Being an old and diverse land, it is not surprising there are a number of interesting facts about the UK. I decided to pick a few subjects and do a bit of internet research while sitting here in LockDown.

Not only did I find the interesting facts I was after, but I learnt a few things about the country too! You're never too old to learn!

Here are what I think are 8 interesting facts about the UK. I hope you find them interesting too!

According to Aglotopia, there are over 1,500 castles in the UK. Of course, these are in various states of existence, from ruins to ones that that still accept visitors, and indeed, ones where people still live. Take Windsor Castle for example. Still inhabited by the Queen and the Royals.

Windsor Castle is also one of the oldest, built around 1070. After a bit of internet research, it appears the newest castle was built, would you believe, in the 20th Century. Castle Drogo was started in 1910, and finished some 20 years later, in 1930.

This is one that most people probably already know, so maybe not really interesting fact, but thought I would add it in just in case.

Big Ben stands at the north end of the Houses of Parliament and was built in 1859.

The name Big Ben actually refers to the Bell inside the clock tower, not the clock itself.

So, when you are with someone, and they say from a distance, "Oh look, I can see Big Ben"...feel free to correct them.

And until 1997 you could climb on them. Writing about Castles got me thinking about other interesting facts about the UK with a historical perspective.

I thought that a list of interesting facts about the UK must include Stonehenge (previously owned by a distant relative of mine by the way). It is one of the most famous landmarks and tourist attractions in the UK.

Welcoming over one million visitors each year, it is believed the Stones have been around, in the current formation, since 1600BC. It is somewhat surprising then that until 1997 you could climb on them, but eventually, the excessive erosion caused them to be roped off, and only admired from a (close) distance.

This, I think is one of the most interesting facts about the UK. I already knew this, so was keen to include it.

Now, I am not going to pretend I have measured this, but using the good old internet once again, it would appear that somewhere near Cotton in the Elms, Derbyshire is the furthest point from the sea, and over 70 miles.

Our little island is pretty small in comparison to a lot of other countries. As a result, it is not surprising it is only 75 miles, but still,