EnglandExplore: England For Travellers And Anglophiles
The top English tourist attractions, great things to do and the best places to visit, in England. For those wanting to visit England, interested in England travel or are just an Anglophile.
London Travel
For many travellers to England, the focus of their visit will be the capital, London.
We’ve therefore collected our most popular London travel posts in this mini guide to one of the world’s great cities.
Buckingham Palace | The Queen’s Official London Residence
One of the most famous landmarks in all of the United Kingdom, Buckingham Palace is the monarch’s residence in London, as well as the administrative headquarters of the royal family, located within the City of Westminster. Always an important site of aristocracy in London, it includes a range of early…
London Travel Guide: Westminster Abbey
A trip to London is not complete without a visit to Westminster Abbey. Although its correct name is the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter, Westminster, it has been known as Westminster Abbey since it first opened for worship in 1065, and Westminster Abbey it will remain. The Abbey is still…
The 20 Best London Theatres | Great Theatres In London To Take In A Show
Our guide to the best London theatres. London is the home to some of the most iconic theatres in the world. There are plenty of options among the West End’s impressive list of venues for those looking for a night out on the town. Whether it is classical shows from…
St Paul’s Cathedral, London
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the iconic sites of London. Standing on Ludgate Hill in the City Of London it is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of London and home to the Bishop of London. History Of The Site There’s been a church on the site of…
The British Museum: A London Visitors’ Guide
[Updated August 2021] The British Museum in London is one of the most popular attractions in the United Kingdom. Millions of people visit each year, and it’s full of interesting exhibits that cover everything from ancient to modern history. If you’re thinking of going to the British Museum while you’re…
Top 10 Things To Do In London On A Budget
Enjoy London on a budget: there’s no reason not to have a great time if you’re strapped for cash with these free, or cheap, things to do in the UK capital. You have probably heard that London is an expensive city, and that is true, in part. However, while you…
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British Castles
British castles showcase some of the most impressive buildings in Europe.
We’ve featured several of these imposing structures – please find below a selection of castles from England, Scotland & Wales.
Highclere Castle | Downton Abbey Meets Ancient Egypt
Highclere Castle is home to Crawleys on Downton Abbey & the Earls of Canarvon (one of whom funded finding Tutankhamun’s tomb) in real life. Here’s our guide (which first appeared at https://british-castles.com/highclere-castle). Highclere Castle is more of a stately home than many castles on this site. However it is still…
Bolsover Castle | Peak District Fairytale Castle
Hidden away in the Peak District of Derbyshire, Bolsover Castle is a fairytale castle perfect for exploring, or combining a visit with nearby Chatsworth House, 30 minutes drive away. (This post was originally published at https://british-castles.com/bolsover-castle) History of Bolsover Castle Bolsover Castle has a very interesting history, but not all…
Arundel Castle | Ancestral Home of The Dukes Of Norfolk
(This post was originally published at https://british-castles.com/arundel-castle) Arundel Castle, which was built in the 11th century, is the historic home of the Dukes of Norfolk and has been continuously occupied and renovated over the centuries. This vast castle, located in splendid gardens with a view of the River Arun in…
Durham Castle | Norman Castle Now Part Of Durham University
Durham Castle is a wonderful Norman castle in the centre of the North East England city of Durham, itself a wonderful old city dominated by the castle, cathedral and the university. Indeed the castle is now part of one of the university’s constituent colleges, University College (known colloquially as ‘Castle’)…
Caerlaverock Castle: Scotland’s Triangular Fortress
If you’re looking for a breathtaking, history-rich destination in Scotland, look no further than Caerlaverock Castle. Pronunciation: Caerlaverock is pronounced ‘Car-Lav-er-rock’ This mighty, triangular, fortress has stood since the 13th century and has been witness to some of Scotland’s most dramatic moments. Today, the castle is open to visitors who…
The Secrets of Pontefract Castle, England
Pontefract Castle is a castle located in the town of Pontefract, in the West Yorkshire county of England. The castle was founded by William the Conqueror in 1068 and has been described as “one of the key castles” of medieval England. The castle played an important role during the Civil…
