10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming to the UK As an American

[@judithwilson3561]

We 'adopted an American on the train to Carlisle when we were seated next to him. By the time we got to Carlisle he came to the castle and cathedral with us had lunch and as we left to go home, he hugged us with tears in his eyes. He was lovely company.

[@chsh1]

Its heart warming, chance encounters can take us places we just never expected. Fair play to you.

[@lewisbates3468]

I believe you

[@mikewilliamson7246]

I once travelled on a train across the English Midlands heading for South Wales. Nearbye was a group of American older women , who were on the train heading for Cardiff, so they could get a train there for London ! A SMALL amount of research by them would have told them that they were NOT travelling by the ideal route. The train manager did his best to assist but you could tell that he was surprised that they were on his train after checking their tickets.

[@davidsamuels3313]

Sounds like this guy got a lot out of his UK stay because 1. He got out of London 2. He was respectful and friendly, and found that attitude reciprocated 3. He had no time for stereotypes. Good for him!

[@rahuldahoob]

You sound like a brexiter!!

[@Bethi4WFH]

Yes, he sounds like a decent man!

[@jobrierley6783]

Agree! I am a Londoner and whilst the Centre has great tourist bits there are much better things to see outside of the centre and outside of London! I always take people to the bits they want to see ..tower, palace etc ... Then into Kent, up to York, Scotland etc etc

[@neilmaguire1444]

Come now, London is a friendly enough place, it's a city and mad busy but i've never had any problems in London, treat as you find. That said I moved out of London years ago to the midlands which is friendly on another level.

[@johnbruce2868]

I live near Stratford-upon-Avon. It's a joy to come across slightly lost Americans (or Canadians, Auzzies and Kiwis) wanting to experience the real old UK. Just for friendship I've sometimes taken them on a drive around the villages, or a punt on the river, enjoying a couple pints of traditional cider in country pubs that tourists wouldn't normally see. It's about good times, friendship and fond memories. Americans are always welcome here!

[@juniusvindex769]

Number 9. Is true. When I was a teen I was riding a motorcycle and was involved in an accident being thrown off by a lady driving a Capri. I landed up sitting on a doorstep of a house ( I was in severe shock) and was incoherent. The old lady who owned the house, 80+ years old helped me up and took me into her front room and gave me tea and biscuits, whilst outside the cops and paramedics were searching for me 😂😂 I landed up in hospital and after recovery ( about a month) I visited the house, but the lady had either moved or passed away. The house was empty. Although I don't remember the accident that well, I remember the tea with copious amounts of sugar ( I don't do sugar) and remember the Shorties biscuits...... some people go beyond and help and it never ceases to amaze me, even now the generosity of us Brits, I work with older people and we are ( with the help of tea) a wonderful nation 👌🏻👍🏻

[@annalieff-saxby568]

Hot sweet tea is the British Army's cure for everything except stomach wounds.

[@michaeltaylor8835]

God bless her

[@taipo101]

Man & Scythe my home town, pronounced sigh-th-hu

[@Mir-wx5ui]

Maybe the lady was benevolent ghost ;)

[@dibdab101]

isn't that just normal behaviour?...I mean, if someone had an accident in front of your house, you'd do what you can to assist them.

[@simonpotter7534]

As a Brit who moved to Canada I have been subject to the 'bad food' conversation piece several times from Americans visiting Canada. I used to amuse myself by suggesting that we exist on tins of Spam / whale blubber or it depended on what came in on the next trans Atlantic convoy from the states depending on U-boat activity. There seems to be a some belief that the UK (and by extension Europe) lives in a time bubble of some where about 1940.

[@petersmith7126]

That's the issue with American they still view the UK through the eyes of GIs serving here during WW2

[@jeremynv89523]

As an American, I can empathize, because Continental Europeans say the same thing about American food. They'll usually talk about cheeseburgers, the poor choices in cheese, and our beer. Those are old, outdated stereotypes. Both American and British cuisine has evolved far past those stereotypes.

[@Ulysses1707]

Later than 1940. Remember they didn't arrive until 1942.

[@elwolf8536]

​@@jeremynv89523 you cant beat a good burger !!

[@jeremynv89523]

@elwolf8536 that's true, but you missed the point. American cuisine is not JUST burgers. Continental Europeans think it's our main dish.

[@Payne2view]

Note: We didn't build towns and cities so that people didn't need to use a car. We built them long before there were cars & everyone walked or caught public transport back then.

[@rogu3rooster]

I remember being asked for directions by an American couple in Cardiff and they tried to give me a fiver as a tip for telling them directions, I politefully declined so they shook my hand vigourously saying "you're so kind and friendly" makes you wonder what it must be like over there that just giving directions is the epitome of kindness!?

[@lorrainetrotter4737]

Almost everyone who visits the USA speak to how friendly we are. How we talk to strangers. How we do help a stranger. It is not that we are not friendly, it may have been they were lost and frustrated and you just you kind and helped them in that moment. It was a small thing to you. But, being lost and frustrated can be overwhelming, especially in an unknown place. We often do offer to give someone money for helping like they did, but most people would just refuse or say something like "just pay it forward".

[@rogu3rooster]

@lorrainetrotter4737 I've never been to the States, met a few over here and they've all been very friendly, it was just unexpected to be offered the tip

[@dianacasey6002]

In Australia I love nothing better than to see the look of surprise in tourist faces when we just offer to help with directions, things to see and tips on travel. See a person looking lost we help them. Interesting to me was when I was in NY ppl there were really nice and helpful of just downright rude. Mainly they were really nice and rude ppl just make me laugh cos then you can be rude back that can be fun too.

[@rogu3rooster]

@dianacasey6002 I would expect nothing less from our ozzy cousins

[@TheReelStuff]

I think our demeanor can come off as very friendly even though it's normal here, even the way we respond like "Oh yeah, no worries" "Sure, no problem" "Of course I can my love" just the general mannerisms of us Brits can be quite refreshing I'm sure

[@MarkmanOTW]

Some great tips there, Spencer. As someone who lives and grew up on the outskirts of London, I recommend seeing the whole of the UK. The diversity, people, landscapes, culture and history is worth taking the time to visit and soak up. There's so much depth and nuance, one fleeting visit doesn't even 'scratch the surface'. To our American friends, there are approximately 75 cities, 1,000 towns, and 6,000 villages here in the UK. All connected by road and/or public transport and surrounded by varying landscapes. So although London is the capital city (of the UK and England), there's a vast array of places and experiences to be had outside of it.

