holidays of great britain essay

• Christmas in Britain

The great British national holiday

• Accidents and emergencies
• Pounds and pennies
• Where to stay
• Hotels in London
• Hotel search
• Budget tourism - Britain on the cheap
• Driving in Britain
• Low-cost car-hire
• Travel by train in Britain
• Britain's main attractions
• Tourism by region
• Food and eating in Britain
• Online shopping from the UK
• English pubs
• Visiting London
• London for free
• Getting round in London
• Shopping in London
• More great English cities
• Oxford and Cambridge
• Best places to visit in southeast England
• Best places to visit in central southern England
• The West of England - Gloucestershire to Dorset 
• The southwest - Devon and Cornwall
• Sites & heritage in the East of England
• About Scotland
• England's coasts and seasides
• The English countryside
• Prehistoric sites
• Great English cathedrals
• Best art galleries
• Open-air living museums
• Working steam railways
• Best zoos and wildlife parks
• Britain's great cities
• For or against Brexit :  arguments and people
• Britain, UK, England - what's what?
• British institutions
• The British constitution
• The British parliament
• Political parties in Britain
• Education in the UK
• The National Health Service
• Local government in Britain
• The regions of England

Christmas and New Year - a holiday for all

Christmas - New Year Sales

A traditional English Christmas

A traditional english christmas-day menu, christmas cards, christmas carols.

Christmas trees

Christmas day in england.

Take Ten: Great British Holiday Traditions

How to celebrate the Christmas season in true British style

Christmas Markets

DAVID LEVENSON/NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES

ADRIAN JUDD/NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES

Celebrate in London

ADOBE STOCK

Catch a Pantomime

COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL THEATRE

Dance the Dream of  Nutcracker

COURTESY OF THE ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA

Sing or Listen to Messiah

. 14 paul harris/national trust iamges 14 chris lacey/national trust images, see off a boxing day hunt, 14 peter alvey/alamy, join the christmas party.

pub-christmas

A King’s College Christmas Eve

nine-lessons

Watch The Queen’s Christmas Address

Elizabeth II greets NASA GSFC employees, May 8, 2007 edit

A fter Christmas Lunch, family and friends gather around the telly at 3:00 in the afternoon to listen to Her Majesty bring Christmas greetings to her people and the nations of the Commonwealth. Often, The Queen’s appearance marks a break in the feasting between the fattened goose or turkey and a bounty of traditional sweets to follow.

Hogmanay in Style

New Year celebrations

Related: November/December 2016

BHT newsletter

You may also like.

• Most Recent

Recognising the style icon, Quee...

Over the years we've seen Royals break out some truly unique clothi...

Exploring Wales and unearthing m...

Exploring the castles, mountains, winding roads, and valleys of the...

Did Queen Elizabeth use secret s...

The Queen reportedly had a number of secret hand signals. Did you k...

The magic of Welsh male voice ch...

Choirs have always been closely associated with Wales. Join Sian El...

Our special relationship - the U...

The UK and the USA have long enjoyed a special relationship. We tho...

Why did Queen Elizabeth have two...

Have you ever wondered why Queen Elizabeth celebrated her birthday ...

"The Book Lover's Guide to Londo...

"The Book Lover's Guide to London" brings literature lovers on a jo...

Which country removed Queen Eliz...

Did you know that Queen Elizabeth was removed as head of state in t...

Cotswolds delights for children ...

Susie Kearley discovers a host of attractions in the Cotswolds is a...

George Thomson, the collector of...

George Thomson, whom history remembers best as the organizer and di...

• TOP CATEGORIES
• AS and A Level
• University Degree
• International Baccalaureate
• Uncategorised
• 5 Star Essays
• Study Tools
• Study Guides
• Meet the Team
• Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
• Christianity

Traditions and holidays of Great Britain

Traditions and holidays of Great Britain.

Every nation and every country has its own traditions and customs. Traditions make a nation special. Some of them are old-fashioned and many people remember them, others are part of people’s life. Some British customs and traditions are known all the world.

From Scotland to Cornwall, Britain is full of customs and traditions. A lot of them have very long histories. Some are funny and some are strange. But they are all interesting. There is the long menu of traditional British food. There are many royal occasions. There are songs, saying and superstitions. They are all part of the British way of life.

You cannot really imagine Britain without all its traditions, this integral feature of social and private life of the people living on the British Isles that has always been an important part of their life and work.

English traditions can classified into several groups: traditions concerning the Englishmen’s private life (child’s birth, wedding, marriage, wedding anniversary); which are connected with families incomes; state traditions; national holidays, religious holidays, public festival, traditional ceremonies.

What about royal traditions? There are numerous royal traditions in Britain, some are ancient, others are modern.

The Queen is the only person in Britain with two birthdays. Her real birthday is on April 21 st , but she has an “official” birthday, too. That is on the second Saturday in June. And on the Queen’s official birthday, there is a traditional ceremony called the Trooping of the Colour. It is a big parade with brass bands and hundreds of soldiers at Horse Guard’s Parade in London. A “regiment” of the Queen’s soldiers, the Guards, march in front of her. At the front of the parade there is the regiment’s flag or “colour”. Thousands of Londoners and visitors watch in Horse Guards’ Parade. And millions of people at home watch it on television. This custom is not very old, but it is for very old people. On his or her one hundredth birthday, a British person gets a telegram with congratulations from the Queen.

The changing of the Guard happens every day at Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s home in London. The ceremony always attracts a lot of spectators – Londoners as well as visitors – to the British capital.

So soldiers stand on front of the palace. Each morning these soldiers (the “ guard ”) change. One group leaves and another arrives. In summer and winter tourists stand outside the palace at 11:30 every morning and watch the Changing of the Guard.

Traditionally the Queen opens Parliament every autumn. But Parliament, not the Royal Family, controls modern Britain. The Queen travels from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament in a gold carriage – the Irish State Coach. At the Houses of Parliament the Queen sits on a “ throne ” in the House of Lords. Then she reads the “ Queen’s Speech ”. At the State Opening of Parliament the Queen wears a crown. She wears other jewels from the Crown Jewels, too.

Every year, there is a new Lord Mayor of London. The Mayor is the city’s traditional leader. And the second Saturday in November is always the day for the Lord Mayor’s Show. This ceremony is over six hundred years old. It is also London’s biggest parade.

The Lord Mayor drives to the Royal Courts of Justice in a coach. The coach is two hundred years old. It is red and gold and it has six horses.

As it is also a big parade, people make special costumes and act stories from London’s history.

In Britain as in other countries costumes and uniforms have a long history.

One is the uniform of the Beefeaters at the tower of London. This came first from France. Another is the uniform of the Horse Guards at Horse Guard’s Parade, not far from Buckingham Palace. Thousands of visitors take photographs of the Horse Guards.

Britannia is a symbol of Britain. And she wears traditional clothes, too. But she is not a real person.

Lots of ordinary clothes have a long tradition. The famous bowler hat, for example. A man called Beaulieu made the first one in 1850.

One of the British soldiers, Wellington, gave his name to a pair of boots. They have a shorter name today – “ Wellies ”.

There is a very special royal tradition. On the River Thames there are hundreds of swans. A lot of these beautiful white birds belong, traditionally, to the king or queen. In July the young swans on the Thames are about two months old. Then the Queen’s swan keeper goes, in a boat, from London Bridge to Henley. He looks at all the young swans and marks the royal ones. The name of this strange nut interesting custom is Swan Upping.

There are only six public holidays a year in Great Britain, that is days on which people need not go in to work. They are: Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Spring Bank Holiday and Late Summer Bank Holiday, Boxing Day.

So the most popular holiday in Britain is Christmas. Christmas has been celebrated from the earliest days of recorded history, and each era and race has pasted a colourful sheet of new customs and traditions over the old.

On the Sunday before Christmas many churches hold a carol service where special hymns are sung. Sometimes carol singers can be heard in the streets as they collect money for charity. There are a lot of very popular British Christmas carols. Three famous ones are: “ Good King Wenceslas ”, “ The Holly and The Ivy ” and “ We Three Kings ”.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people all over the world send and receive Christmas cards. Most of people think that exchanging cards at Christmas is a very ancient custom but it is not right. In fact it is barely 100 years old. The idea of exchanging illustrated greeting and presents is, however, ancient. So the first commercial Christmas card was produced in Britain in 1843 by Henry Cole, founder of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The handcoloured print was inscribed with the words ’A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to you’. It was horizontally rectangular in shape, printed on stout cardboard by lithography.

A traditional feature of Christmas in Britain is the Christmas tree. Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, brought the German tradition (he was German) to Britain. He and the Queen had a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in 1841. A few years after, nearly every house in Britain had one. Traditionally people decorate their trees on Christmas Eve – that’s December 24 th . They take down the decorations twelve days later, on Twelfth Night (January 5 th ).

An older tradition is Christmas mistletoe. People put a piece of this green plant with its white berries over a door. Mistletoe brings good luck, people say. Also, at Christmas British people kiss their friends and family under the mistletoe.

Those who live away try to get back home because Christmas is a family celebration and it is the biggest holiday of the year. As Christmas comes nearer, everyone is buying presents for relatives and friends. At Christmas people try to give their children everything they want. And the children count the weeks, than the days, to Christmas. They are wondering what presents on December 24 th . Father Christmas brings their presents in the night. Then they open them on the morning of the 25 th .

There is another name for Father Christmas in Britain – Santa Claus. That comes from the European name for him – Saint Nicholas. In the traditional story he lives at the North Pole. But now he lives in big shops in towns and cities all over Britain. Well, that’s where children see him in November and December. Then on Christmas Eve he visits every house. He climbs down the chimney and leaves lots of presents. Some people leave something for him, too. A glass of wine and some biscuits, for example.

This is a preview of the whole essay

At Christmas everyone decorates their houses with holly, ivy colourful lamps.

In Britain the most important meal on December 25 th  is Christmas dinner. Nearly all Christmas food is traditional, but a lot of the traditions are not very old. For example, there were no turkeys in Britain before 1800. And even in the nineteenth century, goose was the traditional meat at Christmas. But not now.

A twentieth-century British Christmas dinner is roast turkey with carrots, potatoes, peas, Brussels sprouts and gravy. There are sausages and bacon, too. Then, after the turkey, there’s Christmas pudding. Some people make this pudding months before Christmas. A lot of families have their own Christmas pudding recipes. Some, for example, use a lot of brandy. Others put in a lot of fruit or add a silver coin for good luck. Real Christmas puddings always have a piece of holly on the top. Holly bushes and trees have red berries at Christmas time, and so people use holly to decorate their houses for Christmas. The holly on the pudding is part of the decoration.

Crackers are also usual at Christmas dinner. These came to Britain from China in the nineteenth century. Two people pull a cracker. Usually there is a small toy in the middle. Often there is a joke on a piece of paper, too. Most of the jokes in Christmas crackers are not very good. Here is on example:

Customer: Waiter, there’s a frog in my soup.

Waiter: Yes, sir, the fly’s on holidays.

A pantomime is a traditional English entertainment at Christmas. It is meant for children, but adults enjoy is just as much. It is a very old form of entertainment, and can be traced back to 16 th  century Italian comedies. There have been a lot of changes over the years. Singing and dancing and all kinds of jokes have been added; but the stories that are told are still fairy tales, with a hero, a heroine, and a villain.

In every pantomime there are always three main characters. These are the “ principal boy ”, the “ principal girl ”, and the “ dame ”. Pantomimes are changing all the time. Every year, someone has a new idea to make them more exciting or more up-to-date.

December 26 th  is Boxing Day. Traditionally boys from the shops in each town asked for money at Christmas. They went from house to house on December 26 th  and took boxes made of wood with them. At each house people gave them money. This was a Christmas present. So the name of December 26 th  doesn’t come from the sport of boxing – it comes from the boys’ wooden boxes. Now, Boxing Day is an extra holiday after Christmas Day.

Traditionally Boxing Day Hunts is a day for foxhunting. The huntsmen and huntswomen ride horses. They use dogs, too. The dogs (fox hounds) follow the smell of the fox. Then the huntsmen and huntswomen follow the hounds. Before a Boxing Day hunt, the huntsmen and huntswomen drink not wine. But the tradition of the December 26 th  hunt is changing. Now, some people want to stop Boxing Day Hunts (and other hunts, too). They don’t like foxhunting. For them it’s not a sport – it is cruel.

In England people celebrate the New Year. But it is not as widely or as enthusiastically observed as Christmas. Some people ignore it completely and go to bed at the same time as usual on New Year’s Eve. Many others, however, do celebrate it in one way or another, the type of celebration varying very much according to the local custom, family tradition and personal taste.

The most common type of celebration is a New Year party, either a family party or one arranged by a group of young people. And another popular way of celebrating the New Year is to go to a New Year’s dance.

The most famous celebration is in London round the statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus where crowds gather and sing and welcome the New Year. In Trafalgar Square there is also a big crowd and someone usually falls into the fountain.

Every Year the people of Norway give the city of London a present. It’s a big Christmas tree and it stands in Trafalgar Square. Also in central London, Oxford Street and Regent Street always have beautiful decorations at the New Year and Christmas. Thousands of people come to look at them.

In Britain a lot of people make New Year Resolutions on the evening of December 31 st . For example, “ I’ll get up early every morning next year ”, or “ I’ll clean, my shoes every day ”. But there is a problem. Most people forget their New Year Resolutions on January 2 nd .

But New Year’s Eve is a more important festival in Scotland then it is in England, and it even has a special name. It is not clear where the ‘Hogmanay’ comes from, but it is connected with the provision of food and drink for all visitors to your home on 31 st  December.

