What Immigrants Love About British Culture
At Remitly, we understand that feeling connected to both your roots and your new surroundings is important. Many immigrants living in the UK are able to enjoy both, feeling at home and respecting their heritage, which makes it a very attractive proposition as a new home.
Here’s our guide to what newcomers appreciate about British culture, including its diverse heritage, historical traditions, and the unique British humour that builds bridges between communities.
There’s plenty in British culture for immigrants to love
UK society is a mosaic of different cultures, and that diversity is one of the things that many British people, whether native or immigrant, enjoy about living there.
Diverse cultural heritage
Britain’s place as a global hub of trade and migration has meant it has absorbed artistic, culinary and linguistic influences for centuries, and these global elements have come together in a richly multicultural society. That means you can explore Jamaican spice shops and Indian sari boutiques in the same neighbourhood, then choose between Chinatown, Greek, Italian or any other cuisine you fancy for dinner.
Smaller towns, just like big cities, also reflect these cultural influences. So even in smaller places, you’re likely to see diversity and immigrants’ cultural heritage being celebrated on special occasions like village parades and fairs.
Rich historical traditions
The UK’s long and sometimes turbulent past means it boasts a host of castles, cathedrals, and folklore that fascinates history lovers. Immigrants often admire how medieval architecture and ancient ruins sit so close to modern infrastructure, blending past and present.
Museums and heritage trails in Britain showcase historically important events, from Viking raids to the Industrial Revolution. They help newcomers understand and track the key moments that have shaped the nation’s identity.
Unique British humour
British humour, with its self-deprecating wit and often subtle references, can confuse immigrants at first. But humour is a huge part of British culture, and it creates a bond among people that everybody can understand, from observational comedy about late trains to satirical jokes about politics.
This transcends differences in religion, background, accent, nationality, or anything else. It weaves a common thread through daily conversations in the UK.
The large number of popular sitcoms and comedy panel shows on British television demonstrate the depth and richness of the country’s sense of humour, and can help you get to grips with how it works. Many newcomers to the UK grow fond of these comedic quirks as they settle in, as it means daily conversations are full of irony and understatement.
Why is Britain so attractive to immigrants?
Britain provides fertile ground for personal, academic, and professional growth. This attracts immigrants from all over the globe.
Opportunities for growth and development
The nation’s image as a place of opportunity, along with its diverse society, makes it attractive for newcomers. A few of these reasons include:
- Strong job market
A big reason international visitors come is the country’s long-standing economic stability. - Entrepreneurship
Immigration policies often help new businesses. They encourage first-generation entrepreneurs to set up shop. - Higher-education excellence
Top universities in Britain provide qualifications that are known around the globe. This opens doors to great career opportunities. - Professional mentorship
Many companies provide mentorship programmes to help migrants build skills for their field. - Research and innovation
Government grants and private funding boost science and technology. This attracts academics and innovators from around the world to laboratories, think tanks, and research centres.
Multicultural society
Public debates about immigration can be complex, especially after Brexit. Still, the UK is mostly a multicultural society. Cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and London have strong diaspora communities.
These groups offer newcomers quick social support and a feeling of belonging. This mix of cultures is a key part of the British identity that’s valued by many natives and immigrants alike. They enjoy the sounds of various languages, savour global dishes, and join in celebrations like Eid and Diwali.
Living among diverse people can spark positive transformations and open-mindedness to other religions, cuisine, and customs. This blend makes Britain seem friendly to those who want to try a new home while retaining what makes their own heritage special.
Strong community support
Local faith groups, charities, and immigrant-led initiatives help those who are new to the UK. These programmes might offer free English classes or job-placement resources. They can help break down barriers, boost immigrants’ confidence, and build friendships across different cultures.
It can be challenging, of course, to find the right balance between different cultures when you move to a different country. But on the whole, community ties in the UK are characterised by openness and understanding.
Special Aspects of British Culture
British culture’s unique customs and traditions provide immigrants with many ways to join in local life. It’s a chance to celebrate your own heritage while embracing British traditions.
