Where to Find Ordnance Survey Maps of the UK

Ordnance Survey (OS) is Great Britain's national mapping agency. Their maps—renowned for detail and accuracy—are available through multiple channels:

Digital & Online

• OS Maps app/website (osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk): Subscription unlocks 1:25k Explorer, 1:50k Landranger, and custom printing. Free tier includes basic viewing.
• OS OpenData: Free downloadable datasets (VectorMap District, OS Terrain 50, etc.) for GIS use.
• Third-party apps: ViewRanger, Komoot, AllTrails, Memory-Map integrate OS mapping.

Physical Maps

• Retail: Outdoor shops (Cotswold, Go Outdoors, Blacks), bookshops (Waterstones, Stanfords), visitor centers, petrol stations in rural areas. Look for orange (1:25k Explorer) or pink (1:50k Landranger) covers.
• OS Direct: ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop — full range, custom-centered maps, waterproof "Active" versions.
• Libraries: Reference collections (often reference-only); some lend folded maps.

Choosing Scale & Type

• 1:25,000 Explorer (4 cm = 1 km): Footpaths, field boundaries, contours—ideal for hiking, navigation.
• 1:50,000 Landranger (2 cm = 1 km): Broader overview—cycling, driving, planning.
• Specialist: OS Historical, Geological, Tour, Activity maps.

Northern Ireland

Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland (OSNI) produces separate mapping; available via osni.gov.uk and similar retailers.