Religion and patron saints, sport, festivals, customs, the arts and famous landmarks. Below are practice questions with the answer and a plain-English explanation. Prefer to practise interactively with a timer? Take a free mock test.
Who is the patron saint of Scotland?
- A. St George
- B. St David
- C. St Andrew
- D. St Patrick
Answer: C. St Andrew
St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland; his day is 30 November.
On what date is St George's Day, celebrating the patron saint of England?
- A. 1 March
- B. 17 March
- C. 23 April
- D. 30 November
Answer: C. 23 April
St George's Day is 23 April. St David's (Wales) is 1 March, St Patrick's (NI) is 17 March, St Andrew's (Scotland) is 30 November.
Who is the patron saint of Wales?
- A. St George
- B. St David
- C. St Andrew
- D. St Patrick
Answer: B. St David
St David is the patron saint of Wales; St David's Day is 1 March.
St David's Day, the national day of Wales, is celebrated on:
- A. 1 March
- B. 17 March
- C. 23 April
- D. 30 November
Answer: A. 1 March
St David's Day is celebrated on 1 March.
St Patrick's Day, associated with Northern Ireland, falls on:
- A. 1 March
- B. 17 March
- C. 23 April
- D. 30 November
Answer: B. 17 March
St Patrick's Day is 17 March.
St Andrew's Day, the national day of Scotland, falls on:
- A. 1 March
- B. 23 April
- C. 30 November
- D. 5 November
Answer: C. 30 November
St Andrew's Day is 30 November.
What is the established (official) church in England?
- A. The Roman Catholic Church
- B. The Church of England
- C. The Church of Scotland
- D. The Methodist Church
Answer: B. The Church of England
The Church of England (Anglican) is the established church in England, and the monarch is its Supreme Governor.
The national church of Scotland, which is Presbyterian, is the:
- A. Church of England
- B. Church of Scotland
- C. Roman Catholic Church
- D. Society of Friends
Answer: B. Church of Scotland
The Church of Scotland is a Presbyterian church and is the national church of Scotland.
Which of these best reflects religion in the UK today?
- A. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism are all practised
- B. only Christianity is practised
- C. only Islam is practised
- D. no religions are practised
Answer: A. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism are all practised
The UK is religiously diverse: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism are all practised.
Religious buildings in the UK include churches, mosques, synagogues and:
- A. casinos
- B. gurdwaras and temples
- C. gyms only
- D. libraries only
Answer: B. gurdwaras and temples
The UK is religiously diverse; there are churches, mosques, gurdwaras (Sikh), Hindu temples and synagogues across the country.
The patron saint of England is:
- A. St George
- B. St Andrew
- C. St David
- D. St Patrick
Answer: A. St George
St George is the patron saint of England; his day is celebrated on 23 April.
St George's Day, the national day of England, is celebrated on:
- A. 23 April
- B. 1 March
- C. 30 November
- D. 17 March
Answer: A. 23 April
St George is the patron saint of England and St George's Day is celebrated on 23 April.
St Andrew's Day, Scotland's national day, falls on:
- A. 30 November
- B. 1 March
- C. 23 April
- D. 25 December
Answer: A. 30 November
St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland; St Andrew's Day is on 30 November.
St Patrick is the patron saint of:
- A. Northern Ireland
- B. England
- C. Scotland
- D. Wales
Answer: A. Northern Ireland
St Patrick is the patron saint of Northern Ireland; St Patrick's Day is celebrated on 17 March.
The official, or established, church of England is the:
- A. Church of England
- B. Roman Catholic Church
- C. Church of Scotland
- D. Methodist Church
Answer: A. Church of England
The Church of England (Anglican) is the established church in England; the monarch is its head.
The head of the Church of England is the:
- A. monarch
- B. Pope
- C. Prime Minister
- D. Archbishop of York
Answer: A. monarch
The monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
The spiritual leader of the Church of England is the:
- A. Archbishop of Canterbury
- B. Pope
- C. Moderator
- D. Chief Rabbi
Answer: A. Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the most senior bishop and spiritual leader of the Church of England.
The national church of Scotland is the:
- A. Church of Scotland (Presbyterian)
- B. Church of England
- C. Roman Catholic Church
- D. Quaker Society
Answer: A. Church of Scotland (Presbyterian)
The Church of Scotland, a Presbyterian church, is the national church in Scotland.
According to the census, the largest religion in the UK has traditionally been:
- A. Christianity
- B. Islam
- C. Hinduism
- D. Judaism
Answer: A. Christianity
Christianity has historically been the largest religion in the UK, though many people have no religion.
Which saint's day is celebrated on 17 March?