[@clairenoon4070]

I'm chuckling at the 'all connected by road' - it's not exactly a flex. I'm reminded of the joke that ends 'I don't think you can get there from here'.

[@willvanzwanenberg6313]

It’s refreshing to discover a yank that doesn’t just assume that everything will be exactly like it is back home.

[@AndyRossism]

Or that it's just London and Edinburgh, with nowt inbetween. Oh, and we aren't all either Downton Abbey Chinless wonders at one extreme or rough Charvas at the other end 😅

[@davidmartin2957]

Oh you missed the fact that most museums are free in the Uk and definitely in Scotland.

[@GuillermoLG552]

Kind of true. Yes to get into the permanent part of the museum it is free (they ask for a donation) but the "exhibition" they are promoting, you have to pay for. The large government museums are "free" but almost all small museums (Dickens museum, etc.) you have to pay.

[@vaughanrichards7438]

And Wales.

[@admiralbenbow5083]

There is no such thing as a free museum. Or a free anything else for that matter.

[@thisperson5294]

Not in Norwich. Free in Liverpool though

[@JustMe-dc6ks]

Just like in the US.

[@danw3665]

American living in York here. I definitely suggest it Spencer. The Vikings pillaged their way thru England, got to York, and went "Hey this is really nice" and just stopped pillaging.

[@hilarygibson3150]

Born in York and of course they did. As you probably know by now, God made the world and having had some practise l, made Yorkshire and got it right.😂

[@juliehillman8743]

The next time you visit, book a Britrail pass. It provides huge discounts on unlimited rail travel, children can travel free and it doesn't restrict you to only using 'off-peak' trains. You would need to purchase them independently for each country, which shouldn't be a problem when arranging your itinerary. You can book them for the South East, London etc too. You would need to book the Britrail pass prior to entering the UK as they are only available to those visiting. Happy and safe travels.

[@dirkbogarde44]

Are you talking about the yearly ones?

[@juliehillman8743]

@dirkbogarde44 No, they can be purchased for several days, a month, etc. One for travel in England only, a separate one for Scotland. They are not an annual pass like a Seniors, 26-30 or student rail card which only gets you discount on your tickets. I believe they can be used on peak and off-peak trains (annual passes have time restrictions), and I also believe you get unlimited travel as you have paid fares upfront. They can't be purchased from within the UK either.

[@rc8rider]

Hi Spencer. I'm originally fron Glasgow, but live near Edinburgh now. If you come back to Scotland in 2025, get yourself a train ticket for the West Highland Line, from Glasgow (Queen Street) to Malaig, via Fort William. You can do the return journey in one long day (0800 - 2200 approx), or grab a B&B at Malaig of Fort William. It costs about £50 return, and was voted the best train journey in the world a few years ago. It's the best snapshot of the Scottish West Coast, mountains, and lochs an independent traveller on a budget can buy. If you don't agree, I'll refund the price of your train ticket! As usual, a Google search for info on the history and geology of the area will enhance the experience.

[@jobrierley6783]

That sounds amazing! I have a Spanish husband and I want him to see Scotland...I am screenshotting this for us to do! Thank you x

[@musicallyyoshimi9651]

Don't forget the countryside. There is a surprising amount of variation for such a relatively small country - and there are some stunning places in every county.

[@Abcd-j9i]

Yes, the Lake District, Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands etc.

[@judithhope8970]

It's cheaper here in East Anglia too. We have beautiful villages and miles of sandy beaches. We're friendly and our accents are simple to understand.

[@fazedfairie]

yes! When he said you don't need a car, I thought, well damn he has not been countryside then :0

[@johnclements6614]

@@fazedfairie There are quite a few buses that run through the country side, especially between towns. But they are very likely to be lower frequency and stop early evening so you have to plan the journey. If you are able to walk one or two miles and are not in a rush you can get to many places. You will not be able to get everywhere and there are many places in the countryside where you need a car to get too work.

[@johnross2924]

Sadly vanishing fast under concrete and new houses! 😢

[@kernow9324]

I think we Brits are very friendly to tourists. Speaking as a Brit who's been to the US a fair bit, I cannot remember anyone being anything other than friendly and helpful to me, even when my questions might have seemed a bit stupid. I like Americans. I think most Brits do.

[@hilarygibson3150]

I've never met any I haven't liked.

[@granitesevan6243]

Yes, Americans are very nice people in my experience (could do with learning how to stop talking sometimes though...)

[@musicloverlondon6070]

Well said. There is a lot of lazy anti-Americanism out there which is silly and unfair to automatically apply to millions of people. The ones I've met have always been pleasant people.

[@jeanbrown8295]

Me too ,I have been to America a few times,and always found them friendly,helpful and polite

[@Ionabrodie69]

Well I’ve met quite a few and they were without exception bloody arrogant and rude..

[@Snorkel1205]

I'm American born and raised but lived in London for 30 years, then 20 years 55 miles from London. I have to say as a retired media guy your delivery is great. You've done such a good job on this report. I'm so impressed with your research and presentation. Keep doing your thing. You're a natural!

[@meeshelle1397]

I’m impressed with what you packed into your stay over here! Nice vid 🌟

[@TonyAndrew-f8h]

Im American Choctaw nation at13 I moved to the UK and i love it great culture history and people my dad was Welsh i lernt welsh and went to a comprehensive school in the valleys fantastic place

[@michaeldowson6988]

My Canadian family came from there. We were Yorkshire English, Glaswegian Scots, and Midlands Irish. My fathers' side of the family came to Canada in the 1870's. My Irish grandfather served in the British Army as a garrison soldier posted to Atlantic Canada, and saw all the coffins at the Halifax wharf, for the dead of the Titanic. He brought my mothers' side of the family to Canada just before the start of WWI. Five generations of our family have served in our UK/Canadian military in war & peace. I live in Vancouver; UK rain can't compare to our winter rains.

