The
Curious World of British Cold Facts
Britain may be known for its pleasant climate, but there are plenty of curious and surprising facts about the country's cold weather that many people may not know.
For starters, did you know that the UK is home to the world's coldest inhabited place? The small village of Braemar in Scotland holds this distinction, with temperatures dropping as low as -27.2°C (-17°F) during the winter months. This chilly climate has also led Braemar to be the location of the annual Braemar Gathering, which is held every September and includes traditional Scottish games like caber tossing and tug-of-war.
Another interesting cold fact about Britain is that its most famous resident, Queen Elizabeth II, has a rather unique way of keeping warm. According to reports, the Queen always wears a coat or jacket when indoors, even in the summer months. This is said to be due to her preference for a cool temperature of around 16°C (61°F) in her private quarters, in line with her mother's belief that a cool room helps one to sleep better.
Moving on to food, the UK also has its fair share of unusual cold dishes, including jellied eels, a traditional delicacy in London's East End. The dish consists of chopped eels boiled in a spiced stock before being set in a jelly made from the liquid. Another cold dish that may surprise non-Brits is the sandwich cake, a savory cake made from layers of bread and fillings such as tuna and cucumber, smoked salmon, or cheese and chives. It's the perfect dish for a cold buffet or picnic.
Weather-wise, the UK is also prone to some unusual weather phenomena that are closely related to cold temperatures. One example is the sea smoke, which occurs when very cold air passes over relatively warm water, causing the water to steam and create a fog-like effect. This is most commonly seen on the coasts of Scotland and northern England in winter.
Finally, no discussion of British cold facts would be complete without mentioning the national fascination with snow. Despite the UK's relatively mild climate, there is always an air of excitement when the white stuff starts to fall, with schools closing and adults gleefully building snowmen. Perhaps the most famous example of this is the "Beast from the East" storm that hit the country in 2018, bringing with it heavy snow and freezing temperatures that caused widespread chaos and disruption.
In conclusion, while the UK may not be known for its extreme cold weather, there are plenty of curious and surprising facts to be found in the world of British cold. From the coldest inhabited place on earth to the Queen's preference for a cool room, to some unusual food and weather phenomena, there's always something new to discover about this fascinating country.