There is a Scottish song that is sung all over the world at midnight on New Year’s Eve. It was written by Robert Burns, the famous Scottish poet, and you may find some of the traditional words a bit difficult to understand, but that’s the way it’s always sung – even by English people!

It was believed that the first person to visit one’s house on New Year’s Day could bring good or bad luck. Therefore, people tried to arrange for the person of their own choice to be standing outside their houses ready to be let in the moment midnight had come.

Usually a dark-complexioned man was chosen, and never a woman, for she would bring bad luck. The first footer was required to carry three articles: a piece of coal to wish warmth, a piece of bread to wish food, and a silver coin to wish wealth. In some parts of northern England this pleasing custom is still observed. So this interesting tradition called “ First Footing ”.

On Bank holiday the townsfolk usually flock into the country and to the coast. If the weather is fine many families take a picnic – lunch or tea with them and enjoy their meal in the open. Seaside towns near London, such as Southend, are invaded by thousands of trippers who come in cars and coaches, trains and bicycles. Great amusement parks like Southend Kursoal do a roaring trade with their scenic railways, shooting galleries, water-shoots, Crazy houses and so on. Trippers will wear comic paper hats with slogans, and they will eat and drink the weirdest mixture of stuff you can imagine, sea food like cockles, mussels, whelks, fish and chips, candy floss, tea, fizzy drinks, everything you can imagine.

Bank holiday is also an occasion for big sports meeting at places like the White City Stadium, mainly all kinds of athletics. There are also horse race meetings all over the country, and most traditional of all, there are large fairs with swings, roundabouts, a Punch and Judy show, hoop-la stalls and every kind of side-show including, in recent, bingo. There is also much boating activity on the Thames.

Although the Christian religion gave the world Easter as we know it today, the celebration owes its name and many of its customs and symbols to a pagan festival called Eostre. Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of springtime and sunrise, got her name from the world east, where the sunrises. Every spring northern European peoples celebrated the festival of Eostre to honour the awakening of new life in nature. Christians related the rising of the sun to the resurrection of Jesus and their own spiritual rebirth.

Many modern Easter symbols come from pagan time. The egg, for instance, was a fertility symbol long before the Christian era. The ancient Persians, Greeks and Chinese exchanged eggs at their sping festivals. In Christian times the egg took on a new meaning symbolizing the tomb from which Christ rose. The ancient custom of dyeing eggs at Easter time is still very popular.

The Easter bunny also originated in pre-Christian fertility lore. The rabbit was the most fertile animal our ances tors knew, so they selected it as a symbol of new life. Today, children enjoy eating candy bunnies and listening to stories about the Easter bunny, who supposedly brings Easter eggs in a fancy basket.

Also there is a spectacular parade on Easter. It is a truly spectacular Easter Parade in Battersea Park. It is sponsored by the London Tourist Board and is usually planned around a central theme related to the history and attractions of London. The great procession, or parade, begins at 3 p.m. but it is advisable to find a vantage-point well before that hour.

On October 31 st  British people celebrate Halloween. It is undoubtedly the most colourful and exciting holiday of the year. Though it is not a public holiday, it is very dear to those who celebrate it, especially to children and teenagers. This day was originally called All Hallow’s Eve because it fell on the eve of All Saints’ Day. The name was later shortened to Halloween. According to old beliefs, Halloween is the time, when the veil between the living and the dead is partially lifted, and witches, ghosts and other super natural beings are about. Now children celebrate Halloween in unusual costumes and masks. It is a festival of merrymaking, superstitions spells, fortunetelling, traditional games and pranks. Halloween is a time for fun.

Few holidays tell us much of the past as Halloween. Its origins dateback to a time, when people believed in devils, witches and ghosts. Many Halloween customs are based on beliefs of the ancient Celts, who lived more than 2,000 years ago in what is now Great Britain, Ireland, and northern France.

Every year the Celts celebrated the Druid festival of Samhain, Lord of the Dead and Prince of Darkness. It fell on October 31, the eve of the Druid new year. The date marked the end of summer, or the time when the sun retreated before the powers of darkness and the reign of the Lord of Death began. The Dun god took part in the holiday and received thanks for the year’s harvest.

It was believed that evil spirits sometimes played tricks on October 31. They could also do all kinds of damage to property. Some people tried to ward of the witches by painting magic signs on their barns. Others tried to frighten them away by nailing a piece of iron, such as a horseshoe, over the door.

Many fears and superstitions grew up about this day. An old Scotch superstition was that witches – those who had sold their souls to the devil – left in their beds on Halloween night a stick made by magic to look like themselves. Then they would fly up the chime attended by a black cat.

In Ireland, and some other parts of Great Britain, it was believed, that fairies spirited away young wives, whom they returned dazed and amnesic 366 days later.

When Halloween night fell, people in some places dressed up and tried to resemble the souls of the dead. They hoped that the ghosts would leave peacefully before midnight. They carried food to the edge of town or village and left it for the spirits.

In Wales, they believed that the devil appeared in the shape of a pig, a horse, or a dog. On that night, every person marked a stone and put it in a bonfire. If a person’s stone was missing the next morning, he or she would die within a year.

Much later, when Christianity came to Great Britain and Ireland, the Church wisely let the people keep their old feast. But it gave it a new association when in the 9 th  century a festival in honour of all saints (All Hallows) was fixed on November 1. In the 11 th  century November 2 became All Souls’ Day to honour the souls of the dead, particularly those who died during the year.

Christian tradition included the lighting of bonfires and carring blazing torches all around the fields. In some places masses of flaming staw were flung into the air. When these ceremonies were over, everyone returned home to feast on the new crop of apples and nuts, which are the traditional Halloween foods. On that night, people related their experience with strange noises and spooky shadows and played traditional games.

Halloween customs today follow many of the ancient traditions, though their significance has long since disappeared.

A favourite Halloween custom is to make a jack-j’-lantern. Children take out the middle of the pumpkin, cut hole holes for the eyes, nose and mouth in its side and, finally, they put a candle inside the pumpkin to scare their friends. The candle burning inside makes the orange face visible from far away on a dark night – and the pulp makes a delicious pumpkin-pie.

People in England and Ireland once carved out beets, potatoes, and turnips to make jack-o’-lanterns on Halloween. When the Scots and Irish came to the United States, they brought their customs with them. But they began to carve faces on pumpkins because they were more plentiful in autumn than turnips. Nowadays, British carve faces on pumpkins, too.

According to an Irish legend, jack-o’-lanterns were named for a man called Jack who was notorious for his drunkenness and being stingy. One evening at the local pub, the Devil appeared to take his soul. Clever Jack persuaded the Devil to “have one drink together before we go”. To pay for his drink the Devil turned himself into a sixpence. Jack immediately put it into his wallet. The Devil couldn’t escape from it because it had a catch in the form of a cross. Jack released the Devil only when the latter promised to leave him in peace for another year. Twelve months later, Jack played another practical joke on the Devil, letting him down from a tree only on the promise that he would never purse him again. Finally, Jack’s body wore out. He could not enter heaven because he was a miser. He could not enter hell either, because he played jokes on the Devil. Jack was in despair. He begged the Devil for a live coal to light his way out of the dark. He put it into a turnip and, as the story goes, is still wandering around the earth with his lantern.

Halloween is something called Beggars’ Night or Trick or Treat night. Some people celebrate Beggars’ Night as Irish children did in the 17 th  century. They dress up as ghosts and witches and go into the streets to beg. And children go from house to house and say: “ Trick or treat! ”, meaning “ Give me a treat or I’ll play a trick on you ”. Some groups of “ ghosts ” chant Beggars’ Night rhymes:

Trick or treat,

Smell our feet.

We want something

Good to eat.

In big cities Halloween celebrations often include special decorating contests. Young people are invited to soap shop-windows, and they get prizes for the best soap-drawings.

In old times, practical jokes were even more elaborate. It was quite normal to steal gates, block house doors, and cover chimneys with turf so that smoke could not escape. Blame for resulting chaos was naturally placed on the “ spirits ”.

At Halloween parties the guests wear every kind of costume. Some people dress up like supernatural creatures, other prefers historical or political figures. You can also meet pirates, princesses, Draculas, Cinderellas, or even Frankenstein’s monsters at a Halloween festival.

At Halloween parties children play traditional games. Many games date back to the harvest festivals of very ancient times. One of the most popular is called bobbing for apples. One child at a time has to get apples from a tub of water without using hands. But how to do this? By sinking his or her face into the water and biting the apple!

Another game is pin-the-tail-on-the –donkey. One child is blind folded and spun slowly so that he or she will become dizzy. Then the child must find a paper donkey haging on the wall and try to pin a tail onto the back.

And no Halloween party is complete without at least one scary story. It helps too create an air of mystery.

Certain fortunetelling methods began in Europe hundreds of years ago and became an important part of Halloween. For example, such object as a coin, a ring, and a thimble were baked into a cake or other food. It was believed that the person who found the coin in the cake would become wealthy. The one who found the ring would marry soon, but the person who got the thimble would never get married.

Unfortunately now most people do not believe in evil spirits. They know that evil spirits do not break steps, spill garbage or pull down fences. If property is damaged, they blame naughty boys and girls. Today, Halloween is still a bad night for the police…

March 1 st  is a very important day for Welsh people. It’s St. David’s Day. He’s the “patron” or national saint of Wales. On March 1 st , the Welsh celebrate St. Davids Day and wear daffodils in the buttonholes of their coats or jackets.

On February 14 th  it’s Saint Valentine’s Day in Britain. It is not a national holiday. Banks and offices do not close, but it is a happy little festival in honour of St. Valentine. On this day, people send Valentine cards to their husbands, wives, girlfriends and boyfriends. You can also send a card to a person you do not know. But traditionally you must never write your name on it. Some British newspapers have got a page for Valentine’s Day messages on February 14 th .

This lovely day is widely celebrated among people of all ages by the exchanging of “valentines”.

Saint Valentine was a martyr but this feast goes back to pagan times and the Roman feast of Lupercalia. The names of young unmarried girls were put into a vase. The young men each picked a name, and discovered the identity of their brides.

This custom came to Britain when the Romans invaded it. But the church moved the festival to the nearest Christian saint’s day: this was Saint Valentine’s Day.

Midsummer’s Day, June 24 th , is the longest day of the year. On that day you can see a very old custom at Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, England. Stonehenge is on of Europe’s biggest stone circles. A lot of the stones are ten or twelve metres high. It is also very old. The earliest part of Stonehenge is nearly 5,000 years old. But what was Stonehenge? A holy place? A market? Or was it a kind of calendar? Many people think that the Druids used it for a calendar. The Druids were the priests in Britain 2,000 years ago. They used the sun and the stones at Stonehenge to know the start of months and seasons. There are Druids in Britain today, too. And every June 24 th  a lot of them go to Stonehenge. On that morning the sun shines on one famous stone – the Heel stone. For the Druids this is a very important moment in the year. But for a lot of British people it is just a strange old custom.

Londoners celebrate carnivals. And one of them is Europe’s biggest street carnival. A lot of people in the Notting Hill area of London come from the West Indies – a group of islands in the Caribbean. And for two days in August, Nutting Hill is the West Indies. There is West Indian food and music in the streets. There is also a big parade and people dance day and night.

April 1 st  is April Fool’s Day in Britain. This is a very old tradition from the Middle Ages (between the fifth and fifteenth centuries). At that time the servants were masters for one day of the year. They gave orders to their masters, and their masters had to obey.

Now April Fool’s Day is different. It is a day for jokes and tricks.

One of the most interesting competitions is the university boat race.

Oxford and Cambridge are Britain’s two oldest universities. In the nineteenth century, rowing was a popular sport at both of them. In 1829 they agreed to have a race. They raced on the river Thames and the Oxford boat won. That started a tradition. Now, every Spring, the University Boat Race goes from Putney to Mortlake on the Thames. That is 6,7 kilometres. The Cambridge rowers wear light blue shirts and the Oxford rowers wear dark blue. There are eight men in each boat. There is also a “ cox ”. The cox controls the boat. Traditionally coxes are men, but Susan Brown became the first woman cox in 1981. She was the cox for Oxford and they won.

An annual British tradition, which captures the imagination of the whole nation is the London to Brighton Car Rally in which a fleet of ancient cars indulges in a lighthearted race from the Capital to the Coast.

When the veteran cars set out on the London – Brighton run each November, they are celebrating one of the great landmarks in the history of motoring in Britain – the abolition of the rule that every “ horseless carriage ” had to be preceded along the road by a pedestrian. This extremely irksome restriction, imposed by the Locomotives on Highways Act, was withdrawn in 1896, and on November of that year there was a rally of motor-cars on the London - Brighton highway to celebrate the first day of freedom – Emancipation Day, as it has known by motorists ever since.

Emancipation is still on the first Sunday of the month, but nowadays there is an important condition of entry – every car taking part must be at least 60 years old.

The Run is not a race. Entrants are limited to a maximum average speed of 20 miles per hour. The great thing is not speed but quality of performance, and the dedicated enthusiasts have a conversation all their own.

The Highland Games – this sporting tradition is Scottish. In the Highlands (the mountains of Scotland) families, or “clans”, started the Games hundreds of years ago.

Some of the sports are the Games are international: the high jump and the long jump, for example. But other sports happen only at the Highland Games. One is tossing the caber. “ Tossing ” means throwing, and a “ caber ” is a long, heavy piece of wood. In tossing the caber you lift the caber (it can be five or six metres tall). Then you throw it in front of you.

