10 Typical English Things To do In London

Things to do in London that are Very British

Before my first ever trip to London, I came across a whole bunch of clichés about the British. Of course, when I did actually end up there, I realized not all of them were true. Like how they say the British are standoffish and rude. I mean, what’s that about? I think they’re the sweetest, liveliest people ever!

That said, there are, of course, some stereotypes about the British which are indeed true (although they sometimes unfairly go into hyperboles!). From the stately traditions of Buckingham Palace to the veritable institution that is afternoon tea, London is brimming with quintessentially English peculiarities.

Here are 10 Typically English things to do in London that I think capture the heart of it all.

1. EAT FISH AND CHIPS

A fried fish filet soused in salt and vinegar, with potato fries and mushy peas on the side – It doesn’t get more British than this!

Originally served by small family-run shops in the 18th century, Fish and Chips soon became a staple food choice in England, beloved for its affordability and satisfying flavors.

Today, the meal is a cultural icon. You’ll find tons of places whipping it up in every corner of every street in London, from modest shops to upscale restaurants.

Some of the famous spots for a wholesome serving of fish and chips are Poppies in Camden or The Golden Hind in Marylebone.

2. BROWSE THE ICONIC MARKETS OF LONDON

There’s something inherently English about spending a weekend meandering through a bustling market. And London has quite a few markets to show for it.

Exploring the local markets is practically a cultural ritual and one of the most English things to do in London.

Borough Market is a prime spot for food lovers, where you’ll find everything from artisanal cheeses to sausage rolls. For something a little quirkier, Camden Market offers alternative fashion, vintage vinyl, and a unique, offbeat, British charm. And then there’s Portobello Road Market, which has an exhaustive collection of antiques.

It doesn’t matter if you buy, get a bite, or just browse – wandering through a market in London is a must-do… and I promise you, you’ll end up bringing at least one item back home with you. The urge is really hard to shake off.

After all, no Brit can resist a good rummage. So when in London, you do as the Londoners do!

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3. HAVE A NICE CUP OF TEA

While the custom of drinking tea dates back to the third millennium BC in China, it is the afternoon cuppa that gained popularity in England much later.

Drinking tea in the afternoon has since become not only an elaborate social event for the upper classes (think High Tea), but also a tradition in the average British suburban home where tea is usually served with cookies or a small piece of cake.

So get your caffeine fix! Stick out your pinky finger, sip on a delish English tea with scones and crumpets on the side, and talk about the ever-changing weather in London.

Where to have tea in London:

The English Tea Room and The Savoy Thames Foyer are excellent places to experience drinking tea like the English in London. Here’s a more exhaustive list, so take your pick!

4. HAIL A BLACK CAB

You’ve probably spotted one in a movie. The Hackney Carriage, commonly called the Black Cab, is an Austin TX4 make, and you’ll see these elegant taxis swerving through the streets of London all through the day.

Compact one-horse carriages started being used as cabs for hire in London in the 1600s, and the first line of motorized taxis was produced in black by default. These days London taxis come in many other colors, yet they are all still referred to as black cabs.

Fun fact:

Taxi drivers in London have to pass a mandatory test called “The Knowledge” which includes memorizing 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks, and usually takes up to four years to prepare for!

5. WATCH A PLAY IN LONDON

Theater has been an integral part of British culture for centuries. William Shakespeare, who is known as the Father of Modern English, lived in London for the most part of his life. Some of the legendary names in English Literature such as Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen were products of the United Kingdom.

The love for theater runs deep, and the best way to experience London in true English spirit is by watching a musical. And pray, they’re bloody good!

There are lots of plays happening throughout the day, and a huge number of theaters to cater to the spectator in you. Catch a show in London’s West End Theater District, and you can find tickets and last minute deals at the official discount booth (TKTS) in Leicester Square next door. You can also buy tickets online.

So when in London, go to the theater! Oh, and proper etiquette applies while you’re there.

6. HAVE AN ENGLISH BREAKFAST

I bet you’ve done this already, and a number of times at that. Even if you travel to a place geographically and habitually miles away from England, you can still find the English Breakfast on the menu.

But nothing beats having it in a cozy London cafe or a historic pub with steaming cups of tea and the buzz of locals around you.

