What British things are exclusive to a particular times of the year?

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It snows in March in Scotland, it's as if our seasons are one rotation off from the rest of the world, spring April - June, summer July - September, autumn October - December, and winter January - March.

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smiff8866@reddit

Wallace and Gromit on BBC One every bank holiday Monday.

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ryanmurphy2611@reddit

Pimms. The idea of drinking it in autumn fills me with disdain.

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Snickerty@reddit

That's what mulled wine is for

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JimmySquarefoot@reddit

Mulled wine is more if a winter/Christmas drink though We need an autumn drink that isn't pumpkin-spiced-American-shite IMO. Not sure what that would be, however. But I'm open to one.

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MeadFromHell@reddit

Mulled mead!

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BellisPer@reddit

Mulled cider?

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scary_flower99@reddit

With rum.

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gerrineer@reddit

Mulled cider proper cider rocks the cider shop in chedder does it for a pound a cup!

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herefromthere@reddit

Hot elderberry cordial.

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Accomplished-Art7737@reddit

For me as soon as the weather starts to become autumnal I crave red wine. It’s such a cosy drink, and makes me feel nice and mellow 🤣 I will be sharing a bottle with my best friend tomorrow night, along with an abundance of good snacks, fire burning in the hearth, we’ll get the turntable out and listen to some great vinyls - perfect autumn evening!

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wombat465@reddit

Slow gin

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WillDearborn42Ka@reddit

Sloe Gin named after the fruit of the Blackthorn

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frustratedpolarbear@reddit

An autumn drink is proper hand pulled British beer. A golden ale with a hilarious name. I remember one called Ginger Tosser can’t remember the brewery though.

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HeidiKrups@reddit

Hot buttered rum.

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Tom_FooIery@reddit

Bovril

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buymorebestsellers@reddit

Halloween activities in Cubs, Brownies etc - apple bobbing, face in the flour to find sweets etc Nativity plays, in school, Sunday school etc

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RequirementCurious33@reddit

Pumpkin carving

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rrrjhs@reddit

Didn’t the yanks come up with that one?

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Fontana1017@reddit

The Irish brought it with them to America

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rrrjhs@reddit

I thought they used turnips? I know we use pumpkins now, but I seem to remember being told in school the we used to use turnips while Americans used pumpkins?

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buymorebestsellers@reddit

They had to use pumpkins because there were no turnips at the time I believe.

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Fontana1017@reddit

Yeah it was turnips. I meant the carving tradition in general

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AnUdderDay@reddit

Mince pies are exclusive to Britain from August to March

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tropicalazure@reddit

They're in Tesco now. I despaired.

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buymorebestsellers@reddit

The lebkuchen is out in Germany now too.

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mrsprucemoose@reddit

Ever hear of Ireland?

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buymorebestsellers@reddit

They're big in Australia and NZ too.

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BigfatDan1@reddit

I didn't realise that they were exclusively a British thing. I love a mince pie!

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buymorebestsellers@reddit

Gravy

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DutchOfBurdock@reddit

Christmas markets.

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tykeoldboy@reddit

If by things you mean anything, material or otherwise, then Bonfire night with bonfire toffee. trooping of the colour in early June and possibly grouse shooting which starts on August 12 every year and ends on December 10

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gerrineer@reddit

And if in nottingham goose fair always with a pot of mushy peas and mint sauce

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tropicalazure@reddit

Eh up mi duck, fellow Nottinghamite! And yes. Peas and mint sauce... chips and gravy... banging.

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gerrineer@reddit

Im alrate howz yow ya bogger

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tropicalazure@reddit

Aye, mustn't grumble...

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longwait444@reddit

This specific time of year - a vast and all encompassing depression that summer is over and there is only cold and wet to look forward to. And dark. I genuinely feel ill, like a mild flu or cold, ALL winter. It's hell.

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tropicalazure@reddit

That sounds like you may have seasonal affective depression. 100% recommend light therapy and supplementing Vit D

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GavUK@reddit

Sounds like you suffer from [Seasonal Adjustment Disorder (SAD)](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/). Maybe this [list of things you can do that might help](https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/self-care/), or you can get treatment to help with it if it is really bad.