- A. St Patrick
- B. St George
- C. St David
- D. St Andrew
Answer: A. St Patrick
St Patrick's Day, 17 March, celebrates the patron saint of Northern Ireland.
What is celebrated on 5 November in the UK?
- A. Remembrance Day
- B. Bonfire Night
- C. Boxing Day
- D. May Day
Answer: B. Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night (5 November) marks the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. People let off fireworks and light bonfires.
What flower do people traditionally wear to mark Remembrance Day on 11 November?
- A. A rose
- B. A daffodil
- C. A poppy
- D. A thistle
Answer: C. A poppy
People wear a poppy on Remembrance Day (11 November) to remember those who died fighting for the UK and its allies.
On what date is Christmas Day celebrated?
- A. 24 December
- B. 25 December
- C. 26 December
- D. 1 January
Answer: B. 25 December
Christmas Day, celebrated by Christians, is on 25 December.
The public holiday on 26 December is known as:
- A. New Year's Day
- B. Boxing Day
- C. Easter Monday
- D. May Day
Answer: B. Boxing Day
Boxing Day, on 26 December, is a public holiday in the UK.
Diwali, celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, is also known as the festival of:
- A. water
- B. lights
- C. harvest
- D. spring
Answer: B. lights
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, often with candles and fireworks.
In Scotland, the celebration of the New Year is known as:
- A. Hogmanay
- B. Eisteddfod
- C. Vaisakhi
- D. May Day
Answer: A. Hogmanay
Hogmanay is the Scottish celebration of New Year, and is often a bigger event than Christmas in Scotland.
Easter is a Christian festival celebrating the:
- A. birth of Jesus
- B. resurrection of Jesus
- C. new year
- D. harvest
Answer: B. resurrection of Jesus
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important Christian festivals.
Eid al-Fitr is a festival celebrated by:
- A. Christians
- B. Muslims
- C. Hindus
- D. Sikhs
Answer: B. Muslims
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
Vaisakhi (Baisakhi) is a festival celebrated by:
- A. Jewish people
- B. Sikhs
- C. Buddhists
- D. Christians
Answer: B. Sikhs
Vaisakhi is a Sikh festival celebrated in April.
Hanukkah is a festival celebrated by the:
- A. Hindu community
- B. Jewish community
- C. Muslim community
- D. Buddhist community
Answer: B. Jewish community
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival of lights, usually celebrated in winter.
Valentine's Day, when people send cards to those they love, is on:
- A. 1 February
- B. 14 February
- C. 1 March
- D. 14 March
Answer: B. 14 February
Valentine's Day is celebrated on 14 February.
Halloween is celebrated on:
- A. 5 November
- B. 31 October
- C. 1 November
- D. 31 December
Answer: B. 31 October
Halloween, on 31 October, is an ancient festival now often marked by children dressing in costumes.
Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) comes just before the Christian period of:
- A. Advent
- B. Lent
- C. Christmas
- D. Easter Monday
Answer: B. Lent
Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, is the day before the start of Lent.
A traditional Sunday meal in many British homes is the:
- A. fish supper
- B. Sunday roast
- C. full English breakfast
- D. ploughman's lunch
Answer: B. Sunday roast
The Sunday roast - roast meat with vegetables - is a traditional British family meal.
Which dish is a traditional British takeaway food?
- A. Fish and chips
- B. Sushi
- C. Tacos
- D. Pasta
Answer: A. Fish and chips
Fish and chips is one of the most well-known traditional British dishes.
The Chelsea Flower Show, held each year in London, is famous for displays of:
- A. cars
- B. gardens and flowers
- C. paintings
- D. racehorses
Answer: B. gardens and flowers
The Chelsea Flower Show is a famous annual gardening and flower event held in London.
In Scotland, a celebration held on 25 January in honour of the national poet is called:
- A. Hogmanay
- B. Burns Night
- C. St Andrew's Day
- D. May Day
Answer: B. Burns Night
Burns Night, on 25 January, celebrates the Scottish poet Robert Burns with a traditional supper.
New Year's Day, a public holiday, falls on:
- A. 31 December
- B. 1 January
- C. 6 January
- D. 1 February
Answer: B. 1 January
New Year's Day, 1 January, is a public holiday across the UK.
Public holidays such as Christmas Day and Easter Monday are also known as:
- A. saints' days
- B. bank holidays
- C. feast days
- D. fair days
Answer: B. bank holidays
Public holidays in the UK are commonly called bank holidays.
On which day do people traditionally play jokes on each other until midday?
