The Good (and not-so-good) Of Living In The UK (or in my opinion at least)

“There’s an accent shift, on average, every 25 miles in England.” – David Crystal

My husband’s job has us moving internationally, and when we were relocated to the United Kingdom, we found ourselves in a quaint town called Consett in County Durham, part of the North-East of England. Now, I’ve always been more of a "country girl" than a city dweller, so when my husband's company offered to set us up in a cozy little house in a small town, I was thrilled.

Moving in went smoothly, as the house came fully furnished, meaning all we had to do was unpack our personal belongings. With only one car, I quickly learned to navigate the local bus system to explore the area with my toddler while my husband was at work. On weekends, we took road trips to Scotland, Ireland, the English coastlines, and even down to London. Throughout our time here, I've experienced both the good and the not-so-good of life in the UK. Let’s start with the positives!

THE GOOD

1. The Natural Beauty of the Countryside

Misty moors, stone walls, rolling hills... the English countryside feels like stepping into the pages of a classic novel. The landscapes here could be straight out of Wuthering Heights or Great Expectations. In rural England, it often feels as if time stands still. The architecture blends harmoniously with the natural environment, with stone cottages and brick houses that have stood for centuries. Everything, from the earthy hues of the inland to the poetic blues of the coastline, gives the feeling of stepping into a peaceful painting. The quietness, the lack of visual or noise pollution, and the simplicity of life are grounding. No loud billboards or flashy signs—just peace.

It’s no wonder this land has inspired so many famous writers. I’ve found myself sipping tea, gazing out the window at the fog rolling across the hills, feeling the urge to write and reflect. It’s the perfect setting for creativity and introspection.

2. Friendly and Down-to-Earth People

As someone who has lived in many different countries, I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and polite people are here. Despite the often grey, rainy weather, English folks maintain a warm, laid-back attitude. There’s a refreshing casualness in the way people interact, regardless of social status. Whether you’re dressed to the nines or in your rubber rain boots (a personal favorite of mine), everyone treats you with the same respect and kindness. The people here feel real—unpretentious, easy-going, and open-minded.

Strangers call you “love,” “darling,” or “flower,” and nightlife wraps up early enough that the quiet charm of small towns isn’t disturbed. It’s a relaxed, grounded lifestyle that I’ve come to appreciate.

3. High-Quality, Locally-Sourced Products

Though I sometimes miss the variety in supermarkets, the quality of fresh produce here is outstanding. Local vegetables, fruits, and especially meats are fantastic. The countryside is dotted with herds of grass-fed sheep and cows, so it’s no surprise that the local meat is some of the best I’ve had. Many products are labeled as locally sourced, which adds to their appeal. I haven’t yet tried the local fish, but I’m excited to taste fresh ocean fish soon.

4. Refreshingly Simple Childcare

Having lived in countries where daycare felt like a high-security operation, the UK’s approach to childcare has been a breath of fresh air. The daycare we chose is private but much more relaxed than what I’ve encountered elsewhere. No medical triage at the door, no smartphone apps tracking every detail of my toddler’s day, no over-the-top security measures. The focus here is on natural, uncomplicated childcare where children are encouraged to learn through play. It’s a welcome change from overly regimented systems I’ve dealt with in the past.

5. The British Love for Ceremony

There’s something delightfully “posh” about the British lifestyle. While many people are down-to-earth, there’s also an innate elegance to everyday events. Tea can feel like a small ceremony, and dining out in a nice restaurant is often a refined experience. From castles and estates to polished cars, the country has a subtle, inherent charm that blends with its serene landscapes.

THE NOT-SO-GOOD

Of course, life here isn’t all misty moors and cups of tea. There are a few things I could do without:

1. Short Days and Harsh Weather

The first winter here was tough. With the sun rising at 8:00 a.m. and setting around 4:30 p.m., the days felt incredibly short. It’s not the cold itself that gets to you—temperatures hover around 0 to 5 degrees—but the combination of rain and wind can make it feel much worse. And while I still can’t figure out how some people brave the weather in shorts or flip-flops, I’ve come to terms with the fact that the UK’s winters aren’t for the faint of heart.

2. Everything Closes Early—Too Early

The early sunsets also seem to affect business hours. Most shops and even malls close early. While a few big supermarkets stay open late, the streets are usually empty by then. And nightlife? Let’s just say that when most clubs close by 2 a.m., it leaves you wanting more. As someone who enjoys the occasional late night, this has been a bit of an adjustment.

3. The Sound of Silence

While I love the tranquility of rural life, there are times when it can feel a bit too quiet. Events and activities are few and far between, and the countryside can sometimes feel a little too calm. I love peace and solitude, but every now and then, I crave a bit more excitement.

4. The Cost of Living

There’s no denying it—the UK is expensive. Everything from housing to groceries can feel overpriced. And while there are plenty of wonderful things to do, many of them come with a hefty price tag. Free activities aren’t as common, which can make weekends feel a little limited if you’re on a budget.

5. Poor Road Infrastructure

Driving in the UK, especially in rural areas, has its challenges. Many roads lack proper signage, and intersections and roundabouts can feel confusing and poorly marked, especially in low light. While it’s still better than in many countries, I’ve been surprised by the lack of visibility and convenience on the roads here.

Final Thoughts

Despite its quirks and challenges, I’ve truly enjoyed our time in the UK. The simple, peaceful lifestyle, the natural beauty, and the friendly people have made it a wonderful experience. While my husband’s job will eventually take us elsewhere, I’ll cherish the time we’ve spent here and take with me the many memories we've made in this quiet corner of the world.

Sarah the Digital GypSea

United Kingdom, December 2019