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Categories: Abingdon
Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Arun, the pretty little settlement of Arundel, England, is punctuated by a cathedral and a magnificent castle (where open-air theater is held during the summer). With its quaint half-timbered buildings...
Categories: Arundel
Categories: Ascot
Ashford is a busy market town which still has many medieval houses for you to admire. It is a convient central point to tour from, to visit the numerous attractive villages, museums, art galleries, parks, gardens, and other attractions.
Categories: Ashford
Categories: Avebury
When the temperature rises in Bath, join the crowds to picnic or laze around in Royal Victoria Park, just below the Royal Crescent, with a duck pond, botanical gardens and a grotto to explore. Alternatively, Parade Gardens is picturesque spot next to...
Categories: Bath UK
While touring the beautiful countryside of England, a scenic drive through the New Forest brings the traveler to Beaulieu, best know for the Palace House, Abbey ruins and the National Motor Museum.
Categories: Beaulieu
Berkshire is one of the oldest counties in Britain (circa 840), and it is located south east of England. “The Royal County of Berkshire” is home to Windsor Castle, one of the oldest and largest royal residences in the world. The River Thames runs alo...
Categories: Berkshire
A charming little town along the river, Bideford's restaurants, cafes and parks all offer the opportunity to relax and people-watch. The marina view is picturesque, with low-laying hills as backdrop and stone bridges arcing over the river. Visit...
Categories: Bideford
Birmingham is located in the West Midlands, England, and is the second largest British city. The vibrant streets and bustling shopping centers are packed with endless opportunities for shopping, sightseeing and nightlife. For those searching for a da...
Categories: Birmingham UK
Blackpool is a popular seaside resort town located on the northwest coast of England. Attractions include Blackpool Tower and Pleasure Beach Blackpool, the iconic amusement park, Sandcastle Water Park, Blackpool Illuminations and Blackpool Zoo.
Categories: Blackpool
Categories: Blakey
Bournemouth welcomes its visitors to seven miles of award-winning beaches, with some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK. With beach activities and attractions for all ages, you’re sure to find your perfect seafront holiday in Bournemouth...
Categories: Bournemouth
Bradford has much to offer – rolling hills and rugged moorlands with trails, the former home of literary greats, two UNESCO sites nearby, a city rich with a varied mix of languages and cultures, with something new around every corner. Bradford ...
Categories: Bradford
Brighton is a famous English seaside holiday town, conveniently located only 76 km from London, and is known as “London-by-the-Sea.” This once sleepy fishing village became a popular destination when in 1750 a doctor prescribed the drinki...
Categories: Brighton
Steeped in history, Bristol offers a wonderful blend of arts and theatre, museums, shopping, science, nightlife, superb restaurants and quality hotels set in a dramatic cityscape. Attractions include Bristol's 13th century Cathedral, Clifton Suspensi...
Categories: Bristol
The Brontë Country is a name given to an area of south Pennine hills west of Leeds/Bradford in West Yorkshire, England. The name comes from the Brontë sisters, who wrote such literary classics as Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë), Wuthering...
Categories: Bronte Country
A County of Fascinating Contrasts,
Buckinghamshire stretches from the beautiful Burnham Beeches to the quaint villages of the Chiltern District in the heart of the country and to the vibrant new city of Milton Keynes on the doorstep of the Midlands...
Categories: Buckinghamshire
Bury St Edmunds is a charming market town located in Suffolk, England, under two hours from London. This historic gem is full of enjoyable attractions that display Bury St Edmund’s heritage. Tour St. Edmundsbury Cathedral, Abbey Gardens, West S...
Categories: Bury St Edmunds
Known as England’s leading spa town, Buxton is where many come to relax, unwind and be pampered at one of its many spas. Pavilion Gardens and Poole’s Cavern are also popular tourist destinations when visiting Buxton, and the surrounding r...
Categories: Buxton
Cambridge is a university city in Cambridgeshire, England 50 miles north of London. The town has surpassed periods of farmstead settlements dating back 3,500 years from the Roman era, the Medieval period, Early Modern Cambridge, the Industrial Era an...
Categories: Cambridge
Chartwell was the family home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1924 until his death in 1965 - with a spectacular view over The Weald and the South Downs that Churchill loved about the house. In 1946 a group of Churchill's friends bought the house and ga...