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longwait444@reddit

Done all of those, and more. It's not like I'm depressed or suicidal or suffering anxiety or lacking motivation (the testosterone injections fixed all of that and then some!) it's just feeling ill. Like a mild flu or cold. The depression aspect I was being more hyperbolic. I cope with it, it's just horrible when you know there is another possibility (sun, blue skies, 20c+ temperatures, green leaves, flowers, etc) and you're stuck with that.

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jamiesutton81@reddit

I always think October and November are the worst months, mostly because of the fast diminishing daylight everyday, once we get to around mid December and the earliest sunset I feel instantly better, I know January and February tend to be the coldest months but at least we're gaining daylight everyday instead of losing it and can start looking ahead to spring/summer again.

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longwait444@reddit

Agreed. I look at this every single morning in Jan and Feb - [https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/liverpool](https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/liverpool) Once the clocks go forward (a joyous day, I only like the fact we still do it because of that huge mental boost as March ends) and we move through April, I stop. Cannot bear to even look at it at this time of year, won't be until December.

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cunningmalloy@reddit

I'm the opposite. I don't mind October to December. It's dark and it smells magical. You have Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas etc. As soon as January hits I plunge into depression and hate life until the sun comes out. Snowdrops and daffodils provide a bit of cheer, but they're kind of like promises that don't keep themselves. You see them and think the sunshine isn't far away but the relentless grey as far as the eye can see soon sucks that hope out of you.

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Pittoo_@reddit

Agreed. January to March can be really depressing for me. The lead up to it has big events and festivals keeping a buzz going. I've found the key is to make sure you see friends and family as much as possible. Get out to places that not only feel warm and cosy but also look warm and cosy. I get it we are a dark and wet country at this time of the year but there are many which have more extreme weather. We all should do our best to create a better environment to get through these months.

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cunningmalloy@reddit

You're right. Valentines Day and Mother's Day isn't enough when you're neither a Valentine or a mother.

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FergusonTQ1@reddit

I'm the complete opposite to you, I hate the heat, I love a good dark chilly evening and autumn/winter, Halloween, Christmas, taking the kids to nice christmassy places in their winter coats and hats, absolutely love it

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Hara-Kiri@reddit

I'm off to South India in a week so I'll get my sun fix then. And there is a deadly disease going round there so I've got the illness aspect covered too!

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cardidd-mc@reddit

Conkers

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ice-lollies@reddit

I’ve just been conker collecting to put them in the house to deter the spiders.

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Narcolepticparamedic@reddit

They deter spiders?

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BigfatDan1@reddit

Not sure if it's an old wives tale but my Gran swears by it. She leaves them in the corners of rooms and on windowsills. Peppermint oil is another supposed remedy for spiders.

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tropicalazure@reddit

Yup. They genuinely hate it. There's a particular smell or something to chestnuts (and so also conkers) thar spiders can't stand. Same with peppermint.

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On_Quest_2@reddit

Just a heads up for anyone seeing this that has pets, peppermint is toxic to dogs and highly toxic to cats. It's even worse in concentrated oil form and can even cause harm just from being in the air they breath.

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BigfatDan1@reddit

TIL, thanks! I don't have dogs but it's good to know.

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On_Quest_2@reddit

I only learned when I put some peppermint oil down in my bedroom and my dog started sneezing and rubbing his nose. Did some research and found that info out

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shrsandhu@reddit

Both true

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Narcolepticparamedic@reddit

Huh, good to know. Either way, they make nice autumn decorations I guess!

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ice-lollies@reddit

Yea that’s what I think. To be honest it’s a good excuse to go collecting and just a bit of a daft tradition. I don’t know if it works but I like to think it does anyway 😀

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treeumphantly@reddit

I've got an eleven-er that spiders tend to find quite intimidating

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batgirlsmum@reddit

No, but we live in hope that those massive beasties don’t join us this November.

