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10 Fun facts about England: Cheese, Monarchs, and more!
Here are 10 fun facts about England that will have you wanting to travel to the Land of Roses.
From rolling hills to quaint villages, England is full of rich traditions, gorgeous locations, and surprises.
This blog covers 10 fun facts about England, from the Royal Family to the national dish, and from cheese sports to salmon laws. Keep reading to discover England’s curiosities that might eventually attract you to the Land of the Rose, and discover how to stay connected with an eSIM for the UK while you’re there!
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1. England’s official language was actually French from 1066 to 1362
For almost 300 years, the official language of England wasn’t English, it was French. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, French replaced English as the language of the royal court, the legal system, and the upper class for almost three centuries.
Even when English eventually reclaimed its place as the official language, the French influence in modern English is noticeable today.
2. There are more Indian restaurants in London than in Mumbai or New Delhi
Another cool fact about England is that the country’s capital is home to more Indian restaurants than major cities — Mumbai and New Delhi — in India itself! You’re more likely to spot Indian restaurants walking around in London than a traditional fish and chips shop, especially in places such as Brick Lane, Southall, and Ilford.
It serves as a reminder of England’s history with the subcontinent and how cultural influences have led to a gastronomical takeover in the English capital. You can find delicious aromas and burst of flavors all over the city. However, not every restaurant is worth visiting. In order to choose the best Indian restaurant in London, check out Google reviews before visiting. If you’re on vacation, you can connect to the internet through one of the best eSIMs for the UK.
3. Speaking of Asian influence, Chicken Tikka Masala is England’s national dish
This following fun fact about England might leave you craving some takeaway. Keeping in mind the subcontinent’s influence, the country’s national dish isn’t what you may think it is. Chicken tikka masala, despite its Indian origins, is widely considered the national dish in England and has become a staple in households across the United Kingdom.
While more traditional English food, such as roast dinners and afternoon teas, still has its place, chicken tikka masala’s popularity is undeniable in England and the UK.
4. Stonehenge is older than the Egyptian pyramids
One of the most interesting facts about England is that Stonehenge’s construction began around 3000 BC. It’s a mysterious circle of standing stones in southern England that is older than the pyramids in Egypt!
This prehistoric sequence of stones is actually one of the world’s ancient wonders. This unusual structure stood long before the Roman Empire reached England’s shores. People would gather here for reasons still debated by historians today.
5. Over 200 bridges cross the River Thames, while 20 tunnels exist underneath
The iconic River Thames is situated in the heart of England and winds through the capital city and beyond. A fun fact here is that over 200 bridges cross this famous river and connect historic landmarks to major cities. What’s even more interesting is the 20 tunnels that run underneath. They include the Greenwich Foot Tunnel for pedestrians and the Blackwall Tunnel for vehicles.
6. The London Underground’s escalators travel the circumference of the earth every week
Speaking of what lies beneath the surface, another fun fact about England relates to the London Underground. The 406 escalators in the London Underground travel a combined distance equal to the Earth’s circumference every single week — that’s 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles) from the escalators alone.
Navigating the London Underground can get confusing without mobile data, especially in those deep tunnels with limited signal. If you plan a trip to the United Kingdom, getting a local United Kingdom SIM card or an eSIM is your best bet to stay connected.
7. Cheese rolling is a sport
Among the weird facts about England is the passion of one county for an unusual sport: cheese rolling. Annual cheese rolling competitions are held at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire. The event involves pushing a massive wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down a steep hill, and participants have to chase after the cheese.
8. Handling salmon in suspicious circumstances is illegal
While it may sound bizarre, the Salmon Act 1986 makes it illegal to handle salmon in suspicious circumstances, a law intended to combat illegal salmon fishing. This means if anyone has reason to believe that salmon has been illegally fished or has come from an illegal source, you could get into trouble.
9. The monarchy is still the head of the state in England and the United Kingdom
One cool fact about England and the United Kingdom is that the country still has a monarch. Currently, that is King Charles III. However, while the King acts as the head of state, he can’t make or influence any rules in the United Kingdom. Additionally, the King is not allowed into the House of Commons, where politicians debate and set laws.
10. The longest reigning monarch in British history was Queen Elizabeth II, with her main home in England
Last but not least on our list of fun facts about England is Queen Elizabeth II, who became the longest-reigning monarch in British history, previously Queen Victoria. She resided mainly in Windsor Castle, one of the oldest and largest inhabited castles in the world.
She served for 70 years, from 1952 to 2022, and witnessed England undergo monumental changes. Among these changes were the end of the British Empire, the joining of the European Union, and, eventually, its departure.
Discover fun facts about England first-hand with Holafly
This blog couldn’t possibly cover all the fun facts about England — notable exclusions include the historic Summer Olympic Games, the famous Industrial Revolution, the origins of literary genius William Shakespeare, and the inventor of the world wide web, Tim-Berners Lee. England is full of curiosities and surprises at every corner, and there’s much to discover.
So why not experience it in person? Travel across England with Holafly’s eSIM for the UK and stay connected while you discover the country’s fascinating attractions. With unlimited data plans, you can ensure peace of mind on your travels and never worry about running out of data.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
