WHAT IS ENGLAND FAMOUS FOR? THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
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This post is all about what England is known for around the world.
The Royal Family, red telephone boxes, traditional pubs, afternoon tea… England is famous for quite a few things. Here are the top 10 things that England is known for around the world.
Every country has many unique things about them and something special - things that people all over the world associate with that country. What about England? What is England famous for?
England is actually famous around the world for many, many things - its history, art, architecture and stunning countryside make England an amazing place to visit and live in.
I was born in England and have lived here most of my life. Many of the things on this list are things I love about my home nation. To help you fall in love with this beautiful country, here’s a list of the 12 things England is most famous for.
Let’s get started!
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This post is about what England is famous for and known for around the world.
1) Pubs
A trip to England just isn’t complete unless you grab a pint at the local pub! Don’t worry about being able to find one - there are over 40,000 pubs in England.
Traditional British pubs are quaint, centuries-old establishments with names like ‘The Rose and Crown’, ‘The Red Lion’ or ‘The Kings Head’ aren't just places to grab a drink – they're living history.
The pub is so ingrained in English culture and play an important role in British life. It's where locals gather for a cheeky pint after work, friends reunite for a weekend catch-up and strangers become mates over a game of darts.
Pubs tend to be a warm, dimly lit space, wooden beams overhead and the unmistakable aroma of traditional pub grub wafting through the air. That's the quintessential English pub experience.
These places aren't just about the drinks; they're about creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels like they belong. It's not uncommon to strike up a conversation with the person next to you – whether they're a regular or a fellow traveller.
In pubs, you can order lagers, ales, spirits, wines and soft drinks. Cocktails usually aren’t on the menu, but there are always exceptions to the rule.
You can’t forget the beer gardens! I’ve wiled away many a sunny Sunday afternoon in a beer garden in my time and it’s a pass time many Brits really enjoy in the summer. Whether the beer garden is sun-soaked or rain-dappled, they're an essential part of the British summer.
Some pubs also serve food, including the English favourites fish and chips, burgers, pies and Sunday roasts.
Don’t wait for a waiter to come to take your order, you’ll be waiting a long time – you go to the bar yourself at the pub. You can either start a tab or pay for your drinks/food straight away.
So, whether you're a solo adventurer looking for friendly faces or a group of friends eager to soak in the local vibe, visiting an English pub is a must do on your England bucketlist.
LEARN MORE : Where to Stay in London
2) The Royal Family
One of the things England is most famous for is the Royal Family. It consists of King Charles III and his close family.
The tales of the Royal Family are deep rooted in British culture. The current monarchy are the monarchs of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but that didn’t used to be the case - there used to be different Royal Families for the different nations.
The Royal Family is synonymous with the preservation of time-honored traditions and ceremonies. It’s something I absolutely love!
I remember when I was younger gathering around the TV with my Mum for a Royal wedding or birth and as I got older I have travelled to London many times for Queen Elizabeth II Jubilees, King Charles III Coronation and other Royal events over the years.
For first time visitors to London there are many things to do that are to do with the Royal Family from the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to strolling through the regal gardens of Kensington Palace, or marvel at the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.
The royal residences, with their opulent interiors and immaculate gardens are a must-do when visiting London.
3) Tea
What’s more English than a cup of tea? It’s the national drink! Growing up in England I wasn’t aware that tea was a very British thing. I thought everyone drank tea like we did.
English Breakfast tea is black tea, served with milk and sugar on the side so you can make it exactly how you like.
There are a few different brands of tea that we buy in our supermarkets - Yorkshire Tea, PG Tips, Twining and Tetley Tea are a few of the most popular.
Over the years a cup of tea has become a drink for everyone at anytime of day but it started off as a drink for the rich, specifically in the afternoon.
It was first introduced to the English Royal Court in the 17th century and it is believed to have been popularised by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, in the 1840s.
Tea rooms opened across England in the late 17th and early 18th century. One of the oldest tearooms was built in 1675; it’s still open today in Bradford-on-Avon.
The very touristy afternoon tea is not something that English people tend to do except for a special occasion such as a birthday but it is a wonderful thing to do in London or anywhere in the UK.
BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LONDON
Lonely Planet Guide to London a fantastic guide book detailing all you need to know about visiting the UK capital.
London : A Guide for Curious Wanderers is a wonderful book highlighting special, hidden gems around London.
4) Rain
One of the things I used to hate about living in England was the weather! To be honest it’s something I still struggle with but I learned to appreciate and realise that the rain and the rubbish weather does indeed give England other great things - like the lush, green countryside (more on that later).
For tourists the English weather doesn’t make it the most appealing country to visit. When you step off the plane in England, you might (will probably!) be greeted by a gentle drizzle or an unexpected downpour – welcome to the charm of English weather.
The reputation for rain isn't merely a stereotype; it's a climatic feature that has become synonymous with the island nation. England's unique position, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west, brings about a maritime climate, making rain an intermittent but familiar companion.