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English Buildings & Attractions
England contains some of the finest buildings in Europe. Here are our picks:
Buckingham Palace | The Queen’s Official London Residence
One of the most famous landmarks in all of the United Kingdom, Buckingham Palace is the monarch’s residence in London, as well as the administrative headquarters of the royal family, located within the City of Westminster. Always an important site of aristocracy in London, it includes a range of early…
English Cottages | All The Different Types From Around England
There are all sorts of cottages in England, but we’ve picked these as distinct and recognisable types which are popular today as a dwelling or holiday house. Thatched cottages Probably the most quintessentially English type of cottage is the thatched variety. Houses using this ancient method of building roofs with…
Great Victorian Buildings (That Are Still With Us)
Some of the many fine Victorian Buildings from around the UK including the Royal Albert Hall, Palace of Westminster, Manchester Town Hall and more… Queen Victoria’s reign as the British monarch lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her one of the longest-reigning monarchs in history (on the present Queen has…
Top 10 Great English Stately Homes
English stately homes, like its castles, have been a feature of the British landscape for the past 500 years. A key part of a gentleman’s status, along with the accompanying gardens, a fine country seat was essential for the pride of the family name. If you want to visit some of these national…
Longleat House & Safari Park – Lions, Mazes and Wifelets
Longleat House is a place of firsts. In 1547, it was the first house in England to be built in the Classical Rennaisance style. In 1947, it was the first privately-owned stately home opened to the public. In 1966, it opened the first drive-through safari park outside Africa and in…
Saltaire Village, Bradford: One Of England’s World Heritage Sites
Saltaire is one of the few relics of the Victorian age that tells a story about the working class that doesn’t end in destitution. One of England’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Saltaire is a perfectly preserved, purpose-built industrial village. Built by philanthropist Titus Salt in 1851, it has survived…
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English Countryside & Rural Life
England is famous for its wonderful countryside and historic rural life.
English National Parks: All 10 UK National Parks In England
Discover The English National Parks: The Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, South Downs, Northumberland, Lake District, Norfolk Broads, New Forest, Dartmoor, North Yorkshire Moors & Exmoor. Despite the density of its population, England manages ten national parks and half the country’s population lives within an hour’s drive of their nearest park.…
Wiltshire Villages | 20 Quintessential English Villages
Wiltshire villages offer some great examples of the quintessential English village with scenic outdoor views, rich history, and pretty cottages. And if you’re looking for villages in England that contain these picturesque views and excellent places to explore, you will find them all in Wiltshire. After all, Wiltshire villages have…
Northamptonshire Villages: 20 Gorgeous Examples In The English County Of Northants
Northamptonshire villages are some of the prettiest in the UK. If you’re looking for a weekend away, or even just a day trip, these villages are worth a visit. Each village has its own unique charm, and there’s something for everyone. There are historic villages with beautiful churches and ancient…
English Villages | What Makes The Perfect Village In England (With Examples)
So what exactly makes for the perfect English village? We had a go at answering that question with our list of the vital elements of a perfectly quintessential English village. We’ve split them up into essential criteria – the things we reckon a village must have – and optional items…
Best Birdwatching Places in England
Birdwatching is one of the most popular pastimes in England partly due to the country’s diverse range of birdlife. Whether birdwatching is a relatively new hobby or you have been a keen ornithologist all your life, we have nine amazing spots to suggest for your next birding experience. Exe Estuary,…
20 Gorgeous English Thatched Cottages
English thatched cottages are popular as homes, and with visitors from overseas as quintessentially English. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best examples – but let’s first see what a ‘thatched cottage’ actually is… What Is A Thatched Cottage? Thatching is the craft of building a roof with…
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English History
English history is full of fine deeds, great leaders, bloody battles and massive personalities.It’s also a major drawcard for visits to England. So we thought we’d highlight some of the posts for those interested in this aspect to English life.