[@theborderer1302]

People often wonder why American measures of distance and weight are the same as the old (pre-decimal) British measures, but measures of liquid (volume) are different. It goes back to the days of the Empire, when a gallon in India was different from a gallon in Australia, which was different from a gallon in Scotland, and so on all over the Empire. This led to lots of problems with trade, lawsuits and so on (I bought 1,000 gallons of beer and you only shipped 940 gallons - you can imagine). So they introduced the Imperial Measure. 1 gallon = 10 lbs of water, 1 pint is 1/8 of a gallon. Simples. Everywhere. But America refused to accept this ("we're bloody not in any Empire") and kept the old (British) measures. So in fact American liquid measures are the old British measures brought over on the Mayflower and never changed. Just an interesting bit of trivia, I hope.

[@Jill-mh2wn]

When you watch a video like `All the countries Britain invaded' and the effect it had on so many places ,the USA does begin to look very insular compared to much of the World

[@EbenBransome]

Actually no, it was simpler than that. The Americans did not buy beer from England, they brewed it. But they did import wine in the pre-California days. The American gallon is the British wine gallon, whereas England eventually standardised on the ale gallon.

[@theborderer1302]

@@EbenBransome I'm not sure about that. The standardisition of the Imperial gallon was based on weight, this being an Empire wide measure. I think your right about the 'ale' gallon, but that's a case of 'correlation does not mean causation', that is, the 'ale gallon' already weighed about 10 lbs, but that's simply a coincidence, and in fact a gallon of ale weighs ever so fractionary more than a gallon of water. But your dead right about the wine gallon, and as I say, brought over by the 1st colonists.

[@EbenBransome]

@theborderer1302 The ale gallon is based on volume, and even today beer is measured in hectolitres not kilogrammes.

[@theborderer1302]

@@EbenBransome Yes, that's why it's only a coincidence that an ale gallon is nearly the same as an Imperial gallon. Imperial gallons are based on weight, being 10 lbs of water, not volume.

[@scrappystocks]

If your train is over 15 minutes late at its destination you can claim a 50% refund on your ticket and a complete refund if it's over 30 minutes a complete refund on the ticket price for that part of the journey if it's a return you can get a full refund

[@davem9204]

I haven't done a delay repay for a while (not commuting these days), but I though the refunds were less than that? Maybe it varies between different train companies.

[@scrappystocks]

@@davem9204 It's the same for all train Companies because it is set by the Government. I just claimed because my train was cancelled. I caught the next train but I still got 100% refund for that part of the journey. Over 60 minutes late counts the same.

[@lynnenolan3484]

Loved all your escapades in the UK. I’m glad you had a ball here. X

[@littletree1343]

York, Whitby, Lincoln are fab places to visit, they are my recommendations!! Edinburgh is the best capital in the UK.

[@gilly9430]

Agreed…I am Scottish so a bit biased but Edinburgh is fab 😍

[@angelaprice1667]

Cardiff is wonderful. I loved in Wales for over 20 years & loved Cardiff.

[@rayraamsalu6092]

Beamish in Country Durham is one of the best and cheapest places to spend a day. An open air museum that contains a coal mine; a village with shops; a train station ( not connected to the British rail network) and a farm. Take a flask and sandwiches and make a day of it ). Only down side that i can think of is that its just a little off the beaten track ( 45 min to 1 hr from duham by bus 20 min by car )

[@stephwaite]

I've followed you and Daniel from your early days on KZbin, and always enjoyed your reactions... I'm so pleased you had a good time here in the UK, please come back soon...😊

[@katrinabillings7011]

Great hear your perspective as a Brit. I never heard of anyone giving their 5 year olds alcohol though! One thing I would add is to try the independent cafes and restaurants rather than the chains as they tend to use local suppliers so the food is usually really good.

[@carolineskipper6976]

Yes- it may be legal to give a 5 y/o alcohol but no decent parent is using this to build up their child's tolerance for alcohol. I guess it might make a difference in teenagers under the legal drinking age, that they are allowed to consume a small number of drinks in the home - which is a good idea to strip away the mystique of alcohol for when they are free to buy it themselves.

[@juliewyatt9935]

Giving alcohol to small children may be a folk memory now. 70+ years ago my mother was often giving me sips of her gin and orange and small glasses of egg nog at Christmas, I thought it tasted disgusting before I knew the words! It left me a confirmed tea-totaller for life, I still think it tastes vile.

[@terryhunt2659]

Giving a sip of alcohol to children under 10 was often done to _discourage_ them from drinking too early (worked with me!). Taste perceptions develop and change with maturation, so most children actively disliked the taste of alcoholic drinks (it helped that many traditional British ale-type beers were considerably more bitter than, for example, typical US lager beers). This is also why, for example, children usually dislike Brussels sprouts while many adults like them. The recent (to me) rise of "alcopops" has unfortunately eroded the youth 'taste barrier'. _In public_ (i.e. pubs and restaurants) one can have alcoholic drinks bought for one to accompany a meal from age 16, and can buy drinks for onesself from 18. However, a trap that I've personally seen American parents visiting the UK fall into is that here, cider is _always_ alcoholic (what Americans call 'hard cider') and often quite strong. If a family is seated in a pub garden and a parent buys cider at the bar for their under-16-y-o, the publican likely won't notice the law is being broken, and if the person is 16 or over, there will be nothing wrong in their eyes. Two 20-oz pints of 'Old Rosie' (8% ABV), which to the unaccustomed doesn't even smell or taste obviously alcoholic, will get the average non-drinking teenager quite drunk!

[@bobbysond2753]

Nobody gives a 5 year old alcohol lol!? I'm 47 & never known or heard of anyone doing that

[@wozzablog]

There's definitel something to it, but not in a structured way to build tolerance, never heard that. a sip of wine diluted with water for dinner wouldn't be unheard of but five does seem young, but really i think to show that it's something that can be enjoyed responsibly in the company of adults who are also treating it responsibly. As you grow up in a house or extended famuily with sensible drinkers the urge to get slaughtered at 16/17/18 is diminished when you are a bit more independent (or that's the theory I knew what alcohol tasted like as a kid - but definitely not that young

[@weirdscix]

As a Geordie, I'm glad you enjoyed your time in the UK.