As a Brit, I can tell you if you’re visiting England you should get used to hearing chatter or being a part of conversations about the weather. We just don’t shut up about it! According to this article 90% of Brits admit to talking about the weather in the past 6 hours.
It is a conversation that’s embedded in the British psyche. Why, you ask? Well, the weather can change alot in England and is like a dynamic character in the daily drama of life. It dictates everything from outfit choices to weekend plans and acknowledging its presence is a way of navigating the unpredictability with a touch of humour.
If you’re visiting England you should make sure you come prepared, whatever time of year as rain can always happen at any time of year. Even if it starts off as a blisteringly hot day, take a rain coat out with you. - you may just find yourself in a downpour later on!
As my mother used to tell me - there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!
Not every part of the UK gets the same amount of rain. The North West gets the most – which incidentally is where I’m from.
5) English Accent
The English accent or British accent is one of the most famous accents in the world, there are so many variations from the ever-so-posh Queen’s English to the many different regional dialects from around the country.
People who are not from the UK are quite surprised by how much peoples accent changes even if you only drive a short distance.
If you drive 30 minutes from my home town you will hear a Scouse accent (Liverpool), Mancuian accent (Manchester), a northern Wigan accent, a proper Lancashire accent and many others. They are all wildly different and you can immediately place where someone is from in England as soon as they start talking.
It should come as no surprise that England has the largest variation of accents of any country on Earth. Every city sounds completely different! It’s quite astonishing that there are so many different accents on such a small island.
Some of the more famous ones that you may have heard of are Scouse (Liverpool), Geordie (Newcastle), Brummie (Birmingham), Mancunian (Manchester) and Cockney (which is London but not the posh London, Queen’s English kind of accent, it’s the more common London taxi driver accent).
6) Sunday Roast
The Sunday Roast is a British staple in many households and there are endless pubs and restaurants in England that serve it. It is traditionally served on a Sunday, hence the name.
A Sunday Roast traditionally consists of a roasted meat (or nut roast for the vegetarians and vegans), roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy and Yorkshire puddings but many places will add their own signature twist or offering.
Some great places to grab a Sunday Roast in London are The Marksmen on Hackney Road, The Prince Arthur near London Fields and Our Black Heart in Camden is great for vegans.
7) Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling's wizarding masterpiece has captured the hearts of millions over the years and it has also woven itself into the very fabric of what makes England famous.
For any devout Harry Potter fan visiting England, a trip to King's Cross Station in London is a must. While you might not be able to physically pass through the barrier to Platform 9¾, there is a great place to pose for a photo and pretend you’re off to Hogwarts. The station also houses a delightful Harry Potter shop, perfect for picking up magical memorabilia.
Leadenhall Market in London, with its ornate Victorian architecture, served as the inspiration for the bustling and mystical Diagon Alley.
Oxford, with its age-old colleges and winding cobblestone streets, exudes a magical ambiance that feels straight out of a wizarding tale. Various locations in Oxford were used as filming sites for the Harry Potter series, including the majestic Christ Church College, which inspired some of the interiors of Hogwarts.
The ancient Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean has an otherworldly quality that earned it a spot in the magical realm of Harry Potter. This enchanting forest, with its twisting pathways and moss-covered stones, served as a backdrop for scenes in the Forbidden Forest.
For the ultimate Harry Potter experience, visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden, just outside London. Step onto the actual sets, explore the Great Hall, and marvel at the craftsmanship that brought the wizarding world to life. It's a journey behind the scenes that will leave you spellbound. You can purchase your tickets for the tour here.
8) Countryside
The English countryside is why I started to appreciate all the rain we have in England. If it wasn’t for all this rain England wouldn’t have all it’s lush green countryside that is so beautiful.
English villages that are nestled in the countryside are the perfect place to visit when in England. They have their thatched roofs, cobblestone streets and timber-framed cottages, surrounded by stunning nature.
Places like Bibury in the Cotswolds, Castle Combe in Wiltshire or the villages of the Lake District are postcard-perfect representations of rural English life.
If you are looking at immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the English countryside, the plethora of walking trails are incredible.
The Lake District, with its craggy peaks and mirror-like lakes, provides some of the most breathtaking hikes.
The Cotswold Way offers a scenic journey through rolling hills and charming villages, while the South Downs Way showcases the coastal splendor of southern England.
England's countryside is also dotted with magnificent stately homes and their meticulously manicured gardens.
Explore the grandeur of Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, wander through the enchanting gardens of Sissinghurst Castle in Kent, or discover the charm of Hidcote Manor in the Cotswolds.
9) English Breakfast
This is not a dish to be scoffed at. We take our full English breakfast very seriously and you will find it on almost every breakfast menu wherever you go. In fact many western cafes all over the world often offer a ‘full English Breakfast.’
You will probably find a few different takes on the traditional English breakfast around the country but the classic full English consisits of bacon, sausage, black pudding, fried eggs, mushrooms , beans and toast. You can often get vegetarian or vegan versions these days.
