Step Into a Land of Kings and History
Renowned the world-over for its royal family, literary heroes, stunning countryside, and a rich cultural past, England is high up on many adventurers’ bucket lists.
From the natural beauty of the lake district to the modern metropolis that is London, travellers can expect to be immersed in a unique nation that is as modern as it is historically significant. Travelling the length and breadth of the country you will find each region in this small island nation has its own history, culture, and activities to dive in to. England’s varied and significant past is visible wherever you step foot as you move through small villages, rolling countryside, costal towns, and modern cities.
Bordered by the equally fascinating Wales and Scotland which make up Britain, England is chocked full of adventures for travellers of every breed. Fragments of English culture have found their way into all corners of the world. The story has been written over thousands of years of history. It’s time to see it for yourself.
London
A trip to England wouldn’t be complete without making a stop in the capital, London. Famed across the world for its cultural attractions, rich history, shopping, incredible restaurants, and thriving nightlife, London is a truly global city in the heart of this historic nation.
When many travellers think of England, London is perhaps the image that most frequently comes to mind, with sights such as The Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and plenty more to spot as you walk the streets of this metropolis. London is so much more than a postcard though, with some of the best restaurants in the world, famous shopping districts, thriving nightlife, and stunning cultural attractions such as The Royal Albert Hall.
There’s truly too much to talk about in this short section, but it’s safe to say that if you’re a city-lover, you’ll be hard-pressed to run out of things to do and see in London.
Lake District
If you’re seeking sheer natural beauty or looking to take part in some adventure activities, then look no further than the Lake District.
Nestled in North-West England and making up a significant portion of the county Cumbria, the Lake District is a nature-lovers paradise. Centred around its stunning Lakes (who would’ve thought?!), the Lake District is perhaps the best example of just how stunning England can get. Rolling hills, thick forests, and huge bodies of water to top it all off paint a landscape you really have to see to believe.
The most famous lake, Lake Windermere, is chocked full of activities to enjoy such as water skiing, paddleboarding, and boating. That doesn’t mean the other lakes don’t provide – be sure to check out lesser-visited parts of the national park too!
As for hikers and photographers, if you hadn’t guessed, the Lake District is simply stunning. The entire national park is littered with hiking trails and photography hotspots. Small villages with some of the most ‘British’ architecture you’ll find are everywhere. The Lake District is a great place for travellers to really get a feel for life in the countryside in this historic nation. If you’re visiting the north of England, please do yourself a favour and visit the Lake District.
Peak District
Just because it’s lower-down on our list doesn’t mean the Peak District isn’t worth a visit. Thanks to its more central location, it’s far easier to access than the Lake District, and still provides some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.
Towering hills, quaint villages, stunning hiking trails, thick forests, and shimmering lakes all litter the landscape in this national park.
When you’re visiting, be sure to check out Castleton. The small village is one of many in the Peak District, but provides some great amenities, as well as a great base-camp for day hikes.
A late summer evening walking back from the pub in the Peak District is really an experience like no other. The charm of this region really can’t be expressed in words.
Cornwall
Oh Cornwall. Where do we begin?
As well as being the home to surfing in Britain, Cornwall is also a local favourite for holidays and trips to the seaside. Its stunning white beaches, great surf, rugged cliffs, and great amenities for tourists makes Cornwall a must-visit for sea-lovers.
It’s not just the ocean you’ve got to look forward to on your trip to Cornwall though. Littered with history (some of which is still visible in the old tin mines and castles you’ll see throughout the county), stunning seaside towns (such as St Ives), and a good helping of unique wildlife, Cornwall feels like a country within itself.
Just a heads up though – in the summer months, Cornwall is so good that even the locals can’t help but visit, and the county to swells considerably in population. It can get a little busy, so if you’re visiting we recommend avoiding the summer holidays (Late July-Early September). Good thing Cornwall is stunning year-round and the best surf is outside that season!
Manchester
Manchester is a city many have heard of, but know little about from outside the UK.
The city, located in the north of England, is rich in culture and history, as well as being the third-most populated town in the country. Its population has swelled in recent years as young people from across the country flock to Manny for its incredible nightlife, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
As a traveller in Manchester, you’ll find yourself well catered for, with plenty to see and do during your stay here. The city centre itself is a fantastic example of some of the most beautiful architecture you’ll find anywhere in the country, and the museums, concert halls, bars, and more provide plenty of entertainment late into the evening.
Cotswolds
If you want to dive into something that feels like the England you see in films, then be sure to make a trip through the Cotswolds. Located in south-central England, this time capsule is renowned for its stunning countryside, picturesque villages, and great hikes.
