The past 12 months have flown by, not only because we have relocated, gained employment, travelled around Europe, and aimed to try a pint at every single pub in London, but because we have met an awesome bunch of friends who have made our experience in this country exceptional! Whilst here though, we have truly attempted to involve ourselves in the British culture, mostly by doing the most English things we could think of.
I’ve compiled a list of the most British events and activities that we have enjoyed since being in England for the past 12 months. Some may be traditional, some a bit bizarre, and others severely outdated, but we have tried them all!
Firstly, there is a long list of Royal events each year that have really made me a bit of a royal watcher, especially since this past year there has been 2 royal weddings and 2 royal babies. The English Paparazzi are having a field day, so yes I’m following it at every step, and slightly ashamed to admit that my Instagram feed is filled with Kensington Royal posts… don’t judge.
1.Visit to Buckingham Palace
Although you can only enter the palace itself for 12 weeks of the year, that does not stop thousands of people dropping by to take a photo outside the embellished gates hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen through the windows. Occasionally her guards move around and it’s entertaining to watch the visitors swarm.
2. Royal Wedding Garden Party
When there is a Royal Wedding, England’s Royal Watchers come out to play, and the city of London is spotted with fancy garden parties to literally watch the wedding on television. Comments about the dress, the title, the flowers etc are common amongst people who dress as if they are attending the wedding themselves, eating traditional roasts and drinking Pimms and Champagne. This is a photo of us enjoying our garden party for Harry and Megan’s wedding in May last year. Similar events were set up for Princess Eugenie’s wedding, although not to the same extent. Any excuse really!
3. Trooping the Colour
The custom of Trooping the Colour dates back to the 17th century when the King would inspect his troops. It takes place in June each year to celebrate the official Birthday of the Queen. The royal family members also attend, including Prince Charles, William and Harry who were on horseback in their official military uniforms (we actually missed seeing them as they blend in with the rest of the troops). The ladies however, ride by carriage down the Mall, before all of the Royal family step out onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace to view the Royal Air Force fly past.
Spectators flock to Buckingham Palace and the line the streets of the Mall to see the parade. For Royal spotting, this is an easy way to get nice and close!
Camilla Duchess of Cornwall and Kate Duchess of Cambridge
HRH The Queen
4. Royal Ascot
Ascot racecourse hosts the Royal family for 5 days in June each year. The event was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and the event features a daily horse-drawn procession from Windsor Castle to the racecourse. The general admission area hosts hundred each day who bring their picnics and champagne to enjoy race day on a budget, whilst other enclosures have better views of the track and a much more strict dress code, including the width of the hat’s brim and height of the Top Hat! Anything to impress the Queen I guess!
5. Henley Royal Regatta
This Regatta is a ‘fancy boat race’ held on the Thames in the town of Henley, not far from London. Founded in 1839, it is famous both as a great sporting event and as a social occasion, being a similar atmosphere to a racing or polo event. The public’s involvement can be as formal or informal as they like, with different enclosures suited to different visitors. In the theme of anything Royal related, there are strict dress codes for certain enclosures which have the best views of the finish line on the river.
Henley itself is a beautiful town, well worth exploring, and it is common for people to charter boats to punt down the river for the day and get close to all of the racing action.
My favourite boat of the day
6. The Boat Race
Speaking of boating, The Boat Race is an annual rowing race between the Oxford University and Cambridge University on the River Thames in London. Many people flock to the river banks to watch the race, but considering it is over and done with in less than 20 minutes, the whole day is basically spent picnicking, enjoying a little sunshine and Sainsbury’s prosecco (not the good kind). In 2018 Cambridge University Boat Club won both the men’s and women’s race, but historically there has been a fairly event split in results.
7. Afternoon Tea at the Savoy
Having the best of British fare is top priority, so where better to start than having a traditional Afternoon Tea at the Savoy? The Savoy was the first purpose built luxury hotel accommodation in London, popular with Royals and celebrities alike, and still serves one of the best Afternoon Teas in London. The beautiful decor sets the perfect scene for the delicacies served on the beautiful china. Classic sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream, jam and lemon curd, whilst sipping on a selection of over 30 teas and listening to the pianist in the middle of the atrium. The whole experience was very glamorous – highly recommended for a special occasion!
8. The Full English
No explanation necessary, but this hearty feast has been a common occurrence over the past 12 months….
9. Dining Thameside
Taking in the views of Tower bridge and the interesting skyline of London has been one of our favourite pastimes. We will be doing plenty more of this activity over the coming months to fulfil that mission to try a pint at all the pubs in London!
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