The Viewing Deck Collections; Medieval Europe Castles

A castle is a type of fortified structure built in Europe during the Middle Ages by nobility. Scholars debate the scope of the word castle, but usually consider it to be the private fortified residence of a lord or noble. This is distinct from a palace, which is not fortified; from a fortress, which was not always a residence for nobility; and from a fortified settlement, which was a public defense – though there are many similarities among these types of construction. Over the approximately 900 years that castles were built, they took on a great many forms with many different features, although some, such as curtain walls and arrowslits, were commonplace.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle

The Viewing Deck Collections; Medieval Europe Castles

Edinburgh City Tour last part; other tourist spots

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)
December 05 to 09, 2014

Edinburgh City Tour 4th part; Inside the Castle

How to go to Edinburgh's other tourist spots;
From Prince Street (bus station on left side of Edinburgh train station exit), almost all of the Edinburgh's tourist spots are just walking distance only from this spot. In Royal Mile Street and just after the Edinburgh Castle, you can find the Scotch Whiskey Experience, Camera Obscura, St. Giles Cathedral until the end to "Our Dynamic Earth", Greyfriars Kirkyard and Holyrood Park.

Camera Obscura has admission fee of 11.6 GBP, photography and video taking is permitted inside. Camera Obscura is formerly Outlook Tower has 5 floors of interactive fun for all ages. Enjoy 360 degrees rooftop panoramas. Spy on the city's superb detail through the powerful free telescopes. Excellent panels identify all the sights. You will love the rotating Vortex tunnel, find your way through the Mirror Maze, lose yourself in world of illusions and feel sparks fly at the giant plasma ball.

Edinburgh City Tour other tourist spots; Camera Obscura (vortex tunnel)

Edinburgh City Tour 4th part; Inside the Castle

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)
December 05 to 09, 2014

Edinburgh City Tour 3rd part; on the Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat

How to go to Edinburgh Castle;
From Prince Street (bus station on left side of Edinburgh train station exit), Edinburgh Castle is around 20min walking distance on the opposite side, along the end of Royal Mile street. Admission costs 16 GBP, photography and video taking is mostly permitted inside. 

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland from its position on the Castle Rock. The castle stands upon the plug of an extinct volcano, which is estimated to have risen about 350 million years ago during the lower Carboniferous period. The Castle Rock is the remains of a volcanic pipe, which cut through the surrounding sedimentary rock before cooling to form very hard dolerite, a type of basalt. Subsequent glacial erosion was resisted by the dolerite, which protected the softer rock to the east, leaving a crag and tail formation. The summit of the Castle Rock is 130 masl, with rocky cliffs to the south, west and north, rising to a height of 80 metres above the surrounding landscape.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh_Castle

Edinburgh City Tour; Inside the Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh City Tour 3rd part; on the Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)
December 05 to 09, 2014

Edinburgh City Tour 2nd part; short hike to Capital View Walk

How to go to Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat;
From Prince Street (bus station on left side of Edinburgh train station exit), Calton Hill is just 10min walking distance going to the right side, just along the Prince Street. Arthur's Seat is just infront of the Calton Hill with 10mins distance walk also, inside Holyrood Park. Free admission, photography and video taking is both permitted inside the park. 

Gouged by glaciers during ice age, Calton Hill has a long and fascinating history. Today, Calton Hill is part of the Old and New Towns od Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Take the easy climb to the top and you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the city and the Forth. Explore the many monuments built to commemorate some of Scotland's leading figures, climb the 143 steps to the top of the Nelson monument, or follow the network of paths which still lead round the hill.

Calton Hill together with Arthur's Seat and the Castle rock was formed by volcanic activity about 340 million years ago. Around 2.5 million years ago the first of many Ice Ages began in Scotland, and Edinburgh was buried under a massive ice sheet, hundreds of thick. Throughout each Ice Age when the glaciers were at heaviest.

