Have you ever wondered if you could live in the UK? The Brits are known as a quirky island nation, but until you move there do you really start to understand the personality, history, and culture that define England.
As defined by W. B. Adams, the definition of Englishly is in the manner of the English. People whose chief value to the community lay, oddly but Englishly, in their sturdy individualism.
Of all the places to have an expat assignment, the UK couldn’t be more perfect. I had certainly thought about living in the UK but never imagined it actually becoming a reality. And truth be told, I thought after moving abroad I would dwell on my missed career opportunity and homesickness, but I’ve come to realize that I think I’ve been a bit Englishly all my life.
I’m sure the common language (albeit there are actually a lot of differences), roundabouts, mince pies, 3 seasons (because winter and spring always merged together) and Nickerson roots help with finding it easy to relate to the Brits. (Fun fact: I’m 13 generations removed from William Nickerson, born and married in Norwich, England before sailing to Massachusetts in 1637.) Other parts of the country are a stretch to find commonalities, so I’m grateful for my roots to make the adjustment a little easier.
Though I can easily relate to the weather, rules of the road and quirky British personality, there are some pretty amazing benefits that come with just living in the UK regardless of where you are from. It makes me wonder why I was so worried because embracing Englishness has been far easier than I anticipated when signing up for the expat assignment.
If you ever needed a reason to move or consider the UK for a holiday, these 5 should do the trick:
1 – Hunter Boots
Hunter boots are merely an accessory in the States. It took me forever to find a reason to buy Hunter boots because I felt so guilty spending money on something to wear to my son’s football games in the event of a possible rain shower. Let’s face it, Kate Moss isn’t the only one who can rock Hunter Boots. They look cute with shorts, skirts, and skinny jeans. The Brits might think you look weird wearing them with your short shorts, but that’s where you can rock your own Englishness.
Hunter Boots are simply a fashion statement in the States. What I discovered quickly in the UK is that you actually need them here. My Hunter boots are a necessity, not a novelty. In fact, they are currently covered in dried mud. Bonus: Even the men wear Hunter boots. So, if you ever needed a reason to splurge, now you have one. In addition to that, Target recently launched their Hunter for Target collection which sells the brand to all members of the family at incredibly affordable prices. Happy shopping!
2 – The MINI Cooper
I didn’t even consider the MINI Cooper in the States. Oddly enough I owned a LandRover, which I sadly had to sell prior to moving. I never imagined the MINI being my new favorite car, but it is. I rented and tried out 6-8 different vehicles before going all in on this English brand.
There is something about its zippy nature through narrow lanes and tight car parks that exhilarate me. I can park and drive this car anywhere. The single carriageway school driveway that frightened me for months is now like an invitation to a race track.
The MINI is fun, screams English, affordable, and believe it or not has a decent boot. It’s not mammoth like the LandRover but is perfectly fun for our family of four in this country.
Funny enough, an Englishman said to me, “The MINI is for hairdressers and if you sit down to wee.” I wasn’t offended. In fact, all the more reason to be a MINI owner in this quirky nation that actually has such car descriptions.
So, when you need to rent or buy a new car once you arrive, the MINI should be a top contender.
3 – The Pub
I didn’t understand the fascination of the pub when I first moved here. I was like, “It’s a bar that serves food.” We have them in the states. They are called restaurants.
Everyone wanted to take me to the pub. Where would we go for lunch? Dinner? Coffee? Drinks? The pub, the pub, the pub and the pub.
What I didn’t realize is that the pub is more than just a restaurant. It’s your own Cheers but a proper English one. You don’t go to just eat and drink. You socialize, you make friends, you meet the neighbors’ dogs, your dog meets the neighbors’ dogs…The pub is simply amazing.
It turns into your very own apres-ski when the slightest snowfall occurs, or your spring destination when the sun reaches +15. Yes, the pubs in England typically come with a garden.
For us, the pub has even replaced our kid’s technology. The kids beg to go on the weekends to play cards, have fish and chips, and hang out. In fact, my daughter had her 6th birthday this month and wanted her birthday dinner at our local pub. How English is that?
