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Whether we’ve stepped foot on the terra firma of the British Isles or not, the time prior to an anticipated trip to do so, whether already booked or dreamed about, is a skill in patience and preparation. Yep, savoring how we’ve curated what we can right where we live to incorporate what we love most about the culture.
Since my last trip in October 2023, the moment I returned home, I wanted to hop right back on the plane again and head back to Britain. If it weren’t for my pups and my budget, I would have ☺️ But such a feeling is a gift as well. It means we have found what speaks to us, what brings us to life, and that is something to celebrate.
What we do in between our trips will make the next trip all the more a treasured memory. So by exploring and pinpointing exactly what we miss, it can better inform us of what we wish to see, do, and look forward to when we return. So, today, I’d like to share with you 10 things I miss before the next opportunity arises to upload my tickets on my phone and pack my luggage.
1. The theatre
The West End and all of the other theatre offerings around the city and throughout England where many plays begin before they arrive in London is a must-do each time I visit. I can remember sitting next to a woman during one of the plays I attended, she hailed from NYC and stated that she hops the pond regularly to catch up on the theatre and enjoy the city. Sounds like a great reason to visit more frequently to me!
2. Getting lost while walking around London, but knowing as long as I can find a Tube station, I will find my bearings again
London, as British folks already know, is its own map of roads and paths that have existed for centuries, so the urban planning approach for ease of congestion, let alone clarity in how to arrive somewhere wasn’t part of the original design of a modern-day 21st century city. However, what is simple to navigate is the Tube. So, whenever I might feel a bit discombulated, I look for a Tube station and then I can easily get my bearings and also quickly toodle-loo to wherever I am trying to arrive at.
And of course, hearing the phrase “Mind the Gap” sounds like a lullaby in many ways. With my Oyster card or transit app ready, I hop on and enjoy the ease of how the system works.
3. All of the many gardens open to the public to visit throughout the country
From within the city of London to everywhere throughout Britain, gardens abound and of all types and aesthetic styles, inviting us to visit. As I have only just begun to see them in person – Sissinghurst being my first, each trip I return, my intention is to include at least one visit to a new-to-me garden. Many of such gardens I discover while watching Gardeners’ World.
Read and take a tour of the garden in my post “Spending the Afternoon at Sissinghurst Castle Garden in the Spring“
4. An opportunity everywhere it seems for an Afternoon Tea
What would a visit to Britain be without an Afternoon Tea? I shutter to think 😉🫖
5. Electric tea kettles and teapots at-the-ready in any accommodation and tea always being offered wherever you go – train, restaurant, waiting area, etc.
Tea service on the train, multiple tea services if taking a long trip, tea kettles set upon the counter of every vacation rental I have stayed, and even biscuits immediately available to pair. My stay in Kensington in 2017 at London Perfect’s flat exhibited this hospitality was de rigueur, and instantly felt right at home.
6. Free museums to visit (and even if they begin to charge, their oodles of museums to explore!)
The access to visit any major national museum in London for free is a gift to soak up, and I know many TSLL readers and listeners of the podcast have done just that. This availability to the public at first astonished me during my first trip in 2012, and then it communicated the priorities of a culture to me. For however long this gift lasts, Britain, you have been most generous. Thank you.
7. The rain, knowing it could fall at any time and for a very long time
Yep, one of the reasons I love hopping on a plane and flying to Britain is because I know that at some point, I am all but 100% guaranteed that it will rain, and I do love the rain. Especially in the countryside, hearing the rain beat or gently tap against the roof or windows is something I have always found soothing, again, very much like a lullaby that provides comfort and welcome.
8. The ease of train transportation to get about the country without needing to drive everywhere
Each time I return to the States and get back into my car to go just about anywhere, I long for the ease of transportation in Britain. Now, I know as soon as I write this, Brits will remind me that ease is not always the case when there is a strike or mechanical issue, so I acknowledge, nothing is perfect; however, just knowing that train transportation is valued and available so widely is yet another gift I enjoy utilizing while visiting.
9. All of the birdsong and the countryside
Granted I am recalling the soniferous music of the dawn chorus in spring while in the Kent countryside, but the magnificent birdsong while I have been in England is a memory that immediately brings a smile.
10. Antique and charity shops, treasures to be found!
There is something quite exciting about knowing you never know what you will find when you step inside an antique or charity shop. A variety of treasures have been welcomed back to Le Papillon over the years, and in fact, in the photo at the top of this post, the painting, is case in point. While I know similar shops can be found in France (which I also love for treasure hunting) as well as the States, there is something about the history that makes doing so in Britain all the more special.
