There’s something in England for just about everyone to enjoy. Really! From historical sites and striking landscapes to world-class shopping and glamorous Royalty, England holds a fascination for so many travelers. The fact is, although England is a small country and you can see and do a lot in a short time, you’ll never run out of attractions to explore, so visitors often return over and over.
Explore England’s History through Architecture
Hadrian’s Wall was a monumental feat of construction
The long and varied history of England is the root of its charm. England’s first invaders were the Romans in 43 AD. Their influence can still be seen today in remains of Hadrian’s Wall, an immense fortification with barracks, ramparts, and forts that stretched across England.
Castles in England come in all shapes and sizes. L to R: Highcliffe Castle, Glastonbury Abby, Arundel Castle
The array of castles – both crumbling ruins and operating residences – that run the length of the country are the legacy of the Normans Conquest of 1066. The French loved their castles and so, it seems, did the English. Dozens of beautiful churches, such as the Canterbury Cathedral and Westminster Abby also have many stories to tell.
Thatched roofs are common in Cornwall, England
Quaint villages with thatched-roof cottages and cozy pubs harken back to the Tudor monarchy of the Middle Ages, and Shakespearean times, (a.k.a. Elizabethan Era, c. 1558) are alive and well in the Bard’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon.
See How the Royals Live
Buckingham Palace in London is only one of multiple royal residences.
The intrigue of British Royalty has captivated generations of travelers and the places they live are among the most popular attractions in England. You can get a glimpse into their regal lifestyle by visiting some of the royal residences, such as Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace. Travel Maestro tip: Read more about which palaces you can visit in a previous Travel Maestro post The Royal Residences of Britain.
The Cullinan Diamonds, the largest cut diamonds in the world, are part of the Crown Jewels collection. Photo: Chris 73 / Wikimedia Commons
The British Crown Jewels, housed in the Tower of London, are the largest set of coronation regalia in the world and are quite literally, priceless. About 2.5 million people visitors come to gawk at the amazing collection of crowns, scepters, and regalia each year.
To see the ultimate in pomp and pageantry, don’t miss the Changing of the Guard in front of Buckingham Palace, but arrive early for the best viewing. The ceremony begins at 11:30 am and lasts about 45 minutes. Weather permitting the ritual happens daily April through July, and every other day during the rest of the year. Travel Maestro tip: The Changing of the Queen’s Lifeguard at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall draws smaller crowds and affords views of the mounted sentries without peering through iron gates. The ceremony happens daily at 10:00 am Monday – Saturday and 11:00 am on Sunday.
Discover Nature in England
The plethora of gardens in England are absolutely resplendent and draw nature lovers from all over the globe. There are massive landscape gardens, formal gardens, secret gardens, historical gardens, woodlands and much more. The non-profit National Trust manages hundreds of the most famous gardens in England that are open to the public (both fee and free).
Travel Maestro tip: Much of England’s natural beauty is best discovered on foot. In the summer, the Peak District offers a panorama of heather-topped moorland, perfect for long walks with a magnificent view. A cliff walk along the white chalk cliffs of Dover or exploring the Cotswolds, designated as an Area of Outstanding Beauty, gives visitors a glimpse of the diverse natural splendor of England.
Experience the City of London
Big Ben is yet another iconic symbol of London.
It should go without saying that London, the largest city in England and one of the grand cities of the world, needs to be on your England itinerary. There you’ll find designer boutiques and famous department stores, world-class art exhibitions and magnificent museums, sporting and cultural events, the London Eye Ferris Wheel, and a multicultural population that gives the vibrant city an international flair. Every time you visit London, you’ll find something new to love, so you’ll want to return again and again.
With the U.S. Dollar enjoying a strong exchange rate against the British Pound, now is an opportune time to visit exceptional England. Let the expert travel advisors at Covington plan a memorable trip for your next vacation.
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