Shakespeare’s England
William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and died in 1616. During his life he wrote 38 plays, including several of the finest in the English language, and many sonnets and other poems. We don’t know much about his life – he wasn’t all that high regarded during his lifetime -…
The Kings And Queens of England: From William the Conqueror To Charles III
Updated September 2022 – This post was updated after the sad death of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension to the throne of King Charles III. The Kings and Queens of England have had a huge impact on the direction of the country throughout its long history. From William…
Henry V | Agincourt, Shakespeare & More
Henry of Monmouth, best known as Henry V, ruled England from 1413 until he died in August of 1422. While he only reigned for a short period, Henry V is best remembered for his outstanding success guiding the military through the Hundred Years’ Ware against France. In fact, Henry V…
UK Historical Events In April
Here are some of the many UK historical events that happened in April…. The Joint Coronation of William of Orange and Mary (11 April 1689) The date 11 April 1689 denotes a significant event in Britain. When William III, Prince of Orange, and his wife, Mary, succeeded James II, they…
The Battle of Trafalgar 1805: The Royal Navy’s Finest Hour
The Battle Of Trafalgar fought off the coast of southwest Spain on 21 October 1805 between Britain’s Royal Navy and the combined fleets of Napoleonic France and Spain ranks high in the annals of naval glory and British history. Britain was outnumbered and outgunned but triumphant. The triumph of Britain’s…
Winston Churchill – The Greatest Briton of All Time?
Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill is revered as one of the most famous and celebrated Britons in the long history of the United Kingdom. His leadership as prime minister during World War II and the many stories surrounding his turbulent political career are well known from frequent repetition in books, films…
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English Life & Traditions
Here’s our loose collection of posts on English life and its many weird and wonderful traditions:
The Great British Pantomime Tradition
Pantomime, or ‘Panto’, is an essential part of the Christmas experience for a British child. What are these strange shows, and where do they come from? We investigate this strange tradition: What Is Pantomime? Panto is a musical show put on at Christmas for children that follows several key tropes…
British Movie Locations: Where Your Favourite Movie Was Made
Many of the movies we’ve come to love have done so partly because of the locations in which they’ve been filmed. Here, then, are some of the best of these places, with directions and info on what to do if you visit. Enjoy …. Notting Hill ‘Notting Hill’, the romantic…
Top 10 Strange English Place Names | Great Snoring, Crapstone & More
If you take a look at the map of Britain, you will notice that there are some strange English place names. Here are 10 of the strangest of these. While some of them are pedestrian, more than a few were bizarre, suggestive and downright hilarious. With its chequered history and…
Traditional English Food With Strange Names
Discover traditional English foods such as Toad In The Hole, Bubble And Squeak, Spotted Dick and Jellied Eels. The English have never been known for their cooking ability (the French, very unfairly, call us the Rosbifs – or ‘roast beefs’). However what we don’t have in culinary skills, we make up…
The English Weather: The Making Of A Local Obsession
What is it about the English that they spend so long discussing their weather? We take a look at what lies behind the national obsession and find out how the language has evolved to cover every aspect of the Englishman and woman’s favourite topic of conversation. “England’s Weather” Don’t Forget…
The Great Public Schools Of England
English Public Schools: Eton, Harrow, Winchester & More A British education at one of the great public schools of England has long been sought by the rich and powerful of the world. Kings, Maharajas, Princes, Heads Of State and more have sent their offspring to the schools of England for…
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English Regions & Cities
Some of our many posts on the villages, towns, counties and regions of England:
Leeds Travel Guide: Where Is Leeds & What To Do There
Leeds in northern England is an old industrial town that bloomed during the Victorian age, declined in the 20th century but which has recently undergone a renaissance. Here’s our Leeds travel guide. This city is full of history, delicious dinners, and activities to keep your schedule packed for days. Our…
The Cities Of Northern England
Our profile of the cities of Northern England including Manchester, York & Liverpool and the other English cities in the North. We’ve done posts on many of them and have included the links if you want to know more about any of them. (We’ve also recently done a post on…
Top 12 Things to Do in Manchester – The Ultimate Guide
Manchester, England, is home to many unique sites, experiences, and natural beauty. Whether you want something to do for a day or somewhere to spend an entire week, you certainly won’t have trouble finding a way to stay busy in this city. Manchester is a metropolitan borough in North West…
Top 12 Things to Do in Newcastle Upon Tyne
Newcastle sits along the northern banks of the Tyne River. It is one of North East England’s most populated areas and is well known for its nightlife, strong sporting traditions, and other tourist attractions that bring in tons of visitors from all over the world. If you aren’t interested in…
