Gilts (government bonds)
Gilts (or gilt-edged stocks) are bonds issued by the government which pay a fixed rate of interest twice a year. They are considered safe investments as the government is unlikely to go bust or to default on the interest payments. However, you are not guaranteed to get all your capital back under all circumstances.
Gilts, like corporate bonds, are bought and sold on the stock market where their price can go up or down. Gilts can be bought and sold through brokers, high street banks or through the government's Debt Management Office (DMO) which produces a guide to buying gilts.