- A. 1 April
- B. 1 May
- C. 5 November
- D. 31 December
Answer: A. 1 April
1 April is April Fools' Day, when people play tricks on each other until noon.
Mothering Sunday (Mother's Day) is celebrated:
- A. on 1 March
- B. three weeks before Easter
- C. on the first Sunday in June
- D. on 25 December
Answer: B. three weeks before Easter
Mothering Sunday is held three weeks before Easter.
Father's Day is celebrated on:
- A. the first Sunday in May
- B. the third Sunday in June
- C. 1 March
- D. 11 November
Answer: B. the third Sunday in June
Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
On Christmas Day, many British families traditionally eat:
- A. roast turkey
- B. fish and chips
- C. curry
- D. pasta
Answer: A. roast turkey
Roast turkey with vegetables is a traditional Christmas Day meal in the UK.
A pantomime is a type of family show traditionally performed around:
- A. Easter
- B. Christmas
- C. Halloween
- D. Midsummer
Answer: B. Christmas
Pantomimes are comic family shows traditionally staged around Christmas.
Which of these is a very popular pastime in the UK?
- A. gardening
- B. bullfighting
- C. sumo wrestling
- D. ice hockey
Answer: A. gardening
Gardening is a very popular pastime in the UK.
Haggis is a traditional dish from:
- A. England
- B. Scotland
- C. Wales
- D. Northern Ireland
Answer: B. Scotland
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish, often eaten on Burns Night.
Trooping the Colour is an annual ceremony to mark:
- A. the start of summer
- B. the monarch's official birthday
- C. the harvest
- D. the new year
Answer: B. the monarch's official birthday
Trooping the Colour is a military parade in London marking the monarch's official birthday.
The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree in the UK was popularised by:
- A. Prince Albert
- B. Queen Victoria herself
- C. Henry VIII
- D. Winston Churchill
Answer: A. Prince Albert
Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's German-born husband, helped popularise the Christmas tree in Britain.
Good Friday is the Friday before which Christian festival?
- A. Christmas
- B. Easter
- C. Whitsun
- D. Lent
Answer: B. Easter
Good Friday, when Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus, falls in the week before Easter Sunday.
The Highland Games, traditional events in Scotland, feature activities such as:
- A. tossing the caber and bagpipes
- B. ice skating
- C. sumo wrestling
- D. bullfighting
Answer: A. tossing the caber and bagpipes
The Highland Games are traditional Scottish events featuring activities such as 'tossing the caber' and bagpipe music.
Christmas Day, a Christian festival, is celebrated on:
- A. 25 December
- B. 1 January
- C. 5 November
- D. 31 October
Answer: A. 25 December
Christmas Day on 25 December celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a public holiday.
The day after Christmas Day, 26 December, is known as:
- A. Boxing Day
- B. New Year's Day
- C. Good Friday
- D. Hogmanay
Answer: A. Boxing Day
Boxing Day, 26 December, is a public holiday in the UK.
Diwali, celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, is also known as the:
- A. festival of lights
- B. festival of the harvest
- C. festival of water
- D. festival of snow
Answer: A. festival of lights
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated each autumn by Hindus and Sikhs.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of:
- A. Ramadan
- B. Lent
- C. Diwali
- D. Hanukkah
Answer: A. Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and is celebrated by Muslims.
Bonfire Night, with fireworks on 5 November, remembers the:
- A. Gunpowder Plot of 1605
- B. Great Fire of London
- C. Battle of Britain
- D. signing of Magna Carta
Answer: A. Gunpowder Plot of 1605
Bonfire Night on 5 November remembers the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
On Remembrance Day, 11 November, many people wear a:
- A. poppy
- B. rose
- C. daffodil
- D. thistle
Answer: A. poppy
Poppies are worn around Remembrance Day, 11 November, to remember those who died in wars.
Hogmanay is the name given in Scotland to the celebration of:
- A. New Year
- B. Easter
- C. Christmas
- D. Harvest
Answer: A. New Year
Hogmanay is the Scottish celebration of New Year's Eve and is a major festival in Scotland.
Easter is a Christian festival that celebrates the:
- A. resurrection of Jesus
- B. birth of Jesus
- C. new year
- D. harvest
Answer: A. resurrection of Jesus
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important Christian festivals.
The 40-day Christian period before Easter is called:
- A. Lent
- B. Advent
- C. Ramadan
- D. Diwali
Answer: A. Lent
Lent is the period of about 40 days leading up to Easter, traditionally a time of fasting and reflection.
Shrove Tuesday, just before Lent, is popularly known as:
- A. Pancake Day
- B. Boxing Day
- C. May Day
- D. Bonfire Night
Answer: A. Pancake Day
Shrove Tuesday is commonly called Pancake Day, when people traditionally eat pancakes.
