As
a popular tourist destination, the United Kingdom boasts a rich history and culture that has captured the imagination of people from around the world. While many visitors may be familiar with the country's famous landmarks and attractions, there are also plenty of lesser-known facts that make for fascinating exploration. Here are some cold, hard facts you might not have known about travelling in the UK:
1. The Oldest Amusement Park
When you think of amusement parks, you may imagine the likes of Disneyworld or Six Flags. But did you know that the world's oldest amusement park is located in the UK? Located in the trendy neighborhood of Notting Hill, the park is called "Luna Park" and was founded in 1886. This historic attraction has survived two world wars and now boasts classic rides like a carousel, Ferris wheel and haunted house.
2. Royal Postal Service
The Royal Mail is responsible for the country's postal service, but did you know that the Queen's face appears on all British stamps? This unique honor was granted in 1965 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 39th birthday, and she has been featured on every stamp ever since.
3. Longest Reigning Monarch
Speaking of Queen Elizabeth II, she is also the longest reigning monarch in British history. As of 2021, she has reigned for over 67 years, surpassing the previous record held by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
4. The Roman Baths
In Bath, you can visit the famous Roman Baths, but what many visitors don't know is that the water in the baths is green. The reason for this is due to the high mineral content in the water, which gives it a distinctly green hue. Don't worry though, the water is still safe to bathe in!
5. The Origin of Fish and Chips
Fish and chips are a quintessential British dish, but few know the origins of this classic meal. While there are several theories about its creation, the most widely accepted story is that it was first sold by a Jewish immigrant in London in the late 19th century who started frying fish in batter.
6. Monopoly Street Names
If you're a fan of the board game Monopoly, you may be interested to know that the streets featured on the board actually exist in real life. The game was originally based on the streets of Atlantic City in America, but it was later adapted for a British audience and now features street names from London.
7. The Stonehenge Alignment
The ancient monument of Stonehenge is a popular tourist destination, but did you know that it is actually aligned with the sunrise during the winter solstice? This suggests that the site was used for astronomical observations or as a spiritual site for the ancient people who built it.
8. The World's Smallest Pub
Tucked away in the village of Bury in Hampshire is The Bury Bar, which holds the title of the world's smallest pub. This cozy establishment has room for just one customer at a time!
In conclusion, there is no shortage of interesting and unusual facts to discover when travelling in the UK. From the oldest amusement park to the smallest pub, these cold, hard facts offer a unique glimpse into the country's colorful and quirky history. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, there is always something new to learn and explore in this fascinating destination.
