There’s something about Britain that fascinates Americans—maybe it’s the accents, the royal family, or the endless cups of tea.
However, along with that fascination comes a whole lot of misconceptions. From baffling ideas about British food to completely misunderstanding how politeness works, some myths about the UK just won’t die. Here are just some of the things people from the US believe about the UK that they just can’t seem to get past, no matter how silly they are.
1. Brits drink tea all day, every day.
Yes, we love our tea, and our tea is definitely superior. However, contrary to popular belief, they’re not all downing gallons of it like some sort of national requirement. Some people prefer coffee, and plenty don’t drink tea at all. That said, offering a cuppa in any slightly stressful situation is a deeply ingrained habit for us — and while it may not be a 24/7 thing, it’s always an option.
2. It’s always raining in Britain.
Ask any American, and they’ll tell you Britain is a permanently grey, rainy island. While it’s true that British weather can be unpredictable, it’s not actually raining all the time. Some parts of the country, like the South East, get more sunshine than places like Manchester or Scotland. But even when it’s dry, the British still love to complain about the weather. It’s a national pastime.
3. Every Brit is obsessed with the royal family.
Americans seem to think we wake up every morning and check what the royals are up to, but in reality, opinions vary wildly. Some people adore them, some think they’re outdated, and others just don’t care. In fact, according to 2024 data from the National Centre for Social Research, about 25% of Brits think the monarchy should be abolished. Of course, big events like royal weddings or coronations get attention, but most Brits aren’t losing sleep over Prince William’s latest speech.
4. British food is terrible.
The idea that all British food is bland and overcooked is seriously outdated. While our culinary reputation may have been questionable in the past, we now have some of the best restaurants in the world. In fact, 220 restaurants around the UK have at least one Michelin star, and that’s impressive. From hearty Sunday roasts to world-class curries, there’s plenty of great food on offer. But yes, some people do still love a good, slightly tragic beans-on-toast meal.
5. Everyone sounds like they’re from Downton Abbey.
To American ears, the British accent is often associated with poshness—think Hugh Grant or “The Crown.” But in reality, we have a huge variety of accents, some of which Americans struggle to understand. Scouse, Geordie, and Glaswegian accents can be completely baffling if you’re not used to them. Not everyone sounds like they just walked out of a period drama.
6. Brits are overly polite and apologetic.
It’s true that we say “sorry” a lot, but that doesn’t always mean we’re actually sorry. Sometimes, it’s just a way of moving through the world without unnecessary confrontation. That said, the stereotype of extreme politeness doesn’t always hold up, especially when it comes to passive-aggressive customer service emails or a tense queue situation.
7. Pubs close ridiculously early.
Americans visiting Britain are often shocked when last orders are called at 11 p.m. But while traditional pubs do have earlier closing times than US bars, plenty of places stay open later. Big cities have late-night bars and clubs, and on weekends, some pubs extend their hours. You just have to know where to go—or accept that British drinking culture starts earlier.
8. Every British person knows each other.
Because Britain is smaller than the US, some Americans assume all of us must somehow be connected. “Oh, you’re from England? Do you know my friend Tom from London?” With a population of over 67 million, the answer is usually no. Just like not every American knows someone from New York, not every Brit knows someone from Manchester.
9. Brits drive on the “wrong” side of the road.
Americans often say that British people drive on the “wrong” side of the road, but from our perspective, it’s the Americans who are doing it wrong. Around a third of the world actually drives on the left. When we visit the US, driving on the right can be just as disorienting. It’s all about what you’re used to—though roundabouts still tend to confuse Americans regardless.
10. Everyone loves cricket.
Cricket is a deeply British sport, but that doesn’t mean every Brit follows it. In fact, many don’t understand the rules and have no interest in watching a match that lasts for days. Football, the real kind, not American football, is the country’s biggest sport by far. And while rugby and tennis also have dedicated fans, cricket is definitely not a universal obsession.
11. The British are emotionally reserved.
There’s a stereotype that Brits are emotionally closed off, refusing to show affection or discuss feelings. While the infamous “stiff upper lip” still exists in some circles, we’re not robots—we’re actual human beings. Plenty of us are warm, expressive, and love a good rant about their problems, especially after a pint or two. It all depends on the person.
12. The UK is just England.
Americans often refer to the whole of the UK as “England,” forgetting that Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland exist. This is a quick way to irritate anyone who isn’t English. Each country within the UK has its own culture, traditions, and identity. Referring to a Scottish or Welsh person as “English” is a guaranteed way to start an argument. (Plus, don’t even get us started on thinking “England” is synonymous with “London.”)
13. British TV is all fancy period dramas.
While the UK does produce some great period dramas, it also excels at gritty crime shows, bizarre comedies, and some of the weirdest reality TV you’ll ever see. If you think British TV is all just fancy people sipping tea, watch “Come Dine With Me,” “Love Island,” or “Gogglebox.” You’ll quickly realise British television is as messy as anywhere else.
