- Hurdy-gurdy - A stringed musical instrument with a crank-turned wheel that rubs against the strings, producing a continuous sound. It is considered the ancestor of the mechanical musical instruments.
- Northumbrian smallpipes - A type of bagpipes native to the North East of England. It has a distinctive sound characterized by a high, clear tone and is often used in traditional folk music.
- Bodhrán - A frame drum with origins in Ireland but closely associated with British folk music. It is typically made of goatskin stretched over a wooden frame and is played with a wooden beater called a tipper.
- The Northumbrian pipes - A type of bagpipe originating from the region of Northumbria in the UK. It has a unique design featuring a single drone and a distinctive chanter with six finger holes and one thumb hole.
- The Celtic harp - While the harp has a long history that precedes the UK, the Celtic harp is a traditional harp popular in Britain and Ireland. It is characterized by its curved neck and metal strings.
- The dulcimer - A stringed instrument with a trapezoidal shape and metal strings. It is played with hammers or plectra and is often used in folk music.
- The bandolim - A Portuguese stringed instrument introduced to the UK by sailors and Portuguese immigrants. It resembles a small mandolin and is often used in traditional folk music.
These instruments have played an integral role in the UK's musical heritage and have contributed to the country's rich and diverse musical traditions.