The great thing about a full English is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune and it’s great to get your prepared for a busy day sightseeing. Some great places to grab breakfast in London are Regency Cafe in Westminster, for a posh version you can head to Duck and Waffle which is the highest 24 hour restaurant in London and Terrys Cafe near Borough Market.
If you fancy a real British experience head to a ‘greasy spoon’ for a tasty, albeit greasy breakfast.
10) Wimbledon
In late June/early July the worlds most prestigious tennis tournament takes place in England - Wimbledon.
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and has been a staple in the tennis calendar since 1877. It’s held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London.
It is one of tennis’ four Grand Slam tournaments - others are Australian Open, French Open and US Open.
Wimbledon's is unique in that the other Grand Slam tournaments are played on hard or clay courts yet Wimbledon use grass courts which preserves a classic and fast-paced style of tennis.
My birthday is the last week in June and I always enjoy watching a little Wimbledon on my birthday along with cracking out the strawberries and cream a a delicious glass of Pimms.
One of the most distinctive features of Wimbledon is its strict dress code. Players are required to wear predominantly white attire, a nod to the tournament's heritage.
11) The British sense of humour
The British sense of humour is something I asbolutely love but something that many foreigners do not understand. In a nutshell it’s a self-deprecating humour.
We don’t take ourselves too seriously in the UK and we tend to laugh at our flaws and make light of any failures.
Embrassing moments, awkward encounters, it’s all funny here in England. When we hear a glass break or cutlery drop in a pub we all let out a ‘wheyy!’ Many foreigners find it rude but in Britain it's a sign of camaraderie. It’s to show the person who did the accidental drop that it doesn’t matter, it’s no big deal. Everyone feels flustered when they accidentally break something, especially in public. A cheer often makes the culprit grin and they don’t feel so silly or embarrased anymore.
British people have the ability to laugh at almost any situation. If you watch just about any British comedy show you’ll see there’s lots of unfortunate situations - we find that funny! Brits are realists. Misery can’t always be avoided, so you may as well laugh at it.
Many British people use sarcasm and irony often and in such a way that it can be hard to tell whether we’re joking or not.
A way to tell is that often a statement is made with deadpan delivery followed by a cheeky grin. Some Brits don’t offer the cheeky smile afterwards and that even fools us Brits as to whether they’re joking or not.
12) Football
England boasts one of the oldest and most revered football histories, laying claim to founding The Football Association in 1863, marking the birth of modern football as we know it today.
The English Football League, established in 1888, was the world's first national football league, setting a template that many other nations would later adopt.
From Sir Bobby Charlton's elegance to David Beckham's precision, England has produced football icons who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
The English Premier League, one of the most-watched football leagues globally, has been a breeding ground for world-class talent, and English clubs have become synonymous with excellence in European competitions.
The FA Cup, the oldest football competition in the world, adds a touch of magic to English football. Its history is filled with underdog triumphs and giant-killing acts that capture the imagination of fans worldwide.
Additionally, the intense rivalry among clubs, like the historic battles between Manchester United and Liverpool or the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham, adds an extra layer of excitement to English football..
Information About London
LONDON ITINERARY: In our article The Perfect 2 Days in London you’ll find a detailed itinerary for exploring London. If you only have one day in London you can find out the most important things to fit into your day in this 1 Day London Itinerary.
LONDON TRAVEL ADVICE: Here are the important things to know if it will be your first time in London. Included in this article are all my best hints and tips for visiting London for the first time. The Best 49 Things to do in London article will help you plan your London itinerary. If you’re wondering what foods you should try when in London read this Best British Foods You Have to Try.
WHERE TO STAY: If you’re unsure on the different areas in London and where would be best to stay make sure you read this Best Places to Stay in London article.
PACKING FOR LONDON: If you’re wondering what you should pack when visiting London read this Packing for London and the Rest of the UK Guide.
LONDON AT CHRISTMAS: For an overview of the best things to do in London at Christmas here are 15 things to do in London at Christmas. I also have guides to the best Christmas lights, best London Christmas window displays and best Christmas markets in London. Learn how to put it all together in this great London Christmas Itinerary.
Information about Travelling in the UK
If you’re struggling to decide other places to visit in the UK read Best Cities to Visit in the UK
I also have many other UK city guides and which you can read by clicking on the links.
ENGLAND: How to visit Liverpool from London, visit best beaches near Liverpool and find out the best things to do in Liverpool, must sees in Manchester, make the most of your time in Brighton. Visit the Roman city of Chester or head to the stunning Lake District.
SCOTLAND: Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh
WALES: Llangollen
Read all of my articles about England in the United Kingdom Travel Guide.
ENGLAND ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to England? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in the UK.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to London using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for the UK and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from Stanstead Airport, Gatwick Airport or Gatwick Airport
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in London on Booking.com.
BUS TICKETS : It is easy to book your transport once you’re in London but if you’d like to book in advance you can buy private transfers online through Bookaway .
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in London on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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