Christmas Day celebrates the:
- A. birth of Jesus Christ
- B. resurrection of Jesus
- C. arrival of spring
- D. end of the harvest
Answer: A. birth of Jesus Christ
Christmas Day, 25 December, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
On New Year's Eve, the Scottish celebration is known as:
- A. Hogmanay
- B. Eisteddfod
- C. Diwali
- D. Vaisakhi
Answer: A. Hogmanay
Hogmanay is the Scottish name for New Year's Eve celebrations.
Burns Night, held on 25 January, celebrates the poet:
- A. Robert Burns
- B. William Shakespeare
- C. William Wordsworth
- D. Dylan Thomas
Answer: A. Robert Burns
Burns Night celebrates the Scottish poet Robert Burns, often with a meal of haggis.
On 14 February each year, people in the UK celebrate:
- A. Valentine's Day
- B. April Fool's Day
- C. Boxing Day
- D. May Day
Answer: A. Valentine's Day
St Valentine's Day, on 14 February, is when people send cards to those they love.
Which celebration, marked with costumes and pumpkins, falls on 31 October?
- A. Halloween
- B. Bonfire Night
- C. Hogmanay
- D. Diwali
Answer: A. Halloween
Halloween, on 31 October, has ancient origins and is marked with costumes and pumpkins.
The Hindu and Sikh festival of lights is called:
- A. Diwali
- B. Eid
- C. Hanukkah
- D. Vaisakhi
Answer: A. Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs in the autumn.
Vaisakhi is an important festival celebrated by:
- A. Sikhs
- B. Buddhists
- C. Jewish people
- D. Christians
Answer: A. Sikhs
Vaisakhi is a Sikh festival celebrated in April, marking the founding of the Khalsa.
The large Caribbean street festival held in London each August is the:
- A. Notting Hill Carnival
- B. Edinburgh Festival
- C. Glastonbury Festival
- D. Proms
Answer: A. Notting Hill Carnival
The Notting Hill Carnival in London celebrates Caribbean culture each August.
A traditional Sunday family meal in many UK homes is the:
- A. Sunday roast
- B. midnight fish and chips
- C. full English at dinner
- D. afternoon tea only
Answer: A. Sunday roast
The 'Sunday roast' - roast meat with vegetables - is a traditional family meal.
Which famous tennis tournament is held in London every year?
- A. The Open Championship
- B. Wimbledon
- C. The Grand National
- D. The Ashes
Answer: B. Wimbledon
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is held in London each year.
Which is the most popular sport in the UK?
- A. Cricket
- B. Football
- C. Golf
- D. Tennis
Answer: B. Football
Football is the UK's most popular sport, with a long history and famous leagues.
'The Ashes' is a famous cricket competition played between England and:
- A. Scotland
- B. Australia
- C. India
- D. Wales
Answer: B. Australia
The Ashes is a famous test cricket series played between England and Australia.
The town of St Andrews in Scotland is regarded as the home of which sport?
- A. Tennis
- B. Golf
- C. Rugby
- D. Rowing
Answer: B. Golf
Golf began in Scotland, and St Andrews is known as the 'home of golf'.
The Grand National is a famous annual event in which sport?
- A. Motor racing
- B. Horse racing
- C. Sailing
- D. Cycling
Answer: B. Horse racing
The Grand National is a well-known horse race held each year at Aintree.
The Six Nations Championship is a competition in which sport?
- A. Football
- B. Rugby union
- C. Cricket
- D. Hockey
Answer: B. Rugby union
The Six Nations is an annual rugby union competition between England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy.
The FA Cup is a famous competition in which sport?
- A. Cricket
- B. Football
- C. Tennis
- D. Golf
Answer: B. Football
The FA Cup is a knockout football competition, one of the oldest in the world.
Rugby has two main forms: rugby union and rugby:
- A. league
- B. cup
- C. county
- D. national
Answer: A. league
The two main forms of rugby are rugby union and rugby league.
The British Grand Prix, a Formula 1 motor race, is held at:
- A. Wembley
- B. Silverstone
- C. Lord's
- D. Wimbledon
Answer: B. Silverstone
The British Grand Prix takes place at the Silverstone circuit.
'The Open Championship' is a major competition in which sport?
- A. tennis
- B. golf
- C. cricket
- D. rowing
Answer: B. golf
The Open Championship is one of golf's most important tournaments.
The modern Olympic Games have been held in London in 2012 and also in:
- A. 1908 and 1948
- B. 1936 and 1966
- C. 1900 and 1920
- D. 1980 and 2000
Answer: A. 1908 and 1948
London has hosted the Olympic Games three times: in 1908, 1948 and 2012.
