When a new colleague joins bdhSterling, we like to learn a little more about them.
We ask them a few questions about themselves, their background, career, and what they enjoy doing in their spare time.
We use this information to create their page on the “Meet your team” section of our website. It’s also a nice way to get to know someone new to the business.
As our team is split between the UK and Australia, we also ask what the best thing is about living in the country where they are based. It’s always interesting to hear different perspectives!
So, if you’re an Australian who has just moved to the UK, or even if you’re a Brit living here and looking for things to do, we thought you may be interested in reading what our UK-based colleagues think are the best things about living here.
Here are six of their top choices.
1. The incredible range of attractions in London
Given that our UK office in Epsom, Surrey, is within easy striking distance of London, it’s no surprise that the city should feature very highly in many of the questionnaires we received from colleagues.
Another key point is that it’s one of the most recognisable and famous cities in the world, where millions of people live, work, and are entertained every day – It’s packed with old buildings and exhibitions to visit and walk around.
Colleagues highlighted this, noting that many of the major museums and galleries are free to enter, with only an occasional charge for a special exhibition or showing.
If you add the huge range of restaurants and bars, the shows and films you can watch, and the range of sporting events and concerts on offer, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most visited cities in the world.
There is also a range of gems just outside the city centre, with colleagues mentioning Kew Gardens and Hampton Court as great places to visit.
2. Visiting one of the many National Trust properties
Given the storied history of the UK, you would expect this to be reflected in many of the buildings and open spaces around the country.
The National Trust was founded at the end of the 19th century to protect and maintain sites of historical significance, and many of their properties are well worth a visit.
While they form a key part of the Trust’s holdings, don’t just think of old castles and stately homes. They also manage huge expanses of gardens and other open spaces on behalf of the country.
The changing UK seasons mean that you can visit at any time in the year and see the colours turning on the trees. Around this time of year, many of the properties have great Christmas displays for all the family to enjoy.
The National Trust (NSW) is part of a network of over 80 heritage organisations around the world, which are represented by the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO).
Thanks to this worldwide heritage family, you can use your Australian membership to get free or discounted access to over 1,000 places in many countries, including the UK.
3. Spending time walking around the countryside
While football is seen as the national sport, it’s probably fair to say that walking for pleasure is the UK’s national pastime.
According to government figures, over 55% of people walk for pleasure, rather than simply to get from A to B, at least once a week.
Many of our colleagues mentioned the proximity of peaceful countryside to busy towns and cities, and how it’s always possible to find somewhere to walk that will take you through beautiful scenery.
For longer walks that you can easily build an active holiday around, the Lake District, Scottish Highlands, and north Wales were all mentioned.
4. Shopping in one of the many markets
Markets are an omnipresent part of British life.
During the week, you’ll often find stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables. At weekends, they’ll often expand into farmers’ markets where people will sell their local produce, offering every opportunity to taste before you buy.
Then there are bric-a-brac markets with stalls selling a range of items, from kitchen equipment to second-hand records and books.
You can easily while away an afternoon perusing what’s on sale, before finishing with some food and drink from a stall selling something you fancy!
5. Lunch in a traditional British pub
Reading through the questionnaires completed by new colleagues, it’s clear that bdhSterling staff like visiting pubs!
It’s hard to recommend any specific places because there are obviously so many, and where you stop for lunch will depend on where you are visiting or where you live.
We would suggest that you use the internet to find somewhere that suits you, rather than simply leaving your choice to chance.
Sites such as TripAdvisor can be useful for finding which places are popular and for which features, such as food, range of beers, and whether they are child- and pet-friendly.
Sunday lunch in a pub is a big tradition in the UK, with several people mentioning it as a key component of British life. It’s a great way to experience a slice of local culture and enjoy a relaxed meal with friends or family.
6. Enjoying some of the seaside towns and coastal areas
The UK is relatively small in comparison to the vastness of the Australian continent.
Wherever you live, you are never more than 70 miles from the sea. As a result, the seaside has long played a key role in British life since Victorian times.
Several of our colleagues mentioned the fantastic coastal areas as being among the big attractions of living in the UK.
For example, there are some wonderful beach towns in Cornwall and Devon, with Padstow and Boscastle highly recommended. Clovelly village in Devon – a privately owned harbour village without cars – has also been mentioned as somewhere worth a visit.
Further east, there are the popular seaside towns of Brighton and Bournemouth. Offering a wide range of attractions for a family break, both towns are conveniently close to London.
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Please note
This article is for information only, it does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs.
Please do not solely rely on anything you have read in this article and ensure that you conduct your own research to ensure any actions you may take are suitable for your circumstances.