At the Highland Games a lot of men wear kilts. These are traditional Scottish skirts for men. But they are not all the same. Each clan has a different “tartan”. That is the name for the pattern on the kilt. So at the Highland Games there are traditional sports and traditional instrument – the bagpipes. The bagpipes are very loud. They say Scots soldier played them before a battle. The noise frightened the soldiers on other side.

The world’s most famous tennis tournament is Wimbledon. It started at a small club in south London in the nineteenth century. Now a lot of the nineteenth century traditions have changed. For example, the women players don’t have to wear long skirts. And the men players do not have to wear long trousers. But other traditions have not changed at Wimbledon. The courts are still grass, and visitors still eat strawberries and cream. The language of tennis has not changed either.

There are some British traditions and customs concerning their private life. The British are considered to be the world’s greatest tea drinkers. And so tea is Britain’s favourite drink. The English know how to make tea and what it does for you. In England people say jokingly: ‘The test of good tea is simple. If a spoon stands up in it, then it is strong enough; if the spoon starts to wobble, it is a feeble makeshift’.

Every country has its drinking habits, some of which are general and obvious, others most peculiar. Most countries also have a national drink. In England the national is beer, and the pub “ pub ”, where people talk, eat, drink, meet their friends and relax.

The word “ pub ” is short for “public house”. Pubs sell beer. (British beer is always warm). An important custom in pubs is “buying a round”. In a group, one person buys all the others a drink. This is a “round”. Then one by one all the people buy rounds, too. If they are with friends, British people sometimes lift their glasses before they drink and say: “ Cheers ”. This means “ Good luck ”.

In the pubs in south-west England there is another traditional drink-scrumpy.

Pub names often have a long tradition. Some come from the thirteenth or fourteenth century. Every pub has a name and every pub has a sign above its door. The sign shows a picture of the pub’s name.

And as you know, the British talk about the weather a lot. They talk about the weather because it changes so often. Wind, rain, sun, cloud, snow – they can all happen in a British winter – or a British summer.

Hundreds of years ago, soldiers began this custom. They shook hands to show that they did not have a sword. Now, shaking hands is a custom in most countries.

Frenchman shake hands every time they meet, and kiss each other on both cheeks as a ceremonial salute, like the Russians, while Englishmen shake hands only when they are introduced, or after a long absence.

Victorian England made nearly as many rules about hand shaking as the Chinese did about bowing. A man could not offer his hand first a lady; young ladies did not shake men’s hands at all unless they were old friends; married ladies could offer their hands in a room, but not in public, where they would bow slightly.

I have chosen the topic British customs traditions because I enjoy learning the English language and wanted to know more about British ways of life and traditions. Working on this topic I have to conclusion that British people are very conservative. They are proud pf their traditions and carefully keep them up. It was interesting to know that foreigners coming to England are stuck at once by quite a number of customs and peculiarities.

So I think of Britain as a place a lot of different types of people who observe their traditions.

Литература:

• Голицынский Ю. “Great Britain” изд. «Каро» г. С.-Петербург, 1999г.;
• Колуфман К.И. «Страницы Британской истории» изд. «Титул» г. Обнинск, 1999г.;
• Костенко Г.Т. “Reader for summer” изд. «Просвещение» г. Москва 1985г.;
• Миньяр-Белоручева А.П. «Английский язык для абитуриентов и школьников» изд. «Московский лицей» 1999г.;
• Ощепкова В.В. “Britain in Brief” изд. «Лист» г. Москва 1999г.;
• Рис-Пармен “Christmas”, журнал «Англия» №69 стр. 113-119;
• Рис-Парнал Хиларн “Hello and goodbye”, журнал «Англия» №73 стр. 115-117;
• Рис-Парнал «Рождество», журнал «Англия» №77 стр.107-109;
• Стивен Раблей “Customs and traditions in Britain” изд. “Longman Group”, ИК, 1996г.;
• Усова Г.С. “British history” изд. «Лань» г. С.-Петербург 1999г.;
• Хишунина Т.Н. “Customs, traditions and holidays in Britain” изд. «Просвещение» г.С.-Петербург 1975г.;
• Цветкова И.В. «Английский для поступающих в вузы» изд. «Глосса» г. Москва 1997г.;
• Цветкова И.В. журнал «Speak out» изд. «Глосса» г. Тула 1997г. стр.2-8.

Page  of

Document Details

• Word Count 5905
• Page Count 16
• Subject Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)

Related Essays

Lent - christian holidays

"Festivals are an important aspect of life in many Christian traditions"

The Story of Christmas and the Christ Child

The Birth of Jesus in the gospels - comparing and contrasting the two accou...

British Holidays: 9 Important Holidays in the United Kingdom

There are a lot of British holidays that don’t exist in other countries. That’s why it can be useful to know the most important holidays people celebrate in the United Kingdom.

In this article, you have a complete overview of some of the most important holidays in the United Kingdom. You can read what the different holidays are about and when they will be celebrated in 2021.

Burns Night: 25 January 2021

• Saint David's Day: 1 March 2021
• Saint Patrick's Day: 17 March 2021
• Saint George's Day: 23 April 2021
• Queen's Birthday: 12 June 2021
• Orangemen's Day: 12 July 2021

Guy Fawkes Night: 5 November 2021

• Saint Andrew's Day: 30 November 2021

Boxing Day: 26 December 2021

Related articles.

Burns Night is celebrated annually in Scotland but is not an official holiday. This means that most shops have normal working hours. Usually, this day is celebrated on 25 January or around this date.

On this day, the Scottish people commemorate the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Robert Burns was born on 25 January 1756 and was really important for the development of Scottish culture and literature. This is a day when many people have dinner in honour of Robert Burns. The dinner is called Burns Supper and during this meal, people usually read his poetry.

A dish that many people eat on this day is haggis, which is a sausage prepared in sheep’s stomach. They usually serve haggis with neeps and tatties. The most important moment of this meal is when the haggis is served while someone is playing the bagpipes. Before eating, someone also reads the ode ‘Address to a Haggis’, written by Robert Burns.

Saint David’s Day: 1 March 2021

Saint David’s Day is Wales’ national holiday so this day is celebrated everywhere in Wales and by Welsh people all over the world. Saint David is the patron saint of Wales and also symbolises Welsh culture in other countries.

This day is not really an official holiday so most shops have regular opening hours. Some stores still celebrate this day by offering special deals. This is always on 1 March. Usually, there are celebrations, masses and parades and the Welsh flag is on display almost everywhere. School organise celebrations as well and people usually eat a kind of leek soup on this day.

Some people are also dressed in traditional clothing and others pin a daffodil or leek on their clothes because those are symbols of Wales.

Not a lot is known about Saint David himself, despite his importance in Welsh culture. According to stories, he was really friendly, peaceful, big and strong. They think he died in 589 and travelled across the British isles during his life. He also founded several churches and monasteries in Wales and became archbishop.

Saint Patrick’s Day: 17 March 2021

Saint Patrick’s Day is an official holiday in Northern Ireland so most people have a day off because most shops and schools are closed on 17 March. This is only the case in Northern-Ireland because in England, Wales and Scotland, this is not an official holiday. This means that it’s just a regular working day.

Traditionally, people go to the Irish pub and there are many parades in cities where a lot of Irish people live. In areas where there are fewer Irish people, there are no such parades and celebrations. Most Irish just go to the local Irish pub. Sometimes they even dye the beer green to show that this is a special day.

Saint Patrick is one of the patron saints of Ireland and is believed to have died on 17 March in or around the year 493. He was a Christian missionary and legend has it that he banned snakes from Ireland. This can be read in a literal way, but also figuratively. It means that he banned people who believed in the snake gods. Initially, this was a Christan holiday, but that is not the case anymore.

Saint George’s Day: 23 April 2021

Saint George’s Day is only celebrated in England because Saint George is the patron saint of England. This day is not an official holiday and shops have regular opening hours. However, this is still one of the most important holidays in England. There are celebrations and parades on the Sunday closest to 23 April and there is a special mass to honour Saint George.

On this day, they commemorate Saint George’s death. He was a Roman soldier and was executed on 23 April in the year 303 because he was a Christian. Legend has it that he killed a dragon and saved a princess who was supposed to be sacrificed. By way of thanking him, the villagers from the princess’ village converted to Christianity.

Queen’s Birthday: 12 June 2021

This holiday is a day to celebrate the Queen’s birthday, as the name suggests. The Queen’s real birthday is on 21 April, but the official birthday is celebrated annually in the United Kingdom on the second Saturday in June. In other countries such as Australia and Canada, this day is celebrated on a different day.

The Queen’s Birthday is also known as the ‘Queen’s Official Birthday’, or the ‘King’s Official Birthday’ in many countries of the Commonwealth. It’s important that people honour their king or queen by celebrating his or her birthday, despite having their real birthday on a different day. This is a normal working day for many people, but some officials have a day off.

On this day, there is a big parade in London, which is called ‘Trooping the Colour’, to honour the Queen. This parade is performed by the army.

Orangemen’s Day: 12 July 2021

Orangemen’s Day is a holiday in Northern Ireland and has a lot of names: Orange Day, the Glorious Twelfth, or the Twelfth. They commemorate the ‘Battle of Boyne’ on this day. This battle took place on the East coast of Ireland in 1690. There are parades and celebrations everywhere in the country.

The fight actually took place on 1 July, but it’s commemorated annually on 12 July. The Battle of Boyne was a battle between Protestants and Catholics. The Protestant Willem of Orange won the battle and beat the Catholic King James II of England. Willem became King Willem III and initiated a protestant era in Ireland.

This day is an official holiday so most people have a day off. Schools and most shops are closed as well.

One of the most spectacular British holidays is Guy Fawkes Night. This one is also known as Bonfire Night and is celebrated on 5 November. It’s not an official holiday so most shops are open.

On this day, people commemorate the plot against King I of England. Guy Fawkes was the most notorious member of the ‘Gunpowder Plot’ that wanted to blow up the Houses of Parliament while the king and most members of parliament were inside the building. This was a plot by a small group of Catholics that wanted England to become Catholic again.

Bonfire Night is celebrated on 5 November because that is the day Guy Fawkes was arrested in 1605 when he was guarding the explosives beneath the Houses of Parliament. The attack was prevented and everywhere in the country, people started bonfires to celebrate the king was still alive.

There are celebrations in many cities and people light fireworks. This can be on a large scale, but quite a few people also do this with their families. Traditionally, people put a doll, which is called ‘the guy’, on the fire as a reference to Guy Fawkes. Usually, people also eat sweets like toffee apples.

Saint Andrew’s Day: 30 November 2021

Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and this is an official holiday to honour him. Most people have a day off because most shops and school are closed.

Government buildings in Scotland clearly show the Scottish flag and there is a week of celebrations in Edinburgh. These celebrations are mostly focused on music and traditional dancing. In general, folklore is really important in these celebrations.

Saint Andrew was one of Jesus’s disciples and people think he died on the cross by means of crucifixion. What is remarkable about this is the fact the cross was X-shaped, which is what you see in the flag of Scotland.

Boxing Day is the holiday on the day after Christmas. It’s an official holiday and almost everyone has a day off from work. Many people use this day to recover from Christmas and to spend time with family and friends. Nowadays, Boxing Day is an important day for sporting events in Great Britain.

Traditionally, employers gave their employees extra money, food or other valuable things on the day after Christmas. This was usually packed in a small box and this could be one of the reasons this day is called ‘Boxing Day’.

Another explanation comes from the ‘collection box’ of the church. In the past, many churches collected money for poor people in their parish. On 26 December, this money was given to those people so the collection box was emptied.

• American Holidays: 10 Important Holidays in the United States
• Dates in English

Dive into the UK’s rich history and contemporary culture

"Enjoy the world-famous events, local celebrations and public holidays that take place throughout the year.

On public holidays (called ‘bank holidays’ in the UK) most institutions and businesses are closed. Dates differ in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Visit the GOV.UK website for a full list.

Some of the events below are bank holidays, but not all – there are great things happening in the UK all year round.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay is one of the biggest New Year's parties in the UK.

1 January: New Year’s Day

On New Year’s Eve (31 December), it’s traditional to celebrate the count-down to midnight. There are parties nationwide, in people's houses, in bars and public venues and street parties, with Edinburgh’s ‘ Hogmanay ’ being one of the biggest. New Year’s Day is a public holiday, so expect the celebrations to last well into the night.

Late January-early February: Lunar New Year

To usher in the Lunar New Year, in many streets in UK cities, you'll find food stalls, fireworks, red lanterns and dragon parades - among other things. London’s Lunar New Year celebrations are the biggest outside of Asia, and offer an explosion of colour, sounds and pleasant aromas.

Red paper lanterns in the street to celebrate Lunar New Year

14 February: Valentine’s Day

Although there is not a bank holiday to mark this day, you will feel its presence in the lead-up with shop fronts being lined with red roses, bouquets of flowers, chocolates, teddy bears and Valentine's cards. It's common for couples to exchange gifts and go out for dinner together.

For those who would rather celebrate platonic love between friends, 'Galentine's Day' which falls on February 13, is a chance to shower your lady friends - single or coupled - with love and attention. Just a bit more than usual. And, if you want to - you can adapt this to 'Manentine's Day' or similar - we're not quire sure the word has spread yet, but feel free to get the celebrations going.

Get ready for some blue skies in March and April when the cherry blossoms bloom.

March - April

17 March: St Patrick’s Day

For those of you who don't know already, Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated by Irish communities - and many others - around the world. Most cities in the UK host their own official Saint Patrick's Day celebrations, while many people choose to celebrate instead in venues around where they live or even throw parties at home.

