A move isn\u2019t 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\u2019re probably trying to find out as much as you can about this country. So, should you expect the posh way of life you\u2019ve seen in \u201cDownton Abbey”?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, you might hear the phrases UK and England used in the same context, but they\u2019re not really the same. When we talk about the UK, we\u2019re referring to the four nations that make up the United Kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another important distinction to know is that when we say Great Britain, we\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a> that still has a royal throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having a royal family also comes with royal ceremonies, like the Changing of the Guard in front of Buckingham Palace. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you move, you\u2019ll 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Back in the 1840s, the Penny Black<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ve heard, that honour goes to the folks in Turkey. Still, the average UK person consumes 1.94kg of tea<\/a> every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re in for a real treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s not forget about J.K. Rowling. If she wasn\u2019t born in the UK, who knows what our bellowed Harry Potter series would look like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like it has preserved their writings, Britain also tries to preserve the historical places where these authors first penned their books. If you\u2019d like to learn more about British history through the lens of literature, some good places to visit are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it isn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Football isn\u2019t just a game here. It\u2019s a part of the culture, with roots going back centuries. The first modern Football Association<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even modern rugby<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And let\u2019s not forget about tennis. Even though it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s The Birthplace of the Postage Stamp<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not the Biggest Tea Drinkers in the World<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The National Dish Is Chicken Tikka Masala<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s The Home of Many Literary Icons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/li>\n\n\n\nThe Birthplace of Modern Sports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Penicillin Was Invented in London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n