Categories: Chartwell
Categories: Chatsworth
Chester is one of a rare number of cities throughout the world which has managed to retain its sense of historical identity while emerging as a dynamic commercial and retail centre. The layout of the main throughfares still follows the pattern design...
Categories: Chester
Cornwall is in the far South West of England , with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the English Channel on the other. Cornwall is one of Englands most popular tourist destinations and has a wealth of natural beauty, superb beaches wildlife culture...
Categories: Cornwall
Historical attractions in the Cotswolds include Blenheim Palace, Warwick and Sudeley Castles, Tudor and Jacabeon Manor Houses and Stately Homes. You will also find Shakespeare's birth place and Roman heritage sites including the famous Roman Baths a...
Categories: Cotswolds
Categories: Coventry
Inside Cumbria is Lake District National Park, an area some 30 miles across, containing England's highest mountains (four over 3000 ft), and some of Englands biggest lakes. There is a good variety of places to cater for lovers of animals in Cumbria, ...
Categories: Cumbria
Darlington began as an Anglo-Saxon settlement on the River Skerne. The town was later taken by the Danes and there are still many place names of Viking origin in its vicinity. Since Norman times Darlington has been a borough and the site of an impor...
Categories: Darlington
During the Early Medieval era, Devon was inhabited by Anglo-Saxons and Celtic Britons. With its rich culture and history, Devon has two National Parks, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Geopark, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It touches two coa...
Categories: Devon
Set 115 mi/185 km southwest of London in southern England's hilly Dorset County, Dorchester is remembered as the setting for Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge. For a complete Hardy tour, visit Max Gate (his home), the Dorset County Museum (one...
Categories: Dorchester
Dorset is a historic coastal city located along the English Channel. Beautiful countryside, coastline with spectacular beaches, historic castles and gardens, endless outdoor activities for all ages – Dorset has something for everyone to enjoy.
Categories: Dorset
Durham has it all - beautiful scenery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, award-winning eateries, and world-class events and festivals. Visit heritage attractions, charming market towns and Durham Cathedral in Durham City, the 11th century Norman cathedra...
Categories: Durham
From the beautiful 14th century thatched Clergy House at Alfriston to the 17th and 18th century homes of Rudyard Kipling at Batemans and the famous Bloomsbury group at Charleston Farmhouse - there is a truly unforgettable holiday experience awaiting ...
Categories: East Sussex
Categories: Eastnor
Categories: Eden Project
Cruising
Categories: English Channel
Cruising
Categories: English Channel & Bay of Biscay Cruising
Categories: Flamborough Head
Glastonbury, England, located 20 mi/30 km southwest of Bath, has a long tradition as a spiritual site. The tor—a conical hill jutting from the plain at the edge of town, with a ruined church on the top—is associated with the mythical Isle of Avalon a...
Categories: Glastonbury
Situated at the heart of Gloucestershire, the city of Gloucester is home to a magnificent Norman Cathedral and historic Docks, as well as a wealth of museums and shops.
Categories: Gloucestershire
Categories: Great Yarmouth
Categories: Hadrian's Wall
Hampshire is home to some of the best modern craft and design - as well as theaters, concert halls, museums, galleries, arts centres, cinemas and festivals. It has an enormous wealth of Christian heritage sites ranging from small parish churches and ...
Categories: Hampshire
Categories: Hampton Court
Categories: Heathrow
Categories: Henley-on-Thames
Hereford, England, is located on the River Wye, 45 mi/70 km southwest of Birmingham. The city's main attraction is its 11th-century cathedral, which houses the Mappa Mundi, a world map drawn in the 13th century, and a fine example of a chained librar...
Categories: Hereford
The city of Kingston-upon-Hull (or Hull) lies on the north bank of the Humber. An fun a attraction in Hull is The Deep Aquarium. The Deep's main attractions include the Coral Realm, the Deep Blue One Submarine Simulation...
Categories: Hull
Categories: Humberside
Categories: Ilkley
Categories: Ipswich
Ironbridge, England, is a small town in rural Shropshire, which once dominated the world in the production of iron. It is located on the upper reaches of the River Severn, about 30 mi/50 km northwest of Birmingham. The town is named after a magnifice...