Where I found Barney! In the Mission Hall Antique shop in Barnard Castle, County Durham!
~Listen to the episode, #382: Antique & Vintage Shopping in Barnard Castle, England + 5 Ways I Decorate with these Treasures
Yep, I am eager to return to Britain. And while I don’t have a trip planned or on the calendar yet. I know it will be sometime soon, and it will be deeply savored and long prepared for when I do.
Now, I am curious to know, what do you miss when you aren’t in the UK and your next trip isn’t planned just yet? We’d all love to hear as I have a feeling it will inspire ideas for others and their itinerary planning. Your fellow Anglophile community thanks you in advance for sharing!
Petit Plaisir
~The Other Bennet Sister, BritBox
Learn more about the series, watch the trailer, and the book that inspired the television adaptation.
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I miss the pub culture of cozy dining in rooms that just feel old and well-loved, never ever pretentious, the accent/s, and the genteel manners that are much more commonplace than over here in the States. Sigh.
Shannon, what areas of the country do you have your eyes on to visit next? I’ve been thinking Cornwall would be very unique and beautiful!
Yes Melissa! I miss popping into a cozy pub when it’s raining, especially when traversing the countryside and ordering a hot cuppa and /or fish and chips with a half pint!
Yes! The pubs. I was just talking about this in pre for British week. The feel, the people watching, it’s very different from American Bar feels, although I can’t put my finger on why. Maybe the atmosphere and diversity of the sports?! I love it ❤️
Yes, our bars have turned into a prowl and be prowled type atmosphere. Too bad. I’d imagine we originally had British style pubs in the beginning. Not sure what happened. They’ve kept them nice family style affairs over there. And the half pint, genius! Perfect for just stopping in for a refresh and being on your way. We have a few British pubs around here but you really have to hunt for them.
So many choices! Cornwall definitely has to be visited at some point. The question is where to begin! 🙂 A wonderful dilemma. 🙂 Thank you for painting the welcoming and warm atmosphere of the pub. It brought a smile! 🙂
Hi Melissa, I’ve never traveled to Britain (but will!) and your description of pub culture sounds wonderful to me.
Oh to be in London or any place in Britain! I love to hear the receptionist at a hotel or B&B say “would you like a light read or a heavy read?” when selecting a morning newspaper. Loved to pickup Hello magazine at the busy news stand on the street before stepping onto the tube. Stopping into a local food mart and perusing the interesting food items. Visiting so many lovely chapels and churches and hearing the sound of bells pealing. I could make a list a mile long of the things I miss!
Ahhh, yes! Thank you for sharing this offering of choice of newspapers! Now that you share that, I may recall hearing that before. Thank you for the reminder! And the bells! Yes! Oh my goodness, the food mart and M&S just tootling about the aisles! Thank you Karen for sharing these 🙂
What a great list, Shannon! Like you, I love the theatre and look forward to seeing The Mousetrap (inspired by your trip!). Cheers!
Oh, you are going to love it! And isn’t the theatre just so special? Thank you for sharing Sara 🙂
Dear Shannon, this is a great list. One thing I would add is history. I love the fact that there are castles and stately homes all over so you can enjoy immersing yourself into the past. And, I agree that kettles are essential and I don’t know why you can’t find them the world over. If I travel in Europe and there’s no kettle I get disappointed as I always travel with my favourite tea – twining breakfast. I hope you’ll come back soon for a visit.
Nicola, while I have never been to Britian, I did live in Germany for several years, years ago. Everywhere I went, I couldn’t help but think this place is older than my country (USA). The history I was seeing… the footsteps I was following. What a unique experience.
I cannot wait to return Nicola! And thank you for bringing the history that is so abundant and readily available to us all to our list! That is an absolute yep! Yep! So rich and centuries, centuries deep in stories. Thank you! I am so glad I am no alone in always traveling with my favorite tea too! 🙂
Shannon – you are, as the Brits say, spot on! I also love their sense of humor and dry wit. The multiple offerings of tea are a life saver. When I was offered a cuppa on the train from London to Edinburgh (with crumpets!) it was so restorative and I able just to sip and munch and enjoy the scenery. What a wonderful experience!
Noreen, your painting of the comfort offered and savored on your train trip brought a smile and ease just reading it! Those small nibbles and sips of tea make a grand difference, don’t they? 🙂 And goodness yes! The humor and dry wit! Thank you for adding this to the list! 🙂
This is truly a heartwarming list because I adore the UK. Well done!
There are a few things that I would add to your list.
For me, the politeness and kindness of the British people are outstanding. As a tourist, I do not encounter this elsewhere in the world.
