A move isn’t just about unpacking boxes. It’s about discovering the quirks and charm of your new home. If you and your family are about to move to the shores of Britain, then you’re probably trying to find out as much as you can about this country. So, should you expect the posh way of life you’ve seen in “Downton Abbey”?
The UK is a place that’s much more than just the Queen and queuing. It has a rich culture. Every cobblestone has a story, and every rainy day is an excuse for a good cuppa. So, grab a biscuit, pour a cup of tea, and let’s learn about some interesting facts that will make your family’s move to the UK not just a change of address but the start of an unforgettable adventure.
The UK is Made Up of Four Countries
Now, you might hear the phrases UK and England used in the same context, but they’re not really the same. When we talk about the UK, we’re referring to the four nations that make up the United Kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- England is the most populated of the four countries, with 56.5 million people calling it home. It has many iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge and is known for the stylish people you can find on the streets of its capital – London.
- Scotland is the second largest UK country, with a population of 5.4 million. It’s most known for the breathtaking Highlands, mediaeval architecture in the capital of Edinburgh, and the unmistakable sound of the bagpipes – the national instrument.
- Wales is where you can expect a warm “Croeso” (that’s “welcome” in Welsh) from any one of its 3,107,500 inhabitants. The capital city is Cardiff, one of the most historic cities in the UK.
- Northern Ireland is the smallest of these four countries, with a population of just 1.9 million people. The capital is Belfast, and its most popular landmark is the Giant’s Causeway, which was a filming location for the “Game of Thrones” series.
Another important distinction to know is that when we say Great Britain, we’re referring only to the island of Britain. Northern Ireland is located on a neighbouring island, which is why you can sometimes hear people say the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
It Still Has a Royal Family
As you settle in, you’ll notice that the royals aren’t just a relic of the past but rather a living, breathing part of British culture. While the idea of a royal family can seem like something out of a storybook or distant history, the UK is one of 12 European countries that still has a royal throne.
Queen Elizabeth II, who you’ll hear about often, was a remarkable figure, reigning as the longest-serving monarch in modern history. She sat on the British throne for over 70 years and was recently replaced by her son, Charles.
But, your family might be more familiar with the likes of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who, along with their children, have taken centre stage in representing the royal family in the media.
Having a royal family also comes with royal ceremonies, like the Changing of the Guard in front of Buckingham Palace. It’s a well-known tradition where soldiers in ceremonial uniforms swap duties, all to the soundtrack of a military band. It’s a spectacle that truly shows the grandeur of Britain’s heritage.
It’s The Birthplace of the Postage Stamp
Once you move, you’ll probably keep in touch with the family back home using e-mail or video calls. But receiving a handwritten postcard with a stamp and royal mail seal can be quite the treat. Lucky for you, the UK is where the very first postage stamp was introduced.
Back in the 1840s, the Penny Black stamped its mark on the world quite literally. This tiny square of paper was the first adhesive postage stamp of its kind, and it completely transformed the way people sent letters. Before this, sending post was very pricey, depending on the distance, and it was paid for by the receiver.
Fast forward to today, there are so many interesting stamps to choose from. Stamp collecting could be a fab little hobby for your children. It’s not just fun – it’s a window into history, art, and cultures from around the globe. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to spark their curiosity about the world’s many corners right from the snugness of your new home.
Not the Biggest Tea Drinkers in the World
Here’s a surprising bit of trivia – Brits aren’t the world’s top tea drinkers. Even with all of the tea-related jokes you’ve heard, that honour goes to the folks in Turkey. Still, the average UK person consumes 1.94kg of tea every year.
That means that the Brits have a great tea-drinking culture and enjoy many delightful tea traditions. Anyone in the UK should jump at the chance to experience the charm of sipping a cuppa in a quaint British tea room during afternoon tea. Add on some scones with clotted cream and cucumber sandwiches, and you’re in for a real treat.
The National Dish Is Chicken Tikka Masala
British cuisine is more than just fish and chips with a side of mushy peas. The British Empire once spanned many continents, and those different cultural influences were brought over and combined to create many international dishes with an added British touch.
Chicken Tikka Masala is a prime example of such multiculturalism. Legend has it that this beloved dish was born when a chef, trying to satisfy a customer’s request for gravy, tossed a can of tomato soup into a mix of spiced, marinated chicken. Whether this story is true is up for debate, but the love Brits have for this dish is very much real.