Categories: Ironbridge
Located in the English Channel, the Isle of Portland is a central part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site. While here, take advantage of some amazing bird watching and gazing at the spectacular landscape.
Categories: Isle of Portland
The Isle of Wight is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break, at any time of year. It is a stunning island boasting unspoiled scenery and a wealth of fascinating attractions. For the energetic, there are plenty of sports facilities, including win...
Categories: Isle of Wight
Categories: Jurassic Coast
Categories: Kenilworth
Kent is located in southeast England, surrounded by Surrey, Greater London, East Sussex and Essex across the Thames Estuary. It borders the River Thames and the North Sea in the north, and the Straits of Dover and the English Channel to the south, ma...
Categories: Kent
Categories: Kingston-upon-Thames
Categories: Lancashire
Leeds is the second largest metropolitan district in the UK. The city's central positioning - midway between Edinburgh and London - places Leeds in the heart of the country. Leeds has a lively arts, sporting and entertainment scene. New and refurbi...
Categories: Leeds
Leicester is a city in central England on the River Soar and part of Leicestershire County. It was founded as a Roman settlement where the Fosse Way crosses the Soar, and has a 14th Century cathedral. The University of Leicester was founded in 1957 a...
Categories: Leicester
The old part of Lincoln, situated on a low hill above the modern town, provides what most travelers are looking for in England—cobblestoned streets, old shops, a castle (which incorporates some ancient Roman walls—Newport Gate is the most interesting...
Categories: Lincoln
Liverpool – just saying the name automatically brings the world’s most famous group to mind – The Beatles. Liverpool however has more to offer visitors though than just Beatles memorabilia. Located on the Irish Sea on the mouth of the Mersey River, ...
Categories: Liverpool
London is undoubtedly one of the world's finest cities. In addition to numerous monuments from its more glorious past, London is equally well-known for its pageantry and tradition. London has something for everyone - wide boulevards buzzing with exci...
Categories: London
Although its industrial history has left parts of Manchester, England, somewhat grimy and ugly, the "capital of the North" has evolved into a thriving hub thanks to recent redevelopment. It is located 30 mi/50 km east of Liverpool. One highlight is t...
Categories: Manchester UK
Newcastle is a vibrant city surrounded by scenic beauty where you will find modern attractions as well as beautiful castles dotting the landscape. The city boasts unspoiled beaches, a college town culture, and cultural highlights including, Earl...
Categories: Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Categories: Norfolk
Categories: North Yorkshire
Although there's not much to recommend the city of Northampton itself, the surrounding countryside has quite a few attractions to draw visitors. Principal among these is Althorp, the childhood home and burial site of Diana, Princess of Wales (advance...
Categories: Northampton
Categories: Northumberland
The city of Nottingham, in the hills of north-central England 105 mi/170 km northwest of London, was headquarters for the legendary Robin Hood. Don't go out of your way to see it, but if it's convenient, plan a few hours for the Nottingham Castle Mus...
Categories: Nottingham
Categories: Osmotherly
Categories: Ottershaw
The county of Oxfordshire is flanked by two ranges of hills; the Cotswolds to the west and the Chilterns to the east. Between these hills lies a rolling plain through which wanders the Thames and its tributaries. Most visitors come to Oxfordshire for...
Categories: Oxfordshire
The Peak District National Park's wild, rolling hills (despite the name, there are no mountain peaks) attract many walkers and hikers. Located 20 mi/30 km southeast of Manchester, the park stretches across the southern part of the Pennines and beauti...
Categories: Peak District National Park
Peckforton rises dramatically from the pictorial landscape of Cheshire, with red brick towers and a picturesque courtyard; it is the old residence of Lord Tollemache, built in the 19th century and has since been renovated into a luxurious hotel. On t...
Categories: Peckforton
Categories: Peterborough
Categories: Port of Tyne North Shields
The Isle of Portland is actually a peninsula that is connected to the Dorset mainland by a strip of beach. Portland is famous for its "Portland stone," which is limestone from local quarries that has been mined for centuries. If you're in the area, c...
Categories: Portland Harbour
Categories: Portland Port
Portsmouth is the United Kingdom's only island city and is located on Portsea Island in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England.
Categories: Portsmouth UK
Categories: Potbury
Categories: Richmond
Categories: Runnymede
Rutland is the smallest county in England, at just 16 sq miles. The county has two historic market towns Oakham and Uppingham, and 54 beautiful villages spread across the rolling, rural landscape. At county center lies Rutland Water, an attraction fo...
