You absolutely must take the opportunity to see the dazzling lights in London’s Bond Street this Christmas—it’s a true feast for the eyes. Start your magical walk at Piccadilly, where you’ll be greeted by the enchanting sight of beautiful half-Chanel perfume bottles twinkling overhead, adding an extra touch of glamour to the already stunning atmosphere. …
England Travel Blog Posts
England Including London
England is a must-see destination for many travelers, especially for those keen on visiting one of the world’s oldest countries. Whether you’re into laid-back city vibes or you want to marvel at historic architecture towering over bustling metropolitans, it doesn’t get any better than England.
Known for its fascinating Royal Family, ancient ruins, castles, museums, vibrant pub culture, sports, and picturesque coastal villages, England offers a treasure trove of things to do and see.
And that’s why you’ll find many of Netflix’s hit series “The Crown” filming locations in England.
It may seem small on the map, but England is brimming with red double-decker buses, iconic bridges, fish and chips spots, craggy coastlines and white-sand beaches you’ll love to visit.
Why Visit England?
England is often mistaken for the United Kingdom, and it’s not hard to see why. The country boasts some of the most famous English landmarks, historic institutions, and famous Royal Palaces that other UK nations simply cannot compete with.
But England is more than just a blast from the past. It also offers a contemporary experience with skyscraper-filled skylines, trendy neighborhoods, and a lively food scene that will leave you drooling for more.
Best Places to Visit in England
England is very well endowed with beautiful cities, postcard-worthy villages, and lush valleys where you’ll find accommodations like Ockenden Manor Spa and Hotel. The best places to visit here give you an unusual opportunity to “travel through time” from one charming English town to another.
London
The nation’s capital is fully stacked with fun experiences of all kinds. From exploring the famous landmarks of London and uncovering its Roman heritage to taking a culinary journey through one of London’s food tours, this metropolitan haven has got you covered.
You might love some of the most unusual experiences in London too, like attending a Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea Party. The iconic bridges in London are also exceptional sights to see; those that cross over the River Thames are excellent spots to see the sunrise in London.
One of the most interesting facts about London you might not know is that the city is one of the smallest in England. Yet, you can’t fully experience England without adding a bit of London travel to your itinerary.
Beware, though, as you’re chasing fun times and epic sunsets in London, that you don’t wind up in some of the most dangerous places in London, like Kensington and Chelsea.
Victoria Station
If you’re traveling to London by train, you’re likely to land at Victoria Station. As one of the main transport hubs in the city, it offers fun things to do, like shopping, marvelling at historic sites like Westminster Abbey, or eating at some of the Victoria Station restaurants.
Clapham Junction
Another major transport hub you may use for your London travel is Clapham Junction. This station is about 20 minutes from central London and a gateway to the south. You’ll find several outdoor spaces, hotels, as well as excellent restaurants near Clapham Junction.
Earlsfield
Further south, just a skip away from Wimbledon Park, you’ll find Earlsfield, a London suburb teeming with residential terraced houses, independent shops, and local events. You’ll also find some exceptional Earlsfield restaurants for you to grab a bite.
Notting Hill
Famous for its pastel-coloured homes, its annual carnival, and Portobello Road Market, where you can pick up quirky vintage items, there are loads of fun activities awaiting you in Notting Hill.
Some fantastic things to do in Notting Hill that you might enjoy include learning how to make your own London gin. You can also take a walking tour and get a marketing lesson at the Museum of Brands.
Kent
If your idea of an ideal London getaway involves wandering around Regency-style houses, seeing the dramatic white cliffs of Dover, or admiring historic castles, Kent is where to go.
Located in England’s unspoiled countryside, the town has a mesmerising coastline, pretty villages, and beautiful Kent boutique hotels that take your breath away as soon as you walk in.
Cornwall
Home to some of the best spa hotels in South West England, Cornwall is a beautiful seaside town sitting on the nation’s craggy southwestern tip. St Michael’s Mount is probably the top attraction in Cornwall, but there’s much more to discover here.
From magical castles in Cornwall, like the clifftop Launceston Castle and the ruins of Tintagel Castle, to serene gardens and golden-sand beaches, this county will surely keep you busy. You’ll also find many boutique hotels in Cornwall, so there’s no need to worry about where to stay.
Brighton
Brighton is one of England’s charming seaside towns where you’re guaranteed an extraordinary time. The city has a diverse culture with eclectic shopping districts, an up-and-coming music and art scene, as well as a large LGBTQIA+ community, making it the “gay capital of England.”
Go on a thrilling day trip to Brighton to experience the city’s top attractions, like the vibrant pier and pebble-stoned beaches. You’ll also love attending events at the Brighton Dome and seeing the city from a bird’s eye view at the Brighton i360.
Winchester
If you’re a history buff, there’s no better place to visit in England than Winchester. Exploring the city’s tasty cuisine, great gin, and unique shops are all wonderful things to do in Winchester.
But it’s the medieval castles, museums, and ancient libraries that draw in thousands of tourists. Winchester is a multi-faceted city, from intriguing historical finds buried in the Morley Library and the Norman crypt to the city’s laid-back atmosphere boasting tonnes of shops to go on a spree.
