UK Counties Map

About the UK

The history of the United Kingdom dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxons. During the early 10th century AD, they secured an allegiance with their Celtic neighbors, and after continuous successful conquests in the centuries that followed, the kingdoms became subjugated to English rule.

Wales was originally part of the Celtic kingdom, it was formally united with England in 1536, by the Acts of Union. In 1707, Scotland officially joined Wales and England to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain. During the 1600s, Ireland became subject to English control. They officially joined Great Britain in the Act of Union of 1800. In 1922, the Republic of Ireland became independent while six of its nine counties remained part of the United Kingdom.

Major Counties in the UK

The United Kingdom has a total of 57 counties. But only ten are considered to be major counties. These include; London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Leicester.

London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and is the center of all business, entertainment, architecture, and education. It is considered to be one of the oldest ‘great cities in the world. Its history spans over two millennia and it continues to thrive with its bustling cityscapes.

Birmingham is popularly known for being home to Cadbury chocolate. It is located in the West Midlands region of England.

Glasgow is a port city which is located on the River Clyde. It is part of the Western Lowlands in Scotland.

Liverpool is located in the northwestern part of England and is a maritime city, as well as the birthplace of The Beatles.

Bristol is another maritime city located in the southwestern part of England.

Manchester has the richest industrial heritage in the entire region.

Sheffield is located in South Yorkshire, and it is home to a variety of museums and galleries.

Leeds is located in Yorkshire and is a popular tourist destination in England.

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is home to the Holyrood Palace, built in the 16th century.

Leicester is located in the East Midlands, and it is the county town of Leicestershire.

Important Facts about UK Counties

• London is the biggest city in the United Kingdom and is where the Houses of Parliament are located.
• Birmingham is one of the United Kingdom’s greenest cities. It is also officially the youngest city in the UK.
• Glasgow is the fourth most populous county, and the name ‘Glasgow’ translates to ‘green valley,’ in the Gaelic language.
• The waterfront located in Liverpool was officially named a World Heritage Site.
• Bristol is located on the rivers of Frome and Avon, and it’s one of the wealthiest trading ports in the country.
• Manchester is home to more than twenty Nobel Prize winners, who have studied at the University of Manchester.
• Sheffield is referred to as the city of steel because it had the most iconic steel industry during the 1970s and 1980s.
• Leeds is home to the popular fashion brand Marks and Spencer or M&S. It was in the Leeds Market where Michael Marks first opened a penny bazaar stall in 1884.
• The Edinburgh Castle is built upon an extinct volcano that last erupted millions of years ago.
• In 1967, the first ever local radio station in Britain was aired in Leicester.

Other Counties and what are they famous for

With the help of this map, you’ll be able to easily identify the counties of the UK. There is a great deal that can be said about each place. A few examples;

Yorkshire is a great place to visit since it is home to various Michelin-starred restaurants. The county is extremely beautiful and you’d be able to enjoy various artworks of Victorian artists scattered around the vicinity.

Cotswold is filled with honey-colored towns and villages. It is complete with lively galleries and vibrant festivals which would surely pique your interest.

Devon is a great place to spend a holiday getaway because of its picturesque landscape. You will have a grand time exploring the magnificent beaches and enjoying the great outdoors.

If you love the countryside, Norfolk is a must-see destination during any visit. It is composed of flint-built villages, which are amazing for walking, touring, strolling, and cycling. It is also home to several medieval castles and fascinating museums.

List of Counties in The United Kingdom