Well, will you just look at me. Just like every native Brit, I’m going to start this conversation with:  The weather! There are dozens of things I enjoy about living in the UK, but when I think about it, it’s the seasons that play such a big role in what makes living here worthwhile. That, and British people’s famed love of the outdoors that quickly teaches you how to ignore the weather—and live!

LIVING IN THE UK IN SUMMER

Well, of course, you might say. In a land known for its cold, wet, and grey skies, any person would appreciate summer. But it’s so much more than that! I spent six decades in South Africa, and there’s a reason it’s called “Sunny South Africa.” It’s a true description, and we unconsciously take that very much for granted there. You only learn to truly appreciate the sun when you only reliably have it for four months a year.  

Summertime in the UK starts with a spring that pops up like, well, like a spring, and overnight the countryside is awash with wildflowers in all the colors of the rainbow. You can almost hear it calling you—”Come, see me, play in me!” I challenge you to ignore it! 😊 

And boy, the Brits can teach you how to play in summer. They pack in every outdoor activity they can think of  – picnics at the seaside, river rafting, sailing, canoeing on the lakes, every weekend an excuse to barbeque… so many more adventures I’ve yet to try.  And don’t be fooled – UK summers can be HOT!  

LIVING IN THE UK IN WINTER

Ok, now you’re thinking, she’s really lost it!  She enjoys the winter?  But  the truth is that winter in the UK has its own unique charms.  There’s nothing like the sensory warmth that fills you – both physical and emotional – than cosying up next to a fire doing something that you enjoy, whether it’s chatting with your friend or partner, reading a book or watching a feel-good movie while the wind and rain howl outside.  

And Christmas! Don’t get me started on Christmas. It’s the absolute best part of the year, for me.  The Brits do Christmas like no one else on earth. The streets twinkle with Christmas lights, holly wreaths welcome you on every doorstep, churches ring with Christmas carols, and eggnog, mulled wine and minced pies are in bountiful supply in all the pubs and festive Christmas markets that happen in pretty much every town.  

When you learn to layer up and make sure you go out with your raincoat and brolly (and take your ‘sunshine in a tablet’ Vitamin D), you can quickly become used to the cold and wet and enjoy everything UK has to offer.

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS

Given my expectation that people would do their best to say indoors in winter, I was surprised to discover that this is simply not true! Living in the UK summer and winter, you will see people walking, jogging or cycling along the streets and country paths. Every. Single. Day. The Brits quickly struck me as people who make the most of the simple fact that they are alive—and it’s catchy!  

Before I knew it, I was doing the same. Ok, so I still have to acclimatise to the fact that British drivers are considerate and are trained to give cyclists a wide berth, so I tend to plan my rides along the many cycling paths.  But I have enjoyed countless walks in breathtaking surroundings!

Every city and town is laid out to include green spaces, so you will have forests and fields, or seaside or mountain paths pretty much on your doorstep.  

And you can quickly become addicted to growing your own veggies! If your garden isn’t big enough, you can rent a space on one of the literally hundreds of thousands of council “allotment plots” to grow your own.  

So if you’re considering a move to the UK, don’t be put off by the weather. Embrace it and you’ll discover—or deepen—your love of the outdoors.

I will be compiling updates to the ILR in a series of blogs. If you would like to be kept up-to-date on the various changes, you can register here

Living in the Uk initially will take adjustment; that’s when I decided to write my book, UK Essentials Guide for Newcomers. I share everything I’ve learned and unpack the steps you must take in a logical, systematic flow, with direct links to GOV.UK registration pages for each step. Plus, there are loads of extra tips, tricks and resources to help you settle quickly.