1. NHS
The good old NHS has been serving us since 1948 – free at the point of delivery, available to everyone and “based on clinical need, not ability to pay”. Something we are very lucky to have considering the high cost in other countries like the States.
2. Pubs
Another set of establishments you can always rely on. With a tasty carvery, beer and jovial atmosphere you’re set to have a good time whether with family or friends. Let’s face it – us Brits know how to drink and pubs are the perfect place for bringing people together.
3. Roast dinner
Whether enjoyed in a pub or at home, the roast dinner is an integral part of the British diet. It’s hearty, tasty and brings the family together. Just try explaining what gravy is to a foreigner. “Jus de viande” sounds so much classier.
4. Tea
British tea is the best – apparently we drink more than 60 billion cups of it a year. Which boils down to (sorry) 900 cups a year per person. Tea seems to have the ability to solve any problem – be it a hangover or stress. And we all secretly love debating about the quantity of milk/sugar needed to make the perfect brew.
5. Countryside
Quaint villages, cobbled streets and rolling hills – the perfect setting for Winter walks and lazy Sundays. The UK boasts some beautiful scenery which can be both admired and enjoyed (by the sporty ones among us). Check out the 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty here: http://www.landscapesforlife.org.uk/
6. London
The Tube, big red buses, platform 9 3/4 – the tourists love it. Whether we are proud of Downing Street and the royal family or not, they are inherently British. The city really does offer something for everyone, from Harrods to Camden Market. Not to mention the plethora of free museums to visit.
7. The North
The often overlooked North of England has produced some of the UK’s best musicians. Oasis, The Smiths, the Beatles…the list is endless. The region has some beautiful countryside (Yorkshire Dales, Lake District etc) and vibrant cities such as Liverpool and Manchester. And the people are renowned for their friendliness.
8. Music
Speaking of music, we Brits have many musicians to be proud of. Take groups such as the Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Radiohead and Queen. Individual artists of the past such as Elton John and David Bowie, as well as current serial chart toppers Adele and Ed Sheeran have taken the world by storm. Tribute should also be paid to the talented Amy Winehouse.
9. Authors
Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, George Orwell…an endless list once again. The childhood of every 90s kid was shaped by likes of Roald Dahl and JK Rowling, whose novels have become the best selling book series in history. Maybe we’ll leave Fifty Shades out of this one…
10. Our sense of humour
Being abroad really makes you appreciate our Brits’ ability to make fun of ourselves and others. Other languages don’t seem to have a translation for “banter”. Our use of sarcasm is equally unique. Check out Ricky Gervais’s interesting comparison of British and American humour here – if you’ve bothered to read this far… http://time.com/3720218/difference-between-american-british-humour/