Edinburgh owes its existence to a volcanic past. Arthur's Seat is the remains of a 350 million year old volcano. Hiking the Arthur's Seat with highest elevation of 251masl on a hike for 2 hrs. From the Holyrood Palace car park, take the red paved path which climbs gently away from the road (not the steep path to Salisbury Crags). Take the left fork and head towards the St Anthony’s Chapel ruins.

Edinburgh City Tour; on the Calton Hill

Edinburgh City Tour 2nd part; short hike to Capital View Walk

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)
December 05 to 09, 2014

Edinburgh City Tour 1st part; Intriguing Carvings of Rosslyn Chapel

How to go to Capital View Walk;
From Prince Street (bus station on left side of Edinburgh train station exit), ride a bus #15 going to Hillend. Travel time is around an hour and buy unlimited ride day pass of 3.5 GBP. Free admission, photography and video taking is permitted in the park.

Hiking the Capital View Walk with highest elevation of 203masl on 4km trail at 2hrs trek. Starting from Hillend Country Park, next to the number bus terminus. with stunning views of Edinburgh and Firth of Forth. This waymarked walk climbs above the back of the ski-centre across the northern slopes of the Pentlands, offering excellent views over Edinburgh. It offers a less strenuous alternative to climbing right up onto the ridge. Follow the Edinburgh skyline symbols to visit the Hillend Country Park and get great views of the City. The walk is 2.5 miles/4km long and includes steep uphill sections and rough paths. It will take approximately 1.5 hours.

Edinburgh City Tour; short hike to Capital View Walk

Edinburgh City Tour 1st part; Intriguing Carvings of Rosslyn Chapel

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)
December 05 to 09, 2014

Glasgow City Strolling at Night

How to go to Rosslyn Chapel;
From Prince Street (bus station on left side of Edinburgh train station exit), ride a bus #15 going to Rosslyn. Travel time is around an hour and buy unlimited ride day pass of 3.5 GBP. Entrance fee to Rosslyn Chapel costs 9.0 GBP. Photography and video taking is NOT permitted inside the chapel.

Rosslyn Chapel has long been a building shrouded in mystery and one of the most mysterious places in Scotland. Founded in 1446 by Sir William St. Clair, as the Collegiate Church of st. Matthew, the Chapel took forty years to build. The beauty of its setting and the mysterious symbolism of its stonework have attracted, inspired and intrigued artists and visitors eversince. Legend tells that a vault as deep as the chapel is high, is carved out beneath the building - the final resting place of medieval St. Clair knights who are laid out in their full suits of armor. Many believe that knights are not alone in being buried here - rumors abound that the Holy Grail, the Ark of Covenant, even the head of Christ all lie hidden within the Chapel. But just like Dan Brown's "Da Vinci Code" which catapulted the chapel into the limelight, many see these as tales of fiction. However, there are plenty of secrets waiting to be discovered all over the Chapel.

Edinburgh City Tour; Intriguing Carvings of Rosslyn Chapel (front)

Glasgow City Strolling at Night

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)
December 05 to 09, 2014

Scottish Highlands last part; Loch An Eilein and Craigellachie Nature Reserve

How to go to Glasgow City;
There is a direct train from London and just an hour travel from Edinburgh.

Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland. Located at the west end of Scotland's Central Belt on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow's historical importance as Scotland's main industrial centre has been challenged by decades of change and various regeneration efforts. The third largest city in the entire United Kingdom (by population), it remains one of the nation's key economic centres outside London. Glasgow has become one of the most visited cities in the British Isles, and visitors will find a revitalised city centre, the best shopping outside London without a doubt, excellent parks and museums (most of which are free), and easy access to the Highlands and Islands. 
http://wikitravel.org/en/Glasgow

Glasgow City Strolling at Night (Glasgow Cathedral)

Scottish Highlands last part; Loch An Eilein and Craigellachie Nature Reserve

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)
December 05 to 09, 2014

Scottish Highlands 1st part; Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

How to go to Aviemore;
Aviemore is the main town in the Cairngorm National Park, the central Scottish Highlands. There is a direct train from London but what I did was after visiting the Loch Ness I rode a bus bound to Aviemore which has around an hour travel from Inverness bus terminal.

