1. We enjoy being near the water.
From breathtaking winding footpaths and clifftop views to golden sandy beaches, the UK's shores are famed across the world. Indeed, England alone has almost 60 beaches that have earned the coveted 'blue flag' designation. While the weather in the UK isn't always ideal, if you do happen to catch a sunny day, you'll never be far from a fun day out — England is just 75 miles from the sea.
2. The roots of Champagne are closely linked to England.
Even though the hallmark sparkling wine is associated with a famous French area, Dom Perignon did not welcome it. Indeed, the English scientist Christopher Merret documented an early version of the fermentation more than forty years before Perignon claimed to have developed champagne.
3. London's public transportation system may be more extensive than you believe.
The London public transit system is one of the world's oldest and biggest. The London Underground has almost 400 escalators in its 270 operational stations (the longest being at Angel in North London), but there are another 40 stations that are no longer in service - and that's before we even get to the famed red buses.
4. Pronouncing one Welsh town is particularly tough.
Although road signs in Wales are written in both Welsh and English, some of the more intricate spellings may nevertheless perplex you while in the country. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllllandysiliogogogoch is one of the world's longest town names, but don't worry, most people choose to abbreviate it to Llanfairpwll. In our guide, we go over where you can learn a language in the UK.
5. Stonehenge predates the Pyramids in terms of age.
Stonehenge, which is located in the south of England and is one of the UK's most well-known tourist sites, is thought to have been built approximately 3000BC, making it older than Egypt's pyramids.
6. The Shard stands taller than the others.
London may feature some of the UK's most renowned ancient structures, but the English capital's newer structures are equally impressive. The Shard, which stands near London Bridge and is Europe's highest structure at 1,150 feet, was completed in 2012. You may even consume champagne on a viewing platform at the top if you chance to be in the vicinity.
7. You might get a birthday greeting from the Queen.
You may have heard that people who reach the age of 100 receive a telegram from the Queen. It's now a personalized card, and it's not only for your hundredth birthday — you can now apply for one for your 105th – and any occasion.
8. The British have a strong affinity for tea.
Some stereotypes are based on facts, and this is one of them. Every day, the British drink more than 165 million cups of tea, which is 20 times the amount consumed by Americans.
9. The top dish is Chicken Tikka.
Although you may associate British food with fish and chips, a Sunday roast meal, or steak and kidney pie, chicken tikka masala was once designated the country's national dish by UK voters.
10. Royal residences are world-record-breaking Windsor Castle,
completed in 1080, is not only Britain's oldest royal dwelling but also the world's largest royal residence.
11. The Queen is not a passport holder.
Queen Elizabeth II has been to over 100 countries on official business, although she does not require a British passport. Because British passports are issued in the name of the Queen, this is the case.
12. You can drink in parliament – While UK laws are occasionally hammered out in the Houses of Parliament,
MPs are not permitted to drink there – with one notable exception. While delivering the yearly Budget speech, which details the government's economic plans for the year, the Chancellor is permitted to consume alcohol.
13. The United Kingdom is not Great Britain.
It's a widespread misconception, but Great Britain and the United Kingdom are not the same things. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, yet it is not part of the United Kingdom.
14. The BBC is funded by the general population.
In the United Kingdom, most TV networks display commercials in between shows, however, the BBC (or British Broadcasting Corporation) does not. This is because, in the United Kingdom, they are funded by a television license charge. Every home in the United Kingdom that desires to watch television must pay an annual licensing fee of roughly £145.
15. It's a sport to roll cheese.
At the very least, once a year. While football, cricket, and rugby are the most popular sports in England, there are other more off-the-beaten-path activities. Competitors engage in a cheese rolling competition once a year, chasing a 9-pound block of Double Gloucester cheese down a steep hill.
16. The pound has a long history.
While the design of the UK's lowly pound coin was updated in 2017 - previous pieces are now only accepted at banks – the money remains the world's oldest continuing in circulation, having been in use for almost 1200 years.
17. There are more cities in the United Kingdom than you would assume.
Although the United Kingdom's land area is small in comparison to other nations, there are 69 official cities in total, with 51 in England, seven in Scotland, six in Wales, and five in Northern Ireland.
18. The mainland is accessible by foot.
People also do it for charity regularly. The longest mainland distance in the UK is 870 miles, which runs from Land's End in Cornwall to John O'Groats in Caithness.
19. London is home to the world's biggest library.
The British Library in King's Cross, London, has a catalog of over 170 million items.
20. scotland's national sport is golf.
In the 15th century, the sport was invented in St. Andrews. It was notoriously outlawed by King James II in 1457 because it was interfering with archery practice. Scotland still has some of the world's best 'links' courses.
21. There is a well-known monster in Scotland.
The Loch Ness Monster (also known as Nessie) is said to live in Loch Ness, the UK's largest lake. Even though this monster is purely legendary, many individuals have claimed to have seen her in recent decades.
22. The world's first billionaire author hails from the United Kingdom.
You've undoubtedly read a few of her novels as well. J. K. Rowling is best known for writing the Harry Potter series of books, which have sold over 400 million copies worldwide in 55 languages.
23. Stamps were invented in the United Kingdom.
The first country to adopt postal stamps was the United Kingdom. In May 1840, the first stamp, known as the Penny Black, was produced. However, sending a letter is no longer as inexpensive as it once was; a first-class stamp now costs 65p, while a second-class stamp costs 56p.
24. The United Kingdom has over 100 universities.
There are currently well over 100 universities in the United Kingdom, ranging from historic red-brick institutions in major cities to specialty colleges that have gained university status in recent years. However, there were previously just two of them. Oxford and Cambridge are the most well-known educational institutions in the United Kingdom, and they were the only ones until 1832.
25. The famous clock's name isn't Big Ben.
Big Ben's colossal clock tower is one of London's most recognized sites, yet the name refers to the bell rather than the clock. The skyscraper is due to undergo a long-term renovation project, which has sparked outrage in the United Kingdom, with Prime Minister David Cameron even seeking to interfere.
26. royal marriages are public holidays
The United Kingdom appreciates a well-done ceremony, and royal weddings are no exception. In 2011, Prince William married Catherine Middleton, which was the most recent important event. Their wedding day was proclaimed a national holiday, allowing them to take an extra day off.
27. You're closer to France than you believe.
England and France are neighbors, even if they aren't always the greatest of friends. Dover, England, and Calais, France are connected by the Channel Tunnel. With a length of 21 miles, it is the world's second-longest subterranean tunnel, being opened in 1994. With the introduction of high-speed Eurostar services from London and Kent, you can now travel to Paris in a little over two hours from the English capital.
28. Ravens have the potential to overthrow the monarchy.
At any one moment, there must be at least six ravens on the grounds of the Tower of London. This is due to a King Charles II order from the Middle Ages. If this rule is broken, the monarchy is said to fall.
29. A gallon of strawberries and cream is consumed.
Each summer, the world-famous Wimbledon Tennis Championships are held in South West London. Over 27 tonnes of strawberries and 7,000 liters of cream are consumed over the two-week festival as part of the event's famed dish.
30. Although not commonly spoken, ancient languages are still spoken.
In the United Kingdom, four surviving Celtic languages are still legally recognized today. Scottish Gaelic, Irish Gaelic, Welsh, and Cornish are the four languages.
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