Ten Culture Shocks For Tourists in England
Greetings from London! Today I’m sharing some of the things that shock tourists in England for the first time. If you’re planning an England vacation, read through these ten shocks and you’ll be better prepared!
England Tip #1: English are Polite & Proper
You will be shocked at how many times you hear “sorry, please, thank you” while you are in England. The English really mind their P’s and Q’s. There’s a saying “I hope my son grows up to be an English gentleman.” That’s because the English are known for their manners. Of course, not everyone has impeccable manners, but you’ll be shocked at how polite most people are in England. When you’re queuing up, the English are super proper and will wait their turn. You won’t see anyone cutting their spot in line.
England Tip #2: English Food Is Actually Good
It’s true! You might actually be shocked to find that England has some pretty good food. England has lots of hearty food good for the soul. Most people love the English breakfast with eggs, beans, toast and sausages. Pubs in England have great food, like a Sunday roast, a beef burger or steak and kidney pie. Fish and chips is definitely an English food experience that’s not to be missed. Cadbury is English, so it’s not all bad! And outside of London, the prices aren’t too terrible.
Watch: Traditional English Food & What to Eat in England
England Tip #3: The Weather Really Sucks Sometimes
You might be surprised at how bad the weather can be in England. Although it doesn’t rain every day, and there are beautiful sunny days, it does rain a lot. If you forgot your umbrella, pick up a cheap one at Poundland. The best tip is to just be prepared for all weather. You might not see a drop of rain, or you may never see the sun. Don’t let it shock you – just be prepared to have a good time no matter the weather.
Read: How To Save Money While You Travel, So You Can Travel Longer
England Tip #4: The Pub Role in Local Life
You might be shocked at the central role the local pub plays, especially outside of big cities. In smaller towns, the pub is the epicenter of village life, where everyone comes to watch the football match, or enjoy a Sunday roast. Don’t come to England without experiencing a quintessential English pub. It’s a lot different than “going to a bar” in the States. The local pub is so much more than a corner bar.
England Tip #5: England is More Than London
There is a lot to see in England beyond London. Just because you’ve been to London, doesn’t mean you’ve “seen England.” London is an international city with all kinds of amazing things to see and do, but to experience real English culture and the immense natural beauty of England, you have to travel beyond London. It’s easy to travel around England, too, with bus lines and trains throughout the country.
England Tip #6: England is Beautiful
Once you do get out of London, you’ll be shocked at the natural beauty of England. From the Gardens of Kent, the Peak District, the Lake District, York – England is gorgeous! The English countryside is legendary, don’t miss it!
Read: 10 Things That SHOCK Tourists about Canada
England Tip #7: Driving on the Left
When you rent a car in England, it’s a shock to drive on the other side of the road. Especially when you come to your first roundabout. You will feel like Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s European Vacation, stuck in an endless loop in the roundabout. (A must watch for anyone going to Europe!) (Don’t forget to look BOTH ways when you cross the street, too, lest you look in the wrong direction!)
England Tip #8: Manor Houses and Historic Homes
You will be shocked at the homes in England. It really is like Downton Abbey. The country homes and manor houses are real homes. A lot of them are even open for tours if you want to see the inside. Olde England isn’t just in the textbooks, it’s everywhere you look when you travel around England. The National Trust has all kinds of historic homes that can be rented for accommodation. It always shocks tourists that you can have a true Downton Abbey experience and stay in a home that’s 1000 years old.
Read: 5 Rules for Buying the Right Travel Shoes for Your Trip
England Tip #9: Unarmed Police
In the U.S., we are used to seeing cops carrying firearms, often multiples. In England, most of the police do not carry guns. The police in England are also super friendly, so while they are there for security, they are also very helpful for tourists. Police are often available to give directions or make recommendations if needed.
England Tip #10: Britain and England Are Not the Same Thing
This may shock some tourists, but Britain and England are not interchangeable. England is a part of Britain. It is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain includes England, Wales and Scotland. If you call a Scotsman or a Welshman “English” that’s insulting. England is a totally different country. Technically, they are British, but most would prefer to be called Scottish or Welsh. The countries are very different, and shouldn’t be lumped together as one. The language or the accent, the food and the history are all very different between these places.
These are the ten biggest shocks most tourists have when they visit England. For more of our best travel tips, check some of these out: