Explore England: London, Magnificent Castles, Gorgeous Countryside & More
Explore England: London, Magnificent Castles, Gorgeous Countryside & More
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.
London Tourist Attractions: The 20 Things You Must Do in London
London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. A trip to this capital city will not be complete if you don’t visit the London tourist attractions listed below. London Tourist Attractions 1. Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace and gardens in London in a beautiful day This palace…
London For The Mobility Impaired: The 10 Most Accessible Places to Visit
London, if you are disabled or mobility impaired, could seem like a challenge to visit. But with a bit of planning, you can experience most things in this great city. In comparison with other major European cities, London is ranked highly when it comes to accessibility. The vast majority of…
London Travel Tips: Top 10 Hacks For Travellers to London
So, you’re finally going to London! Need some London travel tips? Right now, you might be a bit overwhelmed with all the preparations but fret not this guide will give you a couple of tips that may come in handy on your trip to visit London. 10 Helpful London Travel…
London Movies: The Best 20 Films Based In London
There have been some great London movies, from modern comedies such as Notting Hill, the Ealing comedies and grittier films like Dirty Pretty Things. Not only that London is famous for places to visit, but it is also famous for creating so many wonderful and box office hit movies. Here…
West London: 12 Irresistible Places To Visit
Few people other than Londoners know exactly how big the city really is. So when you visit “London” you’re really visiting one of many regions and boroughs of the city, many of them in outer North, South, East and West London. Central London is what most people think of when…
14 Great London Pubs: Our Pick Of The Best
Updated: Increased to 14 London pubs London pubs are a great example of that very British institution: the public house (or, pub, for short). What Makes London Pubs Great? Most countries have their watering holes, bars and the like, but none are quite like the traditional English pub. Part bar,…
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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.
The Best 20 Castles To Visit In England
The Finest English Castles (Updated October 2023): English castles are some of the most popular tourist destinations in England. These castles, like their counterparts in Wales, are great monuments to England’s long history. Visitors flock there in droves, no doubt filled with stories of the knights and kings who lived…
Welsh Castles | From The Land Of Our Fathers
Although we focus on England, here are a couple of Welsh castles we thought you’d like. Welsh Castles
Scottish Castles – The Finest Castles In Scotland
Historical, magnificent and revered for their grandeur, Scottish castles are just as essential to the country’s stunning landscape as its lochs and dramatic mountains. Whether you’re dreaming of adventuring to Scotland or making actual plans to go there, these iconic Scottish castles should definitely make your list of must-see destinations.…
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English Buildings & Attractions
England contains some of the finest buildings in Europe. Here are our picks:
Georgian Architecture | 5 Great Examples Of This Popular Style
What Is Georgian Architecture? The Georgian era relates to the reigns of Georges I to IV from 1714 to 1830, and was a particularly exciting one for architecture. Influenced by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, the Georgian style of classical proportions and symmetry, and its more flamboyant…
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…
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English Countryside & Rural Life
England is famous for its wonderful countryside and historic rural life.
Things To Do In The Countryside During An English Summer
England’s countryside is full of great things to see and do in the summer months. Whatever your tastes, and however active you want to be, summer is great time to see the countryside at its most lively and vibrant. Whether you love hiking, or just going to the pub, there’s…
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…
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.…
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,…
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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 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…
Why is it Always Cloudy in the UK?
