Chapter 4
Places of interest
National parks, the National Trust and the famous landmarks of the UK — what they are and which nation they are in.
By the end you should know
- Know how many national parks there are and what the National Trust does
- Match famous landmarks to the nation and area where they are found
- Recall key facts about each landmark
The UK has a large network of public footpaths through the countryside, and plenty of chances for mountain biking, mountaineering and hill walking. There are museums of every size, from small community collections to great national ones, and most landmarks are open to the public, usually for a fee.
National parks and the National Trust
How many national parks are there in England, Wales and Scotland?
15. They are protected areas of countryside that everyone can visit, where people also live and work.
When and how was the National Trust founded?
In 1895, by three volunteers. It is a charity that preserves important buildings, coastline and countryside in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; the National Trust for Scotland does the same in Scotland.
The handbook says it now has more than 61,000 volunteers.
There are two separate charities: the National Trust (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and the National Trust for Scotland.
Landmarks in England
What is Big Ben?
The nickname of the great bell of the clock at the Houses of Parliament (many people use it for the clock too). The clock is over 150 years old; its tower was named Elizabeth Tower for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
What is the London Eye?
A Ferris wheel 443 feet (135 metres) tall on the south bank of the River Thames, built to celebrate the new millennium. It is an important part of New Year celebrations.
What are the key facts about the Tower of London?
It was first built by William the Conqueror after he became king in 1066. Tours are given by the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), and the Crown Jewels are kept there.
Its White Tower is an example of a Norman castle keep.
Where is the Eden Project and what is it?
Key factIn Cornwall, in the south west of England. Its biomes — like giant greenhouses — hold plants from all over the world, and it is also a charity running environmental and social projects worldwide.
What are the key facts about the Lake District?
It is England's largest national park (885 square miles, the handbook's figure), famous for lakes and mountains. Its biggest stretch of water is Windermere; in 2007 TV viewers voted Wastwater Britain's favourite view.
Landmarks in Scotland
What does the handbook say about Edinburgh Castle?
It dominates the Edinburgh skyline, dates back to the early Middle Ages, and is looked after by Historic Scotland, a Scottish government agency.
What is special about Loch Lomond?
It is the largest expanse of fresh water in mainland Britain and the best-known part of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (720 square miles) in the west of Scotland.
Landmarks in Wales and Northern Ireland
Where is Snowdonia and what is its best-known landmark?
A national park in North Wales (838 square miles). Its best-known landmark is Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.
The park authority now prefers the Welsh names Eryri (Snowdonia) and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon); the handbook uses the English names.
Where is the Giant's Causeway and how was it formed?
On the north-east coast of Northern Ireland. It is a formation of columns made from volcanic lava, about 50 million years ago.
There are many legends about how the Giant's Causeway was formed, but in fact it is the result of volcanic activity. Snowdonia is popular with walkers and climbers, and Snowdon is its centrepiece.
Quick map: Eden Project — Cornwall (south-west England); Lake District — England's largest national park; Snowdonia (Eryri) — North Wales; Loch Lomond and the Trossachs — west Scotland; Giant's Causeway — north-east coast of Northern Ireland; London Eye — south bank of the Thames.
Big Ben is strictly the name of the great bell, not the tower. The tower has been called the Elizabeth Tower since 2012.