Leisure

A lot of people in the UK have gardens at home and spend their free time looking after them. Some people rent additional land called an allotment, where they grow fruit and vegetables. Gardening and flower shows range from major national exhibitions to small local events.

Famous gardens to visit include Kew Gardens, Sissinghurst and Hidcote in England, Crathes Castle in Scotland, Bodnant Garden in Wales, and Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland.

Most towns and cities have a central shopping area called the town centre. Most shops in the UK are open seven days a week, although trading hours on Sundays and public holidays are generally reduced. Many towns also have markets on one or more days a week.

A wide variety of food is eaten in the UK. Traditional foods include: roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and fish and chips in England; Welsh cakes in Wales; haggis (a sheep's stomach stuffed with offal, suet, onions and oatmeal) in Scotland; and the Ulster fry in Northern Ireland.

Everyone in the UK with a television, computer or other medium that can be used for watching TV must have a television licence. One licence covers all equipment in one home. People aged 75 or over can get a free TV licence if they receive Pension Credit, or live with a partner who does. Blind people can get a 50% discount. You will receive a fine of up to £1,000 if you watch TV without a licence.

The money from TV licences is used to pay for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The BBC is a public service broadcaster providing television and radio programmes. It is the largest broadcaster in the world. Although it receives some state funding, the BBC is independent of the government. Other UK channels are primarily funded through advertisements and subscriptions.

There are many different radio stations in the UK. Some broadcast nationally and others in certain cities or regions. BBC radio stations are funded by TV licences; other radio stations are funded through advertisements.

Social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter are a popular way to stay in touch with friends, organise social events, and share photos, videos and opinions. Many people use social networking on their mobile phones when out and about.

Public houses (pubs) are an important part of UK social culture. To buy alcohol in a pub or night club you must be 18 or over. When they are 16, people can drink wine or beer with a meal in a hotel or restaurant (including eating areas in pubs) as long as they are with someone over 18.

Betting and gambling are legal in the UK, but you have to be 18 to go into betting shops or gambling clubs. There is a National Lottery for which draws are made every week. You can enter by buying a ticket or a scratch card. People under 18 are not allowed to participate in the National Lottery.

A lot of people in the UK have pets. It is against the law to treat a pet cruelly or to neglect it. All dogs in public places must wear a collar showing the name and address of the owner. The owner is responsible for keeping the dog under control and for cleaning up after the animal in a public place. Veterinary surgeons (vets) provide vaccinations and medical treatment for animals, and some charities help people who cannot afford to pay a vet.