[@nothernmonkey8612]

As a Cumbrian I'll agree with number 5. The further you go North the friendlier the people get then there's Scotland 😂👍

[@benfisher1376]

​@@nothernmonkey8612Northern England is beautiful. I'm from Kent, which is nice too. But I love Durham and Northumberland. England's best scenery

[@douglasb5046]

Most Yanks won’t know what a Geordie is let alone the location of Newcastle 😀😀😀

[@weirdscix]

@@douglasb5046 well, he did mention Geordies in the video, so he likely does.

[@douglasb5046]

He does. Most Yanks wouldn’t

[@mrgrumblebum7613]

As a Brit I really don't know why anyone is down on Wetherspoons, the beer and ale is cheaper than almost all other pubs and though I've only ever ate in one once, Loaded Chips (that's thick fries for US readers)' it was very good and very inexpensive. The only thing I could have against them is the lighting always seems a little low for me.

[@NiallWardrop]

Some have a few booth type seating areas with a dimmer control on the wall so you can set the lighting for your group to your preference. They usually also have power and USB sockets.

[@johnclements6614]

The beer is generally good, they have many pubs in the good beer guide. The food is reasonable for the price, you can get better in most towns but if you are visiting a place you know what you are going to get. There is a risk that wetherspoons will put all the other pubs out of business. The owner is very pro brexit which put many people off.

[@Mark13091961]

Its cheap for a reason, not bad but certainly not great

[@AndyRossism]

Spoons is ok-ish but not that cheap anymore. For me, its as much as my local vegan pub where I get way more variety and tasty food and it's supporting a independent venue, which is good cos scruffy Tim Martin doesn't need any of my money, despite how he dresses.

[@izzy6455]

It's because hey have not been good for other pubs who can't compete. Mr weatherspoons buys beer soon before the sell by date so it's cheaper. Other breweries or freehouses don't have the buying power or structure to do this. The employees arent treated particularly well. However, they have preserved alot of old buildings that were left to fall apart. The foodnis good, it's clean, it's cheap and it's better than no pubs, because there's alot more to pubs dying than weatherspoons. It's good, as a woman, to have pubs that I can go in alone without feeling weird or sleezed at because w is a family atmosphere. Ots also good to buy up the peer and not pourbit away.So I like w.

[@garystroud6153]

Europe evolved waaaay before cars came in th scene and almost everyone walked everywhere. Glad you had a great time over here and your comments were on the mark.

[@mary-y8x8h]

Did I really hear you say "jumper" instead of sweater! It's the slippery slope, Spencer, by God sir you're turning British! All those UK themed videos are working on you. 😀😀😀

[@philhallbrook7008]

Wheer's me jumpah?

[@EdDnB]

I just had a wee giggle there while stoking my pipe in my slippers and night gown ☺️🧐

[@GiantHaystack]

​@@philhallbrook7008Sultans Of Ping FC!

[@jejmoss11]

I’m English and say sweater but I see a sweater as a lighter jumper.

[@mary-y8x8h]

@@philhallbrook7008 😂

[@gabrielstrong2186]

Beamish? The open air museum? Love that place!! I hope you enjoyed it.

[@brianmorgan9811]

Very fair review of the UK. Hope you had a good time!

[@grahvis]

When using the trains in the UK, as you found out, info on the ticketing system can be a money saver. With buses outside the more dense urban areas, it depends a lot on just where you are, if bear a bus hub for example.

[@archereegmb8032]

Great working man's perspective. Not every visitor has loads of money to throw around. Your video let's more 'regular' Americans consider the possibility of coming to see for themselves. 'Spoons, and Gregg's can be the way to go, for people on a tight budget. Can i suggest letting people know a bit of a weekly cost breakdown of things like flights, hotels, transport, food, entertainment, etc. You might end up being a 'real' travel ambassador. 😊

[@Inutero76]

There is a massive part of the country that is often overlooked and that’s the heart of England, the part you seemed to miss. If you had gone there you would have found an even older pub in Nottingham that dates back to 1189 Ye olde trip to Jerusalem. Also Birmingham is in the midlands and is the second largest city in the UK, but again sadly overlooked a lot of the time for London, Manchester, Liverpool Etc… There is a great deal of history and entertainment that’s missed by many unfortunately.

[@ChrisShelley-v2g]

Manchester, Liverpool and Chester are all must see places, close to each other, but sadly often overlooked.

[@paullarge5983]

Being from Nottingham, I thought about 'The Trip' during Spencers video. Nottingham would be a great base for the next trip. Right in the middle of the country. Hire a car and get EVERYWHERE within a few hours. You could do a different city or town almost every day!

[@Inutero76]

@@paullarge5983 There are quite a few great cities in the midlands, Nottingham included. Also some beautiful countryside and villages with an interesting history attached. All like you say pretty close to each other. 🙂

[@Bethi4WFH]

The Peak District is a fabulous area.......beautiful landscapes and loads to see.

[@alex_the_balding_fat_man]

I've lived my whole 50+ years in the UK and still haven't seen it all!! For a tiny island we have a LOT of history, and a lot of things to see and experience.

[@rokketron]

You haven't lived your whole life.... yet

[@georgesaint-c6c]

I love a Wetherspoon xx. You know exactly what you’re getting and it’s consistent x

[@amayastrata4629]

I don’t visit weatherspoons because of the owners political affiliations and hypocrisies concerning his employment issues.

[@juniusvindex769]

Which is your right. Now tell everyone you had your vaxxes and boosters without telling us you did............. did you vote labour too? If you did, my gran wants a word..... 😂

[@NiallWardrop]

@@amayastrata4629 If you did you would be able to read a booklet which explains why these slurs are untrue and includes the retractions that the media outlets responsible had to print, of course as usual not with the prominence they gave the original blazing headlines so you probably didn't see them.

[@calicokittenproductions591]

​@@juniusvindex769 lol there wasn't a labour party to vote for.

[@MostlyPennyCat]

​@@juniusvindex769 Of course people have their vaccinations, we're not stupid. And after the last 14 years and the damage done in the 80s, you're damn straight I vote Labour. I'm what you would understand to be a "Grown Up".

[@leonfairhurst7597]

Most of our cities were built before cars were invented, that's why they are so walkable, in those days if you weren't rich you had to use Shanksy's Pony 😊

[@raystewart3648]

Same goes with all of Europe. America, Canada and Australia is to young, but in the US Trams and Trains where once more common than Cars, then that idiot Ford guy came along and ruined it for every American, by brainwashing them.

