With its red phone boxes, classic full English breakfasts, and a retro-style M&S, it feels like stepping back in time to a 1970s British high street. But this isn’t a quaint village in the English countryside — it’s Gibraltar.
Perched on the southern coast of Spain, this British Overseas Territory boasts all the home comforts of the UK, with just a few clues — like blazing sunshine and a roaming monkey population — to remind visitors they’re over 1,000 miles from Blighty.
Gibraltar is home to familiar names like Morrisons, Costa Coffee and Card Factory, while locals tuck into hearty roasts, afternoon tea and other British favourites, reports MailOnline.
Earlier this week, the UK struck a breakthrough agreement with the EU, securing a ‘fluid’ border with Spain — meaning travellers can cross the land border without checks, paving the way for a long-awaited post-Brexit deal.
But while those entering via land will enjoy frictionless travel, anyone flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face two checks — one by local Gibraltarian authorities and a second by the Spanish acting on behalf of the EU, as the land border opens up direct access to Europe’s Schengen area.
Despite the updated arrangement, the UK and Gibraltar have been quick to stress it does not impact the territory’s sovereignty. Locals still use the British pound and hold UK passports, even though they’re closer to Morocco than Manchester.
Tourism could also be set for a boost, with airlines reportedly eyeing up new routes to Gibraltar from countries outside the UK. And anyone visiting can expect British hospitality with a Mediterranean twist — as seen in countless TikTok videos by expats and locals.
Meg Leigh, who swapped Yorkshire for Gibraltar four years ago, regularly shares sun-drenched glimpses of her new life online — including scenic seaside walks and encounters with the area’s famous monkeys.
“I wouldn’t move back to the UK. Four years on and I own my house, have a job for life and better quality of life. Three years later and as much as I miss my family & friends, I love my life in Gib,” she said in one TikTok clip — although she did warn it’s “super expensive” and advised anyone thinking of making the move to secure a job first.
According to Rightmove, house prices in Gibraltar have soared, with an average property now costing £491,867, driven up by high demand and the cost of importing goods.
Still, tourists won’t feel the pinch too much — there’s no need to swap currency, and shops selling jewellery and perfume are duty free.
TikTok user Hannah (@lidbetterlidbetter), who hails from southern England, has also racked up millions of views showing what life is like in the sun-drenched UK enclave.
“It’s like the UK but actually in the sun,” she quipped in one viral video, which featured marching bands, traditional phone boxes, and familiar high street names — as well as sandy beaches, dolphin-spotting trips, and Gibraltar’s infamous monkey residents.
“Welcome to living in the UK but in the sunshine,” she said in another clip.
She noted that while you’ll find a McDonald’s, Burger King and Costa, the menus may differ — and that most locals are bilingual, mixing English and Spanish in daily conversation.
“It’s small! But a real sense of community and great school and health systems,” she added.
Perhaps the most unusual quirk? The airport.
Hannah filmed the moment cars waited to cross the runway, which bizarrely intersects a main road. Traffic is halted until aircraft have taken off or landed, before vehicles are given the all-clear to drive over.
“One of the craziest things about Gibraltar is probably the whole runway, airport scenario. It’s honestly so bizarre,” she said.