The UK's Physical Landscape (AQA GCSE Geography): Revision Note

Specification links

The notes on this page cover part of 3.1.3.1 UK physical landscapes on the AQA GCSE specification. (opens in a new tab)

3.1.3.1 - Key idea: The UK has a range of diverse landscapes.

• An overview of the location of major upland/lowland areas and river systems.

The UK's physical landscape

• A landscape is defined as:

  • An area's character that comes from the actions and interactions of natural and human elements

• The character of a landscape depends on its initial geology

• This geology shapes the landscape's relief, which then attracts human action and interaction

• For example:

  • Slate, a resistant rock found in the mountains of North Wales, drew people to quarry for roofing material and produced over four-fifths of all British slate during the Industrial Revolution

• The UK features a diverse landscape with uplands, lowlands, and important rivers

• The uplands are mainly in the north and west of the country, including Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and northern England, such as the Lake District, Grampian Mountains, and Snowdonia

• The lowlands lie in the south and east of the UK, including central and southern England, such as the Cotswolds, Norfolk, and South Downs

• Many cities sit in lowland areas and often along major river routes, like Liverpool on the Mersey, Bristol on the Severn estuary, and the River Avon