[@guyrixon5406]

Very true, but most cities of the USA also pre-date cars. Even Tucson, one of the least walkable. There's something else in play here.

[@wozzablog]

@@guyrixon5406 The car and the oil lobby happened. There are appalling side by side photos of Houston, Cleveland, Hsrtford and many other places in the States which had vibrant walkable towns with streetcars which got ripped out and replaced with 8 lane freeways downtown demolishing entire neighboughoods and splitting cities up. Oil and car firms bought streetcar lnes and closed them. Parking minimums and zoning changes meant as cities grew outwards the only way was for single family homes with no shops or cafes or bars.

[@helenbailey8419]

It was so interesting to hear your comments.Thank-you for being so clear and positive..

[@m0rafic1]

As I currently live on the edge of a remote village in the Scottish Highlands a 7 hour drive from where I grew up and went to school and there's no public transport here. The concept of a long drive is far from alien to me!. What I do find amazing is that no-one that I went to school with lives in that place any more and haven't for decades! Even the school itself is gone! (though they did build a new one on a different site).

[@MostlyPennyCat]

Good news, though, the government has abolished the laws forcing all buses to be privately owned for-profit businesses. That's the law that removed your local bus service, because it's "not profitable" Now the councils will be running their own bus services for-service rather than for-profit, the money from popular bus routes will be invested into bringing back the unprofitable routes.

[@gaynormainwaring1853]

Don’t rule out travelling west and visiting Wales - very friendly, great accents, different language, lots of places of interest. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@kimhicks8443]

except if you come from England.........

[@disasterincarnate]

when you mentioned people sometimes getting alcohol at a young age and it being normal, in my case it would be family get togethers / meals like at christmas where the "young-uns" would get something to drink, in my case at the family meals at christmas i would get a "snowball", which is a mix of advocaat+lemonade, i remember being allowed to drink that around age 9, but that wasnt anything regular, so it shouldnt be implied a load of kids were regular drinkers at a young age, many of us just had something now and then on special occasions.

[@Shytot-1]

The UK having bad food came from the soldiers returning to the USA after WWII, it was a time when there was only basic food and everything was on ration, very little meat and very few imports so our food was pretty bland and tasteless. Thankfully those days are long gone and our food is every bit as good as any other country.

[@cianog]

British cusine is ok but American food is over processed. European food is a lot better and probably safer.

[@peterrauth3387]

Quite. The national dish being, chicken tikka masala

[@Shytot-1]

@@peterrauth3387 And it's lovely.

[@Spamhard]

He literally said that in the video.

[@Shytot-1]

@@Spamhard Now I've said it.

[@stephenhodgson3506]

If you're planning on visiting many historical places in England then you can save money by getting an annual membership to either English Heritage and/or The National Trust. Membership is easy to obtain, just ask at the first place you visit. You can then enter any other of their properties for free. You will recover your annual membership cost after visiting just a few places. If you plan to come to the UK on an annual basis do it on an 11 month cycle then your membership will cover you for two visits.

[@kelvinlambert4249]

With English Heritage membership you can get half price entry to Welsh venues.

[@stephenhodgson3506]

@@kelvinlambert4249 so even more savings

[@delskioffskinov]

I thought that was a fair opinion of the UK! good video Spencer!

[@kevinlance1813]

A new friend I made in Bath who had traveled extensively in the US told me that Americans think nothing of traveling a hundred miles and Brits think nothing of a pub etc... that is a hundred years old. It really helped me with developing a sense of context. I love the UK and enjoy traveling there very much

[@stevealsop83]

Mate, welcome anytime 😊

[@jmkaye1]

I'm a volunteer at the Weald and Downland Museum (where the Repair Shop is filmed). We often get foreign visitors who are amazed at the age of our exhibits, and I have great fun talking history and demonstrating various historic crafts and recipes (sorry, no free samples). I have never met an unfriendly American; they are so open to learning new things.

[@vaughanrichards7438]

Weald and Down is similar in concept to Beamish, West Midlands Museum of Life and Welsh Folk Museum in Cardiff. They are all worth visiting.

[@janicepolley7518]

Hi , my daughter lives in Louisiana, and I have been over several times, I was shocked when we went for a drive to Florida, as if it was an everyday thing, but loved it anyway, she's taken me to lots of places since then , I'm so lad that you liked our shores in Great Britain, x

[@alanmahoney167]

When you next visit the UK come to East Anglia. Norwich, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Ely and lots of other places as well.

[@istvanvilmos8400]

I concur as I come from Norfolk where we have great beaches, great countryside and great towns/villages.

[@mickfoskett6629]

I live in Norfolk too and the people there are the best!..especially in north Norfolk..stunning scenery too 👍

[@dont_give_a_flying_f]

We get a bad summer every few years. 2024 was really wet and cold. In comparison 2023 was one of the warmest on record.

[@warden330]

Worth adding that the eastern side of Britain has an average rainfall of less tha 24 inches a year. Rather more in the west. Americans should compare that with where they live. It is just that the pattern of rainfall is different. It isn't predictable either.

[@jasoneldridge4738]

Apparently 2024 was the hottest year ever ??

[@coombscharlie]

Never yet seen an American's video about the UK that mentioned yellow mustard. Are you all warned before you arrive? Do they tip you off at passport control? Anyway, good video, but I suggest dropping Wrexham from your future plans and visiting Llangollen, Llanudno, Conwy or Caernarfon instead.

[@theborderer1302]

Good suggestion, and don't forget the castles. But I'd smile to see an American try to pronounce them - it's hard enough for a non-Welsh Brit.😊

[@NiallWardrop]

I'd like to see his reaction to a trip on one of the bigger steam railways, Severn Valley Railway, North York Moors, Great Central etc. Likewise a big steam and vintage show.

[@nicholasjones7312]

I live in Wrexham. It is worth a visit. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@nemesismcc]

You mention Wetherspoons as a good eatery, I suggest the next time you are over here you try out Toby Carveries, this is a Pub/restaurant chain that does self service, all you can eat meals ( usually around £12-£15 PP) and you have a wide choice of meats and vegetables, along with traditional Yorkshire puddings, trust me you won't regret it.

[@user-blob]

Second this.