Everyone has the same old question: “Why is it always cloudy in the UK?” Because we hear about the rain and the gloomy weather but rarely about the sunny days in the UK. To be honest, bright sunny days are somewhat rare in the country. The United Kingdom is cloudy…
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…
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English Regions & Cities
Some of our many posts on the villages, towns, counties and regions of England:
Winchester | King Alfred’s Cathedral City
Winchester on the south coast of England is the archetypal cathedral city. Winchester Cathedral is one of the country’s largest Norman cathedrals, and also one of the most magnificent. But there’s a lot more to the city, so let’s look at its history and other attractions, as well as that…
English Cathedral Cities | Lincoln, Wells, Canterbury & More
All of England’s cities contain at least one cathedral. But some cathedrals dominate a city more than others, and these places are often known as Cathedral Cities. English cathedral cities tend to be smaller towns that grew up around an ancient and magnificent cathedral, which plays a central role in…
The 14 Best Things to Do in Canterbury
Canterbury is a cathedral city located in the government district of Kent, England. It is less than an hour away from London and lies on the River Stour. The location of this beautiful district makes it an ideal stop for vacationers traveling to South East England, whether staying for a…
Leicestershire Villages | Pretty Villages In the Heart Of England
Leicestershire villages provide a fantastic opportunity to see some of the prettiest places in England, right at the heart of the country. Leicestershire is a county in the East Midlands region of England, known for its picturesque countryside, charming villages, and rich history. It’s also known for its fox hunting…
The Norfolk Broads: Boating, Pretty Riverside Villages & More
“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” – The Wind In The Willows. There’s something about messing about on boats that’s so very English summer (when it’s not raining of course). Kenneth Grahame nailed…
The 20 Best Coastal Breaks For Couples In The UK
Home to some of the most secluded and tranquil islands and hotels of the world, the UK coastline provides ample opportunity for a coastal break for couples in the UK. Here are some great examples. Grand Hotel in Scarborough If you’re looking for a bit of old-fashioned grandeur for a…
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English Churches, Cathedrals & Abbeys
England is home to many gorgeous churches, abbeys and cathedrals:
English Cathedral Cities | Lincoln, Wells, Canterbury & More
All of England’s cities contain at least one cathedral. But some cathedrals dominate a city more than others, and these places are often known as Cathedral Cities. English cathedral cities tend to be smaller towns that grew up around an ancient and magnificent cathedral, which plays a central role in…
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…
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Featured Posts
The Best 20 Castles To Visit In England
The Finest English Castles (Updated October 2023): English castles are some of the most popular tourist destinations in England. These castles, like their counterparts in Wales, are great monuments to England’s long history. Visitors flock there in droves, no doubt…
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…
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 word for a valley; the ‘Dales’ are therefore a series…
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…
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…
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 villages, historic cathedrals. and breathtaking countryside. Here, then, are some…
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 be as many poets and playwrights playing around with language…
London Tourist Attractions: The 20 Things You Must Do in London
London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. A trip to this capital city will not be complete if you don’t visit the London tourist attractions listed below. London Tourist Attractions 1. Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace…
London For The Mobility Impaired: The 10 Most Accessible Places to Visit
London, if you are disabled or mobility impaired, could seem like a challenge to visit. But with a bit of planning, you can experience most things in this great city. In comparison with other major European cities, London is ranked…
London Travel Tips: Top 10 Hacks For Travellers to London
So, you’re finally going to London! Need some London travel tips? Right now, you might be a bit overwhelmed with all the preparations but fret not this guide will give you a couple of tips that may come in handy…
London Movies: The Best 20 Films Based In London
There have been some great London movies, from modern comedies such as Notting Hill, the Ealing comedies and grittier films like Dirty Pretty Things. Not only that London is famous for places to visit, but it is also famous for…
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. Anyway here are the best: 10 Fun English Facts 1.…
West London: 12 Irresistible Places To Visit
Few people other than Londoners know exactly how big the city really is. So when you visit “London” you’re really visiting one of many regions and boroughs of the city, many of them in outer North, South, East and West…
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 draws for visitors. Here then are the best cathedrals in…
14 Great London Pubs: Our Pick Of The Best
Updated: Increased to 14 London pubs London pubs are a great example of that very British institution: the public house (or, pub, for short). What Makes London Pubs Great? Most countries have their watering holes, bars and the like, but…
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 over 2,000 square kilometres and the second largest protected landscape…
Non Touristy Things To Do In London (Top 10)
So you’ve seen Buckingham Palace, fed the pigeons in Trafalgar Square and viewed Big Ben from 14 different angles. But rather than go to the next thing on every Londoner’s list (Tower Of London? London Eye?) you want something a…
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 and much more. One of the reasons for this is…