Tea and pub culture
Tea in the UK is much more than just a drink. It represents comfort, conversation, and polite hospitality. Many immigrants love exploring different teas, from refined brews like Earl Grey to the standard ‘builders’ tea’. Meanwhile, in workplaces, the ‘tea round’ is a small but important part of office culture.
Meanwhile, pub culture is another cornerstone. British pubs, from the old hostelries found in charming villages or historic city areas to the ‘locals’ in residential areas, act as community hubs. They might host quiz nights or provide a communal area to watch important sporting events, as well as being the go-to spot for casual meet-ups with friends.
Iconic British festivals and events
Britain brims with captivating festivals and events. They provide newcomers who are keen on immersion with fun and sometimes curious ways to discover the UK’s culture.
- Glastonbury
This music festival is famous throughout the world for camping, mud, and unforgettable performances from the biggest names in music. It attracts artists and adventurous fans from all over the globe. - Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Every summer sees comedians, playwrights, and performers flood the Scottish capital. - Trooping the Colour
A yearly celebration of the monarch’s official birthday, showcasing military skill and splendour. - Guy Fawkes Night
A tradition of bonfires and fireworks that tells the story of political and religious conflict in the UK. - Hay Festival
An important literary festival in Wales. It celebrates authors, poets, and thinkers – perfect for people who love storytelling and debate. - Notting Hill Carnival
While its roots are Caribbean, Notting Hill is now a symbol of music, dance, and unity for all of London.
Passion for theatre and arts
Drama plays a big role in British entertainment, from West End musicals to small fringe theatres in cities. Immigrants and tourists alike form part of the large national audience for performance art, from star-studded shows in London’s West End to amateur productions in local communities.
Meanwhile, museums like the V&A, Tate Modern, and the British Museum show the country’s commitment to preserving and sharing global art and cultural artefacts. Tourists and residents enjoy free entry to many of the main galleries and institutions.
The Impact of Immigrants on British Culture
Immigrants have greatly enriched British culture with their own traditions, tastes, and talents. Their influence is seen in everything from the culinary scene to the arts and the workforce.
Cultural diversity and new flavours
Thanks to immigration the UK’s dining scene has broadened well beyond fish and chips – itself a dish influenced by the fried fish dishes introduced to the UK by Jewish immigrant communities. Cuisines from Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, and beyond fill British streets with a variety of aromas and flavours:
- Lebanese bakeries offer manakish, shawarma, and Middle Eastern sweets. You can find them in busy areas of London, Birmingham or other major cities.
- Nigerian restaurants serve dishes such as jollof rice, plantain, and egusi soup.
- Korean BBQ spots attract fans of tabletop grills, kimchi, and filling soups. These eateries are especially loved in neighbourhoods popular with students.
- Indian curry houses serve ‘Britain’s national dish,’ chicken tikka masala. Or if you’re a fan of very spicy foods, vindaloo highlights the sub-continental passion for spices. It demonstrates food’s own diverse history, too – vindaloo was originally brought to Goa by Portuguese explorers.
- Caribbean jerk stands add a touch of Jamaican flair to major cities, and a different spice profile with delicious dishes that fill the air with tropical aromas.
- Halal options provide choices for people whose diets reflect their belief systems. This shows how immigrants shape the local food scene.
Such a richly mixed food heritage shapes daily life in the UK, bringing newcomers, natives, and long-time residents together over shared meals.
Influence on music and fashion
Migrant communities have added depth and variety to Britain’s already influential music scene. Jamaican ska inspired the Two-tone era, and Afrobeat grooves mix into today’s pop. In recent decades, British rap and grime have mixed in global rhythms.
This shows the diverse backgrounds common in the UK’s major cities. Second-generation artists mix their parents’ heritage with modern trends to create unique sounds that attract both underground fans and mainstream listeners.
The fashion industry shows similar creative diversity. Immigrants bring new ideas by mixing textiles from India, Africa, or Eastern Europe with Western tailoring. Afrocentric designs, sari-inspired gowns, and East Asian street style are now seen on runways and in everyday fashion.