Categories: Rutland
Categories: Sherwood Forest
Shipley is a small town in the County of West Yorkshire, England, located by River Aire. It has early history dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, and current Shipley was shaped largely by the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. T...
Categories: Shipley
In addition to being one of the finest Tudor towns in England, Shrewsbury also claims a famous son, Charles Darwin. The town sits within a loop of the River Severn 40 mi/65 km northwest of Birmingham, and its abbey has long been a pilgrimage site in ...
Categories: Shrewsbury
Categories: Shropshire
Solihull is located in the English Midlands, eight miles from Birmingham city center. This prosperous town has many historic Tudor style and English Gothic buildings, enjoyable parks and nature reserves, shopping centers and outdoor activities for al...
Categories: Solihull
Categories: Southwick
Categories: St. Helens
Categories: Stac and Armin
Picturesque Stamford, England, is known for its stone buildings, and visitors often see it while driving between Cambridge and Lincoln. The city's museum makes an entertaining break from strolling the winding, cobbled streets. Just outside town is Bu...
Categories: Stamford
Located 40 mi/65 km north of Birmingham in the area called the Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent, England, is the home of Wedgwood, founded by Josiah Wedgwood (Charles Darwin's grandfather). The Wedgwood Visitor Centre is worth a tour. The Gladstone Pottery ...
Categories: Stoke-on-Trent
Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon, Stratford is one of the most important tourist destinations in England. Using Stratford as a base, you can enjoy the delights not only of Shakespeare's hometown,...
Categories: Stratford-on-Avon
Categories: Sutton Hoo
Categories: Thames River
Categories: Titchfield Haven
Categories: Warrington
Categories: Warwick
Categories: Wedgwood
Categories: West Sussex
Categories: Wetherby
Wiltshire - a beautiful county of great diversity and "Gateway to West Country" - is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Walk White Horse Trail or wander through market towns. Visit famous Stonehenge. Avebury's enchanting stone circles ...
Categories: Wiltshire
Categories: Wolverhampton
Categories: Woodstock England
The town of Worcester, England, located 100 mi/160 km northwest of London, is home to the Museum of Worcester Porcelain and a splendid cathedral. Spend half a day in the area walking its older streets (you can practically hear the timbers of some of ...
Categories: Worcester
Categories: Wye Valley
Extending northward from Leeds, the Yorkshire Dales are a world apart and arguably one of the most beautiful parts of England. Miles/kilometers of unspoiled countryside, country lanes and stone walls surround lively market towns, isolated farmhouses,...
Categories: Yorkshire Dales National Park
Visiting England is like finding your way through a well-developed hedge maze: You can't hurry your way through. Around nearly every bend in the road you'll find stately homes, crumbling castles, magnificent gardens, thatch-roofed cottages, cozy pubs and beautiful churches to explore. It's easy to while away hours admiring the details—a painting here, an architectural detail there. In fact, despite the country's relatively small size, you never seem to see it all.
From Shakespeare and royalty to Stonehenge and thousands of years of history, England is simply a wonderful place to visit time and time again. And London is a destination in itself.
Geography
England is only one of four countries that make up the U.K. or, more formally, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The name "Great Britain" and the term "British" refer to a geographic rather than political division and should only be used when making reference to the island comprising England, Scotland and Wales. "British Isles" is another geographical description: It includes Ireland as well as Britain but has no political meaning.
England itself is divided into 47 counties, many of which have long histories and retain strong local identities. But it's easier to lump them into more general regions. The area surrounding London is known as the Home Counties. East Anglia, a region of agricultural flatlands, spans the area from the northeast of London to The Wash (a North Sea Bay).
The central part of the country—around Birmingham and Coventry—is appropriately called the Midlands, the heart of industrial England. North of the Humber and the River Mersey, reaching to the Scottish border, is home to enchanting and sometimes rugged countryside. The West Country is the area southwest of Bristol and Bournemouth that includes the sometimes pastoral, sometimes rugged terrain of Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Rocky cliffs, seagulls and the briny foam crashing on the beach give this region much of its character.
