Great Britain (Interrail Countries)

The United Kingdom or Britain is full of contrasts, from England's "green and pleasant land" of fields and hedgerows in the East to the impressive beauty of the mountains, valleys and lakes of Wales in the West. From the harsh Shetlands, lochs and windswept moors of Scotland in the far North to the peaceful crystal clear waters of the Isles of Scilly off the South Coast;. Not to mention the unique and beautiful holiday island that is the Isle of Man. Whichever direction you travel you will find a wide variety of landscapes and diverse cultures to explore. England, Wales and Scotland are all unique countries with their own habits, cultures and traditions.

Country characteristics

England
Think of England and rolling green hills, fields and hedgerows, Constable and Turner landscapes, royalty, castles, palaces, cathedrals, bustling modern cities and centuries of history come to mind.

Wherever you are in England you won't be far from an ancient ruin, castle or majestic country house and garden. But you also won't be far from an exciting major city, a National Park, sandy beach or dramatic coastline. From the sandy beaches and cliff hugging fishing villages of Cornwall, to the dramatic Cumbrian coast, from the White Cliffs of Dover to the pleasure beaches of Blackpool, the coastline of England offers delights and surprises.

Move inland and you'll find an abundance of pretty villages, historic and modern architecture and ancient ruins. The settings range from the fens and flatlands of East Anglia, through the charm of the Cotswolds, where picturesque villages nestle among rolling hills, to the drama of mountain ranges like the Pennines. Weald, wold, moor, vale and dale, the English landscape provides a huge variety to the visitor looking for peaceful relaxation or physical challenge. 

The history of England is written in its monuments. The earliest, mysterious prehistoric stone circles, burial chambers and hillside chalk figures dot the countryside. Roman ruins are found from the South to Hadrian's Wall in the far North. Medieval, Tudor and Jacobean churches, palaces and houses give way to gracious Georgian crescents, elegant flat fronted houses, and Victorian gothic fantasies, often juxtaposed with modern, cutting edge designs in the cities and towns.

Wales
A country that possesses more castles and churches per square mile than anywhere else in Europe. A place where the visitor can be captivated by stories of romance and magic such as the tale of a King called Arthur, his Queen Guinevere and a magician named Merlin.

Wales is a country where the visitor can explore the sites which inspired artists, such as the poet Dylan Thomas and the singers Bryn Terfel and Tom Jones. This country is Wales - only a few hours away from London!

Wales has its own distinct character reflected in its people who are always keen to offer a warm Celtic welcome to visitors. The landscape here is unique, and there is a wealth of places just waiting to be enjoyed.

Scotland
The mountains, lochs and coastline of Scotland can be wild empty places of staggering beauty. The quality of light cannot be matched further south and the variety of landscape makes for constant change. The cities are energetic and visually intriguing.

You will find that the drama of Scotland also contrasts well with the character of the people: spirited, welcoming, forthright, warm and resourceful.

Source http://www.interrailnet.com/