We all know that the UK is made up of lots of British traditions of more than just a collection of “old-world” castles, winding roads, and rolling hills. Our wonderful nation is so much more than that. The palaces in London, the breathtaking national parks, and even Nando’s are just a few of the amazing customs and locations we have. Ha!
Okay, so Nandos is more of a place to get some hot chicken than a place to learn about customs, but there are plenty of other British traditions that would intrigue any tourists! In the UK, there are several festivals, events, and gatherings that commemorate certain historical moments throughout the year.
Additionally, the majority will ensure that you have a great time, while some are just plain odd and entertaining.
1.) British Morris Dancing
British Morris Dancing is one of the popular British traditions. Morris Dancers can generally be seen at most Summer Fetes clothed and dancing to dazzle the public thanks to a custom that dates back more than 500 years and has been passed down through generations. They will even let you to participate at specific times if you politely ask so that you may sample the custom.
2.) British Maypole Dancing
The Maypole, a tall wooden pole that is most common in Britain traditions and other areas of Europe, is where people customarily dance on May Day or Whitsun. The practice of Maypole dance was first documented in Wales in the fourteenth century.
For a variety of reasons, according to historians, people danced around the maypole.
1) Potentially to increase fertility
2) To provide a symbolic location where nearby towns, which were frequently at odds, might coexist peacefully; or
3.) Because of the Pagan belief that the cosmos is connected to a tree (which I had no idea).
Whatever the motivation, it’s a ton of fun. It’s practically a given that you’ll be dancing by the end of the day if you go to any major metropolitan park or village fair that takes place around Whitsun. What are you waiting for? Grab your clogs. 🙂
3.) English Cheese Rolling
Yes, that is as strange as it sounds! Every year, on the annual spring bank holiday, thousands of people physically roll and chase a 9-pound barrel of Gloucestershire cheese down the hill at Coopers Hill in Gloucester.
This festival is said to have originated from the Pagan festivities celebrating the end of winter, during which barrels and flaming bushes would be rolled down the hill. Anyone may decide to participate.
4.) A British Bonfire Night
Bonfires, fireworks, sparklers, and tons of toffee apples are all part of the celebration of Bonfire Night. Yum! We commemorate Guy Fawkes’ botched attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 17th-century London every year.
Thankfully, his scheme was thwarted and the Houses of Parliament were spared! He had loaded the entire cellar with hundreds of barrels of gunpowder and was ready to explode it. Now that the “gunpowder” (such as pyrotechnics) has been lit, we may celebrate by starting a large fire.
One of my favorite UK events is this one. Every year on November 5, it takes place. The majority of towns, cities, and villages will provide a variety of locations to celebrate Bonfire Night.
Even better, you can host your own.
5.) Snorkeling in bogs
Bog Snorkeling may be among the oddest customs in Wales, where I was raised.
In Llanwrtyd Wells, competition is conducted annually when both residents and tourists compete to be named the best “bog snorkeller.”
Bog snorkeling often takes place in the summer, but if you want to participate, remember to wear a wet suit because the bogs are notoriously chilly.