One village you have to visit is Broadway. With its iconic stone buildings, tea rooms, pubs, as well as the Broadway tower, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in English-ness.
As for the countryside, there is little more beautiful in England than watching the sun set over the hills in the Cotswolds. Hiking trails, farm shops, and plenty of livestock make you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
If you want to experience a more authentic English region, the Cotswolds is worth a visit.
Nature
England’s natural beauty is one of great variety considering its small size. Rugged coastlines, green countryside, rolling hills, thick forests, lakes, and much more variety in its landscape can be experienced in a single drive as you travel through the country.
England’s also home to a huge range of wildlife, with unique birds, aquatic life, and rodents calling the country their home. In the countryside you’ll come across badgers, deer, and foxes. In the sky, red kites, a huge range of owls, and robins. In the water, seals, dolphins, and whales.
Culture
England is world-famous for its literature, music, and theatre, being the home to authors like William Shakespeare and Jane Austen, as well as famous musicians such as The Beatles, Adele, Ed Sheeran, and plenty more through to the present day. The country is also home to a thriving film and television industry and theatre productions, making its image familiar around the world. You’ll have plenty of cultural attractions to explore in London, as well as the wider country. Make sure you do leave the capital if you want to experience a true view of life in this country!
Transport
A source of national pain for many, but still considerably better than many nations around the world, the rail network in England covers pretty much the entire country and you can get to most major cities and towns by train. Train travel can be a tad expensive though, and does have its limitations. If you’re spending a while in England we recommend you rent a car! The freedom you’ll get from driving will allow you to see so much more, especially in the countryside. That said, in London your best bet will always be public transport. Roads can get a little busy, with routes such as the infamous M25 being subject to frequent heavy traffic. Make sure you plan ahead on any long journeys!
Activities
England is a country rich in activities to suit every travellers taste. After good shopping and lots of sights? Visit the big cities like London and Birmingham. What about adventure and water sports? Head to Cornwall, Devon, and the Lake District. Want to eat a picnic in a green meadow while watching the sun set over fields of wheat? Head to the Cotswolds. What about hiking and cute villages? Head to the Peak District. For a small island, England is chocked full of unique destinations and activities to take part in.
Accommodation
Accommodation in England is hugely varied. You’ll find your typical western hotels in most towns and cities, but another common form of accommodation for travellers is the BnB. Quite often these are old houses that have been converted into small micro hotels, designed for single night stays. You can also get some sleep at pubs, inns, rented properties, and of course, go camping. Campsites litter most of the country, especially areas like the Cotswolds, Cornwall, and the East Coast.
Tours
Tours operate all over England. Cities like London and Oxford will have small tours to take you round all the must-see sights, either on foot or an open-topped bus! They can be expensive, but if you choose well, they are definitely worth it. Some companies also operate tours throughout the whole country, stopping at famous locations over several days.
Visas and Entry Requirements
Entry to the UK is conditional on arriving with a valid in-date passport and a suitable visa if you’re travelling from outside a visa-exempt nation. You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months for tourism if you are travelling from a visa-exempt country or on a tourism visa.
It’s a good idea to check on the gov.uk website before travelling to make sure you have everything you need before travelling.
Upon clearing immigration, you can travel freely between Wales, England, and Scotland.
Local Laws and Customs
England, as a member of the UK, follows broadly the same laws and customs as Wales and Scotland. Here are some key laws and customs to familiarise yourself with:
- Drink driving laws are very strict in the UK. Be weary about how much you drink before driving. Your best bet is to avoid alcohol altogether if you’re planning on driving.
- The UK has strict laws against the use of illegal substances, including cannabis.
- The legal age to purchase alcohol in the UK is 18. If you attempt to buy or purchase on a minor’s behalf, this is classed as a serious offence.
- When walking on roads without a pavement, walk towards oncoming traffic (walk on the right).
- Speed limits on roads are strictly enforced
- Queue jumping is seriously frowned upon in England. Wait your turn, or else you might get abuse from other members of the public.
- Don’t photograph people without their consent or their private property.
- Wild camping is illegal in England, although it is tolerated by some landowners if you are respectful. If in doubt, seek permission.
- Brits are friendly people, but are reserved around strangers. Feel free to strike up a conversation, but if they don’t seem interested, best to leave them alone.
- Feel free to tip in restaurants, but don’t fret about having to leave anything hefty. 10% or so is fine, and in many places you wouldn’t be expected to tip. Sometimes a service charge is included for you.
