Britain’s got some quirky customs that might seem strange or even pointless at first glance, but they’re part of what makes the place unique.
I know we all like to get down on ourselves — that classic British self-deprecation — and talk about how terrible everything is here, but if we’re being honest, we wouldn’t change being from the UK at all. Here are 14 traditions that have a certain charm to them (even if you won’t admit it).
1. Pancake Day races
Imagine a bunch of people running down the street, flipping pancakes in frying pans. That’s Shrove Tuesday for you. It’s not just about stuffing your face with pancakes (though that’s a big part of it), but also about these wacky races. Towns across the UK host them, and it’s a sight to behold. People in aprons, sprinting and trying not to drop their pancakes — it’s equal parts silly and fun.
2. Cheese rolling
In Gloucestershire, folks gather on a seriously steep hill to chase after a wheel of cheese. Yeah, you heard that right. They send a round of Double Gloucester cheese rolling down Cooper’s Hill, and people leg it after it, tumbling and stumbling all the way down. It’s bonkers, potentially dangerous, and absolutely brilliant. The winner gets to keep the cheese, along with a few bruises as souvenirs.
3. Guy Fawkes Night
Remember, remember the 5th of November. It’s when Brits celebrate a failed attempt to blow up Parliament by… setting stuff on fire. Bonfires, fireworks, and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes are all part of the deal. It’s a bit dark when you think about the history, but it’s evolved into a night of community gatherings, toffee apples, and oohing at fireworks.
4. Morris dancing
Picture this: groups of people decked out in white outfits, bells on their legs, waving handkerchiefs or clacking sticks together. That’s Morris dancing for you. It pops up at fairs and festivals across the country. It might look a bit daft, but there’s something endearing about keeping this old tradition alive. Plus, the dancers always seem to be having a blast.
5. Boxing Day
The day after Christmas isn’t just for nursing a food hangover. Boxing Day is its own thing in the UK. Traditionally, it was when servants and tradespeople received gifts or “Christmas boxes” from their employers. Now, it’s a public holiday filled with leftover sandwiches, football matches, and the start of the sales. It’s like a bonus Christmas, really.
6. Panto season
Around Christmas, theatres across Britain put on pantomimes — these over-the-top, interactive plays full of slapstick humour, men dressed as women, women dressed as men, and audience participation. It’s loud, it’s silly, and it’s a proper British Christmas tradition. “He’s behind you!” is something you’ll hear a lot, trust me.
7. The Queen’s Speech (now King’s Speech)
For decades, Brits would gather around the telly on Christmas Day to watch the Queen give her annual message. Now, it’s King Charles’ turn. It’s a moment of national unity, even if some people only watch it because their nan insists. It’s a chance to reflect on the year gone by, and maybe have a cheeky drink while doing so.
8. Trooping the Colour
This is the official birthday celebration of the British monarch, even though it’s not on their actual birthday. It involves a massive military parade, plenty of pomp and circumstance, and the royals on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. It’s a spectacle, for sure, and people line the streets to catch a glimpse of the pageantry.
9. Wimbledon and strawberries and cream
Wimbledon isn’t just about tennis. It’s about queuing for tickets (sometimes overnight), hoping it doesn’t rain, and eating strawberries and cream. This combo is as much a part of Wimbledon as the tennis itself. Even if you’re just watching on telly, it doesn’t feel right without a bowl of strawberries.
10. Conker championships
Every year, people gather to play conkers competitively. Yes, the game with horse chestnuts on strings that you probably played as a kid. There’s a World Conker Championship and everything. It’s wonderfully pointless, but that’s part of its charm.
11. May Day celebrations
On the first of May, some places in Britain still celebrate with maypole dancing, crowning a May Queen, and general spring festivities. In Oxford, people even jump off a bridge into the river (not advised, by the way). It’s a cheerful welcome to the warmer months, even if the weather doesn’t always play along.
12. Sunday roast
While not as quirky as some others, the Sunday roast is a tradition that brings families together. It’s not just a meal, it’s an institution. Roast meat, potatoes, veg, Yorkshire puddings, and gravy — all followed by a food coma on the sofa. It’s comfort food at its best, and a weekly ritual for many Brits.