So, this is your chance to celebrate by dressing up in green, grabbing a pint of Guinness (if it takes your fancy) and heading out - or staying in - with your friends.

Although Easter is a Christian festival, many non-Christians throughout the UK celebrate in all sorts of creative ways.

March-April: Easter

Each year, the Easter weekend falls on a different date - any time between March 22 and April 25 - as it depends on the moon.

In the UK, there are two bank holidays to mark Easter: Good Friday and Easter Monday. This Christian holiday is traditionally celebrated with a sit-down meal - usually among family or friends - to mark the beginning of spring.

Another tradition that people, regardless of their faith or background, tend to enjoy. Easter eggs - usually made of chocolate - start appearing on supermarket shelves in the lead-up to Easter. They range from tiny ones that are perfect for hiding in the garden, balcony, or home, to eggs the size of your head.

There are so many ways to celebrate May Day. Find out through your Student Union if anything is going on on-campus or if you can find some festivities nearby.

First Monday of May: Early May bank holiday

In general, the Early May Bank Holiday, which often falls on 1 May, is celebrated with maypole dancing. Children, especially girls, often dance around a tall pole which is decorated with long, colourful, flowing ribbons.

In some parts of the UK, but mainly in England, you might find Morris dancers dressed in white and wearing bells on various parts of their outfits who carry scarves and long wooden sticks. Their dancing is usually accompanied by loud accordion music. This dancing was traditionally carried out exclusively by men but more recently it has welcomed dancers of all genders.

Last Monday of May: Spring bank holiday, sometimes called the Late May bank holiday

Another lovely day off which is usually spent catching up with friends and enjoying the - hopefully - early summer weather.

Summer solstice at Stonehenge.

June - July

21 June: Summer solstice

The summer solstice marks the longest day and the shortest night of the year, although the sun's position remains in pretty much the same place for a few days on either side. It is celebrated all over the UK in a diverse variety of ways. Perhaps the most famous is the celebration at the ancient monument of Stonehenge , where around 10,000 people gather to watch the sunrise.

Late June: Glastonbury Festival

Summer in the UK means music festival time. With its 175,000 revellers, Glastonbury is the largest and most iconic. But from Wales’ Festival No.6 and Scotland’s T in the Park to the new grassroots festivals emerging across the country, there are plenty of other opportunities to enjoy the festival season .

June/July: Eid al-Fitr

Marking the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslim communities in the UK and around the world. Each community usually has its own events, but Birmingham and London see some of the largest official celebrations and feasts in the UK.

If you can get to 'The Fringe' in Edinburgh, you won't regret it. There is an electric atmosphere like no other.

August: Edinburgh Fringe Festival

‘ The Fringe ’ features over 50,000 performances and more than 3,000 shows, which take place over three weeks every August. As the world’s biggest arts festival, it’s the best place to go for stand-up comedy, dance performances, theatre, art exhibitions, circus, spoken word, opera and much, much more. The atmosphere is buzzing, with visitors from across the globe, and if you can get yourself there, do. You won't regret it.

London's Notting Hill Carnival.

Late August: Notting Hill Carnival

Held in London over the August bank holiday weekend, Notting Hill Carnival is the biggest street carnival in Europe . Join two million carnival-goers dancing to pumping calypso music and enjoying Caribbean food as they watch the vibrant and enthusiastic parade go by.

Late August: Manchester Pride

Pride events take place in UK cities throughout the year, and on the August bank holiday weekend tens of thousands of people from the UK and further afield, flock to Manchester to promote equality and celebrate LGBT+ life at The Big Weekend - a colourful 72-hour party with a flamboyant parade in the city centre.

Last Monday of August: Summer bank holiday

This is the last bank holiday until Christmas, so make good use of it. Hopefully, the weather will be great and it'll be a chance to enjoy the green parks and outdoor spaces across the country. Or even an excuse to go down to the seaside.

If you want to get your facepaint out, October and November are a good time for it in the UK.

October - November

October: Belfast International Arts Festival

Belfast International Arts Festival , celebrated each year in Autumn, celebrates contemporary arts - dance, music, theatre, visual arts, film and music - with an international outlook and artist base. It brings the world's best and most innovative artists to Belfast every year from across the globe.

31 October: Halloween

Halloween or Hallowe'en (short for All Hallows' evening) is a celebration observed in many countries around the world. Many say that Halloween traditions were influenced by Celtic harvest festivals but there are many 'modern' activities to mark it in the UK.

For example, guising (trick-or-treating), pumpkin carving, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing and telling or watching scary stories. If you live in rented accommodation, don't be surprised if small groups of children turn up at your door in monster or ghost costumes looking for sweets. Adults in the UK also tend to enjoy Halloween as an excuse to throw fancy-dress (costume) parties.

Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and is widely celebrated in the UK.

October/November: Diwali

Diwali, or Deepavali, is one of the major religious festivals for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs around the world. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness and is celebrated in many homes all over the UK, and is also marked in several UK cities. For example, Diwali in Leicester hosts an extravagant street party where thousands of decorative Diwali lights shine brightly along the city's Golden Mile. There is also traditional food, music, dancing and fireworks and it is one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside of India.

November: Outburst Queer Arts Festival

Outburst Queer Arts Festival is an annual explosion of queer art and performance in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Now in its second decade, it showcases great local and international work by LGBT+ people of all backgrounds and creates a platform for all their stories and creative ideas.

5 November: Bonfire night

Bonfire night, often referred to as Guy Fawkes' night, originally marked the anniversary of Guy Fawkes - an English conspirator in the 17th-century Gunpowder Plot, who unsuccessfully tried to blow up Westminster Palace.

All across the UK, you will find bonfire nights from villages, to towns to big cities. Wrap up warm and head out to one of the many organised bonfire night events across the UK to enjoy the fire - most likely from a bit of a distance - and a spectacular firework display or two, or three on your way home.

Whatever you celebrate, take a look at doors across the UK to check-out the festive wreaths on display.

December: Hanukkah

Hanukkah (or Chanuka) is the Jewish festival of lights celebrated by Jewish communities around the world, including across the UK. The festival is eight days long and is celebrated with nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried food. The menorah, or the hanukkiah in Hebrew, is the nine-branched Hanukkah candelabra and the menorah which stands in front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square in London is the largest in Europe.

25 and 26 December: Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Christmas is one of the biggest annual celebrations in the UK, and the festivities are not limited to one day. In fact, the build-up to Christmas starts weeks before the day itself with Christmas trees, markets, gift-giving and the consumption of the UK's traditional mince pies (and cream, sometimes) taking centre stage throughout most of the month of December.

Christmas Day itself is a bank holiday, as is Boxing Day, which falls the day after when many people continue to spend time with friends and family.

If you're looking to travel at this time it's worth checking out your options for public transport as in London, for example, there is no public transport on Christmas Day and only a reduced service on Boxing Day.

More in this section

The UK is a union of four nations – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with similarities and differences that make studying in each nation unique.

English is spoken across the UK, but it is not the only native official language. In London alone it is estimated that you can hear over 300 languages.

The weather in the UK can be unpredictable. But with the right clothes and the right attitude, you can enjoy the UK, whatever the weather.

The UK is a multi-faith society where all religions are widely welcomed.

Enjoy the huge variety of food the UK has to offer. Here are our eight top tips for shopping, cooking and eating out while at university.

Travel and transport

Whether you’re based in the city or the countryside, you’ll be able to travel to most places in the UK quickly and see a lot during your time here.

Health and welfare

With one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world, as an international student in the UK you will be looked after.

Other relevant websites

Take a look at a full list of festivals and events in the UK from VisitBritain

Sign up to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and advice on applications, scholarships, visas and events.

• Elementary School
• Reading & Speaking
• External Independent Testing
• Grammar Exercises

Holidays in Great Britain

Some Public and Traditional Holidays in Great Britain

Different countries have different traditions and customs. Many interesting traditions are connected with holidays celebrations. Read about holidays in Great Britain to get to know some interesting British traditions.

Year 5 Level A1+

There are several public and traditional holidays in Great Britain. The most favourite ones are Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, May Day, St. Valentine’s Day and Halloween.

People in Great Britain celebrate Christmas on the twenty-fifth of December. On the eve of this holiday all people do the shopping. They buy food and presents. On Christmas Day families and friends exchange presents and share a Christmas dinner. Traditionally, they cook a turkey and a Christmas pudding. There are crackers beside every place setting. Crackers are colourful packages with a paper hat, a joke and a little present. Two people pull it in different directions to make a cracking noise.

Children also prepare for a holiday. They make the decorations and write a letter to Father Christmas. They believe that Father Christmas or Santa Claus brings presents to them. On Christmas Eve children hang Christmas stockings on  their beds or at the fireplace. Father Christmas comes down the chimney and puts presents in their stockings.

One of the symbols of Christmas is a Christmas Tree. Many people in Great Britain have a decorated Christmas Tree in their houses at Christmas. This tradition came to Britain from Germany. Prince Albert put up the first Christmas Tree for his wife, Queen Victoria, in Windsor Castle, in 1841.

Answer the questions.

• What do the British people do before Christmas Day?
• What special dishes do they make?
• Where does the tradition of decorating Christmas Tree come from?
• Why do British children hang their Christmas stockings?
• Who do children write a letter to?
• What are the symbols of Christmas?

St. Valentine’s Day

February 14th is a special day. It’s a day to tell somebody that you love them. The holiday started in Europe more than 600 years ago. About 200 years ago people started sending Valentine cards. The cards have a message of friendship and love. Sometimes the cards do not say who they are from. It’s a secret and the person never knows who sent the card.

Today people celebrate St. Valentine’s Day all over the world. They send cards or give presents to those they love. They also share lovely short messages.

Complete the sentences.

• People celebrate St. Valentine’s Day on … .
• The holiday started … .
• People started sending Valentine cards … .
• The cards have … .
• On St. Valentine’s Day people … .
• Today they also … with the help of their mobile phones.

Easter is a very important holiday in Great Britain. Children have Easter holidays for two weeks. People don’t go to work on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday, and on Easter Monday, the day after Easter Sunday.

At Easter people love painting and decorating chicken eggs. Easter eggs are often given as presents. The most popular traditions at Easter  are Easter egg hunts and egg rolling. They say that Easter bunny hides eggs in the house or the garden for children to find on Easter morning. Bigger egg hunts are held in public places, like parks and schools. The eggs can be real hard-boiled and painted eggs, plastic eggs with sweets and chocolate inside or small chocolate eggs.

Egg rolling competitions are usually held on Easter Monday. People roll hard-boiled eggs down a hill and the first egg to get to the bottom of the hill without breaking wins.

Hot cross buns are an Easter specialty in Great Britain. Hot cross buns are sweet rolls with dried fruit or raisins and topped with a cross. They are served hot.

There is a very popular old rhyme about hot cross buns which was originally a street cry of bakers trying to sell their buns in open-air markets:

“Hot cross buns,  hot cross buns! One a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns! If you have no daughters, give them to your sons. One a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns!”

Good Friday – the Friday before Easter Sunday egg hunt – a game during which  Easter eggs  are hidden for children to find egg rolling – the tradition of rolling eggs down a grassy hill hard-boiled eggs – eggs that are cooked in the shell until the yolk and the white are completely solid competition – an event or contest are held – arranged events, activities specialty -a type of food that a person, restaurant, or area is well known for

Do this Easter Quiz

1.The wish for Easter is

a. Happy Easter b. Happy spring c. Happy holidays

2. The symbol of Easter is a … a happy rabbit with a basket of chocolate eggs.

a. bunny b. dog c. cat d. hamster

3. The Easter bunny brings eggs to children on Easter …

a. Sunday b. Friday c. Monday

4. Easter egg hunt: on Easter Sunday … kids go out and look for eggs.

a. morning b. afternoon c. evening

5. Chocolate bunnies and chocolate … are very popular in Great Britain at Easter.

a. cakes b. drinks c. pudding d. eggs

6. Kids take a … to collect their eggs during the egg hunt.

a. plastic bag b. basket c. school bag d. bowl

7. Eggs are a symbol of … and new life.

a. spring b. autumn c. summer d. winter

8. People make a nice decoration – they put branches in a vase and hang eggs on them. This is called …

a. Easter egg tree b. Easter egg branches c. Easter egg vase

9. At Easter people wear special hats. They are called …

a. Easter caps b. Easter hats c. Easter bonnets

10. The Queen goes to Westminster Abbey and she gives money to some poor people. This happens on …

a. Maundy Thursday b. Maundy Tuesday c. Maundy Monday

11. People eat hot cross buns on …

a. Good Friday b. Maundy Thursday c. Easter Sunday

12. Easter egg rolling is not a popular Easter tradition.

a. True b. False

In Old England May Day was a holiday of spring. Young people celebrated this day with flowers, dances and games.

On the first Sunday in May people put up a maypole tree. They decorated it with flowers and ribbons of different colours. The dancers held the ribbons and moved around the tree. On that day the girls of the village put on their best summer dresses and put flowers in their hair. The most beautiful girl became the May Queen. Her crown was made of nice spring flowers. Young people danced a lot and played different games.

Nowadays English children celebrate their holiday in many parts of the country. They crown their May Queen, dance around the maypole tree and have fun.

Answer the questions

• Is May Day popular in England nowadays?
• What do people decorate a maypole tree with?
• What girl becomes the May Queen?
• What is the May Queen’s crown made of?
• Do children like dancing around the maypole tree?

