Moving abroad is a huge adventure, a new culture, a new lifestyle, maybe even better weather, and a salary increase!

But let’s be honest: once the excitement settles, many Brits find themselves a lot more homesick than they ever thought they would be, regularly craving a slice of home.

It’s not that life overseas isn’t brilliant, but there are little comforts, traditions, and quirks of British life that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere.

Whether it’s a particular food, the way we socialise, missing family and friends, or even the unpredictable weather, these home comforts often take expats by surprise.

If you’re preparing to relocate, knowing what you might miss (and how to plan for it) can help you settle faster and ease the transition.

A Proper Cup of Tea

It might be the last thing you think of, but ask any Brit what they miss abroad, and the answer is often tea. Not just any tea, the way it’s brewed back home.

The familiar taste of brands like Yorkshire Tea or PG Tips is surprisingly hard to find overseas, and local versions can feel a little “off.”

For serious tea lovers, this isn’t a small issue; it’s a daily ritual that grounds you.

The solution? Stock up before you leave, or ask friends and family to send care packages; better still, bring some with them when they visit.

Some expat groups even organise swaps so you can get your favourite brands wherever you are.

Many counties now have local stores specialising in British food items. They are generally at a higher price than home due to importation costs; however, if you enjoy your tea that much, you won’t mind the extra.

It might seem trivial, but the right tea can provide real comfort on tough days; nothing less will do!

British Humour and Banter

Another thing Brits quickly notice after moving abroad is how humour doesn’t always translate.

Sarcasm, understatement, and tongue-in-cheek remarks are second nature in the UK, but can leave others scratching their heads or worse, insulted.

Expats often miss the ease of “banter” with colleagues, neighbours, or even strangers at the pub.

While you can’t change cultural differences, joining British expat forums such as British Expat can provide that familiar sense of humour and community.

And when you do meet fellow Brits overseas, you’ll find the instant bond refreshing.

Prepare for some cultural adjustment, but hold on to your wit; it’s part of what makes you British.

Classic British Food

Nothing says “home” quite like food, and many Brits abroad long for the comfort of favourites such as fish and chips, a Sunday roast, or even a sausage roll from Greggs.

While you might not find these at the corner shop overseas, specialist supermarkets and online shops often stock British products.

For example, British Corner Shop ships UK groceries worldwide.

A good tip is to learn to cook your favourite dishes from scratch; it’s surprisingly rewarding and gives you a sense of home even thousands of miles away.

Food connects us to our roots, and a little preparation can make a big difference.

The Changing Seasons

The UK’s weather gets a bad rap, but many Brits miss the familiar rhythm of four distinct seasons, a phenomenon found in only a few countries worldwide.

Abroad, you may be living in year-round sunshine or experience much longer stretches of winter, which can feel disorienting if you’re used to crisp autumn mornings or daffodils in spring.

Cooking a traditional British Christmas dinner with all the trimmings in a hot country is no fun either.

While opening your Christmas gifts when it’s 35 degrees feels strange.

One way to prepare is to embrace local seasonal traditions, whether that’s grape harvests in Spain, cherry blossom festivals in Japan or Thanksgiving in the USA.

It won’t be the same as home, but leaning into what your new country offers helps balance that sense of loss.

Still, don’t be surprised if you sometimes find yourself longing for a grey, drizzly afternoon – the ideal duvet day!

Local Pubs and Community Spirit

The British pub is more than a place to grab a pint in the UK; it’s the heart of community life.

Expats often miss the atmosphere of their local, where you can chat with neighbours or join the weekly pub quiz.

While overseas bars can be fun, they rarely recreate that same sense of belonging.

To fill the gap, many cities have British-style pubs run by expats; for example, you’ll find popular ones listed on Angloinfo.

Beyond that, consider starting your own tradition with neighbours and friends.

Creating your version of “pub night” can help ease the transition and keep that sense of community alive wherever you go.

Alternatively, take your time and search for a new “local,” even if it’s not quite the same.

British Television and Radio

Whether it’s BBC iPlayer, live Wimbledon coverage, or even Radio 4, British broadcasting is a big miss for those overseas.

Certain programmes just aren’t available abroad due to licensing restrictions.

The fix? A good VPN service can allow access to UK streaming platforms, and many expats swear by this workaround.

UK TV programmes (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky, etc.) are generally geo-blocked outside the UK because of licensing laws.

Alternatively, explore local shows and discover new favourites; you might be surprised at what you enjoy.

Still, keeping up with British TV helps you stay connected, especially during big national moments like royal events or major sporting finals.

British Supermarkets

Another unexpected gap for Brits overseas is the supermarket experience.

From browsing aisles of Tesco meal deals to the familiar comfort of Marks & Spencer ready meals, grocery shopping abroad can feel unfamiliar.

You’ll often find fewer options for things like cheddar cheese, baked beans, or even crumpets.

Before you move, think about which foods you can’t live without and whether they’re worth bringing with you.

Over time, you’ll adapt to the local supermarket culture, but the nostalgia for a Friday night “Big Shop” never really fades.

Most UK expats make the most of it when they are home on holiday. It makes shopping a real treat and something to really look forward to.

National Events and Traditions

Finally, expats often feel a pang of homesickness during British traditions, Bonfire Night, the  King’s 3pm Speech on Christmas day and Remembrance Sunday, to name a few.

These moments remind us of shared identity and national pride.

While you may not be able to replicate them exactly, many expat communities organise their own celebrations.

Groups on Meetup often arrange fireworks, festive dinners, or even live screenings of big events.

Joining in helps ease the sense of missing out and keeps British traditions alive, even when you are thousands of miles away.

Moving Abroad with Barnes of Lincoln

Relocating overseas is a bold step, an unforgettable life experience that few things can rival.

Still, it’s perfectly normal to find yourself missing those familiar British comforts once you’ve settled in.

The good news? If you know what you’re likely to miss before you move, and put a plan in place, the adjustment is far easier.

From slipping a box of your favourite tea into your luggage to joining expat groups when you arrive, a bit of preparation can make a world of difference.

At Barnes of Lincoln, we’ve supported countless families on their international journeys, whether it’s a move within Europe or further afield. If you’re ready to start your new adventure abroad, we’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.

👉 Get in touch today to arrange your free, no-obligation home survey and take the stress out of moving.