Stone tools from England in the early part of the Mesolithic period are very similar to those from mainland Europe. Towards the end of the Early Mesolithic period we begin to find tool types that have a more local distribution as people developed regional identities. The Horsham culture, identified by specific microliths called Horsham points, is restricted to south-east England. The Honey Hill culture, on the other hand, is only found in central and eastern England. In the Late Mesolithic period, this regional diversity becomes more pronounced. Pear-shaped tools, for example, are only found on a handful of sites in Lincolnshire and the Pennines.

There are several possible reasons for these regional differences. After Britain became an island in around 6500 BC, there was less human contact with mainland Europe. This allowed British cultures to develop in isolation. At the same time, as the sea-level rose, there was also less land available. This may have led to more competition for the rich woodlands and forced people to be more restricted in their seasonal movement.