[@petersmith7126]

You mean all you can eat veg as your limited to the meat they serve up

[@nemesismcc]

@petersmith7126 Yes, sorry you are right, unless you have a friendly chef, lol

[@alisonauchterlonie8212]

In the UK the towns and cities were built long before cars. That’s why they are walkable.

[@markhurry2947]

I'm glad you can define the uk after being here for a couple of weeks. I've been here for 55 years and don't have a fucking clue what's going on.

[@oldandmodernclassiccars2266]

Go leeds -> york->Scarborough and up the east coast

[@suzettewilliams1758]

No arguments from me, Spoons is great. Cheap and cheerful and great of you have dietary restrictions. I have a friend with Celiacs and we go there because she can have the chips as they fry them separately from other stuff such as battered fish which obviously contains flour from.the batter.

[@kenohagan1091]

Nice to hear Beamish and the Mural walk getting a mention.

[@Annikilou]

I love your training programme for British accents! Genius idea! For a stronger and more contemporary Glasgow accent can I recommend Kevin Bridges? His shaggy horse story on Would I Lie to You was unforgettable!

[@joebutlersnr7017]

I'm from the UK and visited the states in February 2024 and couldn't believe how expensive it was and how slow the trains were, we got the Amtrak from New Orleans to Memphis and the top speed was 79mph but it also had to stop often to let other trains pass , and even though the seats reclined they were strangely uncomfortable, loved Memphis and New Orleans though.

[@russcattell955i]

Spencer lad. I loved following your GB holiday. You are correct, you cannot do it all in 2 weeks. Do you watch Magic Geekdom ? They fill in the gaps of previous visits.

[@pastyman001]

Also fantastic places to visit. Cotswolds, Devon, Oxford, the Falklands Arms at Great Tew, Bowland Forest in Lancashire and the Witch trail, the Lake District in Cumbria, Isle of Skye and Isles of Raasay and Harris.

[@MostlyPennyCat]

And Portsmouth. And all the south coast cities and the south downs. I love Portsmouth, my beloved city. So much food here it's ridiculous how varied the restaurant business is here. My favourite Japanese restaurant closed down. Thankfully there's at least another 9 to try from the "Top 10"

[@XiOjala]

From when I was 7 and my sister was 5 dad used to give us a tiny glass of port with our Christmas dinner. Dad never normally drank alcohol so this was once a year.

[@lewisb85]

that's why its legal it's not a regular thing, my friend's dad who's a vicar explained to me its more for wines at religious significant meals as opposed to kids chugging booze.

[@djglw01]

Glad you had a good time in the uk, I started watching you when you posted your vid in glasgow and am hooked. Keep doing what your doing m8. Much respect

[@paulmccormick]

Same , I kept looking in the background for people I knew 😂😂

[@alexanderwiles2003]

Honestly spencer, you are one of few youtubers who does these sorts of vids well and not like you are making up stuff or exaggerating so you have content to talk about. (Even better then some of the ones who moved to the uk years ago)

[@JAmediaUK]

You forgot one reason why the UK is so friendly and relaxed. No guns. (well almost) Most UK policeman are not armed. When they talk to you, they don't have a hand resting on a gun. There are no mass shootings or school shootings in the UK, OK, so we had one school shooting in the last 250 years. So the stress levels in public places are far lower. Yes, criminals have guns but 99.999% of the time they use them on other criminals, not civilians. Also, UK has universal health care that is free at the point of delivery (so you get no bill for it). So 100% of the population has healthcare. Also, there is a high level of sex education (at school) and family planning from your local doctor and health centres, coupled with high availability of contraception that means there are few unwanted pregnancies and most abortions are on purely medical grounds. Then you get on to the standards of food... a hell of a lot of US "food" is banned in the UK/EU because of the chemicals it contains and the very low standards of production.

[@johnt8998]

On your next trip to the UK you have to visit Devon. We have some beautiful places, and you'll probably be passing through Devon to get to Cornwall anyway.

[@mrhappyendland]

Spoons breakfast is always good :)

[@duncanrussell3923]

Cool video. I'm a Londoner who is curious about the experiences of visitors here. That's why I'm watching. I look at tourists on the street and think "I wonder what you make of it all", and of course it helps me reappraise something familiar. So thank you. One point though, it is NOT PERMISSABLE to give alcoholic drinks to people as young as 5! I don't know how you got that impression but I spat my Earl Grey tea across the room when that gem came out. It's true that we love a drink, and many people start to drink at around 15, and it rarely becomes a legal matter. But we aren't getting our little ones drunk that much. Thanks for the content, I like your curiosity, and your adoption of the word Jumper. When you come back, I recommend you hire a bike. It's the best way to see some of the out of the way places. Keep posting.

[@TigerTailsTV]

While it's not recommended, in England, Scotland and Wales, it’s not illegal for someone between the ages of five and 17 to drink alcohol at home or on other private premises. At 16 you can even have wine, cider, or beer (but not spirits) in a licensed establishment so long as it's consumed with a meal. Sounds like you wasted some perfectly good tea there.

[@ten-bob-note]

What a splendid fellow you are! Your complements are most humbling. A chap, such as yourself, is always welcome in this septic isle, sorry, splendour'd isle.

[@philhallbrook7008]

13:30 Bring it on Spencer. A Brit who thought I'd subscribed, I've rectified that now. This channel needs it. I say I'm a Brit, but I live mainly in the Algarve, Portugal now. I miss public transport & real ale, but boy, do I love to be warm & dry! That was cool Spence (can i call you Spence?) I love that you used 'nutter'.😂

[@martynmiller4247]

Absolutely first rate; entertaining, informative, intelligent, honest. Very well done. One of the best, if not the best, videos on visiting the UK. None of the crap, but consise and well said. Sincerely, thank you.

[@paulhanson5164]

Brigadoon is a mythical village that appears once every hundred years...Coming from the UKs 2nd biggest city I sometimes wonder if the rest of the world can see us.