4 – The Green Space
It took me a couple weeks to adventure off on my own when we first moved to the UK. Once I did, I quickly regretted not having the courage to do it sooner. Just 2 blocks from our flat I discovered a fantastic park. It became a routine to walk my dog to Clarence Park every day. Lush greenery, manicured lawns and gardens, children’s area, dog area, playing fields, and even a coffee shop. I thought I’d hit the jackpot for it being so close.
I soon realized thereafter that these parks, called green spaces in the UK, are everywhere. If you needed to hit a park, walk a couple of blocks and you’re sure to find one.
Though I can attest I’m not a country girl, I also don’t think I am a city one. I love going to the city, but also returning to the quiet sounds of the outdoors. I don’t think I could live far from a city, but the country is too much for me, too. I can handle it in small dosages. Hence, why the green space invention is perfect for people like me seeking nature but not having to travel far to find it. It’s the perfect solution for a “get out of the house with the kids” kind of day or excuse to skip the gym to walk your dog instead.
If you’re going to live anywhere in the UK, you’re guaranteed to live by a green space gem. I haven’t found one yet that isn’t lovely.
In the States parks can be hit or miss and certainly not walking accessible. Green spaces here are a part of English life.
5 – Tea Time
I realize it sounds a bit cliche, but “tea” is more than just a cup. Like you, I thought having tea was quite literal – having tea.
What I’ve learned is that yes, it can involve tea, but it doesn’t have to.
Tea time is having a friend over for a chat, which may involve tea, coffee or biscuits, which I can guarantee all three will be offered. It can be at any time of day. I had always thought it was an afternoon tradition amongst adults, but it extends far beyond those stereotypes….
My daughter has tea at the end of her school day with friends. I was shocked when she told me she had tea. When I clarified, it was water and a cheese sandwich, but the idea that she was having these tea social moments with her friends at age 6 is quite, well, English.
My son has tea after every sports match. It’s the most brilliant idea for the students and parents to get to know one another and to warm up after a wet chilly English day. Tea, coffee, light sandwiches, and sweet treats are offered at every event for the parents. The students have tea with their opponent team and can range from hot dogs to sandwiches.
Tea can be as simple or as exquisite as you want, but it’s an experience or display of politeness that I never experienced in any of my former 7 states.
For a Starbucks lover like myself, I never thought having tea would be my thing, but I’ve grown to love it. I still don’t put milk in it which is a major British offense, but its Englishness makes it truly unique and a tradition that would be hard to find anywhere else.
6 [BONUS]- Shopping
I know I said only 5 reasons, but it seems only fitting to wrap this up with shopping since I started with it.
Target isn’t an option in the UK, which quite frankly is one of the hardest things to adjust to once living here. While it’s difficult, it might actually be the only way to kick the Target addiction. Well, at least until you move back.
There might not be Target but the void is easily filled.
London has it all, so I don’t need to explain that one. Beyond the big city, there is so much more.
– Local markets on weekdays and weekends are a must for fresh produce, fish and all sorts of retail goods.
– Outlets include your friends Jimmy, Burberry, Alexandra, and Stella. I didn’t even know outlets existed for these iconic designer brands. Now, these Vogue brands are within reach.
– But my favorite is the antique and vintage shops, like The Swan. I have gone from a Pottery Barn loyalist to a second-hand bargainer. The items over here have so much character, history and value that it’s hard to not love them, even if it’s just to window shop. What better than a bespoke English piece for your new English home?
I could carry on but at this point, you know that relating to the English and living in the UK isn’t that hard once you dive into it. Sure, the weather is challenging and mushy peas might not be for everyone, but the hubs and I want our family journey to be an unforgettable one. We’ve decided to make choices that would be different than the ones we make in the US.
Englishly doesn’t mean you have to dye your hair purple. But if you want to experience it, at least put milk in your tea and try. After all, embracing Englishness beyond tea certainly has its benefits. ☕️
Looking for more? If you liked this post, you’ll love these:
- 12 Social Tips For Living In The UK
- 13 Quirky British Habits Explained
- English Home Demystified: 5 British House Chores You Can’t Ignore
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