Hiking the Loch An Eilein has the highest elevation of 70masl on 7km trail starting from Aviemore town for 2hrs hike. An extremely beautiful sheet of water, reflecting the magnificent pines of Rothiemurchus Forest in which it lies; a ruined island castle is the final touch to help make this one of the most popular short walks in Scotland. Free admission to this Loch, photography and video taking is permitted.

Hiking the Craigellachie National Reserve has the highest elevation of 400masl on 5km trail starting from the Aviemore Youth hostel (where I stayed) for 3hrs hike. From the Youth Hostel follow the path uphill and then down and through the tunnel under the thunderingly busy road; There are stunning views over Aviemore and the Lower Spey valley. Free admission to this Loch, photography and video taking is permitted.

Scottish Highlands; Loch An Eilein

Scottish Highlands 1st part; Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)
December 05 to 09, 2014

London City Tour last part; Another night on West-end and on the Streets

How to go to Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle;
Going to Loch Ness is served only by a bus trip from Inverness, roundtrip fare costs 5.3 GBP. There is a direct train from London to Inverness. Since this type of transportation is expensive, what I did was 11 hours night Mega-bus ride from London Victoria Coach Station to Edinburgh then Edinburgh to Inverness bus terminal. Entrance to the Urquhart Castle is 7.9 GBP that includes audiovisual presentation. Photography and video taking is permitted inside the park.

Loch Ness is the longest of the lochs scooped from the glen by Ice Age glaciers. Its deepest point, which at 227meter is more than twice the average depth of the North sea. Loch Ness is best known for alleged sightings of the cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster, also known affectionately as "Nessie". Urquhart Castle is one of the greatest castle of the Scottish Highlands. Within its ruined walls, you can discover stories of the remarkable people who lived here, learn about some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland's history and share memorable views over Loch Ness with generations of visitors. Urquhart Castle is a jigsaw puzzle with most of the pieces missing. Walls have been demolished and new ones raised many times during the last 1,500 years. Timber buildings have rotted away entirely.

Some of the things to see are the magnificent panorama over the Great Glen - one of the most stunning views in the Highlands. The Grant Tower - the most complete building of the castle and formerly the fashionable residence of the 16th century laird.

Scottish Highlands; Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

London City Tour last part; Another night on West-end and the Streets

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)
December 05 to 09, 2014

London City Tour 1st part; Inside Winter Wonderland

Since I arrived 20 days before Christmas, might as well explore London's captivating streets in celebration of Yuletide season. Making adventure memories by soaking up the festive atmosphere at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Razzle and be dazzled by the Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street. Gawp at Covent Garden's gorgeous tree and magical light displays.
http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/whats-on/special-events/christmas/101-things-to-do-in-london-this-christmas

Cats is one of the most successful musicals of all time and has been performed throughout the world. Here are just a few things you may not know about this theatrical phenomenon… On just one special night of the year, all Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball where Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, makes the Jellicle choice and announces which of them will go up to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.

side trip to London (Cats at Palladium Theater)

London City Tour 1st part; Inside Winter Wonderland

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)
December 05 to 09, 2014

London Heathrow Arrival at Night

How to go to Winter Wonderland;
Located near Hyde Park Corner Station of Piccadilly line or Green Park Station of Piccadilly, Victoria and Jubilee lines of Tube Metro. Opens from 1000H until 2200H daily. Free admission, photography and video taking is allowed inside. 

