England

England is the largest, most ethnically varied and most densely populated of all the countries in the United Kingdom. At the same time both proudly traditional and stylishly modern, it’s a country of great diversity where old and new blend together in harmony. London, the capital of both England and the UK, is one of the world’s leading cities in terms of culture, fashion and business, yet it still retains many important historical sites and traditions.

The other main cities, all of which have a strong industrial heritage, have emerged from the post-industrial decline of the late 20th century to become lively and dynamic centres of modern British culture, such as Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle.

Away from the cities, English rural life as portrayed by Turner, Constable, Austen and Bronte has changed little over the years. You don’t have to travel far to find the archetypal image of rolling countryside, thatched cottages, country pubs and village greens.

There’s a great deal of diversity in the country’s natural geography too, and lovers of the outdoors can enjoy scenery ranging from uplands, peaks and remote moors to lakes, coastal cliffs and marshy waterlands.