Bodies of Water Surrounding the British Isles: There Are Five, Not Seven

The British Isles are surrounded by five major bodies of water:

1. North Sea – East of Great Britain; connects Atlantic to Baltic.
2. English Channel – Separates Great Britain from France; links North Sea to Atlantic.
3. Celtic Sea – Southwest of Great Britain; part of the Atlantic between the Channel and Irish Sea.
4. Irish Sea – Between Great Britain and Ireland; connects to Atlantic via North Channel and St. George’s Channel.
5. Atlantic Ocean – Borders the Isles to the west and south.

There is no seventh distinct body; the count of seven is a common misconception.