Contributions to the workforce and economy
Immigrants have long been central to the country’s workforce, fulfilling important roles in key sectors:
- Healthcare
Doctors, nurses, and care assistants from South Asia, Africa, and Europe fill key roles in the NHS. - Construction and infrastructure
Workers from Poland, Romania, Ireland, and beyond rebuild neighbourhoods, create new transport links, and establish businesses in these key sectors. - Entrepreneurship
Local corner shops, tech start-ups, and import-export ventures run by newcomers boost the economy. - Finance and business
Many banks and trading firms in London take pride in attracting global talent. This helps them handle cross-border finance easily. - Agriculture
Seasonal workers gather crops and tend the fields. They help keep a steady supply of fresh, home-grown produce. In fact their contribution is so important that since the Brexit referendum the UK’s food harvesters have faced labour shortages as fewer immigrants of EU origin come to the country. - Hospitality and tourism
Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators often depend on foreign-born staff. They bring valuable multilingual skills and cultural knowledge to these sectors.
Why Immigrants Are Good for the UK
Immigrants enrich British society by bringing fresh perspectives, cultural diversity, economic activity, and innovative ideas. Their presence creates cultural exchange, helping both newcomers and long-time residents.
Enriching cultural exchange
The arrival of newcomers does more than add diversity; it promotes mutual learning. People from varied backgrounds introduce novel art, dance, and storytelling traditions. In turn they learn about the UK’s rich culture.
- Shared festivals
Lunar New Year or Eid gatherings attract many people. They showcase unique customs and traditions. - Public Exhibitions
Arts councils exhibit diaspora artists in pop-up galleries. This helps break down assumptions and build mutual understanding. - Interfaith dialogue
Churches, mosques, and temples often invite people to watch or discuss their practices. This helps break down myths about minority faiths. - Online forums
Social media groups link immigrants with each other and with local residents. They help share event announcements, exchange recipes, and build friendships.
Strengthening economic development
Immigrants not only contribute to the labour pool, but also to the UK’s entrepreneurial landscape. They pay taxes, open new markets for the import and export of goods, and drive innovation in finance and tech.
Many studies show that migration helps balance the population and addresses workforce shortages. This is especially important as birth rates in Britain change.
Foreign-born entrepreneurs do more than just fill roles. They create networks that connect the UK to global supply chains, boosting investment and trade. Discrimination and red tape can still hold back these efforts, but many success stories show how immigrants boost local economies.
Bringing innovative perspectives
Immigrants often bring new ideas born out of different education systems, cultural norms, and ways of solving problems. In universities, labs, and start-ups, these global perspectives encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
The Future of Immigration in the UK
British culture is a vibrant fusion of history, humour, and diversity that resonates with immigrants from all over the world. Newcomers like how the UK keeps its traditions but also embraces multicultural life. This mix creates a lively and friendly atmosphere.
So while immigration often sparks strong debates about national identity, many immigrants express a deep admiration for British society. Newcomers find many reasons to love life in Britain.
For centuries, immigration has added new threads to British life. Public opinion and politics may evolve, but what won’t change is that immigrants are vital in shaping a future that’s inclusive, innovative, and culturally rich.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I maintain my cultural heritage while integrating into British society?
Balancing your native traditions with new customs can be achieved by celebrating both in your daily life. Joining local multicultural festivals and community events keeps your heritage alive and helps you enjoy British culture. Engaging in family activities like cooking traditional meals or sharing stories is also effective.
What are some effective ways to share my heritage with my children?
Use storytelling, creative projects, and hands-on activities to introduce your cultural background. Creating a family tree, visiting heritage sites, and handing down family recipes are great ways to pass on your traditions. These activities help children understand and appreciate the value of their heritage.
How can immigrants celebrate cultural events in the UK?
Look for local events such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, or Caribbean carnivals that highlight diverse traditions. Many cities host community fairs, cultural exhibitions, and interfaith dialogues that welcome immigrants. Joining local groups or online forums can also provide information on upcoming celebrations.
What local resources are available for immigrants to learn about British culture?
Libraries, community centres, and cultural groups often hold workshops, language classes, and heritage events. Local immigrant support organisations and social media groups can guide you on cultural activities. These resources help newcomers find their way in a new place while staying linked to their roots.