The British celebrate Halloween on the 31st of October. In the evening boys and girls put on different old and funny clothes or costumes and wear masks. They take with them a lantern made of a pumpkin. It is called jack-o’-lantern. They cut out two eyes, a nose and a mouth and put a lighted candle inside. So the pumpkin looks like a face.

Children go from house to house, knock at the doors and call, “Trick or treat?” People ask them to come into their houses and give them candies, fruit, chocolate bars, cakes and other tasty things.

Halloween is a funny holiday.

Correct the sentences.

• The British people celebrate Halloween on the 21st of October.
• In the morning children put on funny clothes and costumes.
• A lantern made of pumpkin is called john-o’-lantern.
• The house owners treat children with meat and vegetables.
• Halloween is a boring day.

Can you tell about holidays in Great Britain ?

Share this story, choose your platform, related posts.

National Holidays

Palm Sunday

Story of Tulips

Halloween Party

Halloween Holiday of Fun

Day of Knowledge

Tatiana’s Day or Students’ Day

St. Andrew’s Day in Ukraine: Vechornytsy

Holidays in Ukraine

Honey Spas or the First Savior, Honey Savior Holiday in Ukraine

Leave a comment cancel reply.

• Grammar Tests
• Grammar Exercisers

8 AMAZING Reasons To Visit Great Britain

From scotland’s epic landscapes and wales’ fresh produce, to england’s rich history, there are so many reasons to visit great britain. so what are you waiting for.

When it comes to deciding where to go on holiday, Great Britain is a popular choice with tourists. It’s a destination which offers tonnes of variety crammed into a relatively small island.

You can drive from Land’s End on the southern tip of Cornwall, right up to John O’Groats on the northern edge of Scotland in around 14 hours. The route is only 837 miles – not huge compared to many European destinations.

During that journey you’ll pass from rugged coastlines, through buzzy cities, past picturesque villages, historic ruins and discover beautiful mountains, hills and lakes.

The variety of sights and activities in Great Britain is a huge reason to visit. Then there’s the food. Great Britain has great conditions for growing fruit and vegetables, rearing animals, and has even become a hit with wine and spirit producers.

Many visit Great Britain to immerse themselves in history. From Romans and Tudors, to the current monarchy, there are hundreds of ruins, palaces, castles and stately homes to explore across England, Scotland and Wales.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg though. It’s time to dive a little deeper and find out why you should visit Great Britain.

8 Amazing Reasons To Visit Great Britain

The landscapes.

One of the big reasons we love travelling in Great Britain is to explore the beautiful scenery. As mentioned, the island isn’t huge, yet it encompasses a huge variety of landscapes.

Visit Dorset , Devon and Cornwall for spectacular coastlines, perfect for family holidays. Take a trip north to the Scottish Highlands for lochs, fells and a little bit of magic.

And that’s just the start! From mountains and waterfalls, to forests, lakes, estuaries and beaches, the landscapes are one of many reasons to visit Great Britain.

Incredible Architecture

From enchanting castles and ancient cathedrals, to charming thatched cottages, Great Britain’s architecture is second to none.

Take a trip to the cities of Canterbury, Norwich, Durham, Lincoln and York to admire their incredible cathedrals. Climb up the tower at York Minster and you’ll be able to take in the cityscape from a different angle.

Visit Oxford, named ‘the city of dreaming spires’ by Victorian poet Matthew Arnold, to wander its ancient streets, admiring its impressive university buildings and churches.

England, Scotland and Wales are home to several impressive castles with long histories, some still inhabited today. For an exciting day out, take a tour of Windsor Castle in England, the oldest occupied castle in the world, built in the 11th century.

Up in Scotland, explore the rugged Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands, built way back in the 13th century. Or head off on a road trip around Wales and tick off Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle, also constructed in the 13th century.

If you fancy something totally different, enjoy the old-world charm of Britain’s prettiest villages. With thatched cottages, beamed farmhouses and rustic barns, you’re guaranteed to be snap happy on a trip in this part of the world!

British Food And Drink  

Somewhere in history, Britain has picked up a bad reputation for its food scene…but it’s entirely unjustified and does not represent how things are today. This small island nation is home to some of the best fresh produce in the world.

Wheat, potatoes, fresh green vegetables, tomatoes, asparagus, apples… the list goes on.

In the north of England, Scotland and Wales, cattle and sheep farming are popular, while in the south of England, the rich grass helps make dairy cows strong.

In turn, this produce has been transformed into an exciting gastronomic cuisine by chefs around England, Scotland and Wales. Forget fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, or a hearty pie and mash in the pub… in pubs across Great Britain you can expect to see rack of lamb with celeriac puree, smoked mackerel with fennel and orange and succulent venison with a bitter chocolate sauce.

The drinks scene has changed over the last 10 years too. As a result of global warming, the south of England is becoming popular with winemakers. Temperatures in regions of France are increasing at an alarming rate, so counties like Sussex, Dorset, Kent, Essex and Hampshire have become popular alternative locations for vineyards. The result? Top class English sparkling wine, that has beaten Champagne in taste tests!

Meanwhile, Scotland and the north of England boasts a thriving gin scene, with distilleries like Rock Rose and The Lakes Distillery flying high in competitions around the world.

Oh, and it goes without saying that Scotland is synonymous with whiskey too! Don’t forget to have a wee dram on your travels.

Memorable Experiences In Great Britain

If you visit Great Britain you’re opening yourself up to enjoying some memorable experiences that are unique to this part of the world.

Head to Go Below in Wales for an adventurous underground experience, which includes zip-lining and climbing through the abandoned slate mines of Snowdonia.

You could hop in the car and drive the North Coast 500 – one of the most popular road trips in Great Britain, which takes you on a 500-mile journey along Scotland’s glorious coastline.

Or how about traversing the circumference of the stone circle at Stonehenge in England, all while being transported back over 4,000 years as you learn about our Neolithic ancestors.

There are plenty more unique experiences to enjoy in Great Britain – don’t forget to take a look at our recommendations in England , Scotland and Wales .

Exciting British Cities

One of the top reasons to visit Great Britain is for its fabulously vibrant cities. London is a mega beast of a city, with a population of over 8 million and a diverse range of things to do.

However, we love flying the flag for the less-visited spots too. Take a trip to Birmingham for its expansive network of canals (it actually boasts more miles of canals than Venice!), historic Jewellery Quarter and its Balti Triangle, famed for its flavoursome Indian food.

Take a trip to Glasgow in Scotland and dive into its buzzing art and music scenes, world-class museums and learn about celebrated architect and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Visit Wales’ biggest city Cardiff, and watch a gruelling game of rugby at the Principality Stadium, then let your hair down in one of the city’s amazing bars or clubs.

Learn about Norwich’s printing heritage, indulge your inner Potterhead in Edinburgh, admire the stars at Winchester Planetarium and enjoy a fun day at the seaside in Barry in Wales. Great Britain’s cities are varied, vibrant and shouldn’t be missed.  

British History

When it comes to history, the United Kingdom is an absolute treasure trove. Along with the royal castles we’ve mentioned, and the ancient stones of Stonehenge, there’s so much more to get stuck into.

We’d recommend a trip to St Albans for a flavour of Roman England, as you get to know the ancient Roman city of Verulamium. If you’re interested in learning more about the Romans, how about a day trip to Bath to see the Roman Baths?

You could hike some of the 73 miles of Hadrian’s Wall, which stretches from Wallsend through Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway.

For something a little different, head to Holy Island, just off the Northumbrian Coast, where monks settled in AD 635. These days you can see a priory built all the way back in the 12th century!

How about spending the day at a palace or stately home? From Buckingham Palace’s summer opening to Holyrood Palace in Scotland, Britain has plenty to choose from.

Or for a full historical experience, take a trip to London’s British Museum or the Museum of London, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow or the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. You’ll come out with plenty of facts which will complement your travels around Britain.

British Weather  

What do you mean, all we talk about is the weather?! Ok, while there may be a little bit of truth in this, it isn’t for the reasons you’re thinking. It doesn’t rain all the time and the sky isn’t always grey. Contrary to popular belief, the weather in Great Britain is pretty good, most of the time.

The fact we live on an island does bring a lot of variety though. In general, our summers are warm (reaching highs of around 30 degrees) and our winters are cool (snow and frost are common).

The weather varies by region, with more rain and cloud in the mountainous regions or Wales, Scotland and northern England, and the warmest weather in the southeast of England.

Our favourite months to travel in Great Britain are May, June and September. Temperatures are usually warm, with plenty of sunshine and blue skies. Plus, the schools aren’t on holiday yet, so you can enjoy a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds at popular tourist spots.

British Culture And People  

Welcome to the land of village fetes, problems being solved with cups of tea, and more pubs than you could visit in a lifetime!

Great Britain is lovable place, and a lot of that is down to its quirks and the attitude of the people.

The cities tend to offer a feeling of openness – anything goes, within reason! Meanwhile smaller towns and villages are known for being warm and friendly places to visit. In particular, places in the north of England and Scotland are famous for their hospitality. Order a cuppa in a café and you’ll spend half an hour chatting the waitress!

Brits have a dry sense of humour too, based on sarcasm, observation and wit. Outsiders may find it hard to ‘get’ at first, but once you’re in the club, you’ll be rolling on the floor in fits if giggles.

We love Britain for its eccentricity too. From town mayors wearing huge gold chains, to local events with maypoles and morris dancing, and the fact we have bizarre traditions that just keep going – cheese rolling in Gloucestershire anyone? We wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in the world.

We hope you’ve enjoyed hearing our top reasons to visit Great Britain. It’s an incredible place, with so much variety, so what are you waiting for?

If you’re looking for other travel inspiration, don’t forget to see where else we’d recommend in England , Scotland and Wales .

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• Call us Topics in English
• Privacy Policy
• terms of use

Topics in English Topics in english to learn and fluent pronunciation and writing and facilitate conversation between you and others, whether in school, work or daily life

A trip to London essay 13 models

A trip to London essay , contains all the information you want to know if you want to go on a trip to London and know the tourist places and how to reach it ; we will offer you a trip to London essay contains all the important information you are looking for to help you on your trip to London.

A trip to London essay

London is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the most popular tourist destinations from all over the world every year. Here you will find a trip to London essay that contains all the information you need about this wonderful and picturesque city.

London is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world because of the famous tourist attractions that attract many tourists.

The average number of visitors per year is about 19.1 million visitors according to the statistics of 2017, making it one of the most visited cities in the world, The UK and its largest city, located on the banks of the Thames in the south of Britain, is also known as the Fog City and has a long history dating back to the Roman era.

Tourism in London;  

Top landmarks in London ;

Big Ben , Westminster, is one of the most famous sights in the city and, rather, in all of Britain. It is located opposite the Parliament and Big Ben marks the heaviest five bells of 13.5 tons in the famous clock tower of Westminster Palace.

Al Shard Tower Bridge , a skyscraper located in the Southwark area of ​​London, was the tallest building in Europe until October 2012 and is 310 meters long and is currently the highest building in the European Union.

The Tate Madern Museum , located near the Thames, is a magnificent cathedral that imitates modern architecture and was formerly a power station. Many contemporary artists such as Rachel Frieda, Martin Kiebenberger, Mark Rothko and Kandinsky worked to create it in its current contemporary form.

Borough Market,  you will experience a great experience while shopping in these markets where you will discover British culture through its markets, popular cuisine, and delicious dishes along the Thames through various food stalls.

The famous London Eye , a large wheel that you can ride in its vehicles to see the entire city of London and enjoy the magnificent view from the top of the city, is 135 meters long, located in the gardens of Jubilee on the south bank of the River Thames.

Tips for visiting London:

Do not use the subway to take you inside the city unless necessary because you will miss seeing many of the sights and places you might be interested in.

It is better to walk to sightseeing in London or to travel by bus, it is less expensive and you can get to know the city better.

Divide the days of your visit to the places you want to see in the city.

It is not advisable to visit all the attractions on the same day and spend the rest of your vacation in the hotel or not know what to, do plans every day and how you will spend in this wonderful city.

Avoid staying at a hotel far from the city center because it is cheaper; because you will spend the same amount if  not more on the back and forth transportation.

It is better to book in advance through the Internet, it is cheaper to avoid long queues behind tourists to book your place in hotels, the zoo or museums.

Why I Want to Visit London Essay

I would like to visit London with great hope because it is a cosmopolitan city. It is considered an important tourist destination because it contains hundreds of attractions.

But of course, I am not interested in everything, but in one thing in particular, which is the British Museum. I would like to be a tour guide when I grow up. It is my ambition to work in this museum.

I will not find a more suitable museum than the British Museum, as it is one of the richest museums in the world. It contains a culture that dates back to two million years ago.

We find that this museum includes 10 different sections, whether for antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance.

In addition to a large library that includes a very large collection of archaeological books that contain information about many tribes and antiquities that are not present in the museum. What makes it a destination for every lover to learn ancient and modern history.

Trip to London essay

It is good that I was able to go on a trip to London before the whole world was infected with Corona disease. It was good that my family and I made a trip a few years ago and were able to visit London. And this was because I wanted to go there and see all the sights of the city.

I think that the best way to understand the essence of a city is to visit it and discover it for myself. London was the focus of my attention because of its many mentions in school books or the external environment for me. So I loved going there. So I asked my father, when the time was right, that I would go and wander and discover it. This is what happened.

I can remember a lot of details like staying at a hotel (Doubletree by Hilton London). It’s on Bibs Street. I liked the location of the hotel very much because it is located near the Holborn tube and Russell Square, which enables you to reach all the tourist areas in London and also easily return to Heathrow Airport.

The location of the hotel helped us a lot in going and coming back to all areas. Including Regent Street, Soho, Oxford Street, Hyde Park.