Safety
England is a safe country to visit, with good police visibility and excellent emergency services. Food and drink is subject to strict standards, as are buildings, public spaces, and roads. Most people are friendly and won’t bother you on your visit.
However, as with anywhere in the world, it’s a good idea to keep your belongings secure when visiting busy places, and to practice caution when travelling through cities, especially at night.
While there are very few wild animals that will cause you any harm (the worst you’ll usually get is a small wasp sting or a few bites from midges), farm animals do pose a risk. When travelling through fields with livestock, keep your distance as you make your way through the field. If you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone.
Hospitals in the UK provide some of the best care in the world, but be sure to travel with insurance if you’re visiting. The NHS is only free for residents.
You can contact emergency services by dialling 999. You can also report non-emergencies to the police by dialling 101.
RESPECT
Respect is important in England. When you’re out and about, be sure to avoid being too loud, as you will likely annoy some of the locals, especially in smaller towns and villages. Remember to always respect your environment, nature, and the lives of those who live in the areas you visit.
Packing list
- Universal adaptor, or Type-G plug adaptor (England’s grid operates at 240V)
- Waterproofs
- Layers for temperature changes
- A card that works abroad (many places in the UK don’t accept cash as payment any more)
- Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe to drink)
- Cold weather clothing (for winter months)
- Travel Wallet
- Midge repellent (if you’re going to be travelling into the countryside or camping)
- Power bank
- Packing cubes (Suitcases)
- Caps and hats
- Sunscreen
- Light clothing if travelling in summer (hot days in England can get very humid and many places do not have air conditioning)
1
What's the best time of year to visit England?
This depends on what you want to do. It rains frequently in England, as you might have heard, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t get good weather. The summers can be very mild, with sunshine and great outdoor activities. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, we recommend visiting in the summer months. If you’re visiting London or any other large cities, we’d actually avoid the summer – it can get uncomfortably hot.
2
What is the currency in England?
The currency in England is the Pound (£ GBP)
3
Is it easy to get around England?
The train network in England is very well developed, but can be expensive. We recommend renting a car if you’re going to be travelling to lots of places. It’s easy to get around with good roads, and the size of the country means pretty much everywhere can be reached within a day’s travel.
4
Is it safe to travel to England?
England is a safe country to visit. There is good police presence throughout the country and low rates of violent crime. Petty crime and theft is common in large cities however, so it’s always a good idea to have your wits about you, especially at night.
5
Are there any health risks to associated with travelling to England?
There are no real health risks associated with travelling to England. Tap water is safe to drink, hospitals are high quality, and there are very few insects that will cause you any trouble (the worst you’ll probably get is a wasp sting or a midge bite). There are no natural predators that pose a threat to humans in England, but livestock can be dangerous if you aren’t following precautions such as keeping your distance.
6
What should I see in England?
There’s loads to see and do in England. Be sure to visit the larger cities like London and Manchester during your stay, but also venture out into the countryside to get a taste of authentic English life. See our section on best locations above to see our top picks!
7
Is England expensive?
England can be expensive for travellers. Accommodation, food, and activities, especially in larger cities can quickly grow your travel bill. Try eating out as little as possible and taking part in free activities if you’re worried about money. That said, it’s not prohibitively expensive.
8
What does the King of England do?
The monarch, currently King Charles III, serves as more of a figurehead in modern England. While he is *technically* head of state, England is widely considered to be a democracy, with an elected parliament and Prime Minister. The King’s usual roles include charity work, taking part in parades, festivals, and large public events. The Royal Family are also a great source of tourism for the country, and you’ll see little bits of their influence all over the country, especially the capital.
9
What is the weather like in England
While England is portrayed as a predominantly grey and rainy place in popular culture, the reality is far from this. Sure, it may rain a fair bit, but England also enjoys hot summers, mild autumn and spring temperatures with plenty of sunshine, and cold, frosty winters. Its climate is relatively mild for most of the year, with average temperatures around the mid twenties in the summer. Weather can be unpredictable though. A day could start off sunny but become wet in the afternoon. Make sure to pack for all weathers if you’re going outdoors!
10
What are pubs like in England?
Pubs are seemingly everywhere in England. Every village seems to have one (or more) and towns are absolutely littered with them. A big part of English culture, pubs are environments where patrons can purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as meals (known as pub grub). You’ll also find sports broadcasts in many pubs, as well as traditional pub games like pool and darts. They tend to be comfortable, homely places, and provide a nice venue to rest and get something to eat and drink.
England
My Scotland Adventure