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parmodawg@reddit

Good idea, hoard conkers to hoy at them

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Narcolepticparamedic@reddit

The squirrels are out conker collecting too judging on my lawn lol (lots of detritus from the shells)

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tropicalazure@reddit

Fireworks. Sure.. you CAN have them throughout the year, and thoroughly hack off your neighbours, but actually going to a fireworks display, all cutched into your coat and scarf, clutching an overpriced botulism burger, as the ketchup leaks over your fluffy gloves, and everyone "oohs" and 'aahs" around you. Nah, that can only be done early November... the 5th to be absolutely precise.

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RequirementCurious33@reddit

Collecting conkers.

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sevletor@reddit

The Grand National

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Left-Tailor2112@reddit

Harvest festival. All the absolute bangers of harvest songs: we plough the fields and scatter, bringing in the sheaves, all good gifts, sing to the Lord of Harvest, come ye thankful people, michlemas daisies, cauliflowers fluffy and ofc harvest samba! Collecting all the food to give to the food Spotting your contribution in the big pile. Going home and having harvest supper with root vegetables and finishing off with apple and blackberry crumble or pie. Lush.

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Left-Tailor2112@reddit

Autumn leaves! Both the song and the brown leaves themselves! Walking through the woods with all the beautiful autumnal colours around you. The crunch of the fallen leaves underfoot and the odd leaf gently falling past you as you walk. The crispness in the air and the whispered promise of Christmas on its way. I love it.

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seabeing26@reddit

Bonfire night!! (Guy Fawkes night if the celebrations are not held on catholic land) the fire, a hot chocolate (or something stronger) marshmallows, blankets and being out under the stars with that crisp feel and gorgeous smell in the air!! Love it!! 😍😍

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Jacindagirl@reddit

Dog shit hidden in piles of beautiful autumn leaves 🍁

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Prudent_Zucchini_935@reddit

Roast lamb at Easter, toffee apples on bonfire night, pancakes on shrove Tuesday.

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sirrobbiebobson@reddit

Autumn is the season all the ladies like to sport a knee high boot

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GavUK@reddit

Thinking "Oh it's warm and sunny out", not taking a coat or umbrella and getting rained on.

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cg13a@reddit

Whinging about the summer heat

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Swissstu@reddit

Tapsaff

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ComposerThen6483@reddit

What?

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Agreeable_Fall2983@reddit

“Tops off” in Norther Irish 😂

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Fontana1017@reddit

Scottish too

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Swissstu@reddit

Maybe spelt wrong but my pals north of the boarder say this when summer comes

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Crowsaysyo@reddit

[Taps aff](https://www.taps-aff.co.uk/)

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Dio55@reddit

Cadbury’s mini eggs + creme eggs

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Duros001@reddit

Easter eggs: They’re exclusive to 6 months of the year…

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Jaybee021967@reddit

Bonfire Night

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Goblinstomper@reddit

Picking Sloe's and making Sloe Gin.

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Princ3Ch4rming@reddit

The single day of the year where the weather is crisp enough to be enjoyable with the top down, but warm enough that I don’t have to wear Alan Partridge driving gloves.

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lalagromedontknow@reddit

I love that day. Walked out the door wearing sunglasses this morning, had a jumper on but no coat. Happy place . It fucked down on and off al afternoon just and cleared up so tried sitting outside when I got home because it was sunny. Lasted 10 minutes before i realised it was not "that day". I shall wait for you crisp warm day!

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TitferAndDaisies@reddit

String backed for extra purchase?

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Princ3Ch4rming@reddit

Kids like to go to the zoo, but the beasts I like to look at are made of zinc galvanised steel. They’re cars.

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Prodigious_Wind@reddit

The smell of bonfires in November

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Jurassic_tsaoC@reddit

More generally, the few weeks around the summer solstice, with the late sunsets are pretty magic, and I guess all the more so because they're so ephemeral... even in the south there's still some daylight at gone 10pm, and it's even more pronounced the further north you go. If it coincides with some warmer overnight temperatures that's further enhanced! For this time of year the misty mornings and evenings, and some nice sunsets and sunrises to go with them. I suppose the succession of Halloween later in October, Bonfire night in early November, and then into the Christmas buildup is also a pretty unique feeling. Less so when you're an adult than as a kid, but still something to it.

