Tourists get 'British etiquette' lessons from Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry introduces tourists to a variety of British customs in the video. Photo / YouTube

Tourists touching down at Heathrow Airport are being introduced to British etiquette by a video starring comedian Stephen Fry.

Tips featured in the short film include cheering when drinking glasses are accidentally smashed in a pub, navigating the awkward "after you" loop and mastering the "agreement rule" when a stranger comments on the weather.

Visitors can access the guide on arrival at Heathrow via the airport's wi-fi page and on its YouTube channel.

Fry collaborated with Graham Linehan - who won a scriptwriting Bafta for The IT Crowd - to make the three-minute video.

"From Snowdon to the Scottish Highlands and London to Londonderry, modern Britain is a truly extraordinary place," Fry said.

"With a fantastic blend of cultures and traditions, we're a nation renowned for its sense of humour, unspoken rules and little quirks.

"No matter where you go, you're sure to talk about the weather, will need something waterproof to hand, and are likely to meet someone who feels the need to apologise profusely for everything they do.

"In fact our nation's gentle apologetic manner is one of the things that I miss most when I'm out of the country."

Heathrow chief executive, John Holland-Kaye, said: "We know from our passengers that it's important to them to feel they have arrived in the UK from the moment they disembark from the plane, and what better way to do that than with a fun film from one of the country's most beloved comedians."

- AAP