We were also able to reach the British Museum easily through the metro station. It is an easy and fast means of transportation for us. I liked it very much.  It is great to travel to many places with one means of transport, it makes you feel that everything is connected to each other.

We were also able to visit a lot of wonderful restaurants and famous markets and wander around them and see the nature of the area and the various means of living.

So it was a great experience for me and I was able to benefit a lot from it and learn a lot about London as I wanted to know.

When I think about taking a trip to London, my thoughts crowd which places to start visiting, and this is due to London enjoying all the elements of tourism, where historical tourism, cultural and artistic tourism, in addition to scenic landscapes, gardens, parks, and high-end shopping places, and I decided to start my journey with a visit Tower Bridge, which connects the two banks of the River Thames, was opened by King Edward VII and his wife on June 30, 1894, and it is one of the important landmarks in the city of London, and it allows crossing the River Thames, taking into account not to affect the expansion of the transport movement

My trip to London essay

I will tell you about my special trip to London. Last year my dad told me let’s go abroad for summer vacation. We chose London because we had never been to it before

When we arrived we went to the hotel and entered to put the luggage and rest from the travel. London is the capital of the United Kingdom and therefore its largest city. People know it as the city of fog, and this is because of the presence of thick fog surrounding it.

Because of the fog, the sun does not appear easily. It is located on the River Thames, which gives it an enchanting beauty. It includes a huge number of libraries and huge museums, such as the British Museum.

We went on a wonderful tour around the city, where we visited museums and churches. And we saw the magnificent palaces such as St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace.

I want to visit London essay

I love to travel a lot and have gone on trips either with school or with my family to different countries. This year, I studied in the history class about the landmarks of London.

I visited London before, I enjoyed a lot of the breathtaking views of London and the ancient architecture that is found in different areas of it.

So I would very much like to visit London soon and walk around for a few days to fully explore it. I also like to listen to the dialect spoken by the townspeople. I like that very much from some of the actors I follow.

I am trying to prepare myself for the next year and save some money so that I can fulfill my dream of visiting London. I really hope I can achieve this next year and gather some interesting information about it and discover it fully.

Essay about a place i would like to visit London

I would love to visit London one day. I’ve read a lot about London’s tourist attractions, but what attracted me the most was Oxford Street. I would very much like to visit this street and discover the experience of wandering and seeing the interesting sights in it. I find that very exciting and interesting.

Oxford Street contains more than 300 shops, and the most distinctive thing in these shops is the shops that launch the latest fashion for clothes, or the John Lewis group of stores, which are interested in providing the latest modern exhibits at the beginning of the season which they have only before everyone else.

I would very much like to visit it next Eid and buy some gifts for the parents. I wish that would happen.

I would like to visit London essay

Undoubtedly, there are many people who would like to visit London and I am among these people. I find it wonderful to visit London and get to know their famous landmarks .

London is famous for its many strange cultural movements and phenomena, as it is one of the important centers of influence in the United States, which has a population of 8,278,251  according to the latest study of 2018.

London is known for its uniqueness in art, education, commerce, entertainment, fashion, healthcare, professional services, tourism, transportation, and transportation. Which makes London an important and fruitful destination for anyone who wants to expand his horizons, acquires many skills and develops in many aspects.

Therefore, I would very much like to visit London and learn some skills that may benefit me in the future, such as designing costumes or working in theater or television. That would be very cool.

London sightseeing essay

Everyone can visit London for tourism. But one thing is for sure in London, it is not easily accessible to tourists. It is not possible to see all the attractions of London in just a week or ten days, but it takes much more than that. London contains many important and unique attractions, which need days to cover before moving on to other landmarks.

Including Westminster Palace, you can’t stop in front of the palace and say I saw it, let’s continue the road, there are many details and information, such as that it is also called the Houses of Parliament. It is a Victorian Gothic building. It includes the two houses that make up the British Parliament.

This palace was the royal residence in London, and was burned down in 1834. A small part of the old palace has been saved.

There were several projects put forward with ideas for the construction of the new palace, winning the project of architects Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin. In the year 1847. To be completed, the construction of 1,200 rooms, 11 courtyards. 3.5 km of trails.

While standing in front of the building, you can see the luxury, and the peaks and statues of kings are reflected in the river.

Such details and many more can not only be ignored, but every place fascinates and attracts you to learn more about it, such as, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, British Museum, National Gallery, St. James’ Park, Hyde Park, Tower of London, Imperial War Museum.

And many other archaeological and tourist attractions. Which makes this city in a state of constant activity and a lot of sightseeing tours here and there.

M trip to London short essay

There is always an unforgettable summer holiday, which is special and beloved to us that we will remember for many years, and perhaps it will remain engraved inside us for a lifetime.

What can I say, my family does not tend to travel a lot due to the constant and unstable working conditions. My father works hard to provide for the needs of the house, and my mother also works as a teacher in a school. Vacations never go together, and there is always a circumstance that requires my dad to return to work for it.

So it was amazing to book a flight to London this past summer vacation. Where my father took advantage of the opportunity to hire a new employee with him at work and took a vacation, and we all went on a short vacation for a week to London,

I was so surprised and excited to go, we boarded the plane after waiting 3 hours in the waiting room at the airport, I couldn’t believe I got on the plane and heard the sound of the engines.

I joked with my father and told him, “Dad, you can no longer cancel the trip, if someone asks for work, now officially we are going to London.”

We all laughed, and indeed we arrived in London and headed to the hotel. We changed our clothes and quickly embarrassed to walk around and see the streets, famous shops and shopping.

I liked a lot of products, and I saw many new fashion models of the year that have not been released yet in other markets.

It was amazing seeing  the famous London landmarks and wandering the gardens and bridges. It was a great trip and I am so glad I and my family were able to do it.

My visit to London essay

From my visit to London I learned a lot  about London and how it was in the ancient centuries and how London is now. I was able to see a lot through museums and exhibitions that display the ancient history of London, and I was able to learn from it the following.

The lands of London witnessed many wars, both from the Romans and others. The Roman occupation continued until the fifth century, followed by the continuous Viking attacks and wars, which continued until the year 886.

The city of Wessex was founded by King Alfred the Great, and witnessed a great prosperity in the economy and politics, despite that there were many conflicts with the Danes, until London was founded and the formation of the true picture of it, from economic and political orientations.

It sought to expand in the regions and establish many neighborhoods and regions to be contemporary with the bright, powerful and great London.

Essay about trip to London

Undoubtedly, I enjoyed a lot when I went on a trip to London a few years ago, before the spread of the Corona epidemic and the closure of travel, air and sea flights.

As soon as you board the plane and take off, you feel fear, happiness and great enthusiasm, waiting to reach the city you are heading to.

As soon as we arrive in London and reach The Ambersand Hotel and see the wonderful exterior design of it in gray and white with many windows overlooking the front, you feel that it is a palace and not a hotel.

After sitting a little and changing our clothes, we headed to the center of London and sat down to have tea and breakfast with my family, it was a very nice and elegant place.

After that we went for a little walk in Kensington Park, and I found the silence and quiet very wonderful in the morning, with seeing many famous monuments such as museums and many other amazing things .

In the following days, we went shopping and went to many museums and famous areas such as the London Eye, and we also went to see the London studio, and we were able to see a lot of scenes depicting, and some great actors.

It was a great experience and a beautiful trip. I was very pleased with my visit to London and I hope to return soon.

My First Visit to London Essay

The best day of my life was when I went on a trip to London for the first time with my friends. We had just graduated from high school and were about to start college. We were all so excited to be starting a new chapter in our lives and to see one of the most famous cities in the world.

We arrived in London on a Friday morning and checked into our hotel. We were all exhausted from the long flight, but we were also eager to explore the city. We decided to start with a walk around Buckingham Palace. We were amazed by the size of the palace and the beauty of the gardens.

After that, we went to see the Houses of Parliament. We listened to a tour guide explain the history of the building and the British government. We were also able to see Big Ben, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in London.

In the afternoon, we went to the Tower of London. We saw the Crown Jewels, which are some of the most valuable jewels in the world. We also learned about the history of the Tower, which was once used as a prison and a place of execution.

In the evening, we went to see a show in the West End. We saw a musical about the life of Queen Victoria. It was a spectacular show with amazing music and dancing.

We spent the rest of the weekend exploring other parts of London, such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, and Oxford Street. We had so much fun together and we made memories that we will cherish forever.

This trip was so special to me because it was a celebration of my success and the beginning of a new chapter in my life. It was also a chance to spend time with my friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.

I will never forget the day I went to London. It was the best day of my life.

In this way, we have provided you with a trip to London essay, and you can read more topics through the following link :

• English essay

About admin

Related articles.

Value of Time Essay 3 Models

Car accident essay 6 models

Essay on car 10 models

One comment.

Nice essay over there

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Holidays and festivals

In Great Britain and the USA people enjoy celebrating different festivals throughout the year. Family, food, flowers, sweets, parades, cards and parties are an important part of most celebrations.

People in Britain were pagans thousands years ago. They worshiped the sun, the moon, the wind, the rain, animals and trees. When Christianity came to Britain, people wanted to keep their traditions, so many of old festivals became Christian ones such as St. Valentine´s day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas.

People of the United States are a mixture of many different nationalities. These different people brought to their new country their customs and traditions. The Germans brought a Christmas tree, the Irish brought St. Patrick´s Day, the Scots brought Halloween. There are new festivals which only Americans celebrate – Veterans ´Day, the Independence Day and Thanksgiving.

New Year´s Eve and New Year´s Day

New Year´s Eve is on 31December. People go parties. They want to spend the last day of the year and the first day of the New Year together. At midnight they sing an old song Auld Lang Syne and wish each other Happy New Year. They dance and cheer and there are fireworks. People usually make resolutions because they want to be better.

In Scotland, New Year´s Eve has a special name – Hogmanay. They make a national dish which is called haggis (minced heart, lungs and liver of a sheep, boiled in a sheep´s stomach with oatmeal. There is a tradition called “First foot”. If the first person coming into the house in the New Year is a tall, dark man, and somebody you don´t know, he will bring good luck. The first foot usually brings several gifts, including perhaps a coin, bread, salt, coal, or a drink, which represent financial prosperity, food, flavour, warmth and good cheer.

Valentine´s Day

The 14th February is Valentine´s Day in Great Britain and the USA. On this day people exchange greeting cards, presents, sweets, chocolates and flowers. There is a story about a priest named Valentine who helped people and was put in prison. He fell in love with the jailor´s daughter Julia who was blind. He restored her sight. He wrote love letters to her just signed: Your Valentine. He was executed on 14th February 270.

St. Patrick´s Day

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. A lot of Americans came from Ireland. Every year on March l7th cities with a large population of Irish Americans have parades. You can see millions of shamrocks on St. Patrick´s Day and everything is green. Green is one of the national colours of Ireland. People wear something green on this day; shops prepare green food such as green bread, green pasta, green ice cream and green milkshakes. In many pubs they serve even green beer and most restaurants offer an Irish menu. People wish each other “A happy St. Patrick´s Day” and the Irish wear buttons with “Kiss me I´m Irish”. People have parties where they sing Irish songs and eat Irish food. In Britain St. David´s Day (the patron saint of Wales, 1st March), St. George´s Day (the patron saint of England, 23rd April) and St. Andrew´s Day (the patron Saint of Scotland, 30th November) are also celebrated.

April Fools´Day

April 1 – It is named after a custom of playing practical jokes or tricks on people. If you manage a good joke then you can call the person “April fool!”

Easter is a spring festival. It is connected with pre-Christian (Teutonic and Celtic) tradition; originally it was a festival celebrating the spring equinox. The Christians commemorate Jesus´ crucifixion (Good Friday) and his resurrection (Easter Sunday). The symbols of Easter are: eggs, rabbits (Easter Bunny), daffodils, baby animals – chicks, ducklings, and kids.

On Easter Sunday children hunt for eggs all around the house, garden or even in parks. There is a tradition of “egg roll” in Britain and the USA. You stand on the top of a hill and roll the eggs down. The winner is the person whose egg reaches the bottom of the hill first. There is a traditional Easter Egg Roll in front of the White House in Washington on Easter Monday.

The British eat Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday. They have young lamb, spring peas, new potatoes and eggs for Easter Sunday diner.

Political parties of the left hold processions and public meetings on 1st May.

Mother´s Day

It is celebrated on the second Sunday in May in America and in Britain. On this day all children, young and old, try to show how much they love their mothers. Some children give their mothers gifts which they have made themselves or bought in the shops. Adults give their mothers cards and flowers.

Father´s Day

This holiday which honours all fathers is celebrated both in Britain and the USA on 3rd Sunday in June.

Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated on 4th July because this is the day when Declaration of Independence was issued (1776). Every July 4th Americans have a holiday from work. People have barbecues with friends and family. They eat hamburgers, hot dogs and baked beans.

There are parades and afternoon fun activities. One of the most popular activities is the three-legged race. There are American flags everywhere and in the evening big fireworks displays in the cities.

Halloween is celebrated on October 31. Among the old Celts it was the last day of the year and the beginning of winter when witches and ghosts were supposed to celebrate their rites. When the pagans were Christianized, the holiday was converted to the Eve of All Saints ´Day when the Christian Church honours the memory of the dead. Halloween is celebrated in the north of England and in Scotland. It is generally celebrated in the USA and Canada. Children celebrate it by dressing up in Halloween costumes with masks over their faces. Carrying baskets or bags they go their friends’ and neighbours´ houses, they knock at the door or ring the bell. When people come to the door, the children say: “Trick or treat”, which means “Give us a treat or we will play a trick on you.” The people treat the children with sweets, fruit or money. The most common trick is soaping the windows of houses and cars (i.e. drawing pictures on the windows with soap). A favourite custom is to make a jack-o´- lantern from a pumpkin which is scraped out and in which eyes, a nose and a mouth are cut and then a candle is lit inside. People sometimes give parties on Halloween. The guests wear fancy costumes and masks and the rooms are decorated with paper moons, witches and ghosts.

