Decades of poor international relations has led the British to be perceived in a less than flatteringly light by our foreign neighbours. If TV and film could be relied upon then the entire population of the UK would be tea-swilling action movie villains with bad teeth.

The Tube Map
It may be a source of confusion and anger to many tourists but most Londoners adore the intricate and colourful design of the London Underground Map. Part of me thinks that we secretly get a bit of a kick out of telling helpless visitors to take the tube between Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Our humble tube map is so famous that it’s been the subject of many spoof versions by companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Guardian. Simon Patterson’s reproduction of the map replacing the names of stations with philosophers, actor and politicians is even hanging in the Tate Gallery!

A Red Telephone Box
A true icon of British life that hits anyone who can remember life before mobile phone, with a touch of nostalgia. Sadly these beacons of Britishness are becoming increasingly rare, but it’s still possible to see a few in action, particularly in more rural areas.

A Routemaster Bus
Another relic of a by-gone era that you still see on occasion. There’s still one route in service that goes through Central London and is open to the public most of the time these old buses are used to Hen Parties or the transporting of wedding guests.

Black Cabs
The traditional Hackney Carriages are a staple of any London high street and you can be sure they know where they’re going as to get a license for one of these, drivers must pass a gruelling test of London geography called The Knowledge.

The Queen
Possibly the UK’s most popular tourist attraction, it may cost a lot to keep old Queenie in pearls and Corgis but she does rake in a fair amount of moolah herself. The whole Royal Family are fodder for the European tabloids and no trip to the UK is really complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace. Say what you will about the archaic institution of royalty  - there’s not getting away from the Queen’s face when she’s on all our money! I just dread the day when I have to start carrying Price Charles around in my back pocket. Eugh.