England: Explore Iconic Landmarks, Rich Traditions, and Stunning Countryside
Your Guide to 'Old Blighty'
Looking for information on England? We have put together this comprehensive guide including interesting facts, things to know before visiting, our blog posts, YouTube videos, and recommended places to visit. Learn about England's rich history and culture, from its iconic landmarks like Arundel Castle and Stonehenge to the famous Whitby Abbey. Discover the best places to see in major cities. Plan your itinerary with us; you'll have everything you need for the perfect trip to England.
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Our interactive map & guide to England
Check out all of the places we visited in England courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.
Wanderlog is a free travel planning app that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!
Here are 13 interesting facts about England. Some may just surprise you!
1. England is the largest and most populous country within the United Kingdom, occupying the southern and central part of the island of Great Britain. The population today stands at just over 56 million people, with 9.6 million living in the capital. The total population of the UK itself is just shy of 70 million.
2. The city of London is not only the capital of England, but is also one of the world's leading financial centers.
3. England is known for its rich history and has numerous historic landmarks, the most famous being Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument and UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. The English language originated in England and has become one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. What many people do not know is that French was the official language of England for about 300 years, from 1066 till 1362. When William the Conqueror, a Norman-French speaking duke, invaded England in 1066, he brought with him a large number of French-speaking nobles and administrators. These people settled in England and began to use French as the language of government, law, and culture.
Over time, English and French began to mix together, and a new language, Middle English, emerged. Middle English was heavily influenced by French, and many French words and phrases were incorporated into the language (how many can you spot?). By the 14th century, English had become the dominant language in England, and French had largely disappeared from everyday use.
5. England is famous for its royal family, perhaps the most famous of all being Queen Elizabeth II, who began her reign as monarch in 1952. She sadly passed on September 8th, 2022, making her the longest-serving head of state in British history at an incredible 70 years.
6. King Charles III is the current monarch, becoming the oldest new King in history at 74 years old. Owing to a tradition started by the party-mad King George II in 1748, he has 2 birthdays. He was born in November, when the weather is typically not good, and so also celebrates in June, when the sun is out!
7. The Industrial Revolution, which marked a significant shift in manufacturing and technology, began in England in the late 18th century, transforming the country into a major industrial power.
8. Football (soccer in North America) is England's most popular sport and is considered the birthplace of modern football. The Football Association, the world's oldest football governing body, was founded in England in 1863.
9. England is home to several renowned universities, including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, which are consistently ranked among the top universities globally. Only 8 years behind the University of Bologna in Italy (1088), they are the 2nd and 3rd oldest in the world, with Oxford having been founded in 1096, and Cambridge in 1209.
10. Traditional English cuisine includes iconic dishes such chicken tikka masala (curry), fish and chips, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, and the full English breakfast, consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, and toast.
11. England has a diverse cultural scene and has produced many influential figures in literature, such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and J.K. Rowling.
12. The London Underground, commonly known as the Tube, is the oldest underground railway network in the world, dating back to 1863. It currently spans over 250 miles (400 km), is the 4th largest in the world, and serves millions of passengers each day. Prior to the Covid pandemic, passenger levels hit a record 1.36billion (2019).
13. England has a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and relatively cool summers. However, the weather can be highly changeable, and it is often said that "if you don't like the weather in England, just wait five minutes." It is also renowned for experiencing a lot of rain and dark clouds throughout the year.
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Information
POPULATION
56.5 million
CAPITAL
London (9.6 million)
CURRENCY
Pound Sterling (GBP)
DRIVING
Left Side
TIME ZONE
GMT (UTC)
MEASUREMENTS
Standard Metric
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