10 Things That Are Just Better in the UK
Well, America, you just have to deal with the fact that some things are just better in the United Kingdom. We know this might feel weird, but seriously, we just do some things better. From perfectly brewed tea to gorgeous historic pubs, the UK has a knack for doing some things better. Some Americans may argue, but they should know they just won’t win. Britain has unique and charming quirks that make it the charismatic place that it is. Let’s look at the things that the UK just does better than America, and America, you just have to deal with it.
Tipping is not seen as mandatory in the UK.
In America, tipping is basically a necessity. It’s expected. This is largely because a significant portion of a server’s income comes from what they earn in tips. Servers rely heavily on tips to make a decent, liveable wage. If you don’t tip in the United States, people will likely think you’re rude. But, in the UK, tipping is not expected. Many restaurants do add a 10-15% service charge but tipping in general is more about gratitude than necessity. When everything already costs so much, it’s nice to not have to anticipate an additional fee for tips.
Healthcare is government-funded.
Sorry America, but the UK just does healthcare a lot better. In the UK residents have universal coverage through the NHS (National Health Service). The health services are funded through taxes, which allows residents to visit the doctors without the stress of financial strain. However, in the US, most healthcare is paid for through private insurance, workplace benefits or government programmes, and even then, Americans are still hit with high, sometimes unmanageable out-of-pocket expenses. The care quality varies depending on insurance and location as well. However, the US has extremely advanced technology which can be life-saving sometimes; it just comes at an enormous cost.
Iconic pub culture in beautiful pubs.
America does nightlife differently than the UK and we think the UK does it much better. This is because of their iconic pub culture that is almost somewhat magical. Imagine centuries-old pubs with timber beams, crackling fireplaces and historic charm that is steeped into every corner. UK pubs aren’t just about nightlife but rather about community and connection. US bars are sleek, modern and not for the community. In fact, they prioritise drinks over atmosphere and there aren’t any deep historical roots. It’s just about partying in the US. The UK does pubs better than anywhere else.
Sarcastic and dry humour.
The British do humour better than Americans. Sorry, America, you just have to deal with it. British humour is dry, understated, relatable and often clever. It’s very self-deprecating, which often makes it quite relatable. American humour, on the other hand is quite exaggerated, obvious and energetic. It’s just a lot more than British humour and causes more of a fuss. British humour is unique and quite fantastic. Much funnier than Americans (sorry, Americans.)
World-class museums that are mostly free to visit.
In the UK many major museums are completely free to the public. Visitors can explore immersive exhibits and tonnes of historical artefacts without worrying about the price tag attached. Museums are heavily integrated into every part of British life. But in the US, most museums have very expensive entry fees and extra fees for any special exhibits. It’s a completely different outlook on the importance of museums and the UK just does it better.
Delicious fish and chips unlike anywhere else.
Fish and chips is something that the UK does better than anywhere else, even America. It’s a national classic and absolutely beloved. It’s fresh and simple and easy to get. In America, fish and chips is more of a pub dish rather than an everyday staple. It doesn’t have any cultural attachment either. It’s just a regular dish. The UK does fish and chips unlike anywhere else.
Lovely parks and green spaces being easily accessible.
The UK does parks like no other place and it’s something that is just better than in America. In the UK, you’re never far from gorgeous parks and vast green spaces. They’re free to enjoy and become a community hub. But, in the US, there are several incredible parks but they’re very large and more spread out, often requiring a road trip just to get there. Parks in America are more often commercialised as well, requiring hefty admission fees.
Fantastic bookshops and infectious literary culture.
The UK is home to many amazing independent bookshops, and you can find them all over. There are literary festivals celebrating iconic works like Shakespeare. All over the nation you can easily spot readers, from waiting for the train to sitting on the park bench. In America, they do love their books but not like the British. There are fewer independent shops with a focus on the big, blockbuster titles and small indie authors fighting for shelf space. There are also fewer festivals and events celebrating literary culture.
Proper tea.
Though some Americans enjoy tea, the nation as a whole is more into coffee, with tea being an afterthought. Tea is brewed quite weak and there isn’t any ritual attached to it. Contrary to this, in the UK drinking tea is like a ritual. The quality of the tea leaf matters and for the British, it’s much like a hug in a mug. It’s the fix for everything.
Spectacular architecture.
The UK is filled with spectacular architecture that hits differently than in America. There is history at every turn with castles, cathedrals and jaw-dropping mediaeval towers. In the US the architecture is newer and shinier, bigger and bolder and more futuristic, with less historic charm lining the streets.
Final thoughts
In the end, there are several things that the British just do better and sorry Americans, you just have to deal with it. From healthcare to humour, fish and chips to museums, and bookshops to architecture, these are things the British do a lot better than Americans.