Sir Roger Bannister was the first man to run a mile in under:
- A. three minutes
- B. four minutes
- C. five minutes
- D. six minutes
Answer: B. four minutes
In 1954 Sir Roger Bannister became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes.
Sir Steve Redgrave won gold medals at five Olympic Games in which sport?
- A. cycling
- B. rowing
- C. athletics
- D. swimming
Answer: B. rowing
Sir Steve Redgrave won rowing gold medals at five consecutive Olympic Games.
England won the football World Cup in:
- A. 1948
- B. 1966
- C. 1986
- D. 2002
Answer: B. 1966
England won the football World Cup in 1966, captained by Bobby Moore.
The top division of professional football in England is the:
- A. Premier League
- B. Six Nations
- C. Grand National
- D. County Championship
Answer: A. Premier League
The Premier League is the top division of English professional football.
The annual 'Boat Race' is contested between the universities of:
- A. Oxford and Cambridge
- B. London and Manchester
- C. Edinburgh and Glasgow
- D. Cardiff and Swansea
Answer: A. Oxford and Cambridge
The Boat Race is a rowing contest between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Royal Ascot is a famous annual event in which sport?
- A. horse racing
- B. sailing
- C. tennis
- D. cricket
Answer: A. horse racing
Royal Ascot is a well-known horse racing event.
Snooker, played on a cloth-covered table with coloured balls, is a popular ___ in the UK.
- A. card game
- B. televised sport
- C. board game
- D. outdoor sport
Answer: B. televised sport
Snooker is a popular indoor sport in the UK and is widely shown on television.
Which sport, played with a shuttlecock, was developed in Britain?
- A. badminton
- B. baseball
- C. ice hockey
- D. handball
Answer: A. badminton
Badminton developed in England in the 19th century and is named after Badminton House.
The sport of cricket originated in:
- A. Australia
- B. England
- C. India
- D. South Africa
Answer: B. England
Cricket originated in England and is one of the country's traditional summer sports.
Henley Royal Regatta, held each year on the River Thames, is a famous event in which sport?
- A. rowing
- B. sailing
- C. cycling
- D. swimming
Answer: A. rowing
Henley Royal Regatta is a famous annual rowing competition held on the River Thames.
Rugby is particularly popular in which UK country, with a strong national team?
- A. England only
- B. Wales
- C. Northern Ireland only
- D. none of the four
Answer: B. Wales
Rugby is especially strong in Wales, which has a famous national rugby union team.
Sir Francis Chichester was famous for sailing single-handed:
- A. across the English Channel
- B. around the world
- C. across a lake
- D. along the Thames
Answer: B. around the world
Sir Francis Chichester sailed single-handed around the world in 1966-67, an extraordinary feat of seamanship.
The London Marathon, one of the world's most famous races, is held each year in:
- A. Birmingham
- B. London
- C. Manchester
- D. Leeds
Answer: B. London
The London Marathon is held each spring on the streets of London.
The famous tennis championship held in London each summer is:
- A. Wimbledon
- B. the Open
- C. the Grand National
- D. the Ashes
Answer: A. Wimbledon
The Wimbledon Championships is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is held in London.
The Ashes is a famous cricket competition between England and:
- A. Australia
- B. France
- C. Scotland
- D. India
Answer: A. Australia
The Ashes is a test cricket series played between England and Australia.
The Grand National, a well-known annual event, is a:
- A. horse race
- B. rowing race
- C. golf tournament
- D. car race
Answer: A. horse race
The Grand National is a famous horse race held each year at Aintree near Liverpool.
The annual Boat Race on the River Thames is contested between the universities of:
- A. Oxford and Cambridge
- B. London and Manchester
- C. Edinburgh and Glasgow
- D. Cardiff and Swansea
Answer: A. Oxford and Cambridge
The Boat Race is a rowing contest held each year on the River Thames between Oxford and Cambridge universities.
The famous cricket ground in London known as the 'home of cricket' is:
- A. Lord's
- B. Wembley
- C. Twickenham
- D. Wimbledon
Answer: A. Lord's
Lord's in London is one of the most famous cricket grounds and is called the home of cricket.
England won the Rugby World Cup in which year?
- A. 2003
- B. 1966
- C. 1990
- D. 2012
Answer: A. 2003
England won the Rugby Union World Cup in 2003.
England's national football team won the FIFA World Cup in:
- A. 1966
- B. 2003
- C. 1948
- D. 1980
Answer: A. 1966
England won the football World Cup in 1966, hosted on home soil.
The UK hosted the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in London in:
- A. 2012
- B. 2000
- C. 2008
- D. 2016
Answer: A. 2012
London hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.
Sir Mo Farah is a famous British athlete in which sport?
