Interesting Facts about the UK – 8 of my favourite

Being an old and diverse land, it is not surprising there are a number of interesting facts about the UK. I decided to pick a few subjects and do a bit of internet research while sitting here in LockDown.

Not only did I find the interesting facts I was after, but I learnt a few things about the country too! You’re never too old to learn!

Here are what I think are 8 interesting facts about the UK. I hope you find them interesting too!

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There are over 1,500 Castles in the UK

According to Aglotopia, there are over 1,500 castles in the UK. Of course, these are in various states of existence, from ruins to ones that that still accept visitors, and indeed, ones where people still live. Take Windsor Castle for example. Still inhabited by the Queen and the Royals.

Windsor Castle is also one of the oldest, built around 1070. After a bit of internet research, it appears the newest castle was built, would you believe, in the 20th Century. Castle Drogo was started in 1910, and finished some 20 years later, in 1930.

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Big Ben is not a Clock

This is one that most people probably already know, so maybe not really interesting fact, but thought I would add it in just in case.

Big Ben stands at the north end of the Houses of Parliament and was built in 1859.

The name Big Ben actually refers to the Bell inside the clock tower, not the clock itself.

So, when you are with someone, and they say from a distance, “Oh look, I can see Big Ben”…feel free to correct them.

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Stonehenge attracts more than a million visitors a year

And until 1997 you could climb on them. Writing about Castles got me thinking about other interesting facts about the UK with a historical perspective.

I thought that a list of interesting facts about the UK must include Stonehenge (previously owned by a distant relative of mine by the way). It is one of the most famous landmarks and tourist attractions in the UK.

Welcoming over one million visitors each year, it is believed the Stones have been around, in the current formation, since 1600BC. It is somewhat surprising then that until 1997 you could climb on them, but eventually, the excessive erosion caused them to be roped off, and only admired from a (close) distance.

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Nowhere in the UK is more than 75 miles from the sea

This, I think is one of the most interesting facts about the UK. I already knew this, so was keen to include it.

Now, I am not going to pretend I have measured this, but using the good old internet once again, it would appear that somewhere near Cotton in the Elms, Derbyshire is the furthest point from the sea, and over 70 miles.

Our little island is pretty small in comparison to a lot of other countries. As a result, it is not surprising it is only 75 miles, but still, pretty a interesting UK fact.

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Longest Stretch of Land is 874 Miles

Around 874 miles is the distance between the UK’s two extremes. Lands End and John O’Groats. Lands End in the South West, and John O’Groats in the North East.

This could be a pretty awesome road trip!!

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The longest place name in the UK has 58 letters

Or 53 if you take the double L’s as the Welsh sometimes do. Still, even 53 letters is a long place name. Here it is.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

No? OK, it was just a thought!!

That isn’t me talking on the recording by the way. If you have time, (and many of us do at the moment), why not learn how to say it? Here is how it is pronounced:

LLAN – FAIR – PWLL – GWYN – GYLL – GO – GER – YCH – WYRN – DROB – WLL – LLAN – TY – SILIO – GO – GO – GOCH

Imagine having to write that every time you give someone your address! Fortunately, there is an abbreviated version, called Llanfair PG.

Impressively long? Perhaps. But not the longest. That honour belongs to:

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, New Zealand.

It is a Maori word for a hill in the country’s North Island. Being born in Wales, this is a super interesting UK fact to me, and I am sure I have photo of me somewhere by the sign so will try and dig that out.

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UK has 225,000 Campervans & Motorhomes

The exact number is not clear, but Out & About Live claim, there are at least 225,000 camper vans and motorhomes on the UK roads (possibly not all at the same time though)

We enjoy the open road in our own Campervan, so certainly understand the appeal, and is for sure an interesting fact close to my heart!

I can only imagine over the coming months they will become even more popular!

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Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice

Venice. The place is known worldwide for it Gondola’s, Gelato and the Grand Canal.

But did you know the midlands city of Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice?

I am not talking the odd mile, but almost 30% more. 26 miles in Venice, versus 35 miles in Birmingham. I don’t suppose too many people associate Birmingham with canals (or Venice) but there you go. Interesting fact about UK number 8!

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Summary of my Interesting Facts about the UK

So there you have it. 8 of my interesting facts about the UK.

Which is your favourite? I know there are lots of others, so why not drop me a comment below with your favourite interesting fact that is not on my list.

I would love to read about them, and even try and go and explore a few (when we are allowed to obviously!)

Don’t forget to check out my main page, to find out what this website is all about, and I hope to see you here again soon!