20 Gorgeous Somerset Villages: Our Pick Of The Best Villages In Somerset, England
The best and prettiest Somerset villages. Gorgeous dwellings in the heart of this rural West Country county. Somerset in the West Country of England is known for its cider and gentle rolling hills. Its also home to some wonderful villages, the pick of which are featured here: Our Pick Of…
The Best 20 Towns & Cities In Southern England
We’ve put together some of the best towns and cities in south England for a day trip, holiday, or vacation. From epic coastline to quaint villages and ancient cities, there’s just a lot to explore in Southern England. Here are our picks… 1. London We start with the biggest place…
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English Churches, Cathedrals & Abbeys
England is home to many gorgeous churches, abbeys and cathedrals:
St Paul’s Cathedral, London
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the iconic sites of London. Standing on Ludgate Hill in the City Of London it is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of London and home to the Bishop of London. History Of The Site There’s been a church on the site of…
Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire: One Of Europe’s Best Preserved Medieval Monasteries
Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire is one of the largest and best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country. It’s also a great place to visit. Here’s our guide. Fountains Abbey sits just 3 miles south-west of Ripon, close to the village of Aldfield, and offers an enticing glimpse into the life of…
York Minster: Naves, Trancepts & Stained Glass
York Minster is one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Europe. Towering over the city of York, in the county of Yorkshire, its real name is Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York. It more common name of York Minster reflects its previous joint role as a monastery.…
Gloucester Cathedral: Kings, Cloisters & Harry Potter
Gloucester Cathedral has loomed over the South Western city of Gloucester for centuries. Let’s take a look at this impressive and historic building… Gloucester Cathedral Exterior How many of us have dreamed of one day entering the magical world of Harry Potter? While the world itself may have come from…
Gallery: The Abbeys And Priories of England
The abbeys and priories of England were hives of activity until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in Henry VIII’s time the – and often the focal point of a local area. Many didn’t survive Henry’s wrath – but some carried on, were turned into parish churches or left to turn…
England’s World Heritage Sites: Durham Cathedral
Standing proudly on a rocky peninsula looking out over the city, Durham Cathedral seems to have been around forever. A familiar point in the County Durham landscape to anyone who regularly travels by train in the North East on the East Coast Main Line, the cathedral has over nine centuries…
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Featured Posts
The Best 20 Castles To Visit In England
The Finest English Castles (Updated November 2022): (NB Below are some great English castles – but we’ve recently launched a sister site british-castles.com for those interested in castles from across Scotland &…
The Cities Of Northern England
Our profile of the cities of Northern England including Manchester, York & Liverpool and the other English cities in the North. We’ve done posts on many of them and have…
The Yorkshire Dales | The Best Places To Visit
The Yorkshire Dales have long been a favourite area for walkers and day trippers from Yorkshire towns and cities such as Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. A ‘Dale’ is the local…
English Villages | What Makes The Perfect Village In England (With Examples)
So what exactly makes for the perfect English village? We had a go at answering that question with our list of the vital elements of a perfectly quintessential English village.…
20 Gorgeous English Thatched Cottages
English thatched cottages are popular as homes, and with visitors from overseas as quintessentially English. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best examples – but let’s first see…
Visit Yorkshire, England: York, The Dales & More
Visit Yorkshire in the north of England, one of the most popular tourist regions in England. There are tons of things to do and places to see. It’s many attractions include fishing…
British Insults, Slang & Phrases: The Ultimate Guide
Here’s our guide to the choicest British slang, insults and phrases: The British language has many nuances, something Shakespeare made use of back in the day. Today, there may not…
10 Fun Facts About England: Weird English Traditions
There are lots of fun facts about England due to its long history which has thrown up lots of strange anomalies and rather strange ways of doing things, or traditions.…
English Cathedrals: The 20 Best Cathedrals In England
The Most Famous & Beautiful English Cathedrals England is home to a splendid collection of religious buildings, but none are more impressive than its famous cathedrals, one of the largest…
The Cotswolds: The 20 Best Places To Visit
The Cotswolds epitomise the very best of the English countryside: gorgeous villages of honey-coloured stone nestling in the hills, surrounded by green fields that have been farmed for centuries. Covering…
10 Gorgeous Images Of The English Countryside
The English Countryside is one of the most diverse in the world. For such a small place, England (and its UK cousins) sports heath, hills, lowland, fens, moors, rivers, coast…