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Shanobian@reddit

Tacky Christmas fairs

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EttrickBrae@reddit

I love this time of year. The storms start rolling in with the wind and rain, occasional bright sunshine, fast moving clouds, proper weather, none of the Mediterranean shte.

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Time-Contribution682@reddit

Kicking the fallen leaves on the road to my parents old home. They are in care now but I dare say I will visit for a quick leave kicking. Been doing it for 46 years.

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RonBonxious@reddit

Green hop beer.

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mergraote@reddit

Was at the supermarket this morning, and they've got Brussels sprouts in for the first time this side of summer.

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TitferAndDaisies@reddit

My dad is eagerly awaiting his Brussels sprout harvest.

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herwiththepurplehair@reddit

They need a frost on them first. Don’t quite know why it makes a difference but it does.

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troublesomerelic247@reddit

Collecting conkers to chase the spiders away

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Inside-Ad-3658@reddit

Mincemeat pies

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Various_Ad2320@reddit

They're in Sainsbury's already. It was nearly 30 degrees about 10 days ago...

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Electronic-Trip8775@reddit

It'll be Cadbury's cream eggs in a few weeks

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Dogs_not_people@reddit

True fact. Cadbury sell more creme eggs in January than they do at Easter. Apparently because it has been so long since anyone saw one (usually 8 months) everyone rushes to grab one as soon as they see one.

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WillDearborn42Ka@reddit

The Advent Calendars are in at Asda,

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SoupRedditJanker@reddit

To this time of year? Beer gardens.

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ModeR3d@reddit

I’m already counting the days until it really won’t be warm enough to sit outside and enjoy it.

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booroms@reddit

What are you on at the moment? -10?

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Spottyjamie@reddit

Fireworks most nights from schools go back til its time to open your advent calendar

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WillDearborn42Ka@reddit

Hot Cross buns

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YewittAndraoi@reddit

Easter.

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YewittAndraoi@reddit

I like mulled cider around this time. Mulled wine in winter.

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terryjuicelawson@reddit

The ground being dry. Being able to go to a park and just sit on some grass and have a chill out. It will be soggy until approximately next June.

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Dogs_not_people@reddit

Next June? I wish I had your level of optimism!

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OwnAd8929@reddit

Fighting the wasps for who gets to the plums first.

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KezzyKesKes@reddit

My dogs usually get them before the wasps do.

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OwnAd8929@reddit

I would definitely come third if I had to compete with dogs too!

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Wormwolf-Prime@reddit

Parkin cake is pretty rare most of the year which, to me, is an absolute fucking travesty

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EastOfArcheron@reddit

Make your own, it's so much better than the shop bought stuff

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Visible-Management63@reddit

Dead easy to make, too.

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sgw79@reddit

Magic mushrooms, the real season to be jolly

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quilp888@reddit

Conkers

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yellowsubmarine8618@reddit

I love Autumn time. I really like the time around Halloween (just reminded me to get my October horror move per day list sorted) and Bonfire night. Bonfire toffee, black peas with vinegar, parkin, hearty food. Miss the bonfire nights we used to have as a youngster. In the backstreet, all the neighbours together having fun, all the weeks before collecting bommy wood. I actually like the darker nights. I don't like the fact that i start and finish work when it's dark but i love the colder darker evenings, getting cosy.

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cluelessphp@reddit

Guy fox night

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hippopotamus5791@reddit

Men clinging on to wearing shorts , even when the weather is dog shit

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KezzyKesKes@reddit

Sussex Bonfires.

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lordofthethingybobs@reddit

Celebrating Mother’s Day on Mothering Sundey

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LionLucy@reddit

Picking blackberries and then making an apple and blackberry crumble

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mfizzled@reddit

seriously picking blackberries and damsons from the garden makes me feel like an 16th century squire

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HighlandsBen@reddit

Nah, they would've had the scullery maid do it

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TeigrCwtch@reddit

>Nah, they would have had the scullery maid ~~do it~~ ftfy

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Dedward5@reddit

Foraged food is for the peasants.

