The National Statistics site changes daily, and is a fascinating source of information, though I still have problems finding what I want, and know is there; my advice is to use Google .

The four key sections: UK Snapshot, Neighbourhood, Newsroom and Census , are accessed from the top of the page leading to headline news in each area, brief guides, and details of reports. There are 12 further themes which can be accessed from the drop down box on the left of the page. For the Census I would use this page.

Neighbourhood Statistics is just amazing. Try entering your postcode, and you will be surprised at the information available about your ward . View or download local area statistics on a wide range of subjects including population (the latest Census data), crime, health and housing.

 The 'Focus on' pages combine data from various sources to illustrate topics from The Digital Age to Social Inequalities. Highly recommended.

Another favourite is Social Trends 2010, freely downloadable.  You used to be able to click on the heading of most tables for the information todownloaded as a spreadsheet.  See also Family Spending 2009, the report on the 2008 Living Costs and Food Survey, and the Economic and Labour Market Review. 

Latest Economic Indicators will keep you up to date with all the latest figures and trends, and always interesting are the most popular girls and boys names.

To open your eyes as to the variety of stats collected take a quick look at Recent Publications.

Nat Stats covers the UK for many things but don't forget NISRA, The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Statistics Library of the General Register Office for Scotland.