- A. long-distance running
- B. swimming
- C. cycling
- D. boxing
Answer: A. long-distance running
Sir Mo Farah is a celebrated British long-distance runner and multiple Olympic gold medallist.
Which Briton first ran a mile in under four minutes, in 1954?
- A. Sir Roger Bannister
- B. Sir Steve Redgrave
- C. Sir Chris Hoy
- D. Sir Bradley Wiggins
Answer: A. Sir Roger Bannister
Sir Roger Bannister was the first person to run a mile in under four minutes, in 1954.
Sir Steve Redgrave won gold at five Olympic Games in which sport?
- A. rowing
- B. cycling
- C. sailing
- D. athletics
Answer: A. rowing
Sir Steve Redgrave won rowing gold medals at five consecutive Olympic Games.
The famous horse race held each year at Aintree is the:
- A. Grand National
- B. Derby
- C. Boat Race
- D. Open
Answer: A. Grand National
The Grand National is a well-known horse race held at Aintree near Liverpool.
The famous clock tower at the Houses of Parliament, often called 'Big Ben', is officially the:
- A. London Eye
- B. Elizabeth Tower
- C. Shard
- D. Monument
Answer: B. Elizabeth Tower
'Big Ben' is really the great bell inside the tower; the tower itself was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012.
The Eisteddfod is a traditional festival of music and poetry held in:
- A. England
- B. Wales
- C. Scotland
- D. Northern Ireland
Answer: B. Wales
The Eisteddfod is a long-standing Welsh festival celebrating music, poetry and performance.
The famous arts festival held each year in the Scottish capital is the:
- A. Eisteddfod
- B. Edinburgh Festival
- C. Notting Hill Carnival
- D. Glastonbury Festival
Answer: B. Edinburgh Festival
The Edinburgh Festival takes place every summer in Edinburgh and includes the famous Fringe.
The BBC Proms is a series of:
- A. football matches
- B. classical music concerts
- C. horse races
- D. art exhibitions
Answer: B. classical music concerts
The Proms is an eight-week season of classical music concerts held mainly in London.
The Turner Prize is awarded for:
- A. poetry
- B. contemporary art
- C. film
- D. music
Answer: B. contemporary art
The Turner Prize is a well-known award for contemporary visual art.
J.K. Rowling is the author of which famous series of books?
- A. Sherlock Holmes
- B. Harry Potter
- C. Lord of the Rings
- D. James Bond
Answer: B. Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books, which have been read all over the world.
William Wordsworth is remembered as a famous British:
- A. scientist
- B. poet
- C. explorer
- D. politician
Answer: B. poet
William Wordsworth was a famous Romantic poet, known for poems about nature such as 'Daffodils'.
Snowdonia, a national park famous for its mountains, is in:
- A. England
- B. Wales
- C. Scotland
- D. Northern Ireland
Answer: B. Wales
Snowdonia is a national park in Wales, home to the mountain Snowdon.
Edward Elgar is famous as a British:
- A. painter
- B. composer
- C. novelist
- D. architect
Answer: B. composer
Sir Edward Elgar was a celebrated British composer.
The West End of London is famous for its:
- A. theatres
- B. beaches
- C. mountains
- D. vineyards
Answer: A. theatres
London's West End is famous for its many theatres.
William Shakespeare was born in the town of:
- A. Stratford-upon-Avon
- B. Canterbury
- C. Oxford
- D. Bath
Answer: A. Stratford-upon-Avon
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon.
John Constable and J.M.W. Turner were famous British:
- A. composers
- B. painters
- C. poets
- D. scientists
Answer: B. painters
Constable and Turner were among the most famous British landscape painters.
Famous art galleries in London include the National Gallery and the:
- A. Tate
- B. Globe
- C. O2
- D. Senedd
Answer: A. Tate
The Tate galleries, along with the National Gallery, are famous London art collections.
Charles Dickens, author of 'Oliver Twist' and 'A Christmas Carol', was a famous:
- A. scientist
- B. novelist
- C. explorer
- D. composer
Answer: B. novelist
Charles Dickens was one of the most famous British novelists of the Victorian era.
Jane Austen wrote which famous novel?
- A. Pride and Prejudice
- B. Oliver Twist
- C. Hamlet
- D. Frankenstein
Answer: A. Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen's best-known novels include 'Pride and Prejudice'.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created which famous fictional detective?
- A. Hercule Poirot
- B. Sherlock Holmes
- C. James Bond
- D. Robin Hood
Answer: B. Sherlock Holmes
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created the detective Sherlock Holmes.
Dylan Thomas was a famous poet from:
- A. England
- B. Wales
- C. Scotland
- D. Ireland
Answer: B. Wales
Dylan Thomas was a celebrated Welsh poet.
