The
Cold Facts About Britain
When most people think of Britain, they imagine tea, rain, and quaint villages. However, there is much more to this small island nation than meets the eye. Here are some cold facts about Britain that you may not have known.
1. Britain is one of the coldest countries in Europe
Despite its location in the relatively warm Gulf Stream, Britain can be quite chilly. In fact, the country experiences an average temperature of 10°C (50°F) in the winter months, which is similar to other countries further north, such as Canada and Norway.
2. The British love their ice cream
Despite the chilly temperatures, the British are the largest consumers of ice cream in Europe. They have a long-standing love affair with the treat, dating back to the 18th century when it was introduced to the country by Italian immigrants.
3. The world's oldest public park is in England
Located in the heart of London, St. James's Park was opened to the public in 1660 and is the oldest continuously operating public park in the world. It covers 23 hectares and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including pelicans.
4. Britain has an obsession with tea
The stereotype that the British are obsessed with tea is not entirely unfounded. The country drinks an estimated 165 million cups of tea every day, making it the second-largest tea consumer in the world (behind China).
5. Scotland has more than 600 square miles of glaciers
When most people think of Scotland, they imagine rolling hills and rugged coastline. However, the country is also home to a surprising number of glaciers. In fact, there are over 600 square miles of glaciers in Scotland, which is more than anywhere else in the United Kingdom.
6. The world's largest wind turbine is in England
Located in the Bristol Channel, the world's largest wind turbine stands at an impressive 260 meters tall and has a rotor diameter of 164 meters. It is capable of generating enough electricity to power 2,000 homes.
7. The longest pleasure pier in the world is in Southend-on-Sea
Stretching for 2.16 kilometers, Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world. The original pier was built in 1830 and has been extended multiple times since then.
In conclusion, Britain is a country with a rich history and many hidden surprises. From glaciers in Scotland to ice cream in London, there is always something new to discover in this fascinating land.