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland provides a spectacular festive destination with something to excite people of all ages. Choose from one of our popular attractions, experience the thrilling rides, take a trip to Santa Land, browse the Christmas markets and enjoy the festive fare. FREE to enter and soak up the festive atmosphere! BOOK AHEAD for ICE SKATING, THE MAGICAL ICE KINGDOM, ZIPPOS CIRCUS, GIANT WHEEL and BAR ICE. Advance booking is highly recommended as attraction tickets sell out, especially at weekends and evenings. Advance tickets guarantee fast-track entry into Hyde Park Winter Wonderland!
http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

Inside Winter Wonderland (Magic Ice Kingdom)

How to Apply for United Kingdom Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

Filipinos can enter Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory) if holding a valid UK multiple entry visa issued for 6 months or more regardless of category

https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/civil-status-and-registration-office

general info:

* apply for a visa up to 3 months before date of travel
* Single, double and multiple, valid up to 6 months (general visitor)
* strongly advise not to confirm travel arrangements until visa is received

APPLYING FOR UK (BRITISH) TOURIST VISA AS ORDINARY CITIZEN IN THE PHILIPPINES  

http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/philippines/

visa fee:

$141 payment through credit card.

requirements:

1. online application form

2. current and valid passport
3. One passport sized color photograph (45mm x 35mm)

4. Evidence of your current employment - letter from employer on company headed paper that includes salary and the length of your employment, confirm that you have been given time off work, and state whether this time off is paid or unpaid. You should consider submitting further documents which could support an employment letter such as, pay slips or tax returns. If you have recently entered new employment you should consider providing details of your previous employment and salary history.

5. Evidence of your marital status - n/a if single

6. Details of accommodation and return travel bookings - This could be, hotel booking confirmation (usually email), travel booking confirmation (can be email or copy of tickets), travel agent confirmation of both, accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant confirming that you are able to stay there

United Kingdom (Great Britain) multiple entry General Visitor Visa (June 2014)

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)

Loch Ness - Cairngorm - Glasgow - Edinburgh tour, maximizing the UK multiple visa
December 05 to December 13, 2014

"Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, power and grace" - W.H. Murray

My 3rd visit to the United Kingdom (1st visit was last June 2014 and 2nd visit was last Oct. 2014), 38th solo backpacking trip, 39 countries visited so far and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Scotland is a beautiful country well-known for its dramatic scenery of mountains and valleys, rolling hills, green fields and forests, and rugged coastline. While everyone knows Highlands for this, Scotland is beautiful in the Lowlands, islands and the flat lands of the North-East as well. Scotland has lively and friendly cities, often of great architectural significance, and a rich history and heritage dating back thousands of years with many ancient and historic sites. A person from Scotland is called a Scot, or described as Scottish. The word "Scotch" applies only to things - for example, whisky, Scotch eggs, Scotch beef and Scotch Corner (a road junction leading to Scotland). Do not to refer Scottish as English - it is very likely to cause annoyance.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Scotland

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (overlooking Cairngorm National Park)

London City Tour last part; Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT) Park

3-days England Autumn Solo Travel (United Kingdom)

October 03 to 06, 2014

Cambridge City and University Walk Tour

How to go to Greenwich Park;
Greenwich Park is around 300m away Cutty Sark & Maritime Museum Station along DLR line in East-End.

Greenwich Park is a former hunting park in Greenwich and one of the largest single green spaces in south-east London. One of the Royal Parks of London, and the first to be enclosed (in 1433), it covers 74 hectares (180 acres), and is part of the Greenwich World Heritage Site. It commands fine views over the River Thames, the Isle of Dogs and the City of London. The park is open from 06:00 for pedestrians (and 07:00 for traffic) all year round and closes at dusk. Roughly in the centre, on the top of the hill, is the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. To the north is the National Maritime Museum and Queen's House, and beyond those Greenwich Hospital. To the east is Vanbrugh Castle. To the south is Blackheath and in the south western corner is the Ranger's House, looking out over heath. To the west lie the architecturally fine streets of Chesterfield Walk and Croom’s Hill.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwich_Park

London City Tour last part; Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT) Park (Royal Observatory)

Cambridge City and University Walk Solo Tour

3-days England Autumn Solo Travel (United Kingdom)

October 03 to 06, 2014

London City Tour 2nd part; Another West-End Shows Night trip

How to go to Cambridge;
From London Kings Cross Train Station, there's daily train bound to Cambridge Station. Travel time is around an hour.You can stroll around the city and the tourist spots for around 3-4 hours.