The Brontë sisters - Charlotte, Emily and Anne - were famous British:
- A. painters
- B. novelists
- C. scientists
- D. composers
Answer: B. novelists
The Brontë sisters were famous novelists, writing works such as 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights'.
The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is funded mainly by:
- A. advertising
- B. the TV licence fee
- C. the government directly
- D. ticket sales
Answer: B. the TV licence fee
The BBC is funded mainly through the television licence fee paid by households.
Protected areas of countryside where people can enjoy nature are called:
- A. national parks
- B. city centres
- C. industrial zones
- D. Crown dependencies
Answer: A. national parks
National parks are protected areas of countryside for people to enjoy.
Stonehenge and the Tower of London are examples of UK:
- A. World Heritage Sites
- B. national parks
- C. Crown dependencies
- D. royal palaces only
Answer: A. World Heritage Sites
Stonehenge and the Tower of London are among the UK's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The London Eye, on the South Bank of the Thames, is a large:
- A. clock tower
- B. observation wheel
- C. cathedral
- D. bridge
Answer: B. observation wheel
The London Eye is a giant observation wheel beside the River Thames.
The Crown Jewels are kept at:
- A. Buckingham Palace
- B. the Tower of London
- C. Westminster Abbey
- D. Edinburgh Castle
Answer: B. the Tower of London
The Crown Jewels are kept and displayed at the Tower of London.
The official London residence of the monarch is:
- A. 10 Downing Street
- B. Buckingham Palace
- C. the Tower of London
- D. the Houses of Parliament
Answer: B. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the monarch's official residence in London.
The legendary 'Loch Ness Monster' is associated with:
- A. Wales
- B. Scotland
- C. Cornwall
- D. Kent
Answer: B. Scotland
The legend of the Loch Ness Monster ('Nessie') is associated with Loch Ness in Scotland.
The Notting Hill Carnival, celebrating Caribbean culture, takes place in:
- A. Birmingham
- B. London
- C. Manchester
- D. Bristol
Answer: B. London
The Notting Hill Carnival is a celebration of Caribbean culture held in London each year.
Wales has a particularly strong tradition of:
- A. ice skating
- B. singing and male voice choirs
- C. surfing
- D. skiing
Answer: B. singing and male voice choirs
Wales has a strong musical tradition, including its famous male voice choirs.
Glastonbury is a famous British festival of:
- A. classical music
- B. contemporary and pop music
- C. poetry
- D. film
Answer: B. contemporary and pop music
Glastonbury is one of the UK's largest festivals of contemporary and popular music.
Tower Bridge, with its two distinctive towers and raised central spans, is in:
- A. Edinburgh
- B. London
- C. Cardiff
- D. Belfast
Answer: B. London
Tower Bridge is a famous Victorian landmark crossing the River Thames in London.
Roald Dahl, author of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', wrote mainly for:
- A. children
- B. scientists
- C. politicians
- D. historians
Answer: A. children
Roald Dahl is a famous British author best known for his children's books.
The Royal Opera House is located at Covent Garden in:
- A. Manchester
- B. London
- C. Cardiff
- D. Edinburgh
Answer: B. London
The Royal Opera House, in Covent Garden, London, is a leading venue for opera and ballet.
The Last Night of the Proms, ending the BBC Proms season, is famous for:
- A. fireworks only
- B. patriotic music and singing
- C. silent reflection
- D. ballet performances
Answer: B. patriotic music and singing
The Last Night of the Proms is a popular concert featuring patriotic British music and audience singing.
Henry Moore was a famous British:
- A. novelist
- B. sculptor
- C. composer
- D. architect
Answer: B. sculptor
Henry Moore was one of Britain's best-known sculptors, famous for his abstract bronze figures.
The Booker Prize (the Man Booker Prize) is awarded for excellence in:
- A. science
- B. fiction (literature)
- C. film
- D. painting
Answer: B. fiction (literature)
The Booker Prize is one of the most important awards for fiction written in English.
The British Museum, with its huge collection of world artefacts, is in:
- A. Manchester
- B. London
- C. Edinburgh
- D. Cardiff
Answer: B. London
The British Museum, in London, houses a vast collection of artefacts from around the world.
Gustav Holst, composer of 'The Planets', was a famous British:
- A. painter
- B. composer
- C. poet
- D. architect
Answer: B. composer
Gustav Holst was a British composer best known for his orchestral suite 'The Planets'.
Robert Burns, who wrote 'Auld Lang Syne', is a national poet of:
- A. Scotland
- B. England
- C. Wales
- D. Northern Ireland
Answer: A. Scotland
Robert Burns is Scotland's best-known poet; his life is celebrated on Burns Night, 25 January.