[@mikesmith2905]

Glad you had a positive experience. A while back a friend visited the UK, being in Manchester we took him by tram to Bury, there we got on the East Lancs preserved (steam) railway to Rothenstall, leaving the station you walk up the hill (it isn't far) and you will find Fitzpatricks, the last temperance bar in Britain. You can try some (actual) Dandelion and Burdock or some Sarsaparilla but the one he took to was Blood Tonic. Set off just after lunch as it's a bit of a trail. A polish chap I worked with discovered toasted tea cakes (a kind of fruit bun) you can get in most small cafe's. Another chap discovered beans on toast (nearest you can get in the US would be vegetarian beans but British baked beans are different). When I was in the US (in the 70s) you couldn't get crumpets, nearest was English Muffins but crumpets are a whole other thing - If feeling unwell a toasted crumpet with a dollop of butter and some honey is a very pleasant light meal. You may find them in a small family run cafe. The British bacon butty is worth a try, British bacon was hard to find in the US, Canadian was close but that was a half-way house between the British and US stuff. It is usually eaten with a bit of HP sauce (the thick brown stuff). on it. The Natural History museum in Manchester has the first ever forensic reconstruction of a human head, she was an Egyptian princess (other universities had more funds so they all got in on the valley of the kings, Manchester got a small town nearby. Turned out that was where the admin lived and today we know more about those people than we know about any other group of people in history). If down around Oxford Pendon Museum may be worth a visit. Its a model railway place, founded by an Aussie who came to the UK to study the railways and fell in love with the Vale of the White Horse. When someone had their thatched roof replaced. he realised it would not remain unchanged and set about recording the details (inside and out), wearing out several bicycle chains in the process. He took a job running a youth hostel and started making models of the buildings. Things went the 1950s version of viral and it is now a massive model railway, or rather a model landscape with a railway running through it. Anyone can contribute, a local builder put up the present building, some of the animals were sculpted by a lady in California and Birmingham University moth-proofed some Chinese hair that was used for thatching the (model) cottages. It also houses the Madder Valley Railway, built by a chap called Ahern in the 1940s and 50s when nothing was available so virtually everything was made by hand and his books Miniature Landscape Construction and Miniature Building Construction remain valuable for kids with little money who want to build a toy train set). Bit niche but if you like odd things you might enjoy a visit.

[@fionagregory9147]

Buses not coaches. We pronounce routes as roots.

[@CartoType]

And we refer to long distance buses as coaches.

[@iain-e5x]

Great vid! Glad you enjoyed your visit.

[@brucelamberton8819]

Also, if your train is delayed (usually at least half an hour or more) you're entitled to a partial refund on the cost of your ticket. And in London, an Oyster Card is ESSENTIAL for public transport (pick one up at Heathrow Airport BEFORE you catch the train to London). Plus the Paddington Line "tube" (underground) from Heathrow to central London is MUCH cheaper than the Heathrow Express, although it takes over twice as long. Don't even consider a taxi to/from Heathrow - hideously expensive & you'll often spend most of time stuck in traffic (the Tube is really the way to get around London, buses after that).

[@wiredwomble7958]

You don’t need an Oyster card, a phone wallet or contactless card works exactly like oyster including fare caps and discounts. Just don’t buy a paper ticket for any zone travel, they are at least twice as expensive. With contactless you just need to remember to use the same card for all your journeys for the day. You can even register the card with TFL in case you need a refund or use the wrong card (card clash) at any point.

[@cedriclynch]

Shouldn't that be Piccadilly Line rather than Paddington Line?

[@anthonyyarwood]

I'm glad you enjoyed it in Britain. I'm from Manchester, so thanks for liking my city.

[@pebblesonthebeach3258]

i am from inbetween manchester and liverpool, and we are all family, we may have massive rivalries but we are family, northerners and we generall stick up for each other. it may look like hate but only real family can be like this same with lancashire and yorkshire

[@mickfoskett6629]

Old Trafford!..the cathedral!..MUFC!🇪🇬👹

[@davem9204]

Really interesting to hear your perspectives! When you mentioned Meal Deals and how great they are, that did make me laugh. I suppose if you don't mind a factory made sandwich full additives and some fizzy pop they are OK to fill a hole. Definitely last ditch food that's better than a Maccy Ds I suppose. Try and hunt down independent cafes and sandwich shops for something handmade with better ingredients. Not only will it be better value it will support a local business rather than a big chain. Generally the same rule applies for eating out in general, go for the independent pubs and restaurants. They aren't all expensive, and are more likely to have been cooked in-house.

[@grapeman63]

I'd disagree slightly about the north being friendlier. I've found that it's really a function of how far you are away from London. Also, the more rural the setting, the more likely it is that you'll need private transport. If you are going to visit the Scottish Highlands, North Wales or Cornwall (and most of Devon and Somerset) you'll definitely need a car. Finally, the walkability factor isn't restricted to just cities and towns. The UK has a vast network of public footpaths, long-distance trails, bridalways, byways and restricted byways as well as open-access land and right to roam in Scotland for exploring the countryside. Many of these routes are ancient so you can get a good dose of history too!

[@CartoType]

And I disagree about London. I lived in London for just over 20 years, in several different areas, both rich and poor, and found people very friendly.

[@grapeman63]

@@CartoType I think it's a relative thing. Once you are a member of their social circle Londoners are as friendly as anyone else - the same is true of all big cities. I, also, lived in London for 20 years before I escaped. Parisiennes are also frequently accused of being unfriendly. This is because tourists only come across them whilst they are rushing about doing their daily business, where tourists are generally in the way, rather than relaxing in their homes. In the countryside people will greet and smile at total strangers that they pass on the street. Londoners, generally, don't do that.

[@daveJohn-n4g]

Pub culture has deteriorated a lot. When I get to a new area in London i always look around the back streets for a family cafe. Home cooked food etc

[@williambailey344]

You are very kind about the weather yes it was a bad summer this year bt normally it's OK to hot😊

[@KeithJones-n4l]

Glad you enjoyed our country and you are more than welcome to come back. I live in Newcastle (in the far North of England...so I'm a Geordie!) so glad to hear you give us a namecheck.

[@Lee_303]

The trains are a bizarre phenomenon in this country. Unlike what you say with the one or two trains between places, we mainly have frequent trains (except in very rural places). Despite this, they always seem to be packed out with people standing, as you described. The train companies try to deter people by constantly increasing the fares, but it appears to just encourage people even more? I can only assume that more wealthy people are now driving to the train station car parks & taking the train instead of driving the whole way.

[@pebblesonthebeach3258]

I still havent forgiven Beeching,

[@richardwaddington2038]

Great vid , glad you enjoyed the Old Man & Scythe pub in my home town of Bolton. i didnt even realise it was that old . every day is a school day ! ;-) oh and one other stat i love is that no matter where you are in the UK you are never more than 75 miles from the coast/beach .

