The UK is famous for its history, culture, and traditions, but some customs might leave outsiders scratching their heads. These peculiar practices, ranging from eccentric to downright baffling, offer a glimpse into the quirky side of British life – so let’s take a look at some of them.
Afternoon Tea
According to the British Museum, it’s “Anna Maria Russell… we have to thank for the invention of afternoon tea, sometime around 1840.” In the UK, the tradition of afternoon tea is typically enjoyed between 3 and 5 PM. It involves a pot of tea, scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches, and cakes, which might seem over the top to non-Brits.
Bonfire Night
Every 5th of November, the UK lights up with bonfires and fireworks to commemorate the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Known as Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night, it celebrates the capture of Guy Fawkes, who attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Burning an effigy might seem a bit macabre to an outsider, but it’s a longstanding tradition.
Morris Dancing
Morris dancing is a traditional English folk dance involving rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers, usually wearing bell pads on their shins and waving handkerchiefs or sticks. Its origins are somewhat mysterious, and the sight of grown men dancing with bells and sticks might strike others as odd.
Cricket
Often lasting for days, cricket matches and their rules are notoriously complex, and a casual observer might find the game slow and perplexing, with terms like “googly,” “silly mid-off,” and “duck.” Yet, for the British, cricket is a cherished pastime, embodying the spirit of summer, community, and tradition.
Cheese Rolling
Every spring, the village of Brockworth hosts the annual Cheese Rolling competition, where participants chase a round of Double Gloucester cheese down a steep hill. This bizarre and somewhat dangerous tradition draws crowds from around the world and highlights the British love for eccentric—and sometimes reckless—fun.
Pancake Day Races
On Shrove Tuesday, towns across the UK celebrate Pancake Day with pancake races. Participants must run a course while flipping a pancake in a frying pan. The origin of this peculiar custom dates back to 1445, when a woman supposedly ran to the church, still flipping a pancake to avoid burning it.
Royal Pageantry
The British royal family is surrounded by traditions, some of which can appear quite bizarre. Events like the Trooping the Colour, the State Opening of Parliament, and the Changing of the Guard are steeped in pomp and circumstance. These displays of royal pageantry, with their elaborate uniforms and meticulous protocols, might seem excessive.
Talking About the Weather
Obsession with the weather is a well-known stereotype for locals of Great Britain. The weather is a common topic of conversation, a go-to icebreaker, and a subject of endless fascination. The UK’s unpredictable climate means there’s always something to discuss.
The Shipping Forecast
Broadcast four times a day on BBC Radio 4, the Shipping Forecast is a national institution. This weather report for the seas around the UK is beloved by many. The poetic place names and rhythmic delivery have a soothing, almost hypnotic quality, but to non-Brits, it might seem strange.
Wearing Red Poppies
In the lead-up to Remembrance Day on November 11th, it’s customary for people in the UK to wear red poppies. This tradition honours military personnel who have died in wars, particularly since World War I. The sight of millions donning these red paper flowers can be quite striking to visitors.
Christmas Crackers
A staple of British Christmas dinners, crackers are festive paper tubes that make a popping sound when pulled apart. Inside, they contain a small gift, a joke, and a paper crown, which everyone wears during the meal. The combination of the bang, the silly hat, and the cheesy joke creates a uniquely British festive experience that can be puzzling.
Hen and Stag Parties
Hen (bachelorette) and stag (bachelor) parties can get quite wild. These pre-wedding celebrations often involve elaborate costumes, themed nights out, and sometimes even trips abroad. The emphasis on raucous fun, public pranks, and copious drinking can seem extreme.
The Great British Pub Quiz
A beloved British pastime, combining pub culture with the thrill of a trivia competition, pub quizzes see teams gather to answer questions on various topics, hoping to win prizes, usually free drinks or cash. For those not familiar with this custom, the idea of a quiz night at a pub might seem peculiar.
Maypole Dancing
During the May Day celebrations, children and adults alike dance around a tall pole decorated with flowers and ribbons, weaving intricate patterns as they go. This traditional dance, symbolising the arrival of spring, dates back to ancient times, but it might seem quaint and old-fashioned.
Tea Dunking
The British take their tea seriously, which extends to dunking biscuits into it, whether it’s digestives or rich tea biscuits. Dipping these treats into a cup of tea is an art form, yet this peculiar custom might seem trivial to outsiders.
Straw Bear Festival
Every January, the town of Whittlesey celebrates the Straw Bear Festival. During this event, a person is dressed in a straw costume and paraded through the streets. While the sight of a straw-clad figure being led around might seem bizarre, it’s a cherished local tradition with deep historical roots.
Lawn Bowls
A traditional British sport involving rolling biased balls so that they stop close to a smaller ball called a “jack” is known as lawn bowls. The game is played on a manicured green. While it might appear slow-paced and sedate, it requires skill and precision, but the sight of older people dressed in white, carefully measuring distances and angles, can seem strange.
Celebrating Odd Royal Events
The residents of the UK love a good celebration, and the royal family provides plenty of occasions, including jubilees, royal weddings, and even the Queen’s (now the King’s) official birthday. These events are marked with street parties, concerts, and various public festivities, which might seem excessive to others.
Queuing
The British are world-renowned for their love of queuing, whether at the bus stop, in shops, or even for the loo—forming an orderly line is almost a sacred act. This dedication to queuing reflects a deep respect for fairness and order. Although it might seem overly polite or even unnecessary in situations where there’s no real need for a line.
