The United Kingdom (UK) is commonly known for its rich history, iconic landmarks and quirky customs. It’s home to one of the most popular cities in the world, London, but there is so much more to discover outside of the capital city!
So here are 30 fun facts about the UK that showcase its unique charm!
1) English is not the only native language that is spoken in the UK - several other languages are spoken, such as Welsh, Irish, Cornish and Scottish Gaelic.
2) There is an annual cheese-rolling tradition in the UK - the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake happens in Gloucestershire, and is where people race down a 200-yard hill, chasing a wheel of cheese!
3) London (the UK’s capital) has had several different names in the past - it was previously called Ludenwic, Ludenburg, and Londonium.
4) People drive on the left side of the road - the UK is one of the few countries where people drive on the left side of the road, with two-thirds of the world driving on the right side.
5) There are 33 UNESCO World Heritage sites - this means the site has been recognised as showing universal value to humanity and is legally protected by international treaty. London is also one of the only cities in the world that has four UNESCO World Heritage sites.
6) There are over 30,000 people named John Smith in the UK.
7) The UK is the land of pubs! Since pubs are a big part of British culture and lifestyle, there are over 40,000 of them in the UK. They are the perfect place to socialise, relax and have a drink with friends.
8) London’s taxi drivers have an incredible memory - this is because they are required to memorise over 25,000 streets for “The Knowledge” test. One research study even found that the part of the brain responsible for memory was larger in London taxi drivers than most other people.
9) The UK is home to the longest place name in Europe - the town of “Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch” in Wales is said to have the longest place name in Europe and the second longest one-word place name in the world. It is a huge 58 characters long!
10) The world’s first-ever chocolate bar was made in the UK, by Joseph Fry in 1847.
11) Stonehenge in the UK is one of the world’s greatest mysteries - it is an ancient monument that is older than the Pyramids of Egypt, and its original purpose remains under debate. Geologists estimate it was created around 3,000 BCE.
12) The UK created the world’s first underground railway - London’s underground railway, also known as “The Tube” opened in 1863, with the first line being the Metropolitan Railway, which is still running today!
13) 100 million cups of tea are drunk in the UK each day - it’s true when they say British love their tea, this equates to almost 36 billion cups per year!
14) The UK is the land of castles - Wales has over 600 castles, which is more castles per square mile than any other country in the world.
15) The UK invented many different sports - these include: football (soccer), cricket, rugby, golf, curling, darts, rounders/baseball, badminton, tennis, boxing and more!
16) The first king of England created a law that ordered everyone to be in bed by 8pm - a curfew bell was rung at 8pm every day to signal this and one town called Sandwich still practices this tradition, where the “Pig Bell” is rung at 8pm every night!
17) England’s national dish is Chicken Tikka Masala - when you think of British food, you may think of English breakfast or roast dinner, but it’s actually Chicken Tikka Masala, which is inspired by South Asian flavours.
18) Harry Potter was filmed in many locations in the UK - for example, Alnwick Castle was used as the filming location for Hogwarts School. You can still visit many of these places today.
19) The Big Ben in London does not refer to the clock or the tower - it actually refers to the bell inside the tower.
20) French was once the official language of England… for 300 years!
21) The UK has the world’s longest-running theatre show - “The Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie first opened in 1952 and is now located at St. Martin’s Theatre in London.
22) In the UK, no one lives more than 70 miles (110 km) from the coast.
23) It is considered disrespectful to put a postage stamp with the queen’s head upside down on an envelope - it used to be considered treason and could have resulted in serious punishment!
24) “Bangers and mash” is a common British phrase that refers to sausages and mashed potatoes - the name is said to have originated from World War I when the sausages had high water content and would explode (“bang”) while cooking.
25) London is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world - over 300 languages are spoken here!
26) The UK has the oldest and ‘best’ university in the world - The University of Oxford was founded in 1096 and is considered the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It has also been named the best university in the world for the ninth year in a row by Times Higher Education.
27) Windsor Palace, located in Windsor UK, is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
28) Fish and chips is a popular British food - first introduced in the 1860s, it consists of battered and deep-fried fish and chips and is still consumed regularly around the UK.
29) William Shakespeare was born in the UK - Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and is considered one of the most influential writers in the English language.
30) Accents in the UK change every 25 miles - people can generally still understand each other, but they speak very differently!
From history to nature to unusual traditions, there is so much that the UK has to offer that makes it one of a kind. This is just a glimpse into what makes the UK so special, so why not add it to your bucket list and experience some of these amazing facts firsthand?
Top Universities in the UK
1. University of Oxford
Ranked 1st in both the UK and globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, the University of Oxford continues to set the benchmark for academic excellence.
Located in the historic city of Oxford, this prestigious university offers world-class teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines. Oxford is renowned for its unique collegiate system, fostering a vibrant academic community, and has produced numerous notable alumni, including world leaders, scientists, and innovators.
2.University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge ranked 2nd in the UK and 5th globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Founded in 1209, Cambridge is one of the oldest and most distinguished universities in the world. Known for its rigorous academics, the university boasts groundbreaking research and a diverse community of scholars. Cambridge offers an unparalleled student experience in a picturesque setting.
3. Imperial College London
Ranked 3rd in the UK and 9th globally, Imperial College London stands out as one of the top institutions for science, engineering, and medicine.
Located in the heart of London, Imperial is known for its focus on innovation and interdisciplinary research. The university attracts students and faculty from around the world, offering a collaborative and dynamic learning environment.
4. UCL (University College London)
UCL is ranked 4th in the UK and tied at 22nd globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education rankings.
As a global leader in multidisciplinary education and research, UCL is located in the heart of London. The university is known for its pioneering research, diverse academic programs, and commitment to addressing global challenges.
5. University of Edinburgh
Ranked 5th in the UK and 29th globally, the University of Edinburgh is a top destination for international students seeking world-class education in Scotland.
Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest universities in the UK. It offers a rich academic tradition, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant student community in the historic city of Edinburgh.
Study in the UK
The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s best universities, offering diverse programs and unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. From historic campuses to cosmopolitan cities, the UK combines academic rigor with a vibrant cultural experience.
With post-study work opportunities and a globally recognized education system, the UK is a top choice for international students. Studying in an English-speaking environment provides a solid foundation for a successful career worldwide.
Explore universities and programs in the UK through the Global Admissions platform! Speak to our advisors today and begin your journey to a world-class education.