Cambridge is a university city in Cambridgeshire in England. It is a city of crocuses and daffodils on the Backs, of green open spaces and cattle grazing only 500 yards from the market square. The Cambridge of Brooke, Byron, Newton and Rutherford, of the summer idyll of punts, 'bumps', cool willows and May Balls is worth seeing. Cambridge brings many images to mind: the breathtaking view of King's College Chapel from across the river Cam, the rich intricacy of Gothic architecture, students cycling to lectures, and lazy summer punting on the River Cam. The University of Cambridge was founded in the 13th century by scholars leaving Oxford after a dispute with townsfolk. Cambridge's stunning architecture is not just noted by its impressed hum drum tourists. The US magazine Forbes claimed in 2009 that Cambridge is 'one of the most beautiful cities in the world' with widespread agreement.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Cambridge_%28England%29

Cambridge City and University Walk Solo Tour

London City Tour 2nd part; Another West-End Shows Night trip

3-days England Autumn Solo Travel (United Kingdom)

October 03 to 06, 2014

Lake District Hiking last part; ​Sightseeing the Oxenholme Pasture

How to go to Theatreland;
Theatreland is within the Zone 1 or Central London Area where the Leicester Square Station is in the center which most of the ticket sales are located.

London West-End Shows First Visit (June 2014)

Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera & Wicked

No visit in London is complete without a visit to a west end show. West End Theater is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of "Theatreland" in and near the West End of London. Along with New York's Broadway theatre, West End theater is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theater in the English-speaking world. I watched again for 2 shows among more than 20 that time. I rate the Les Miserables as 9.5of10, followed by The Commitments at 6.5of10. My criteria is based on the stage production and over-all impact it gave to me. Tickets are purchased online, around week before. "Less Miserables", October 04 for 22.5GBP on Upper Circle seat. "The Commitments", October 05 for 15GBP on Balcony seat but upgraded to Dress Circle during the play.

London City Tour 2nd part; Another West-End Shows Night trip

Lake District Hiking last part; Sightseeing the Oxenholme Pasture (The Helm)

3-days England Autumn Solo Travel (United Kingdom)

October 03 to 06, 2014

Lake District Hiking 1st part; Sightseeing the Windermere Highlands Fell

How to go to Oxenholme;
From London Euston Train Station (where Virgin Trains are located), there's daily train bound to Oxenholme Lake District Station. Travel time is around 3 hours. The Helm is around 400m on foot from the Oxenholme Station. Free admission.

The Helm is a rocky ridge, composed Upper Kirby Moor Flags and has been shaped and scoured by glacial activity. At the summit (185m/607ft above sea level) stands the scheduled ancient monument of Castleheads. It is believed to be an Iron-age hillfort enclosed by banks and ditches. The effort of ascent to the summit is well rewarded by panoramic views of the Lakeland Fells, the Howgills, Morecambe Bay, the Lune Valley and Farleton Fell. Access land on The Helm allows you to explore, on foot, one of the England's most stunning landscapes.

