No matter how wonderful your new life might be when moving abroad, there’s something special about your home country that always pulls at your heartstrings. British expats often find themselves longing for those little comforts and quirks that make life in the UK so unique.
The British Pub Culture
There’s something about a cosy British pub that just can’t be replicated abroad. Whether it’s the low wooden beams, the smell of a crackling fire in the winter, or the friendly banter with the locals, British pubs are more than just a place to grab a drink, they’re a community hub.
A Proper Cup of Tea
No matter how many years you spend abroad, finding a cup of tea that hits the spot like a British brew is almost impossible. It’s not just about the tea leaves—though many will argue no one does it better than Yorkshire Tea or PG Tips—but also the process, such as the right temperature and the perfect splash of milk.
British Humour
British humour is dry, witty, and often self-deprecating—it’s an acquired taste for some, but for Brits, it’s simply second nature. Expats miss the ease of cracking a sarcastic joke and having everyone around them get it instantly.
The Countryside
Rolling hills, lush green fields, and the patchwork quilt of farmlands and hedgerows—there’s nothing quite like the UK countryside. Expats often find themselves missing those peaceful walks along country lanes or through meadows, the sight of grazing sheep, and the occasional village pub tucked away in the middle of nowhere.
Sunday Roasts
Few meals are as comforting or as traditional in Great Britain as a Sunday roast. Roast beef, Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, and all the trimmings—it’s the perfect way to end the weekend, yet British expats often struggle to recreate the experience abroad.
The Changing Seasons
While many countries have their own seasonal changes, there’s something distinctively British about the way the seasons shift, like the crisp, cool mornings of autumn or the long, light-filled summer evenings. It’s common to find yourself yearning for those familiar seasonal markers when you’re an expat.
Fish and Chips by the Seaside
Fish and chips are an institution in the United Kingdom, but eating them by the seaside, with a view of the crashing waves and a gust of salty sea air, is a truly unique experience. Expats often miss those trips to the coast, where you’d queue up at a local chippy, grab your fish and chips wrapped in paper, and eat them while strolling along the promenade.
British TV Shows
Whether it’s classic comedies like Only Fools and Horses, dramas like Downton Abbey or quiz shows like The Chase, British television holds a special place in expats’ hearts. There’s something about the dry humour, the unique storylines, and the familiar accents that can’t be replicated elsewhere.
Minding the Weather
Believe it or not, people who move abroad often find themselves missing the unpredictable UK weather. There’s something comforting about discussing whether it’s “chilly out” or if “it’s looking a bit grey today,” and the drizzle, cold mornings, and surprise bursts of sunshine all contribute to the rhythm of British life.
Queuing
It might sound strange, but queuing is an art form in the United Kingdom, and expats from Great Britain may miss the polite and orderly way Brits line up for everything. There’s an unspoken rule that queuing is sacred, and everyone respects it, but that’s not the case in other countries.
British Supermarkets
The joy of wandering around a British supermarket is something expats often miss, especially when it comes to their favourite products, like M&S ready meals or Cadbury’s chocolate. It’s not just about the food, either—it’s the familiarity of the brands, the layout of the store, and the little touches that make British supermarkets feel like home.
A Full English Breakfast
There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a hearty full English breakfast, with bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, baked beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast—it’s a feast that sets you up for the day ahead. While you might find a version of it abroad, it’s never quite the same.
Christmas Traditions
Christmas in the UK is a magical time, and it’s easy to miss the unique traditions that come with it, including the royal speech and pulling crackers at the dinner table—there are little details that make a British Christmas feel special. Expats abroad might find themselves without mince pies, Christmas pudding, or even a decent turkey.
British Phrases and Slang
Expats often find themselves missing the quirky language of the UK. Words and phrases like “cheers,” “fancy a cuppa?” or “blimey” are so ingrained in British culture that it can feel strange not to hear or use them regularly.
The NHS
For all its challenges, the NHS holds a special place in the hearts of many Brits, and abroad, you’ll yearn for the comfort of knowing that healthcare is readily available. In many countries, healthcare can be expensive or complicated, and there’s a certain peace of mind that comes with the NHS.
The Music Scene
The UK has an incredible music heritage, and expats will likely miss the buzz of the British music scene, whether it’s catching a gig at a small local venue or attending major festivals like Glastonbury. There’s something special about the variety and vibrancy of live music in Great Britain.
British Bookshops
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about browsing a British bookshop. The quiet, calm atmosphere of Waterstones or a cosy independent bookstore on a rainy day is a favourite pastime for many, and expats from Britain might want the smell of fresh books, or the joy of finding a new read.
Proper Baked Goods
Whether it’s sausage rolls, Cornish pasties or scones with clotted cream, British baked goods are hard to match. While other countries have their own specialties, expats often find themselves missing the savoury pastries and sweet treats that are uniquely British—not to mention popping into Greggs for a quick bite.
The British Sense of Politeness
British politeness is often remarked upon, and expats soon realise how much they miss it when they move abroad. Whether it’s saying “sorry” when someone bumps into you or always holding the door for the next person, there’s a subtle courtesy ingrained in everyday life in the UK, but abroad, social norms can differ.