It’s The Home of Many Literary Icons
From Shakespeare to C.S. Lewis, the UK has given us many talented writers. Classic British authors like Dickens and Jane Austen are still taught in schools, and their stories have kept the same appeal over the years. And let’s not forget about J.K. Rowling. If she wasn’t born in the UK, who knows what our bellowed Harry Potter series would look like?
Just like it has preserved their writings, Britain also tries to preserve the historical places where these authors first penned their books. If you’d like to learn more about British history through the lens of literature, some good places to visit are:
- Stratford-Upon-Avon. The birthplace of literary legend William Shakespeare. You can visit his childhood home and catch the Royal Shakespeare Theatre giving a live performance of one of his plays.
- The Lake District. The region that inspired Woodsworth to write his most romantic and nature-rich poetry. You can visit his former home of Dove Cottage and enjoy the beauty of Rydal Mount and Grasmere.
- Haworth Parsonage. The former home of the Brontë sisters. The parsonage is now a museum, where visitors can see their personal belongings and the manuscripts for masterpieces like “Jane Eyre” and “Wuthering Heights.”
- Platform 9 ¾. While not an actual place in the real world, you can find a placeholder for this fictional platform in King’s Cross Station, London. You can take a picture with the luggage trolley seemingly disappearing through a brick wall or get a running start and try to pass through the magical barrier to the world of Hogwarts if you dare.
The Birthplace of Modern Sports
But it isn’t just bookworms that will find the UK interesting. Sports fanatics will be pleased to know that this country is the birthplace of the modern version of many beloved sports, including football, rugby, and tennis.
Football isn’t just a game here. It’s a part of the culture, with roots going back centuries. The first modern Football Association was formed in 1863 in London. Your little ones will have a lot of choices to choose from, as there are local clubs in nearly every town.
Even modern rugby dates back to 1823 when during a match at the historic Rugby School in Warwickshire, a young player decided to pick up the ball and run to the end of the field with it.
And let’s not forget about tennis. Even though it’s popular worldwide, modern lawn tennis had its start in the UK during the 19th century. The idea of playing tennis on a grassy field was made popular by Walter Clopton Wingfield and led to the first modern tennis match in Wimbledon.
Penicillin Was Invented in London
The story of penicillin begins right in the heart of London. In 1928, Alexander Fleming, a Scottish bacteriologist, returned from a holiday to his lab in St. Mary’s Hospital in London and noticed something unusual – a petri dish containing Staphylococcus bacteria had been left open, and a mould that had formed was killing the bacteria around it.
This mould turned out to be Penicillium notatum, which led to the creation of penicillin, the first antibiotic in the world. We have a lot to thank Fleming for. This discovery changed how bacterial infections were treated, transforming medicine and saving countless lives.
The Oldest Metro in the World is in London
If you ever find yourself in London and need to get around, make sure to head into the London Tube. While it is the most helpful transportation system in London, did you know that it’s also the oldest one in the world? It connected only six stations when it was first built in 1863. And not just in the UK but in the world. When it was first built in 1863, it connected only six stations.
Today, the metro has a massive network that runs through 272 stations on 11 different lines. Many stations now have lifts and ramps, so you can manoeuvre buggies without breaking a sweat. And a tip from one parent to another: avoid rush hours with the kids; it’s a bit of a squash and not much fun for tiny tots.
Home of the Second Oldest University in the World
Yes, you read that right. Oxford is the second oldest university in the world, after the University of Bologna in Italy. It’s still the oldest uni in England, offering higher education since 1096. That makes Oxford not just a prestigious name but also a historical landmark that’s still open today. You can walk the same corridors and visit the lecture halls that helped shape figures like Oscar Wilde and Stephen Hawking.
My Thoughts
So there you have it, 10 interesting facts about what makes the UK such a special place where young families can start a new chapter in their lives. Whether it’s the rich history echoed through the ancient walls of Oxford or the diverse landscapes that stretch from Scotland to Wales, there’s so much for you and your family to discover.
And let’s not forget the quirky bits that make British life unique – from the unpredictable weather to the love of a good queue, you’ll soon get the hang of it. As you and your family go through this transition, remember to soak in every moment, every cuppa, and every new friendship.
So, go into this adventure with an open mind. The UK is ready to welcome you and your family into its bustling cities and peaceful countryside. Sure, it’ll take some getting used to, but before you know it, you’ll be calling it ‘home,’ just like countless others before you.