Yorkshire
Northern England is known for its well-developed cities like Manchester and Liverpool, but the historic county of Yorkshire has tons of outstanding experiences waiting for you.
From the luxury hotels in Yorkshire to the majestic Norman castles, rich Roman and Viking history, and quaint villages sitting on rolling green hills, this county is very much worth a visit.
Other interesting things you should not leave without doing in Yorkshire include eating the famous homegrown pudding as well as tasting some Wensleydale cheese. Yorkshire is also home to the first-ever football club, Sheffield F.C., something that every soccer fanatic would like to experience.
The Cotswolds
Mimicking something straight out of a fairytale, the Cotswolds boast a quintessential English landscape with brown-brick houses lining the streets across its picturesque villages. Take a fabulous Cotswolds tour from London to discover the area’s best attractions and highlights.
You’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to worry about where to stay in the Cotswolds, as the area doesn’t have a shortage of accommodation.
The Broadway Tower is an unmissable attraction in the Cotswolds, and so are the villages of Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.
New Forest District
If you can’t go on holiday without seeing some wildlife, then the New Forest District is right up your alley. Located just a stone’s throw away from Bournemouth, this district is abundant with gardens, outdoor recreational spaces or parks, safari spots, and farms that you’ll love to see.
You’ll find a number of pubs with rooms in New Forest, like The Bell Inn. They serve up mouth-watering food from a classic English menu, and the rooms have stunning views.
Exeter
Sitting on either side of the River Exe, this southwestern England city is riddled with ancient architecture dating back to the Roman era. You’ll spot several Gothic and Norman castles, cathedrals, museums, and medieval underground passages dotted across the city.
Your time will be mainly spent unearthing the historical riches found here, but be sure to check out the best cafes in Exeter to get a real sense of how the day-to-day life is lived by locals.
Exmouth
Located about 18 kilometers southeast of Exeter, the city of Exmouth is the famous gateway to the breathtaking World Heritage Jurassic Coast. The charming port metropolis is dotted with vibrant seaside houses, sandy public beaches, and many boating excursions for you to explore.
You’ll find plenty of interesting things to do in Exmouth. From boat tours along the blue ocean to fishing excursions and indulging in Michelin-star meals by Michael Caines at Lympstone Manor, there is a lot to do.
England Is Only a Portion of the United Kingdom
Before you pack your bags and head out to explore this enchanting country, it’s best that you know this key fact — England is not the UK; it is a portion of it. The country is bordered by Scotland in the north and by the Irish Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and Wales to the west.
Why am I telling you this?
Well, firstly, because many Welsh towns and cities are often added to a classic England itinerary. Some of the many places to visit in South Wales include Cardiff, Newport, and Swansea.
There’s no doubt that you’ll come across superb things to do in Cardiff. The capital of Wales is chock-full of fun and interactive activities like strolling through the Victorian Arcades, eating some scientific ice cream, and visiting the oldest record store in the world.
Something you should always remember during your travels is that every country in the United Kingdom is a sovereign state, and rules that apply in England don’t in neighboring nations.
London is the bustling British capital blessed with diversity, beauty, and a long history to match. This is why the city of London is considered one of the best cities in the United Kingdom and why it’s such a popular tourist destination for most of its neighbourhoods. However, not all areas within the city are …
Cornwall is a magnificent coastal gem in England that attracts visitors wanting to explore its diverse beauty and history. You’ll be captivated by the many castles in Cornwall that make for enchanted trips for everyone; families, solo travellers and couples. Now, we know that a large part of why people visit Cornwall is the sandy …
I am spoilt when it comes to Spas. When I visited Ockenden Manor Spa I had been at Kamalaya in Koh Samui only 3 weeks earlier. They are very different spa experiences – particularly when it comes to service. But Ockenden Manor Cuckfield was lovely in a uniquely English way – anyway here is my …
It’s no surprise that London is the most visited city in Europe. Steeped in history, famous landmarks, and incredible culture, what’s not to love about the city? But, what about the sunsets in London? From sky-high bars and restaurants to leafy parks and river banks, there’s an endless list of spectacular sights to catch the …
Located on the south-east coast of Devon, Exmouth is where the River Exe hits the sea and is the gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast. This small town is quite picturesque, particularly on its coastline. Due to its location on the Exmouth River, the key activities in the area tend to be water-based. Taking …
Lovely Winchester is one of the must-see towns of Southern England. Located in a valley, what is now the River Itchen originally ran through town along what is now the high street. The Romans decided to move the river east in order to build Winchester in the valley. In Saxon times Winchester was the capital …
The Cotswolds England is known for lots of lovely accommodation options. It can often be overwhelming to figure out not just which places to visit in the Cotswolds but also which hotels Cotswolds within those places. There are many Cotswolds hotels and B&Bs. So I have curated them down to two fantastic places to stay …
As a Londoner, I have watched every episode of Netflix’s The Crown from season one. Few things make me happier than hearing about a new season of this fantastic show. One of those things is being able to visit The Crown filming locations across the United Kingdom. As you may imagine many of the scenes …
It is now hard to believe that English food used to be mocked. London is now one of the most foodie cities in the world. However, it is a big sprawling city and can be intimidating for visitors and new residents. So if you’re a food lover visiting town, taking one of the London food …