There are certain things that make the UK what it is today, and without them it just wouldn’t be the same. Those who are going to visit the countries that make up the United Kingdom will find that this entire area shares more than a few things in common.
- The English Countryside
If you have ever visited rural England or any other part of the UK, chances are you have had the pleasure of seeing the beauty and splendor the countryside it has to offer. The lush green grass and trees that line the roads through large parts of the UK are definitely part of what makes it what it is. You simply will not find any other place in the world where the countryside is quite as green and spectacular as it is here. The town of Bath in England is one prime example of beautiful countryside that you simply will not believe when you see it.
- Literary Legends
There are many different literary legends that have come out of the UK, including legendary playwright William Shakespeare. The UK would not be what it is today with these literary geniuses. Some of the most creative and artistic minds have come from these countries. There are of course other types of artistic legends to have come from the UK, such as The Beatles. A lot of innovative and influential artists have come from this area of the world, and continue to come from it.
- Pubs
England and Ireland are extremely well-known for their love of drinking, and you can practically find a pub on every street corner. Many people who visit the UK from America and other countries all over the world are truly amazed and surprised at just how many pubs there are. People who live in the UK are generally huge fans of beer, so you will most likely find a huge selection to choose from when you visit. They definitely take drinking very seriously, which is precisely why you will see so many pubs.
One of the great things about pubs in the UK is that so many of them are unique. You won’t find a lot of franchised or chain bars in the UK, simply because they value individuality so much. The legal drinking age in the UK is a bit younger then America, which is definitely something else that comes as a shock to many people who visit from the U.S. and other countries.
- Gloomy Weather
If you are planning on visiting the UK, don’t expect your vacation to be all warmth and sunshine. Most of the UK suffers from poor weather most of the year, which means a lot of rain and overcast skies. The UK is kind of like the Pacific Northwest in the United States in that its weather is so gloomy most of the time. While it’s true that the sun does occasionally come out, it’s not long before the rain and gray skies are back.
- Sports
The UK is also definitely known for its love of sports, particularly football (soccer to those in the U.S.). When you see just how seriously people in this part of the world take sports, you will be quite amazed. When it comes to football and tennis, British people go crazy (literally!). Riots at football games are not at all uncommon, and there are even “clubs” that you can join depending on the team you support. If you are a bit sports fan yourself and plan on visiting the UK in the near future, you will most likely feel right at home.
The UK is quite a unique place for a number of reasons. Every place on earth has its own series of things that make it what it is, but there is something special about the UK that separates it from the U.S. and every other place across the globe for that matter. Those who want to visit the UK will definitely need to keep these things in mind, especially if they want a truly authentic experience. If you want to immerse yourself in the UK’s culture, you will certainly want to pay close attention to this list.