Then the Black cabs of London! They can turn on a dime, can be hailed through a free app, and the drivers are so helpful.
We can’t forget the Royal Family! I confess to being a Royalist, and enjoy being inspired and entertained by almost all of them.
I could go on, but I look forward to reading what the other members are saying!
Cannon, thank you very much for your forthrightness and sharing all that you have! 🙂 The Royal family is indeed fascinating, perhaps because I am an onlooker. 🙂 And oh my goodness, thank you for bringing up the black cabs! Yes! Yes! All that you have shared, yes! Indeed, I too have always encountered an abundance of helpfulness and nothing but politeness. Very grateful for their patience and a chuckle at times at my tourist quirks. 😉 Tickled you enjoyed the list and thank you for your contribution. 🙂
Hi Shannon, this is such a great list and something I will add to my list when I do travel to Britain. I love all of the descriptions you gave; gardens, tea everywhere, theatre, really everything you mentioned, and also love reading what others here also enjoy; the pubs, newspaper options and how they are presented to you, British kind manners, Black cabs, Royal family, the history, – thinking about all of these different ideas really makes me smile. Thank you again for more wonderful British Week moments!
My pleasure! 🙂
What a great list and everything added by others reminds me of my last visit. There is an atmosphere in the UK that I still look for here in the states. The architecture and the lifestyle that seems absent in our hectic days and perhaps the influence of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen has created a sense of calm that I always seek.
Thank you for sharing what you appreciate about the British culture Lucy. Creating calm, yes, absolutely possible with intentional design.
Shannon,
Thank you for giving me a starting point (or two) of things I miss in Britain. Like so many of us I miss theater, museums, gardens, and practical things like the tube and tea kettles that make life so much easier.
So I would add fabulous book shops, history everywhere, and such lovely manners.
Great additions Julia! Thank you for sharing these. Yes, yes, and yes! 🙂
Hi Shannon,
What an excellent podcast! I’ve enjoyed everything you mentioned. I would add scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and of course fish and chips! ☕️🇬🇧
Yum! Yes and yes Jamie! Thank you! 🙂
What a great list Shannon, I would add the footpaths and walking trails that cross the countryside. It always seemed such a British thing to me that you could walk across countryside too such a degree. Loving British week so far
Kiri, thank you for adding the footpaths to this list. This is such a special part of Britain and I hope to explore them more in future visit. I can remember when I stayed in Country Durham in the countryside, the farm had a rambling path that ran through their pasture and as I was in the kitchen I would see ramblers walking onto the property, some with another person, some with a pup and some on their own and onward they would go. The community aspect of this and respect of another’s property while sharing your own was a delight to see. 🙂
Excellent list, Shannon, and I agree with other commenters–the ease and expectation of being able to walk everywhere, the cosy pubs,(luckily we have a multi-generational Irish pub in our town), allotments and gardens and green spaces everywhere, the humour, the attitude–and yes, proper fish & chips AND jacket potatoes stuffed with cheese & beans!
That is awesome to hear about the local Irish pubs in your town. 🙂 And oh my goodness, your list is a treat as well! From food to gardens. Don’t you just love the allotment culture in Britain? It’s gradually being offered here in Bend, but in a much smaller scale, but still, gardening is gardening and I am tickled to see the space, how ever little or much, being considered and given to the community. Walking by such spaces in a neighborhood or a park is a lovely thing to see.
Thank you for all that you have shared!
Yes, to all that you and others have shared. Thank you. I miss the coziness of it all, the quiet regality, and those swoon worthy accents that could make a grocery list sound poetic. I miss the nonnegotiable pause for tea, that gentle interruption of the day that somehow turns everything softer and more sensible. Most of all, I miss my son, who attended graduate school and now pursues his PhD there. I long for the simple gift of being in his presence in his charming university town, where even the air feels like it has time to think. On my next visit, my list includes a visit to Beatrix Potter’s home, where I imagine the hedgerows still whisper stories, and an evening at the theatre to see Paddington, because nothing says proper British charm quite like a very polite bear who always seems to get into delightful trouble.
Oh well done with your son, Mum. I so love your phrase, ‘where even the air feels like it has time to think’, a proper ambience for a proper university. Please take note of the whispered stories from the hedgerows and share, if you don’t mind. And the mention of Paddington and the Queen brings back the absolutely fabulous Jubilee skit. I raise my cuppa and wish you more many more lovely visits with your son. xx
Tracy,
Ah yes! The accents. 🙂 And as you said, the non-negotiable pause for tea. So beautifully described. 🙂 And to echo Rona’s comment – congrats on your son’s achievements!
