The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

It’s easy to think that the UK is one country, especially if you are visiting from abroad. However, each country has its own history, culture and even language.

With four countries to choose from, here are the top five things to do on your travels to the islands.

Visit the beach 

Like other islands, the UK is surrounded by lovely beaches. Despite the cooler weather, average temperatures are about 18 degrees Celsius in the summer, beaches see visitors all year round. 

The seaside in the UK varies up and down the country, from stoney beaches in the South East with arcades (entertainment centres) all along the coast, to sandy beaches in the South West. Here you can find some of the best seafood restaurants in the country 

Beach lovers that are looking to study in the UK will be happy to know that there are a great number of universities that are near the coast. The University of Plymouth and Bournemouth University are just a couple of examples  

Visit a castle 

The UK has a rich and interesting history, with the island undergoing many changes in the last few centuries. It’s the history of these four countries and how they have changed over the years that has led to a number of historical landmarks throughout the island. Many of these are castles (there are said to be around 4,000), some of which are over 900 years old. Visiting one of these castles is an absolute must. 

From Edinburgh Castle in Scotland to Windsor Castle, just outside London, there will certainly be one near you wherever you’re staying, however, no country in the UK has more castles than Wales, which has more castles per 2.5 kms square than any other country in Europe. Student at Cardiff University, the country's capital, are just minutes from Cardiff Castle on foot. 

Try afternoon tea 

Much of the world is split between coffee or tea drinkers, and this mostly depends on where you’re from. People in the UK, usually fall in the latter category, with the average person drinking at least three cups of tea a day.

‘Afternoon tea’ takes the love of this drink to the next level. It's actually almost a meal which consists of small sandwiches, scones and cakes, all with pots of English tea.  Hundreds of cafes and restaurants all over the UK will offer this, and it’s certainly worth a try.

Explore a national park 

Over 80 per cent of land in the UK is rural, making it an island full of stunning countryside. It should be no surprise then, that there are 15 national parks; ten in England, two in Scotland and three in Wales. 

According to National Parks UK these places are “World-class landscapes with the power to inspire everyone, they’ve been designated on behalf of the entire nation because of their special qualities.” 

Due to the landscape of the UK varying so much, each national park has something new to offer. Whether that’s the New Forest in Hampshire, with woods that can make you forget about urban life for a day, or the Peak District, with lakes and mountains as far as the eye can see. A unique part of life in the UK is the fact that you can be in the countryside in minutes, no matter where you are.  

See more of each of the four countries 

Those visiting any part of the UK should see as much as they can, if possible. Central London is very different to places like Cornwall or a small Welsh-speaking village in North Wales. Seeing as much of the UK as possible is vital for understanding the rich culture and life of the people in the four nations.  

For those looking to study in the UK, this small island has some of the best universities in the world. Find the right one for you with our course matcher tool.