Oxenholme is a village in England just south of the town of Kendal, with which it has begun to merge. It is best known for Oxenholme Lake District railway station on the West Coast Main Line. Because Oxenholme does not have its own church it is technically a hamlet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxenholme

Lake District Hiking last part; Sightseeing the Oxenholme Pasture

Lake District Hiking 1st part; Sightseeing the Windermere Highlands Fell

3-days England Autumn Solo Travel (United Kingdom)

October 03 to 06, 2014

London City Tour 1st part; Sightseeing the Streets at Night

"Those few hours on Orrest Head cast a spell that changed my life" - Alfred Wainwright (1930)

How to go to Windermere;
From London Euston Train Station (where Virgin Trains are located), there's daily train bound to Oxenholme Lake District Station. Then, transfer to train bound to Windermere. There are available bus also but the travel time is long compared directly to train, same fare. Free admission to Orrest Head viewing deck overlooking Lake District Highland Fells which is just 21 minutes hike from the Windermere Information Center. 

Elleray Woods is managed by Windermere Town council for the benefit of the public. Footpath to Orrest Head, situated on 784fasl (240masl) with around 20 minutes to hike, is passing through to Elleray Woods. On the top awaits the unrivalled views of Lake District Highland Fells, Lake Windermere, Morecambe Bay and the Pennines. Elleray Woods and Orrest Head formed part of the Elleray estates which owned by Arthur Henry Heywood. In 1902, his widow and daughter gave Orrest Head in trust to Windermere Urban District Council to be held for "public walks or pleasure grounds". Some of the birds found in Elleray Woods and Orrest Head are Song Thrush, Cuckoo, Tawny Owl, Kestrel, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Flycather and Jay. Some mammals are hedgehog, common shew, pipistrelle bat, grey squirrel, wood mouse and roe deer.

Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. It is a ribbon lake formed in a glacial trough. It is in the county of Cumbria and entirely within the Lake District National Park.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windermere

Lake District Hiking 1st part; Sightseeing the Windermere Highlands Fell

London City Tour 1st part; Sightseeing the Streets at Night

3-days England Autumn Solo Travel (United Kingdom)

October 03 to 06, 2014

London Heathrow Airport Arrival at night

Upon arriving on my hostel near Kensai Green Station, I went to Oxford Circus Station where some of the bright night lights occur. From Oxford Street (Exit 5 of Oxford Circus Station), I went to Regent Street, crossing to Piccadilly Station. Going to left road is the Shaftesbury Avenue where some of the west-end theaters particularly the 2 shows I booked and the China town is located. Then, I stopped-by to Piccadilly Park and Trafalgar Park. Piccadilly Circus is the London version of Times Square.

Piccadilly Circus is a busy square in the heart of London. It is famous for the fountain that was installed here at the end of the nineteenth century and for the neon advertising that turned the square into a miniature version of Times Square. The name 'Piccadilly' originates from a seventeenth-century frilled collar named piccadil. Roger Baker, a tailor who became rich making piccadils lived in the area. The word 'Circus' refers to the roundabout around which the traffic circulated.

London City Tour 1st part; Sightseeing the Streets at Night (Trafalgar Square)

3 Days Revisiting England (UK) for Autumn Fellwandering and Sightseeing

London - Lake District - Cambridge tour, just a weekend in England
October 03 to October 06, 2014

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages." - William Shakespeare 

My 2nd visit to the United Kingdom (1st visit was last June 2014), 37th solo backpacking trip, 39 countries visited so far and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

This United Kingdom is more than 300 years old and comprises four constituent nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It occupies all of the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern portion of the island of Ireland and most of the remaining British Isles. "Great Britain" ("GB") for a geographer refers just to the single largest island in the British Isles that has most of the land area of Scotland, England and Wales. In normal usage it is a collective term for all those three nations together. Great Britain became part of the United Kingdom when the Irish and British parliaments merged in 1801 to form the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland". "Britain" is simply another name for the United Kingdom, and does include Northern Ireland, despite common misconceptions otherwise. The flag of UK is popularly known as the Union Jack or, more properly, Union Flag.
http://wikitravel.org/en/United_Kingdom

3 Days Revisiting England (UK) for Autumn Fellwandering and Sightseeing (Birmingham Palace above)