03/05/2011
More than a quarter of people living in the UK believe getting drunk abroad is a British characteristic, a survey has shown.
Around 28 per cent of respondents said drinking excessive amounts abroad is a British character trait, while fewer than one in three associate working hard with being British.
With these figures in mind, many people heading abroad this summer might want to secure comprehensive travel insurance to protect themselves overseas.
Talking about the weather and drinking tea are some of the other traits highlighted as being quintessentially British by the 2,012 adults quizzed by Opinium Research for the study.
Supporting the Royal Family was seen as an important British characteristic for 32 per cent of people while 40 per cent think a lot of Britons are good at maintaining a stiff upper lip.
But results from the survey also showed that fewer than half of people living in England are fully aware of when St George's day is.
Although 57 per cent could say when St Patrick's day is, only 48 per cent knew the date England celebrates its patron saint.
In comparison, eight in 10 people in Wales know when St David's Day is and everyone surveyed in Northern Ireland knew when St Patrick's Day fell.
Despite not knowing England's saint's day, 61 per cent of English people described themselves as English rather than British.
James Endersby, managing director of Opinium Research, said: "Our research has revealed that it's hard to pin down what it means to be British.
"With several stereotypical attributes making the list as well as wider personality traits, it goes to show that Britishness is a complex mix of characteristics."
The survey revealed that one in five adults would like an extra bank holiday to celebrate being British.