Guy Fawkes Day

This festival is celebrated in Britain on November 5th and it is the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot from 1605. Guy Fawkes was an English conspirator who, with other Catholics, attempted to blow up James I and the Parliament. The plot was discovered and the conspirator and his friends were executed. Some days before Bonfire Night, as the 5th November is called, many children make a guy (Guy Fawkes) from old clothes, stuffed with newspapers. The children carry the guy around the streets to show people and ask “A penny for a guy”. This is the way of collecting money for fireworks. At night there are bonfire parties, where the guy is burnt. People roast potatoes in the gardens. There is a rhyme about Guy Fawkes Day: Remember, remember, The fifth of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot.

Remembrance Day

On 11th November people in Britain remember those killed in the two world wars. There is a ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, in which two minutes ´silence honours all men who fought in defence of their country. People wear paper poppies made by disabled veterans. The money raised by the sale of these poppies is given to charities involved with people who suffered in the wars. The bright red wild flower became a symbol of World War I after the bloody battle in a field of poppies called Flanders Field in Belgium.

Veterans’ Day

The celebration is held on November 11 in the USA and honours the veterans of all wars.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is celebrated on 4th Thursday in November. It is a national holiday in the USA and it was first celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrim settlers of Plymouth colony, Massachusetts, on their first harvest. They landed in the USA in their ship Mayflower in December 1620. Their first winter was hard and a lot of people died. Next year in spring they started to grow food with the help of Indians. They showed the pilgrims how to grow new kinds of plants and how to cook. In autumn 1621 they celebrated their first harvest together. They wanted to thank God and the Indians for many things – the good harvest, their new home, new life and new friends. Thanksgiving is a family holiday. People have their traditional dinner consisting of turkey, sweet potatoes, beans, corn with cranberry sauce, autumn vegetables, cider and pumpkin pie.

In Britain the preparations start a long time before Christmas, because at the end of November Christmas pudding must be made.

Christmas Eve – 24th December is not a special day in Britain, but on the other hand it is the only day of the year reserved for “office parties”. A lot of people spend the day shopping. Before the English children go to bed on Christmas Eve, they hang up stockings at the end of their beds and believe that Father Christmas (or Santa Claus) will come through the chimney and fill up the stockings with presents. Larger presents are found under the Christmas tree. Christmas trees are decorated with lights and bright coloured ornaments. In the room holly and ivy are hung as a decoration. It is supposed to date back to the Teutonic times when evergreens were hung to allow wood spirits to shelter from cold. A spring of mistletoe is hung in a central position or over the door. If you catch a girl under it, you are allowed to kiss her.

Christmas Day – 25th December is the most festive day of Christmas. In the morning children enjoy unwrapping presents and at midday Christmas dinner is a great occasion. It consists of roast turkey with chestnut stuffing, roast potatoes, vegetables and Christmas pudding. Christmas pudding is made with a lot of dried fruit, eggs, suet and very little flour. It is made well ahead before Christmas, boiled for hours and then heated again on Christmas Day. Brandy is usually poured over it and it is set alight.

There are plenty of carols on the radio and TV and various professional choirs sing carols in old people´s homes, hospital or outside churches.

Mice-pies, special Christmas sweets, are served at teatime. These pies are small and round, containing a mixture of dried fruit soaked in lemon juice and brandy and covered with pastry and baked. On Christmas day the monarch addresses the nation and the Commonwealth on the radio and television.

December 26th is called Boxing Day from the custom in earlier times of giving postmen, milkmen, dustmen and newspaper boys small sums of money, which they collected in their Christmas boxes. A pantomime is a traditional Christmas time entertainment but it is not a play without words. It is a theatre show based on a fairy tale or traditional story with music, dancing, acrobatics and clowning. Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Peter Pan are the most favourite fairy tales for dramatization.

Christmas is not a national holiday in the USA. Unlike Christmas in our country, Christmas in the USA is not a family holiday, families invite friends to join them at Christmas dinner and often give parties at Christmas time. On Boxing Day most shops are open although people have a day off. Besides the Christmas tree the Americans also decorate their houses with garlands and wreaths and electric coloured lights inside and outside the house or on the trees in their gardens.

Czech national holidays

New Year – 1st January

This festive day celebrates the start of the New Year. Some people still keep the tradition and prepare a big meal including pork for good luck and lentils for prosperity.

The date of celebration is different every year, as it falls on the first Sunday after the spring full moon – the first full moon after 21st March. The symbols of Easter are the same as symbols of spring: lambs and eggs, representing new life. There is a tradition of “whipping girls” in our country. Boys go around the village or town and they whip girls with young sprigs of a willow, which is supposed to bring the girls good health.

Labour Day – 1st May

This day commemorates the efforts of labour unions to improve working conditions for all people. On May 1, 1886, labour unions organized a strike in Chicago to protest against miserable working conditions. At that time most workers worked 10 to 12 hours a day, six days a week. The strikers wanted to work eight hours a day. The police attacked the strikers for no reason killing two and wounding several others. This led to protests in many other places.

Liberation Day – 8th May

Liberation Day celebrates the end of World War II on 8th May, 1945. It is the time when we remember the people who fought and died for our freedom.

Cyril and Methodius Day – 5th July

St. Cyril and St. Methodius brought Christianity to the Slavic people of central Europe in 863. They also wrote down the standard Slavic language, which was the forerunner of the Czech, Slovak, Polish and Russian languages.

Jan Hus Day – 6th July

July 6 commemorates Jan Hus, a Catholic priest and the rector of Charles University. He was burned at the stake as a heretic because of his efforts to stop corruption in the Catholic Church.

St. Wenceslas Day – 28th September

This day is celebrated as Czech Statehood Day. Prince Wenceslas, who was murdered by his brother, is the patron saint of the Czech nation.

Czechoslovak Independence Day – 28th October

On this day in l918 the independent Czechoslovak Republic was founded. This is connected with disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy after World War I.

Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day – 17th November

This day honours the students’ demonstrations against the Nazis in 1939, as well as the protests against the Communists in 1989.

Christmas – 24th – 26th December

Aktuální přehled studia pro rok 2024/2025:

Nevíte, co studovat? Za 5 minut to zjistíte!    Spustit test

There are three days of Christmas celebrations – Christmas Eve, Christmas day and St. Stephen´s Day. Families spend this time together or with friends. Our typical Christmas Eve dinner is fish (carp) and potato salad.

Za správnost a původ studijních materiálů neručíme.

Doporučené školy

Essay on Holiday for Students and Children

500+ words essay on holiday.

Holidays are very important parts of everyone’s life, be it a student or a working person. Everyone deserves to take a break from the monotony to rejuvenate and maintain their health. Holidays help us do exactly that.

Other than that, a holiday allows us to complete all our pending work. Nowhere will you find a person who dislikes holidays. From a school going toddler to your house help, everyone looks forward to holidays and see them as a great opportunity to relax and enjoy .

Importance of Holidays for Students

When one thinks about what a holiday means for students, we notice how important it is for the kids. It is a time when they finally get the chance to take a break from studies and pursue their hobbies.

They can join courses which give them special training to specialize in it. They can get expert in arts, craft, pottery, candle making and more. Furthermore, they also make new friends there who have the same interests.

In addition, students get to visit new places on holiday. Like during summer or winter holidays , they go with their families to different cities and countries. Through holidays, they get new experiences and memories which they remember for a lifetime.

Furthermore, it also gives them time to relax with their families. Other cousins also visit each other’s places and spend time there. They play games and go out with each other. Moreover, students also get plenty of time to complete their homework and revise the syllabus.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Importance of Holidays for Working People

Holidays for working people are somewhat similar to what they mean for students. In fact, they carry more importance to them than students. Though they are adults, they also yearn for the holidays. Why so? They do not get as many holidays as students do.

Most importantly, the holiday no matter how little it gives them a great chance to relax. More so because they work tirelessly for so many hours a day without a break. Some even work when they get home. This makes their schedule very hectic and gives them little time to rest. A holiday fills the gap for this rest.

Read 500 Words Essay on Summer Vacation

Similarly, due to such a hectic schedule working people get less time to spend with their family. They get distanced from them. Holidays are the perfect chance to strengthen their bonds and make amends.

In other words, a working person needs holidays for the smooth functioning of life. Without holidays they will face pressure and won’t be able to be productive when they work non-stop. After all, when a person earns, they must spend it on something recreational from time to time so they also remain happy and work happily.

Thus, we see how holidays play an important role in maintaining a great balance between our work and play. We must try to make the most of the holidays and spend them wisely so we do not waste time. Never waste a holiday as they are very few in number where you can actually, rest or utilize it properly.

Q.1 What importance does a holiday hold?

A.2 A holiday is one of the most important parts of anyone’s life. It brings joy and comfort to everyone. Everyone loves holidays as they give them time to relax and enjoy themselves with their families.

Q.2 How can one spend their holidays?

A.2 There are many ways to spend a holiday. You can pursue your hobby and take professional classes to master the art. Furthermore, you may also travel the world and discover new places and experiences to get more exposure.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

• Essay Database >
• Essay Examples >
• Essays Topics >
• Essay on Education

Great Britain Essay Examples

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Education , Politics , Family , Students , Crime , Vehicles , Infrastructure , England

Words: 3000

Published: 01/25/2020

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

This essay explores the following cultural aspects of Great Britain: the political system and government, the economy, education, transportation, policing and crime. Under the first sub-heading “Political System and Government the essay explains that the fundamental principle of the government of Great Britain is that of a parliamentary democracy, but with Queen Elizabeth II ruling overall as the titular Head of State, then continues to summarize the make-up of the government, the roles of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and more. The second section discusses Britain’s economy, its global ranking, its relationship with the European Union and Britain’s retention of the Pound Sterling as its currency. That section also describes how Britain’s economy has evolved from a predominantly manufacturing base into one where services are the major sector by percentage. Next comes the Education system in Britain, which is summarized from pre-school facilities through to university, placing some emphasis on U.S. / UK differences and on a small number of regional differences within the UK. Then comes Transportation – a section covering all Britain’s transport networks, including road, rail, air and sea – the latter including the undersea tunnel linking England with France. The final section is about the Police and crime. That covers the structure of the various UK police forces, which included dedicated British Transport Police (for the rail network) and covers some regional differences.

Introduction

Great Britain comprises three principal regions or parts on its mainland: England, Wales and Scotland. It is the major part of the United Kingdom, which also includes Northern Ireland. The rest (southern part) of Ireland is a separate country called Eire – the Republic of Ireland (“What is the difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England?”, n.d.). This essay explores the following cultural aspects of Great Britain: the political system and government, the economy, education, transportation, policing and crime.

Political System and Government

“How government works” (n.d.) explains that the fundamental principle of the government of Great Britain is that of a parliamentary democracy, but with Queen Elizabeth II ruling overall as the titular Head of State. In the British parliamentary system the government is headed by a Prime Minister who has ultimate responsibility for the government’s policies and decisions. He has the power to appoint other members of the government as well as overseeing the running of Britain’s Civil Service and the various government agencies. He is based at a well-known London address: Number 10 Downing Street. Currently, as described in the article, Britain’s coalition government since May 2010 is made up of members of the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party – two of the three main political parties, the third being the Labour Party. It has a Deputy Prime Minister (from the Liberal Party), who assists the Prime Minister, is consulted on policy decisions, and has his own specific areas of responsibility. The same article also describes how senior members of the government form the Cabinet, who meet weekly while Parliament is in session, to discuss the major issues. In addition to the Prime Minister, there are 21 ministers in the Cabinet, plus a further 99 ministers who work outside of that body. Administratively, the government comprises 24 ministerial departments, a further 20 departments that are not designated as ministerial, plus over 300 peripheral government agencies and related public bodies. The British Parliament comprises the House of Commons – which has 650 elected representatives called Members of Parliament (MPs) – and the House of Lords. As described in “How Parliament works” (n.d.), the House of Commons is “the supreme legal authority in the UK” which the article states “is the most important part of the UK constitution.” The separate and independent House of Lords functions as a check on the House of Commons, and can challenge actions of the government. All new laws have to pass through both of these institutions.

The Economy

“The Economy of the UK, GB, British Isles” (2010) describes the UK economy as between the world’s sixth or eighth largest, depending on the criteria used. Noting that it encompasses the economies of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the article also mentioned that though the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are included in the British Isles, they have their own statuses as offshore banking centers. Because the United Kingdom is a European Union (EU) member state, it is part of a system known as a single market, which allows free movement between member states of its peoples, goods (trade), services and – importantly – finance (capital). However, as the article reports, the UK controls and maintains independence of its economy and continues to use as its currency the Pound (Sterling), whereas the remainder of the EU uses the Euro. The article notes that although the UK was “the birthplace of the first industrial revolution”, other countries have since caught up and Britain has been affected negatively by two World Wars in the last century, so that it is unlikely to return to the once-held position of the world’s number one economic power. The present economic climate is one of austerity and slow or zero economic growth, with a very large trade deficit, second only to the U.S. Interestingly, for a country that was once a major center of manufacturing industry, the article reports that by far the largest sector now is that of services, representing some 77 percent, most importantly in finance and banking, where London is one of the three world centers of finance, along with New York and Tokyo. Services are followed by manufacturing at just 22 percent, with agriculture trailing way behind at between one and two percent, although it still produces circa 60 percent of the country’s food requirements. Although UK agriculture is “highly mechanised and efficient”, it does benefit from considerable subsidies – both from the British government and from the European Union. Similarly, although manufacturing as a sector has shrunk dramatically from former times, the article reports that based on output values, the UK is still “the sixth-largest manufacturer of goods in the world.” The manufacturing industries include aerospace, which the article reports as “the second largest in the world.”