A full English breakfast includes bacon, eggs (fried, poached or scrambled), tomatoes, mushrooms, sausages and toast. Black pudding and baked beans are often included.

Breakfast is traditionally considered the most important meal in the day, and so the British way is to eat it lavishly and leisurely. Your trip to London will be incomplete without a proper breakfast, and some tea to go with it, of course!

7. DRINK AT AN ENGLISH PUB

English pubs aren’t just places to grab a pint – they’re at the center of British social life. You bond at the pub.. And not just any pub; there’s always a neighborhood pub you go to, everytime. That’s the rule.

In fact, there are around 3,800 pubs in London alone: that’s one for every 2,350 Londoners! That’s a bumper number!

As with other things, there’s pub etiquette to adhere to. For starters, there is no table service at English pubs. Feel free to grab a table, but you order and pay at the bar. Also avoid grouping up and heading to the bar, lest you might hear mutters of displeasure for crowding the place. It is generally considered appropriate for one or two people to get drinks to the table from the bar.

There’s also the “rounds” rule, where each person takes turns buying drinks for everyone. If someone buys the first round, others are expected to buy their turn in the next round. It’s all about fairness (no one likes a “round dodger”)!

What to Order:

Ales, stouts, pale ales, IPAs, porters: you catch my drift, mate? The options are aplenty, and the British sure love their ales. A pint is the general serve size, but you can order a half pint as well. Pubs don’t serve cocktails but wines, spirits, tea, coffee and juices are readily available.

Did you know: The word “Pub” is an abbreviation for “Public House”. In older times, it signified someone’s house in the neighborhood that was open to the public. People would then get together to chat and catch up over drinks.

8. EMBRACE THE UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER

“Blimey, the weather is bollocks today!”

One conversation opener you can always swear by.

Seriously, London weather is shite. It changes by the hour and by the day. You might start your morning in sunshine, grab lunch in a drizzle, and end the day battling sideways rain with an umbrella that’s seen better days.

While there are four distinct seasons, there’s a good chance you’ll get a sunny day in January and bone-numbing rain in June. All hell breaks loose when it rains and snows at the same time! Not to mention the forever wind to make things worse.

But you know what? It’s all part of the charm. When it rains, head to a cozy pub for shelter or pop into a museum like the Tate Modern or the V&A.

And if you’re brave enough to embrace the elements, a walk along the Thames in the mist or Hyde Park in a soft drizzle can feel oddly romantic. Honestly, it’s exactly what a Londoner might do.

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9. WATCH A CRICKET OR FOOTBALL GAME

The hysteria around these sports isn’t unfounded. Both cricket and football were born in England, and the native love for both runs strong.

Originally written off as a game for English shepherds, cricket emerged as a more recognized and viable sport when the working class began playing. It piqued the interest of the spectators as they could bet on winners, but soon they took a liking to the framework of the game itself.

Cricket retains its gentlemanly reputation, but the slow burn of a five-day Test match isn’t for everyone. Which is why shorter forms have emerged, like T-20 and ODI.

While cricket was always considered a gentleman’s sport, the reputation of football being a violent game appears repeatedly in documented accounts. But the rage around football is at its highest in England today.

Some of the UK’s biggest and most famous stadiums are in London, such as The Oval , Lord’s, Wembley, and Stamford Bridge.

So see if there’s a match happening in a stadium near you, else head to a pub to watch the game over a pint or two. The energy is contagious, and I can tell you that this is going to be the highlight of your London visit.

10. SEE THE CHANGE OF GUARD AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

The British have a deep-rooted admiration for the Royal Family, and when in London, you can’t help but notice that. The influence of the monarchy is evident in everything from regal statues to souvenir shops packed with King Charles-themed tea towels.

The closest you can get to witnessing the pageantry and pomp of the royal lineage is by attending the ceremony of changing of the King’s Guard. The soldiers on active duty, dressed in red tunics and bearskin caps, pass on the Guard to the new set, amidst lively military music and precision drills.

Best part: The ceremony is free to watch! It takes place at 11:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. It is advisable, though, to get to the venue latest by 10:15 am to get a good spot, as the crowds can get rather thick.