Travel the World: UK Cities Trivia

In 1960, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr formed the Beatles in the port city of Liverpool and changed music forever. Now, it's become a popular tourist destination for fans.

The Great Fire of London was a catastrophic fire that swept through parts of the city in 1666. The cost of the fire was estimated to be £10 million — the city's annual income was only £12,000!

Loch Ness is a 23-mile freshwater lake with dark waters due to the peat washed down from the hills. The first ever "Nessie" sighting dates back to 565 AD by St. Columba, an Irish monk.

Although J.R.R. Tolkien wasn't born in Birmingham, he spent most of his childhood there. The countryside from his youth had a significant influence on his work like "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings."

Oxford University is the oldest English-speaking university in the world dating back to the 1100s. Matthew Arnold coined the term "City of Dreaming Spire" in a poem after visiting the university.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the seaport city of Bristol imported sugar and cacao from colonies. These imports led to the rise of “sugar houses” and chocolate manufacturing.

Many of the stunning filming locations used in the hit HBO show, "Game of Thrones," were shot across Northern Ireland. The show is so popular there are tours are now offered from Belfast.

The largest city and the capital of Wales, Cardiff is an industrial city that is rising as a popular tourist destination. In 2011, Cardiff was named by National Geographic as one of the top 10 places to visit in the world.

Nottingham is located in the English Midlands region and most famous for its ties to the legend of Robin Hood. The thief with a heart of gold is a much celebrated icon in the area.

The prestigious Cambridge University was founded way back in 1209, making it the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world. It's also the fourth-oldest surviving university in the whole world!

The Scottish city of Aberdeen is called the "Granite City" dues to its granite architecture and local quarries. In the 1800s, Aberdeen was the granite capital of the world, but now it's more known for oil, research and technology.

Located in northwestern England, Manchester's professional football club, Manchester United Football Club, rakes in the crowds. The club first formed in 1878 and was later renamed to its current moniker in 1902.

Londonderry is Northern Ireland's second largest city but is often referred to simply as 'Derry' by locals. In 1613, 'London' was added to the name after King James I granted the city a royal charter.

During Jane Austen's time in the early 1800s, Bath was a thriving spa resort that was popular with fashionable society. Bath is featured in Austen's novels, "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion."

Founded in 1865, the City Varieties in Leeds is an ornate, restored Victorian music hall where you can catch a great show. Other notable performers there include Buster Keaton, Lilly Langtry and Mickey Rooney.

Located in Lancashire county in northwestern England, Preston's name is derived from 'Priest's Town.' The holy meaning behind the name suggests that there was an early settlement of religious origin in the Anglo-Saxon period.

Cardiff Castle in southeastern Wales has been providing shelter and safety since the 11th century. The castle was built on a former third-century Roman fort and later used as an air raid shelter during WWII.

Once synonymous with counterfeit coins, Brummagem is the local name and dialect for the city of Birmingham. Locals and the regional accent are known by the shortened name "Brummie."

Catch some of the biggest names in music at Glastonbury Festival, a five-day contemporary music festival that takes place near Pilton, Somerset, England. Originally called "Pilton Festival," it was created in 1970.

Bangor's beginnings date back to circa 500 B.C. during the late Bronze Age. Where once Vikings stormed the beaches, it's now a seaside resort town and home to the Royal Ulster Yacht Club.

In 1856, inventor Henry Bessemer’s tested and used his new method for steel production in a Sheffield factory. As a result, heavy steel industries greatly expanded in the city earning it the 'Steel City' nickname.

The Lace Market in Nottingham was once the hub of the British Empire's lace making industry. Now, the Lace Market's Victorian redbrick warehouses are home to hip pubs, restaurants and businesses.

Not only is Glasgow the largest city in Scotland, but it's also the third largest in the UK. Glasgow native Peter Capaldi played the 12th incarnation of the Doctor in "Doctor Who."

In 2012, London hosted the Olympic summer games and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II. London has previously hosted the Olympic Games in 1908 and 1948. The United States is the only other country that has hosted the Summer Olympics more than once.

Constructed around 70 AD., the Roman Baths in the city of Bath is a grand bathhouse complex that you can still take a dip. It's one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world and a World Heritage Site.

"The Canterbury Tales" was written by Geoffrey Chaucer between 1387 and 1400 as a collection of stories. Often studied in literature classes, it tells the story of a group of 30 pilgrims who travel to Canterbury.

John Cabot (originally 'Giovanni Caboto') gained a commission from King Henry VII and sailed from Bristol in 1497 to explore the new world. It's believed that he landed in Newfoundland, Cape Breton Island or southern Labrador.

Brush up on Scottish news, sports and politics with Scotland's oldest daily newspaper, The Press and Journal, based in Aberdeen. Established in 1747, it was originally called The Aberdeen Journal.

Liverpool's stately Anglican Cathedral was designed by Giles Gilbert Scott in 1904 and took 74 years to build. The city's second cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral, was designed by Frederick Gibberd after WWII.

Roald Dahl, the world-famous children’s book author, was born in Cardiff in 1916 and attended Oxford University. He was born to Norwegian immigrant parents and served in WWII as a fighter pilot.

Commonly referred to simply as 'Holyrood Palace,' it's the official royal residence in Scotland for the British monarch and was once home to Mary Queen of Scots. The palace was built in 1128 by David I, the King of Scots, and was initially a monastery.

The riverside city of Perth is located in central Scotland and sits on the River Tay. It was once Scotland's capital and the inspiration behind Sir Walter Scott's novel, "The Fair Maid of Perth."

"Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love" was written in the 1390s by Julian of Norwich and are considered a powerful work of English mysticism. Little is known about her before she became an anchoress, living in permanent seclusion.

Typically shortened to 'Llanfairpwll,' the village is located on the island of Anglesey in Wales. Comprised of 58 letters, it's the longest place name in the UK. It translates to “St. Mary’s Church in the hollow of the white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the cave.”

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, The Bingley Arms in Bardsey, Leeds, England is the oldest pub in the UK. The pub dates back over 1,000 years ago and continues to serve thirsty patrons.