Which author wrote novels such as 'Oliver Twist' and 'Great Expectations'?
- A. Charles Dickens
- B. William Wordsworth
- C. Agatha Christie
- D. Jane Austen
Answer: A. Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens was a famous Victorian novelist whose works include Oliver Twist and Great Expectations.
The Proms is an annual series of concerts in London featuring mainly:
- A. classical music
- B. folk dancing
- C. horse racing
- D. stand-up comedy
Answer: A. classical music
The Proms is a series of classical music concerts held over several weeks each summer, ending with the Last Night of the Proms.
The Tower of London, a historic fortress, is home to the:
- A. Crown Jewels
- B. Houses of Parliament
- C. National Gallery
- D. London Eye
Answer: A. Crown Jewels
The Tower of London houses the Crown Jewels and is guarded by the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters).
The Giant's Causeway, a natural landmark of unusual rock columns, is located in:
- A. Northern Ireland
- B. Wales
- C. the south of England
- D. central Scotland
Answer: A. Northern Ireland
The Giant's Causeway is a famous landmark on the north-east coast of Northern Ireland.
Which author created the detective Sherlock Holmes?
- A. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- B. Charles Dickens
- C. Agatha Christie
- D. Jane Austen
Answer: A. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created the detective Sherlock Holmes.
Jane Austen is the author of which famous novel?
- A. Pride and Prejudice
- B. Oliver Twist
- C. Jane Eyre
- D. Hamlet
Answer: A. Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen wrote 'Pride and Prejudice' and other classic novels.
The novels 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights' were written by which sisters?
- A. the Brontë sisters
- B. the Pankhursts
- C. the Mitfords
- D. the Spice Girls
Answer: A. the Brontë sisters
Charlotte and Emily Brontë wrote 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights' respectively.
Which is one of the most prestigious UK awards for a novel?
- A. the Booker Prize
- B. the Turner Prize
- C. the Mercury Prize
- D. the BAFTA
Answer: A. the Booker Prize
The Booker Prize is awarded each year for the best novel written in English.
The Turner Prize for modern art is named after the painter:
- A. J. M. W. Turner
- B. John Constable
- C. Henry Moore
- D. David Hockney
Answer: A. J. M. W. Turner
The Turner Prize is named after the great landscape painter J. M. W. Turner.
John Constable and J. M. W. Turner were famous British:
- A. painters
- B. composers
- C. architects
- D. actors
Answer: A. painters
Constable and Turner were celebrated British landscape painters.
Henry Moore is best known as a British:
- A. sculptor
- B. novelist
- C. film director
- D. singer
Answer: A. sculptor
Henry Moore was a famous British sculptor known for large abstract bronze figures.
The orchestral suite 'The Planets' was composed by:
- A. Gustav Holst
- B. Edward Elgar
- C. Henry Purcell
- D. Benjamin Britten
Answer: A. Gustav Holst
Gustav Holst composed the orchestral suite 'The Planets'.
The season of classical concerts ending with the 'Last Night' is the:
- A. Proms
- B. Eisteddfod
- C. Mercury Prize
- D. Mardi Gras
Answer: A. Proms
The BBC Proms is a season of classical concerts, ending with the famous Last Night of the Proms.
Which group from Liverpool became one of the world's most famous pop bands in the 1960s?
- A. The Beatles
- B. The Rolling Stones
- C. Queen
- D. Oasis
Answer: A. The Beatles
The Beatles, from Liverpool, became hugely popular in the 1960s and beyond.
Sir Christopher Wren designed which London cathedral, rebuilt after the Great Fire?
- A. St Paul's Cathedral
- B. Westminster Abbey
- C. Canterbury Cathedral
- D. York Minster
Answer: A. St Paul's Cathedral
Sir Christopher Wren designed St Paul's Cathedral, rebuilt after the Great Fire of London.
The giant observation wheel on the South Bank of the Thames is the:
- A. London Eye
- B. Big Ben
- C. Millennium Dome
- D. Shard
Answer: A. London Eye
The London Eye is a giant observation wheel beside the Thames in London.
The BBC is funded mainly through:
- A. the TV licence fee
- B. advertising
- C. the National Lottery
- D. church collections
Answer: A. the TV licence fee
The BBC is a public service broadcaster funded mainly by the television licence fee.
Which clay-animation duo were created by Nick Park?
- A. Wallace and Gromit
- B. Tom and Jerry
- C. Mickey and Minnie
- D. Bert and Ernie
Answer: A. Wallace and Gromit
Nick Park created the popular animated characters Wallace and Gromit.