Icons

The Story Behind the Keep Calm and Carry On Poster

It’s iconic and it’s everywhere. There are so many knock-offs I’ve lost count, but just how did this inspirational and now legendary poster come about?    Continue Reading →

British Photo of the Week: New Routemaster

The new Routemaster bus hit the streets of London today. This new model has a conductor and once again features a hop-on hop-off platform on the back, something that has been missing since the original Routemasters were withdrawn from service in 2005. (Image Continue Reading →

British Photo of the Week: Highland Cattle

There’s a joke in our house that when we win the lottery (notice I said ‘when’), we are taking our millions and moving to Scotland to raise sheep. (Actually, we are about 80% serious about this, no joke!) On our holiday in Scotland last summer, Continue Reading →

Britain’s Blue Badge Guides turns 60.

The UK’s Blue Badge tourist guides are professional guides who work in every part of the United Kingdom. The Guild was founded 60 years ago to provide a quality alternative to what the press at the time called ‘the spivs and touts’ who were targeting visitors Continue Reading →

Who was John Constable?

I get a lot of enjoyment from interacting with my readers on Smitten by Britain’s Facebook page. If you haven’t joined yet, be sure to check it out. One of the things I like to do is post bits of trivia from British history and culture. I love trivia. This Continue Reading →

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Last week a new museum celebrating the life of Scotland’s poet laureate, Robert Burns, opened in Alloway, his birthplace. Enjoy this video tour of the museum. View a photo slide show of Rabbie’s new Birthplace Museum by clicking here or clicking Continue Reading →

Burns Night – Scots Wha Hae

It’s January 25th which means tonight is Burns Night and the Burns Supper, an iconic Scottish tradition. Robert Burns, Scotland’s favorite son, was born two hundred and fifty one years ago and his work continues to stand the test of time. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; Continue Reading →

What England’s REALLY Like

Last week I posted a feature by Alan Titchmarsh called “England Would Not Be England Without.” I received a lot of great comments both pro and con, along with some suggested additions to the list. One person in particular, Tim Gillett,  founder of Continue Reading →

England Would Not Be England Without

England Would Not Be England Without the Queen allotments picnics bell-ringers cucumber sandwiches (no crusts) daisies in the lawn Miss Marple Morris dancers queuing Jane Austen the National Trust Thomas Rowlandson cream teas grass tennis courts scouting wet bank Continue Reading →

British Icons: New Routemaster Revealed

This has proven to be a timely post. I had planned on writing about my favorite British icon today, the Routemaster, and then I opened the internet and saw that Boris Johnson has introduced a newer, greener model. More on that later, first some history. Many tourists Continue Reading →