Top 10 British Accents

In the vast soundscape of human speech, the British Isles stand out with their diverse range of accents. Each one of these distinctive modes of pronunciation paints a vivid audio portrait of the region it represents, telling tales of history, geography, and cultural evolution in every syllable.

The term 'British accents', in essence, encapsulates the myriad ways in which the English language is spoken across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, to call them merely 'accents' is to barely scratch the surface of their complexity. These are not just variations in pronunciation; they are markers of identity, intertwined with social class, region, and heritage, each accent a unique melody in the symphony of British speech.

A casual listener might associate a 'British accent' with the quintessential Received Pronunciation (RP) often heard in international media, the so-called 'Queen's English'. However, venture beyond this well-known standard, and you will encounter a kaleidoscope of accents as diverse as the British landscape itself. From the mellifluous tones of Welsh, the playful lilts of Scouse, the distinctive twang of Geordie, to the charming burr of the Scottish brogue - each accent is a testament to the vibrant tapestry that is the United Kingdom.

Just as the charming thatched-roof cottages of the Cotswolds differ from the grandeur of Edinburgh's Georgian townhouses, the accents of their residents are also distinct, each revealing insights into the locality's character and its people. The accents are more than just about 'sounding different'; they are symbolic of shared experiences, local histories, and a sense of community that resonates deeply with the individuals who speak them.
The Top Ten
London 'Ello, 'ow's it goin'? Can you tell me the way to Piccadilly Circus, please?

I love a well-spoken London accent. I don't really have an accent. Many people tell me my voice is very similar to Joanna Lumley's. All I can say is, I'm not a Northerner.

I have a London accent and feel so happy when people from the North try to put on a London accent, even though they are hopeless at it!

I'm a Londoner through and through. East End's okay, but to be perfectly honest, I like the smooth, sexy South London accent. I'm glad this is at the top.

Yorkshire Ey up, lad. Where's t'nearest chippy?

I'm from Yorkshire. It's an epic place. Everyone should live there. I can't see how London is at the top!

The Yorkshire accent came second because two members of One Direction are from Yorkshire (Zayn Malik, Bradford, and Louis Tomlinson, Doncaster).

I checked out Paradise Lost interviews to listen to their accents. Great band.

Scouse / Liverpudlian Alright, lad. Where's the nearest train station, eh?

I love this accent, even though I can't understand it! They sound like singing dolphins.

I can't do accents to save my life, but hey ho, life goes on.

My favorite accent - musical and emotive.

Welsh Alright, butt? Where's the nearest pub from here?
Cockney Allo, guv'nor. Can you point me towards the Old Kent Road?

I wouldn't buy a used car from a Cockney, but I'd sit and eat pie and mash with them while they spoke rhyming slang. I like it - it's like another language.

I like to hear a true East Ender talking in Cockney rhyming slang - it's like a whole other language.

Apparently what I have. I sound like a Space Orc. Or a regular Orc.

Posh (Received Pronunciation) Hello, could you please direct me to the British Museum?

Hmm... what accent is "posh"? I guess whoever added this must mean Southern England. My regional accent isn't supposed to be posh, but for some reason, I always get told I sound like a slightly poorer Joanna Lumley, whatever that means. Well-spoken working-class, I assume.

Lancashire Reet, where's the nearest bakery, love?
Northern Irish How's about ye? Can you tell me where the City Hall is?
Manchester (Mancunian) You alright, our kid? Where's the nearest tram stop, innit?
Scottish Hiya, pal. Could ye tell me where the nearest station is?

Now listen, don't be fooled by that thick Scots burr. They're a talented bunch, you know. No one but NO ONE is able to roll their tongues around their R's quite like the Jocks can.

Um, yup. I can't do one very well, but being part Scottish, I love the accent!

The Contenders
Geordie Why aye, man. Can ye tell me where the Metro station is?
Bristolian Alright my lover? Which way to the Suspension Bridge, like?

Gotta be Bristolian because the funniest thing on Facebook has to be Bristolian Talking Tom. He's hilarious!

Simple, it's all the cider we Bristolians drink! For tonight, we merry be!

I was born in Bristol, but I live in Jersey. I am trying to learn the Bristolian accent.

Cumbrian How, marra. Where's the nearest boozer?
Nottingham Eyup, mi duck. Where's the nearest post office?
Glasgow Awright, pal? Where's the nearest Subway station?

I used to think this accent was mediocre until I heard Angela McCluskey singing "In The Air" for Morgan Page. She added life to one of the best songs of 2012.

Sunderland (Mackem) Hello, marra. Can ye tell us where the Stadium of Light is?
Norfolk You alright, bor? Where's the nearest shop?
Cornish Alright, me 'ansome? Where's the nearest beach, to be sure?
Birmingham (Brummie) Yow alright, bab? Where's the nearest bus stop?
Glaswegian How's it gaun, mate? Could ye tell me where Buchanan Street is?
Essex You alright, mate? Can you tell me where the nearest pub is?
Middlesbrough Y'alright, mate? Where's the nearest Boro station?
West Country Alright, my lover? Where be the nearest farm shop?
Stoke Yow alright, duck? Where's the nearest pottery, ay it?
Northumberland Alreet, hinny? Where's the nearest castle?
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