---
title: "The United Kingdom"
description: "The four countries of the United Kingdom and their capitals; the surrounding seas; counties, major cities and regions; key features such as hills, mountains, coasts and rivers, and how land use has ch"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/geography/the-united-kingdom-mt_Da-EAL3BvB
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/geography/the-united-kingdom-mt_Da-EAL3BvB.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# The United Kingdom

The four countries of the United Kingdom and their capitals; the surrounding seas; counties, major cities and regions; key features such as hills, mountains, coasts and rivers, and how land use has changed over time

Subject: Geography · Area: Places & Regions · Ages 7 to 10
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/geography/the-united-kingdom-mt_Da-EAL3BvB

## Ready when they can

- Name the four countries of the UK, their capital cities and the surrounding seas
- Locate major UK cities, counties or regions on a map (e.g., Manchester, Cornwall, the Highlands)
- Describe a key UK physical feature and where it is (e.g., 'the Pennines run down the middle of northern England')

## Lesson: Four countries, one United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is made up of four countries joined together: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each one has its own capital city.

*(drawing: Each country and its capital city.)*

The UK sits on islands with sea all around. The North Sea lies to the east, the English Channel is to the south, and the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean lie to the west.

**Example.** Imagine a family holiday around the UK. In Manchester, a big city in England, they visit shops and museums. In Cornwall, a region in the south-west, they walk on sandy beaches. In the Highlands, wild mountains in the north of Scotland, they spot deer and lochs.

**Tip.** Look for the Pennines on a map: a line of hills running down the middle of northern England, like a backbone. Land use changes too. Fields and forests from long ago are often towns, roads and cities today.

**Recap.** The UK has four countries, four capitals, seas all around, and hills, mountains and rivers in between.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Continents and Oceans](https://lightmysky.com/learn/geography/continents-and-oceans-mt_aNGHn8yqR8)

## Opens up

- [Comparing World Regions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/geography/comparing-world-regions-mt_cY5D2gWt0Y)