You may think there’s nothing you didn’t know about the UK. Beatles, fish and chips and the royal family? There’s no denying that British cultural icons have spread far and wide, but the things that make it past the shores of these islands are only a small part of what really makes up the nation.

Just like people, every country has its strange quirks and fun facts, sometimes things that seem so normal to the people who live there that they don’t even think to mention them. We’ve put together this list of the UK’s weird and wonderful lesser-known oddities to satisfy your curiosity.

  • 1

    Drinking in an English bar

    Keeping on the right side of the licensing laws

    Drinking in an English bar
    • Historia

    In England, in pubs or bars, you can have drinks but, according to a law from 1872 that still stands, you are not officially allowed to get drunk. This applies to any public space and, while it probably won’t be acted upon, being ‘drunk and disorderly’ is an offence that might get the police involved if you’re too rowdy.

    In Scotland you are on the wrong side of the law if you are drunk and in possession of a cow. This is actually an early form of drunk driving offence, from before cars existed. After all, you don’t want the local farmers steering their cattle after they’ve had a few too many.

  • 2

    The Tube

    Understanding the Underground

    The Tube

    Opened in 1863, the London Underground, or Tube, is the oldest underground railway system in the world, and here are a few facts about it that even the train enthusiasts might not know.

    In London the tube route from Leicester Square to Covent Garden is the most popular tube route for tourists despite the fact that it is actually quicker to cover this distance on foot. It’s only 300 m. Meanwhile, in the stations, the 451 escalators in the London subway cover a distance every week which is approximately equivalent to several trips around the globe. The longest is at Angel station and it’s a whopping 60 m long.

     

  • 3

    Royal eccentrics

    Centuries of merry monarchs and quirky queens

    Royal eccentrics

    With centuries of history and many monarchs to choose from, it isn’t surprising that some weird facts lurk in the past of the British monarchy. For instance, one queen, Berengaria of Navarre, wife of Richard I of England (a.k.a. the Lionheart), never even set foot on English soil. And to this day the King (or Queen) isn’t allowed to enter the House of Commons, because they’re not a member.

    Buckingham Palace isn’t without its secrets. Before it was built in 1702, the site was apparently a popular molly house. The royals also used to extend their authority over Britain’s wildlife. In medieval times, animals were tried and punished in royal courts for damaging people or property.

  • 4

    Tea drinking

    Who doesn't love a nice cup of tea?

    Tea drinking
    • Gastronomía

    One thing you’ve definitely heard about the Brits is how much they love to drink tea, and that’s certainly true. In 2016 a survey showed that the UK was the third highest tea consuming nation in the world, behind only Turkey and Ireland. More recently, in 2023, over 78 billion kg of tea was bought and sold in the UK.

    There’s an ongoing debate in the country whether you should pour the milk in first or the tea, and the arguments can get heated. Also, note that if you hear someone talking about builder’s tea, then be warned that’s going to be one strong cup of tea.

  • 5

    Big Ben is not a clock

    Confusion at the Houses of Parliament

    Big Ben is not a clock
    • Historia

    If you’re visiting London, you’ll want to see the magnificent Gothic Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament. On the hour, you’ll hear the iconic chiming of the country’s most famous bell: Big Ben. That’s right, it’s the bell that’s called Big Ben.

    The tower, previously just known as the Clock Tower, was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012, although some people confuse it with St Stephen’s Tower, a smaller tower elsewhere in the palace. The bell itself weighs 13 tons and there’s some debate over who it’s named after.

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  • 6

    Where do they come from?

    One of the most diverse cities in the world

    Where do they come from?
    • Gastronomía

    London is one of the cities with the highest cultural diversity in the world, which can be gauged from the fact that over half of Londoners in 2021 identified as being from an ethnic minority in the census. There are over 300 languages spoken in the capital, as well as a wide range of cuisines.

    One of the most popular types of restaurant you’ll find in British cities is Indian, with a number of cities having streets famous for their curry houses. Chicken Tikka Masala is considered a national dish by many, often cited as one of the first widely accepted ‘fusion foods’.

  • 7

    Beyond London

    Some of the most interesting and strangest places are outside of London

    Beyond London
    • Historia
    • Foto
    • Exótico

    You might assume The Globe is the oldest theatre in the UK, but that accolade falls to a theatre not even in London. The Bristol Old Vic is the longest continuously running theatre in the country, having opened its doors in the 1760s. London isn’t the home of the oldest castle, either. That was built in 1067 and can be found about 40 km out of the capital, in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.

    You might not be expecting to find that the famous St Valentine resides in the UK. His bones are interred at the Church of St Jon Duns Scotus in Glasgow. Meanwhile, in Wales they have their own saint of lovers, St Dwynwen, who is celebrated there on 25th January.

  • 8

    The bridge that fell down 1000 years ago

    The many bridges of London have their own stories

    The bridge that fell down 1000 years ago
    • Historia
    • Foto

    Next time you hear the nursery rhyme London Bridge is falling down, bear in mind that you could be listening to a tale from over 1000 years ago. While the modern version can be traced back to the 17th century, some people believe it describes a Saxon attack, where they tore the bridge down with ropes.

    London Bridge is just one of over 200 bridges across the Thames, as well as 20 tunnels that pass beneath it, including the world oldest underwater tunnel, the Thames Tunnel. The iconic Tower Bridge makes for an excellent selfie spot, particularly at sunset as you head back to your near the Tower of London.