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TitferAndDaisies@reddit

I've lived outside the UK for 8 years now and it's still odd to me that the blackberries are ripe in June here. They're still an early autumn fruit in my head.

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Austin83powers@reddit

I don't think it was quite June but they do seem to ripen earlier than I remember. Still got loads of good ones now though.

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D2206@reddit

This\^\^\^ Beauty of working on the railway is we see so many different fruit trees.

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HawthorneUK@reddit

Kentish cobnuts.

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Ursa-Aureliana@reddit

Not necessarily British but they’re a summer fruit: Those £1 picota cherries 🍒…there was a summer where I bought a pack every day for at least a week. Miss them (for the price) when they’re gone 😓

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BudsBrain@reddit

Conkers!

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Consistent-Use-7982@reddit

Pumpkins 🎃

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Consistent-Use-7982@reddit

Toffee Apples

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ColdShadowKaz@reddit

Seeing peoples choice of colour go from summer light to actual strong colours. It’s beautiful. It’s not just clothing but whats in the shops and even candy because haloween.

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EmoGfImmie@reddit

Conkers! Best childhood memories

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NefariousnessOk4320@reddit

Mulled wine in pubs, big coat, soaps ramp up the drama in the lead up to xmas, talent shows also start leading up to the finale on xmas. Kids firing fireworks at cars. Usual autumn shit.

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ComposerThen6483@reddit

Picking sloes to make sloe gin

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Future_Direction5174@reddit

I make sloe jelly - freeze them first. Boil with crab apples (or one medium Bramley), mash, strain, add 400g sugar for 500ml juice, boil as for jam. It keeps and ages beautifully. We are currently eating 2021. I know it says “harvest after first frost” but if you wait that long around here the bushes are picked clean.

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ComposerThen6483@reddit

I picked mine & then freeze them. As I have access to wild apples, once I've made the gin I shall have a go at the jelly

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DisorderOfLeitbur@reddit

As a non-drinker my sloes get turned into a sauce to have with a roast

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ComposerThen6483@reddit

Once I've made the gin, the sloes make a lovely fruit pie

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Future_Direction5174@reddit

Hazel nuts - just beginning to brown. Chestnuts aren’t ready for harvest yet

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bonkerz1888@reddit

Pigs in blankets - winter. Conkers - autumn.

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D2206@reddit

Chestnuts. Raw, boiled, roasted. They're divine, the farts not so much.

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11pickfks@reddit

Eating Twiglets at Christmas

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RequirementCurious33@reddit

Sloe gin that has been brewing for last 2 yrs under stairs.

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Do_not_use_after@reddit

Slushing through the autumn leaves that have fallen on pavements. Chestnuts Unexpected warm evenings when you can sit outside with a glass of wine, and watch the day turn to night. (Can't imagine these are specifically British, but I like 'em)

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strongstrawb@reddit

MINCE PIESSSSS, I want to eat them all year round

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Narrow-Oil4924@reddit

Mince pies - Christmas A whole Turkey, yes we eat turkey but rarely see the whole bird sold, as chicken are. Turkey Stuffing? Brandy & Cranberry Sauces Hot Cross Buns, although I might be wrong there & there? Easter Eggs? Not a food Per se. "Ice Pops", ice cream & Ice Cream lollies not so much, as they tend to be seen as deserts and are eaten anytime of the year however c "Ice Pops" tend to be more of a summertime flex. Soups, casseroles & hearty meat & veg dinners are more so a winter thing IMHO. Although a good "Roast dinner" is a welcome meal anytime of the year. Also, light broths and certain ramen dishes can still go down well anytime of the year... I k ow there are more things but these are what sprung to my mind initially.

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_HGCenty@reddit

McDonald's Monopoly about this time each year.

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Zealousideal-Wafer88@reddit

Big horrible spiders in every room. Wish they’d just leave me alone.

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DisappearingSince89@reddit

When it starts raining and the leaves have turned color - you know summer is properly over lol. Its got to be the combo of both though.

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