[@tomhedger7013]

I am British with a Scottish grandmother and I have lived in Scotland for over 2 years and visited frequently. In parts of Glasgow I can't understand a freekin word that is spoken. Be warned! One other thing; if you can, hire a motorbike rather than a car. It's easier if you are used to driving on the right and all those twisty roads and country lanes are brilliant fun.

[@lfcmike12]

​@@MarlynMeehanI've spoken with Scots most my life and have never had a problem understanding them, maybe you just hang around a lot of thick people. Birds of a feather and such.

[@lfcmike12]

@@MarlynMeehan Yeah, I got that. Doesn't change my point, does it? Which ever English people you knew/ you're referring to clearly weren't the brightest, and considering you didn't understand my point I suppose my guess was pretty apt. But then most people who speak poorly about whole ethnic groups based on their limited experiences with individuals of that group usually aren't all that bright, so wasn't much of a guess, more an observation

[@lfcmike12]

@@MarlynMeehan Your comment was literally just an attempt at belittling English people. Again, proving my point with your lack of comprehension. If you want nice comments maybe try being a positive, nice person yourself? If not, grow some thicker skin.

[@antoniakinsley9445]

For history and entertainment, I recommend my home city, Norwich, to visit and spend some time.

[@Badgersj]

Come back soon.💗

[@steveanderson9242]

Canadian here, also with Oz and Brit passports/citizenships. The UK, specifically the south coast of England, has been my adopted home for almost 30 years. I love this place passionately!! I tried to move back to Vancouver in 2011. I lasted 5months and got depressed. I was missing all things British, especially the amazing people. Spencer; as a guy who was only over here for two weeks, you've got great observation skills and I'm impressed that you do your homework before you travel. Cheers, mate :) Like button clicked

[@contessa.adella]

He’s right about history everywhere…I live in a small unassuming town and even here we have a ruined 12century castle on the outskirts.

[@DaveKeenan1956]

I find it fun to look above the street level, you often get indicators of how a town was a hundred years ago or earlier.

[@shaunfarrell3834]

Or in some places a dirty great earth fort that pre-dates the Romans by several hundred years!

[@CartoType]

I live in Herefordshire. There are five castles within ten miles; and several impressive iron-age hill forts. And you can’t see them easily, but there are the remains of a few Roman marching camps.

[@shaunfarrell3834]

@@CartoType Yep, it’s amazing what is lurking in the countryside of this little isle?

[@steverock2760]

Great video, bud! Entering my twenty-second winter in Canada, and even though I lived in the UK until I was 36, this was an education. Cheers!

[@thehonestcritic6577]

Wetherspoons - Cheap n Cheerful

[@TigerTailsTV]

If you like your history, Southampton has defensive walls dating back to somewhere between 1260-1291. Arundel Tower is free to visit and walk through, and is about a 10 min walk from the railway station. Plus there's the Bargate very close by (with a nice modern bridge over a main road which almost connects them).

[@Auron710]

I definitely had a couple of small and weak shandys (beer + lemonade) as a kid and felt super cool. And they would always let you have a sip to try the drink if you asked but not give you one (unlike france lol). Once aruond age 11 I ran in from playing out with a friend and was thirsty and hot so I went to gulp my lemonade... It was my nans Martini lol. Never again. I was not a fan! haha

[@fayesouthall6604]

My dad gave me a sherry with lemonade in it. I was about 6. By the time I was 10 I’d tried almost everything. Didn’t like whisky or vodka. As an adult I barely drink, vodka is probably the only drink that I like now.

[@adrianboardman162]

Spoon's is cheap and cheerful. Closest I can think of would be something like Hooters in the US. BUT, in the same breath, they're a bit rough around the edges at times.

[@viviennerose6858]

TGI Fridays is NOT cheap in the UK - well, not in London anyway!

[@AlanEvans789]

Not in anywhere in the UK really. Spoons style food, at inflated prices.

[@Trebor74]

It's also gone bust.

[@AlanEvans789]

@@Trebor74 hadn't noticed, but only ever been in one once.

[@BogusDudeGW]

If you come back to visit York, try and time it to coincide with the Jorvik festival

[@djmikeyc]

UK trains are rubbish compared to most of Europe, and certain routes are expensive and too unreliable, but it is always good to get a perspective on how they aren't _that_ bad really and there are some decent things about them.

[@djmikeyc]

Also enjoying your enjoyment of cheap takeaway food and meal deals which are pretty divisive.... I think a lot of that is expectations; people buying cheap/bland food and wondering why it tastes cheap/bland!

[@Rudi.77]

I'm a manc & it's good to see you had a good time.

[@andypandy9013]

The drinking age in the UK is not as simple as you made it sound. In general people cannot legally purchase alcohol themselves until they are 18*. There are some exceptions but they involve the purchase of food. And no one but a moron gives a child alcohol. * : Note to Americans. Yes! 18!! If you are old enough to fight for our country then we consider you old enough to be able to drink alcohol. 😅

[@InaMacallan]

The five year old limit covers medical alcohol, so makes sense (cough mixtures and gripe water used to have alcohol in them. Plus if a child is whining about trying 'Daddy's juice' one sip will usually put them off!

[@johnclements6614]

@@InaMacallan Its is any alcohol. If you gave a 10 year old a 50ml glass of wine at christmas or a 5 year old a small sip, the law would not care. If you were letting them regularly there is a good chance that the social services would be knocking on the door.

[@Simon-e23]

*:The armed forces accept kids from the age of 16 though.

[@shaunfarrell3834]

@@Simon-e23 True, but they aren’t old enough to fight for their country, they can go through training but can’t join the army then.

[@andypandy9013]

@Simon-e23 Yes but they are not allowed on "Active Service", i.e. in danger of death through combat, until they are at least 18 years of age.

[@pastyman001]

In the UK were were aware long ago, that French kids were given wine watered down wine produced domestically from being a small child as the norm with food. In the UK it is quite random. Kids might get the odd alcoholic drink here and there. I recall my first hangover when grandparents gave me a tablespoon full of brandy at 6 or 7 and I woke up thinking the birds outside were screaming at me. I thought the window open but it was closed.