Triangle,' which is located southeast of the city center near Balsall Heath, to find a large concentration of curry establishments selling delectable foods from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

More than 100 balti cottages draw 20,000 visitors every week. Birmingham's 'Balti Triangle,' which includes Sparkbrook, Balsall Heath, and Moseley, was even ranked No. 15 in the Rough Guide's '25s' series of the finest 25 travel experiences in Britain. There are around 50 eateries in the Triangle. Balti literally means "bucket," although it is normally served in a flat-bottomed wok.

Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway is a geological wonder. The magnificent coastal landmark, made up of 40,000 basalt stone columns, has long drawn tourists, but it became Northern Ireland's first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1980s and now has a fantastic visitor center due to the National Trust. There are no museum ropes to restrict your movement here. Wander across the gleaming stones, rest on the Wishing Chair - a natural throne polished by thousands of bottoms – search for the Camel and the Giant's Boot rock formations, and read about the renowned narrative. Are they the remnants of a giant's route or the consequence of volcanic explosions 60 million years ago? You decide.

For ages, the Giant's Causeway has inspired artists, sparked scientific discussion, and caught the imagination of those who visit it, surrounded by the wild Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of stunning cliffs. Follow in the footsteps of giants is one of the things about the United Kingdom you should know and experience.

Nothing compares to the Scottish Highlands. If you enjoy being active and adventurous — think boating, bicycling, and hiking – this is the place to be. The terrain is stunning, but it's also rich in history, mystery, tradition, and legend. Explore the Highland Folk Museum, view the Glenfinnan Monument, which honors those who perished at the Battle of Culloden, stop at standing-stone burial mounds in Clava Cairns, and enjoy a dram of whiskey at one of the area's numerous distilleries.

Consider a period when scientific reasoning could explain Scotland's unpredictable weather. Not to mention the bizarre terrain formations, old stone circles, and unearthly vistas.

You'll begin to comprehend how Scottish mythology came to be. Together with the Scots' well-known storytelling ability, these Celtic myths and stories have been passed down through centuries and are still available for visitors to witness today.