Manners in England are about being polite and not embarrassing anyone. 

England is a small, crowded country. As a result space is valued. Personal space is important, and crowding in on others results in them moving away to a comfortable distance. While inhabitants of more spacious countries may bump into each other and stand close, in England even crowded areas are usually free from accidentally knocking another person. Not touching is never mentioned but exists. 

It is frowned upon to draw attention to yourself by loud behavior. You can be the centre of attention, entertaining others, but there is a subtle line over which it is not wise to go, or you lose the respect of others. Being respected is valued.  ‘Showing off’ is not appreciated, nor is boasting about how good you are at something. This is expected to be apparent and is rarely acknowledged. Modesty about accomplishments is valued and appreciated. Pride in the abilities of family and friends is treasured and rarely mentioned. There is a stoicism about the English that can be confusing. 

Part of being modest is how you dress. Traditional, practical clothing has always been appreciated. The young may try out some unusual outfits but as you mature you are expected to dress sensibly, with colors which flatter you and without frills and furbelows. Fashion is enjoyed avidly but some of the more way out clothes are reserved for the celebrities, partly because they are often not practical for daily life.  

The English are intensely proud of their nation and celebrate that pride by mocking it at every opportunity. It’s part of the humor and understood by everyone. The more you value something, the more you send it up. It takes away the embarrassment of having such pride, yet it enhances it. 

In spite of a genetic mix through hundreds of years of immigrants arriving on England’s shores, the sense of orderly behavior in public is constant. People will queue patiently and castigate queue jumpers rudely. Waiting your turn is an accepted practice. It is frowned upon to push and shove to get in front. While this does happen, it is done in a subtle way which is not always obvious. 

Rules about visiting houses depends to a certain extent on where in the country you are and how closely you are a friend or family of the people. Some parts of the country you agree on a time, others places you can just drop in. A phone call ahead is usually appreciated if only because it gives the hosts time to clear up and tidy the house. The English seem to be a visual people because appearances matter even if the individuals will not acknowledge that. 

Behind the reserve, the English are friendly and open. An inventive nation, they wear their skills lightly.