History
England's history—especially during its empire years—had a tremendous influence worldwide. It provided the basis for many of the traditions of its former colonies and gave them the English language. It also started the Industrial Revolution, whose effect on the people and the landscape is apparent throughout the country, from the vestiges of early steam-powered mills to a landscape crisscrossed by canals, railroads and bridges.
When the Romans invaded in AD 43, they found a highly developed, tribal-based island culture in Britain. These were the indigenous Celts—they fought an endless stream of invaders for the next millennium and were eventually assimilated or forced west into Wales and Ireland and north into Scotland. After the Romans, the Saxons followed, and then came the Vikings. Finally, in 1066, the Norman Conquest was the last foreign invasion of England. The Normans (French) were enthusiastic builders of castles and churches that are still evident today.
The Middle Ages were difficult times: A drawn-out war with France, political and religious revolts, and recurring bouts of the Black Death (plague) took their toll on the people. Toward the end of the Middle Ages, the Tudor family gained control of the monarchy and began a dynasty that included the much-married Henry VIII and ended with the 45-year reign of Elizabeth I. The Elizabethan period (dating from 1558) was a golden age, when Shakespeare enthralled the London crowds, and great seafarers such as Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh explored new territories.
Over the years, England continued to expand its reach around the globe, reaching its height of power during the reign of another great queen, Victoria, who ruled for 64 prosperous years in the 19th century. At its height, the British Empire was the largest the world has ever seen—encompassing approximately a quarter of the world's area and an equal fraction of its population.
The 20th century marked a turning point in British history: Two costly wars and the demise of the Empire took their toll. Britain remains torn between traditional ties with the U.S. and its geographic, social and economic links to Europe. Increased autonomy for Scotland and Wales has many people seeing the increased layers of government as more bureaucracy rather than increased autonomy.
In a June 2016 referendum commonly known as Brexit, the U.K voted by a slim margin to withdraw from the European Union. The most immediate effect of Brexit was a drop in value of the pound sterling; economic uncertainty is expected to continue for some time. The separation became official on 31 January 2020, and terms of the new trade deal went into effect on 1 January 2021.
Snapshot
England's main attractions include historic sites, museums, royalty, theater, Stonehenge and other antiquities, London, rural scenery, stately homes, a varied coastline, quaint villages, formal gardens, walking trails, canal trips, shopping, friendly people, cultural events and quirky traditions (such as the biggest-liar competition, gurning, cheese rolling and fire-barrel carrying).
There is enough diversity in England to satisfy 99% of international travelers—everyone will find something to love. The only travelers who might not enjoy themselves are those who can't tolerate unpredictable weather—summer can be very hot, but it could just as easily be cloudy or wet. England has four very distinct seasons, each with its own charm, but to remain so gloriously green, it takes a lot of rain.
Potpourri
Numerous canals wind through England, and canal tours offer an unusual leisurely activity. Not designed to cover a long distance, canal cruising via narrow boat is a relaxing way to visit small towns and meet the local people (especially at canal-side pubs).
If you're a sports fan, you should take in a football (soccer) match. High-profile top teams play in big stadiums, but most Saturdays and Sundays you can watch local football teams playing in just about every park in the country (except in high summer).
One of the world's greatest day trips has to be the Eurostar train ride from London (St. Pancras International) to Paris (Gare du Nord): two European capitals, an engineering masterpiece and a culture clash all in one day, with little effort. It's quite easy to leave London early, spend several hours strolling around Paris and be back in time for a nightcap.
With roughly 2,000 mi/3,220 km of coastline, England is a nation surrounded by water. No place in the country is more than 75 mi/120 km from the coast.
The southwest of England has a thriving surfing scene, especially on the beaches of North Cornwall, where Atlantic rollers can create great conditions, given the right weather. The best beaches are found in Devon, Dorset and Cornwall, although the water can be quite cold.
Short walks (4-10 mi/6-16 km) on some of the 140,000 mi/225,400 km of public footpaths are the ideal way to get away from the crowds and see the quiet, pastoral side of England.
If you're in England around 5 November, attend some Guy Fawkes celebrations, which include fireworks and bonfires. Fawkes tried to blow up Parliament with kegs of gunpowder in 1605—hence the fireworks.
Small, semiwild native ponies still roam freely in Dartmoor National Park, on Exmoor (Somerset) and in the New Forest (Hampshire).