Should I take my shoes off indoors?
What it really means
Britain is genuinely mixed on this: many homes keep shoes on, many (especially with carpets or small children) take them off. The safe move as a guest: look at the doorway — a pile of shoes means take yours off — or simply ask "Shall I take my shoes off?" Hosts appreciate being asked.
Context, tips & common mistakes
Britain has no single rule — some households are strict shoes-off, others genuinely do not care — so the skill is reading the hallway: a pile of shoes by the door answers the question, as do hosts in socks or slippers. When in doubt, asking "shall I take my shoes off?" is always right and quietly appreciated; many hosts will say "oh, don't worry" even when they would mildly prefer shoes off, so watching what they do beats what they say.
Two practical corollaries: wear presentable socks to any house visit, because you may be in them all evening, and if you host, guests from many cultures will expect a clear signal — saying "we're a shoes-on house, honestly" or pointing at the shoe rack spares everyone the doorway hover.