The UK has been described by academics as a ‘cultural superpower’ and its inhabitants have a reputation for being esteemed inventors, writers, musicians, artists and architects, in addition having a host of other talents!
Some of the UK’s most notable traditions and celebrations take place in the summer months. This year, plenty of families and friends intend to stay and holiday in Britain, and a proportion of these may even partake in a quintessential ‘British’ tradition or two during the summer break.
Afternoon tea
Taking ‘afternoon tea’ in a fancy hotel or café, usually mid-afternoon is a tradition that dates back to 1840 when the seventh Duchess of Bedford requested that teas, sandwiches and petite cakes were served to her in between lunch and dinner. Today, ‘crusts off’ sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and jam are must-haves on the traditional afternoon tea menu, and this mini-meal is presented on a 2 or 3 tiered cake stand and accompanied with a pot of tea, served in cups and saucers.
Take a trip to the capital
London is home to some of the most iconic British attractions and usually attracts around 30 million visitors every year. The British red double-decker bus is a popular way for tourists to tour the city, although many people choose to hail a ‘black cab’, another famous vehicle with British roots. For over 60 years, 130,000 of these classic London taxi cabs have been produced in the city of Coventry, and their drivers or ‘cabbies’ all have to learn and pass the world-famous ‘Knowledge of London’ test before they get their licence. The test is notoriously tricky!
Explore royal traditions
The London skyline is in itself an iconic landscape – you can’t visit the capital without a trip to see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London or the London Eye. Of course, The Queen is one of the most renowned individuals in British culture, along with the Royal family. Royal traditions, such as the ‘Changing of the Guard’ at Buckingham Palace, are really popular with both British and overseas tourists. Annually, during the summer, The Queen welcomes over 30,000 guests to garden parties at the palace (her official London residence) or Holyrood Palace, in Scotland. Attendees are from all walks of life, and many are invited because of their positive contribution to UK communities.
Enjoy life beside the seaside
Unilife’s residents in Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester are well placed to experience all the thrills of the British seaside. Renowned traditions for visitors at seaside towns include: eating fish and chips (with mushy peas) in a paper on the beach, buying sticks of rock, walking along the promenade or pier, enjoying rides at the fairground. In days gone by, in places like Blackpool, men wore ‘Kiss Me Quick’ hats or knotted white handkerchiefs on their heads! Today, around Britain, people still hire blue and white striped deckchairs and spend summer days at brightly coloured wooden beach huts – the first beach huts in the UK are known to have existed as far back as the 1860s.
Britain is the birthplace of sport
From August, many popular outdoor sports and activities have resumed – and it’s amazing how many globally played and recognised sports originated in Britain!
Horses are in Britain’s heritage
Horse breeding and racing have long been part of British society. In fact, it is the second-largest spectator sport in Britain. Horse racing events include Royal Ascot, The Grand National and the Cheltenham Festival. The history of racing horses dates back to the 12th century when English knights brought back Arab horses from the Crusades (religious wars). These horses gave birth to the ‘thoroughbred’ horse, which is the most well-known breed used for racing in the UK.
Inventing ball games
The modern game of golf originated in Scotland, at St Andrews, a town on the west coast of Scotland known internationally as the " Home of Golf”. To many golfers, the Old Course, an ancient links (or coastal) course, dating from the 16th century, is considered to be a site of pilgrimage for golf fans. It was almost 300 years later, in 1845, that rugby union was created, when the first rules were written by pupils at Rugby School, in Warwickshire. Today, the game is played, worldwide, by more than 6 million people.
Special anniversaries this summer
It’s the 125th anniversary of the National Trust in 2020. The Trust is drawing inspiration from one of its founders, Octavia Hill, who said: "We all want quiet, we all want beauty… we all need space” All year, the conservation charity is showcasing activities that can be done anywhere, in the outdoors or on anyone’s doorstep. The idea is to offer reasons and reminders for people to live in the present and to pause for beauty and wonder, which everyone can enjoy.
Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blogs/directors-blog/hilary-mcgrady-celebrates-our-125th-anniversary
2020 marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which took place between July and October 1940. 15th September 1940 was officially named Battle of Britain Day as it was the day when RAF Fighter Command claimed what proved to be a decisive victory over the German Luftwaffe.
Did you know that The Queen has 2 birthdays?
The Queen’s real birthday is on 21st April but her official birthday is 13th June! The monarch having two birthdays is a tradition that goes back to 1748 and was introduced by King George II to make sure that the weather is better for outdoor royal birthday celebrations.