The Education System

The education system in England is usefully and quite comprehensively described in an article by Dunn & Collyer (2011) entitled “Understanding the British School System.” It was produced and published under the auspices of the U.S. Air Force 422nd Air Base Group, for the information of U.S. military personnel or civilian support personnel who might need to place children in the schools system (free for families based in the UK). For that reason it included mention of some UK / U.S. differences, which are noted where applicable in the following paragraphs. Note that there are also detail differences from the “England and Wales” system, especially in Scotland, but also in Northern Ireland. Those differences – as summarized in a British Council article entitled “The Education Systems of England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland” (n.d.) – are covered where appropriate in the text. Dunn & Collyer reported that in England all children between the ages of five and 16 attend free but compulsory schooling. (Also available to qualifying U.S. personnel and families). There are also pre-schools available for younger children, though most of those are fee-paying. The school year begins in September and ends in the following July and comprises three terms (or semesters). Autumn (Fall) term begins in September and ends at the Christmas break. The Spring Term is January through to the Easter holiday, then the Summer Term follows into July. There are short holidays (about a week) in the middle of each 12-week term. The Christmas and Easter breaks last approximately two weeks, and the Summer holiday is the longest – usually extending to around six weeks. As explained by Dunn & Collyer, the schooling is divided into Primary and Secondary education. Primary schools educate children between the ages of four and 11, moving each child up to the next class each year. The article noted that ages four to seven equate to Key Stage 1, and ages seven to 11 equate to Key Stage 2. Subjects taught at Primary Schools are determined by and in accordance with the National Curriculum. Secondary schools teach children between the ages of 11 and 16, in most cases in schools called Comprehensive schools, which cater for children of all abilities. Again the National Curriculum is followed, and the children are assessed at ages 14 (Key Stage 3) and at 16 (Key Stage 4). At that stage children sit the General Certificate of Education (GCSE) exams, which may be supplemented by course work assessments in various subjects. As further described by Dunn & Collyer, many children stay on at school for a further two years after the age of 16, enrolling in what is referred to as the Sixth Form. In this period they study for Advanced Level exams (“A” levels) in a smaller number of subjects, often as the principal route to qualify for university. Dunn & Collyer reported that there are fee-paying schools available in Britain for those parents who prefer that option for their children. Those can be either day schools or boarding establishments. All schools tend to follow a similar daily timetable, running from approximately 8:45 in the morning to 3:00 or later in the afternoon with a midday lunch break of about one hour. Religious education is compulsory for the schools, though parents may opt out for their children if they wish. Many schools in Britain have a mandatory school uniform policy, which is distinctive school-to-school. Assessments of the child’s performance and progress are made regularly in the form of school reports. At Primary school level these are usually once each year, but at Secondary school are more likely to be at the end of each term. In Secondary schools, children at the age of 13-14 (end year 9) select about 10 of the subjects for continuing, and drop the remainder. Dunn & Collyer noted that this is earlier then the practice in the U.S. At the age of 16 children are permitted to leave school, or can stay on to study for a further two years to qualify for university entrance, which – if attended – is usually a four year course. Dunn & Collyer provided – especially for American parents – the following information regarding differences between the UK and U.S. systems. The first and quite important difference is that transport to/from school is not an automatically available facility in the UK. Though there may be a service for some Secondary schools, it is the individual’s responsibility. British schools will not recognize U.S. holidays such as Independence Day and Thanksgiving, so U.S. parents need to obtain special permission if planning family celebrations on those days. Regarding differences between the school systems in different parts of the British Isles, the article by the British Council noted that in Scotland the curriculum is slightly different, and that Scottish Secondary educations begins at age 12. It also noted that the exams have different names in Scotland. The school year in Scotland begins in mid-August and ends in June, whereas in Northern Ireland the corresponding dates are begin-September and end-June. In Scotland the teaching of a foreign language begins in Primary school. In Northern Ireland religion is a more sensitive issue and many schools indicate their religious allegiance by part of the name of the school, e.g. RC for Roman Catholic.

British Transportation Systems

Barrow (2012) published an article on a school’s website, entitled “Types of Transport in Britain”, that provided a good overview of British transportation systems, and cited the nation’s road and motorway system as the primary component of the routes for domestic transport. Barrow claimed that there are circa 225,000 miles of roads/motorways in total, accounting for around 85 percent of all passenger miles travelled in Britain. Most of the roads are free to use, although there are a few roads that charge toll fees, including the central area of London, which calls the fees “congestion charges”. Barrow listed the average miles travelled by individuals within Britain by various means per year (averaged over 1999 to 2001) as follows: Walking – 189; By bicycle – 39; On the bus – 342; By train – 368, In the car – 5354. Not only did car travel account for by far the greatest distance travelled, but all the methods other than the car showed shorter distances than a similar analysis undertaken some 15 years earlier, showing that Britain had become much more car-orientated in that time. Barrow also noted that about three quarters of all households own at least one car. Motorcycles are also a popular means of private transport, totalling circa one million on Britain’s roads. Mopeds (engine size up to 50cc) are especially popular with young people as they can be ridden at age 16 using a “provisional” licence. Full licences for driving cars or motorcycles can be obtained from the age of 17 after passing an official Driving Test. Barrow noted that whereas most of Britain’s freight was formerly transported around the country by either train or canal barge, about two thirds of it is now carried by lorries (trucks). There is also an extensive network of public bus services throughout Britain, including the world-famous “double-decker” red buses used throughout London. In just a few towns, perhaps most famously in the Northern seaside resort of Blackpool, there are also tram systems – electric vehicles running in rail tracks embedded in the street, and powered from overhead wires. Britain’s train network is extensive – one of Europe’s largest – with in excess of 11,000 miles of track, carrying about 1,500 trains daily through as many as 2,500 stations. Britain boasted the first ever of the world’s public railways, when the Stockton and Darlington line opened in 1825. The so-called “main line” trains terminate on the outskirts of the capital, London, at a series of major stations. From those stations, passengers are able to travel anywhere in London on the London Underground or “Tube” network, which started in 1890 – another world first. That network has over 250 miles of track and encompasses a greater area than any other comparable system. Britain has direct rail links with continental Europe via trains running through tunnels bored between England and France 50 metres below the seabed of the English Channel. Britain’s air transport system includes no less than 470 airports, with five major airports serving London. Figures for 2004 showed that London’s airports jointly handled more than 120 million passengers, with London Heathrow – the busiest in the world – handling 67 million of them. In terms of international cargo transport, Barrow reported that although the Channel Tunnel also carries a certain amount of freight, shipping carries most freight, with Dover being the busiest of Britain’s ports.

Policing and Crime

“Policing in the UK: A Brief Guide” (2012), published by the Association of Chief Police Officers, states there are 44 separate police forces distributed throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each is headed by a Chief Constable who reports to the Home Secretary, a government minister. Beginning in November 2012, most of those police forces – other than the City of London force and the police in Northern Ireland – have an elected Police and Crime Commissioner providing local direction and other functions. In addition to those “regular” police forces, there is also a separate force called the British Transport police that polices Britain’s railway systems, and other specialist police such as those associated with the Ministry of Defence and nuclear establishments. Scotland has its own police forces (presently integrating into one unified force), although the British Transport Police also cover the rail network in Scotland. Regarding crime in the UK, Burn-Murdoch & Chalabi (January 2013) published an article in the Guardian newspaper, summarizing current statistics and trends. Essentially, the article showed that crime in general had fallen in the period (Sept 2011-Sept 2012), and total numbers of crimes were 29 percent fewer than 10 years earlier. Only two individual crime categories showed increases over the 12-month period. They were thefts of bicycles and other household items, although the increases were very small. Homicide – a major crime category – has shown a drop to half of the figures for 2001-2002.

Barrow, M. “Types of Transport in Britain.” (2012). Project Britain: British Life & Culture. Retrieved from http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/transport.html Burn-Murdoch, J., & Chalabi, M. “Crime statistics for England & Wales: what's happening to each offence?” (January 2013). The Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/jul/14/crime-statistics-england-wales Dunn, L. & Collyer, J. “Understanding the British School System. (2011). U.S. Air Force 422nd Air Base Group. Retrieved from http://www.422abs.com/rafc/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Rw8YrHUPTTw%3D&tabid=82&mid=467 “How government works.” (n.d.). GOV.UK. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/how-government-works “How Parliament works.” (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.parliament.uk/about/how/ “Policing in the UK: A Brief Guide.” (2012). The Association of Chief Police Officers. Retrieved from http://www.acpo.police.uk/documents/reports/2012/201210PolicingintheUKFinal.pdf “The Economy of the UK, GB, British Isles.” (2010). Economy Watch. Retrieved from http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/united-kingdom/?page=full “The Education Systems of England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland” (n.d.). The British Council. Retrieved from http://www.britishcouncil.org/flasonline-uk-education-system.pdf “What is the difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England?” (n.d.). About.com Geography. Retrieved from http://geography.about.com/library/faq/blqzuk.htm

Cite this page

Share with friends using:

Removal Request

Finished papers: 1489

This paper is created by writer with

ID 262830900

If you want your paper to be:

Well-researched, fact-checked, and accurate

Original, fresh, based on current data

Eloquently written and immaculately formatted

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

Get your papers done by pros!

Other Pages

Information technology literature reviews, tear argumentative essays, menopause argumentative essays, twilight argumentative essays, slide argumentative essays, valuation argumentative essays, sailing argumentative essays, volatility argumentative essays, saline argumentative essays, pencil argumentative essays, shower argumentative essays, dilution argumentative essays, admiral argumentative essays, concave essays, coumaphos essays, contractile essays, crunching essays, eluting essays, eliciting essays, gardasil essays, free research paper on challenges facing romania, example of reaction paper 2 essay, free essay on what counts as educational policy, race and illegal status critical thinking, free essay on fostering creativity, example of essay on a dolls house, example of political science defining globalization research paper, critical thinking on air freight security, good essay about focus on body image dissatisfaction among children and intervention measures, good essay about prose to prose the storm and story of an hour, nursing ltc 450 nursing home administration essay, good example of the global financial crisis is it the fault of the global system essay, free essay about readmission, free course work about the importance of gender awareness in international development policies, good example of technical complexity critical thinking, one poem one play one fiction these needs to be used richard corey fence essays examples, hyundai essay example, how do you plan to use your engineering degree to benefit society essay examples, example of essay on some people categorize engineers as geeks or nerds are you a geek nerd or, good example of research paper on famous thinkers paper, a governer 039 s to the island with analysing the international law and trade issues term paper samples, example of rabea ali admission essay, paper addressed to the national peoples congress term paper sample.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

Holidays of Great Britain

Hello, students! 

Today we are going to have our new topic. This is "Holidays of Great Britain"!

Hope, you will enjoy the process. Let's get started!

We are going to discuss our new topic "Holidays of Great Britain". We will watch a video and find out what holidays are popular nowadays there. And also, we will do some tasks according to the video and our new vocabulary.

1. Study new vocabulary.

• holiday — 1. выходной день 2. праздник
• festival — праздник
• holidays – каникулы (мн.ч.)
• day off – выходной
• family holiday – семейный праздник
• public holiday = national holiday = state holiday – государственный праздник

Guess the Russian names for the celebrations below:

• New Year’s Day
• Pancake Day
• Burns Night
• Chinese New Year
• St David’s Day
• Queen’s Birthday
• Bonfire Night
• Remembrance Day

2. Watch a video about Holidays in Great Britain.

Popular UK traditions and holidays - YouTube

3. Name the holidays from the video.

4. Answer the following questions:

1) Can you explain what Burns Night is and how it is celebrated in Scotland? 2) How is the Chinese New Year celebrated in the United Kingdom, specifically in London's Chinatown quarter? 3) What is the traditional way of celebrating Saint David's Day in Wales? 4) How is Halloween celebrated by children and adults in the United Kingdom? 5) What are the four nations that make up the United Kingdom and how do their traditions vary? 6) Сan you explain what Burns Night is and how it is celebrated in Scotland? 7) What is the significance of Pancake Day and why is it observed before Lent begins?

5. Choose the right word for f definition.

Definitions: a. a vacation taken with one's family for leisure and bonding. b. a break from work or school that is not part of the regular schedule. c. a day that is recognized by the government as a national holiday and most businesses are closed. d. a period of time when people take a break from work or school to relax and enjoy themselves. e. a special day when people do not have to go to work or school.

Words: 1. public holiday 2. family holiday 3. holidays 4. holiday 5. day off

6. Fill in the gaps

1. I am going on ... next week to visit my grandparents. 2. My uncle always takes a ... work when the sun is shining. 3. During the ..., we like to spend time with our loved ones. 4. Christmas is a ..., so we don't have to go to work that day. 5. We usually go on a ... during the summer break.

7. Write an essay(about 10-12 sentences) about the holiday you liked the most.(at home)

Each right answer gives you 1 point!

Today we came across one new theme "Holidays of Great Britain".

Your work during the lesson was amazing!

Thank you for your feedback.

Hope you to have good time.