Your comment was a treat to read. Thank you for painting such a charming vignette in our minds to savor.
And visiting Beatrix Potter’s is a wonderful idea! Having done so in 2023 (even though her home was closed on the day I visited), to walk on the rolling hills she did, to sit by the Tarn she would frequently respite beside – oh, you are going to love it. Absolutely love it! 🙂
And yes to Paddington Bear. 🙂
(My apologies for the delayed response – I must have missed it, but having now found it, absolutely loved reading it closely. Your words are music.)
I was fortunate enough to get to tour Buckingham Palace when I visited London a few years ago. This was before the queen passed away. Every September, she would go spend a few weeks in Scotland. We got to enjoy the inside of her house, garden and my favorite her royal jewelry. It will be something I will never forget.
Stacy
Stacy, So tickled you were able to tour Buckingham! Such a grand space and steeped in history of all sorts! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
It’s the gardens and ambles through the countryside that I miss the most when not in England. The right to roam is one of the greatest things about walking in England- (although sadly more and more land is being enclosed and now off limits to walkers)- but there are still many public footpaths and every village will have some. Apart from London (I mean WHAT a city), my favourite town in England is Dartmouth- a little difficult to get to -but worth the trek. It’s a peaceful town right on the river Dart -you can visit Agatha Christie’s summer home by boat up the river as well as Coleton Fisacre- which you can walk to from Dartmouth on the Coastal path. I stayed a week and could easily have stayed forever. Favourite garden is Rousham- I was fortunate enough to visit it when last time in England and it has stayed with me as inspiration for everything I’m now trying to accomplish in my own garden at home (albeit on a much smaller scale).
Oh gosh how lovely, thank you for the discovery of Rousham! I love a good amble and Britain provides them in spades. Good luck with your home garden, I am quite sure you will succeed in creating a beautiful space. xx
Thank you for sharing about all of the rambling paths Kate and for the recommendation to visit Dartmouth. Making note of it now! And of Rousham gardens as well. 🙂
That was a fun podcast (while I pulled Virginia Creeper out of my lilac tree🤪). It’s lovely to hear what is appreciated about British culture as we can be so cynical. You mention the theatre in London, may I mention the music? I’m thinking London especially as it’s where I live, but you can enjoy world class music every single night of the week. You’ve got the major venues like the Barbican, and the South Bank, but there are also concerts in the numerous churches around the city, which can be a much more intimate experience. And hear hear to gardens. Hampton Court is a lovely day trip from London. If you fancy that let me know 😉
Krys,
Love that you were gardening while you listened! That brought a smile as I always enjoy hearing how and where the podcast is enjoyed. ☺️
Thank you so much for mentioning the music. As I have just begun to drink this up each visit, during my most recent I had the opportunity to listen o Beethoven’s 7th played in the Barbican and it was AMAZING! Thank you for sharing the other places to find music often presented. 😌
And Hampton Court – thank you for your insider recommendations of what is close by. Taking note as you have introduced me (and thus TSLL!) to so many other wonderful British finds (BBC 3 Sounds, for example 😌💛).
Thank you for your comment and generosity and may this Bank holiday weekend be exactly as you need and wish it to be.
What a great post and I know I’ll come back and read everyone’s wonderful memories again! As a woman travelling alone I noticed kindness…things such as when I was standing in line to fill a glass of water at a restaurant and the person in front of me filled one and passed it behind to me for no reason with great friendliness! Or, as I approached public staircases with my :: enormous :: suitcase, people (okay, men) offered to help me, and while I couldn’t surrender my bag, I feel sure they would have simply plopped it at the bottom and smiled me on. So many moments. I find kindness all around here, too, but perhaps I notice that the sense of community does differ in some way.
Your memories and stories of assistance brought a smile Liz. And I am confident that that is exactly what they would have done. I have experienced much gentility and helpfulness myself, and in so doing, many wonderful shared chuckles and smile. The light-hearted banter – a treat I always enjoy. Thank you for this reminder.
The British love their dogs, and so do I. It’s heart-warming to see dogs being walked, romping in the parks or snoozing in the pubs. And, there’s a variety of breeds that I don’t see in the United States (not as much, anyway).
As for politeness, on one of my first trips to London, I’ll never forget opening a door for a man carrying a large package, and he said, “Cheers!” That was just so British, rather than “thanks.”
Mary,
Thank you very much for sharing these two lovely examples. How could I forget their love for dogs! 🤦♀️ Yes! They really do and it was endearing to witness this. Thank you again for sharing 😌💛