Plan your trip, even if it's a virtual trip. Cultural norms will differ from one region to another, from rural areas to bustling cities. For example, a countryside farmer might speak a different dialect and eat quite differently than a Londoner. Focus your research on one area at a time.
Make a list of main attractions and historical sites. Sure, this might seem like the touristy thing to do, but the communities surrounding those sites are likely to derive a sense of identity from them and in some cases, entire towns are built around a tourist destination or historical landmark. Learn their relevance and unique stories.
Note the geographical influences for clues about the cuisine. For example, a coastal village might specialize in a particular seafood dish, while a rural farming town might be known for a variation of shepherd's pie, lamb sausage or bread.
Look for information from travel and visitor's bureaus either online or in person. These offices usually have free brochures that detail information about government offices and their hours of operation, hotels, restaurants, sporting and arts events, festivals and holidays. Knowing where the biggest May Day celebration takes place, what time the bank closes for lunch, the dates of the Notting Hill Carnival or where to catch a rugby game are all the kinds of information that you'll find at one of these offices or websites. And, they are all clues to English culture.
Watch English movies. Sure, you'll be watching actors to learn about England, but you'll also see English fashion, skylines, architecture, landscapes and cityscapes and you might pick up some jargon. If you can't be there, then seeing moving pictures of England and hearing people speak can help you soak up English culture.
