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Top England Attractions
- Visiting iconic literary destinations such as the homes of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens
- Strolling along the Thames
- Visiting the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens
- Enjoying afternoon tea at Hampton Court
- Walking through the impressive Windsor Castle
- Visiting the imposing Tower of London and learning it’s dark history
- Watching a theater performance at the Globe Theater
- Driving through the idyllic countryside in Kent
- Marveling at the mysterious and enigmatic Stonehenge
- Taking a tour of Oxford University where Harry Potter was filmed and JRR Tolkien once taught.
England Tours & Travel Guide
England Attractions & Landmarks Guide
The land of Shakespeare, Stonehenge, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queens and Kings, and of course Harry Potter, England has much to offer travelers to its shores. A country in the United Kingdom, England is a popular destination for music lovers, theater lovers, and history lovers.
England’s main regions
England is statistically divided into nine regions to collect statistical data, economic analysis, and fund allocation.
1. South West England
The Southwest region is mainly famous for the clotted cream teas and draught cider. Covering most of the area of West Country, the long peninsular region comprises of cob and thatched cottages, shady creeks, rocky outcrop, and fishing villages.
The main counties are Bristol, Swindon, Dorset, Cornwall, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Devon. River Severn is the main river of the region and the longest river of the Great Britain.
The South West region of England is known for producing Cheddar Cheese and cider. Shipbuilding, engineering, food processing, and electronics are other important regional industries.
2. South East England
The southeast region is populated as compared to any other region of the country and is a mixture of small hills chains and lowlands. Buckinghamshire, Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Oxfordshire are main counties of the region.
Oxford city is the largest city in the region and is home to one of the oldest universities in the country. It is also home to the largest oil refinery of the country at Fawley. Various seaside resorts like Eastbourne, Margate, Brighton, and Worthing, and the cathedral cities of Winchester and Canterbury attract a huge number of visitors every year.
3. London
The multicultural and beautiful region of London has so much to see and explore. There are numerous museums, art galleries, historical monuments, cathedrals, theaters, bridges, and much more.
London is basically made up of two different regions; the city of London which is the financial and business heart of the UK is the oldest part of London and was originally a Roman settlement, and the City of Westminster that has the Buckingham Palace, Parliament and most of the government offices. London has almost 100 theatres and accounts for about 45% theatres of the UK, as well as 70% of box-office revenue.
Read more about the Tower Bridge and the most amazing bridges in the world >>
4. East Of England
The flat area of East England is very important with an agricultural perspective. Some of its areas are also known as East Anglia, the historical name of the region. Essex, Bedfordshire, Peterborough, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk are the main counties.
The famous cities include Cambridge, Norwich, and Ipswich. Fishing is the major industry, and various areas have different specialties. Herring, cod, and flatfish are brought in Suffolk's Lowestoft, while King's Lynn is famous for shellfish. In the flat plains of the region, farmers grow sugar beet, cereals, vegetables, and fruits and raise cows, sheep, turkeys, etc.
5. West Midlands
The beautiful region of West Midlands is a mixture of variable landscapes with rugged hills, moors, valleys, and peat bogs. Worcestershire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Warwickshire are the counties of this region. In the heart of the region lies the famous city of Birmingham that is a major center of the arts and various industries.
Even this city is given the name of "City of 1001 Trades" because of its industrial versatility. There are other areas that are also famous for their various industries like large car and aircraft industry of Coventry, the ceramic industry of Stoke-on-Trent, etc. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warick, Hereford, and Worcester are some other major cities that filed with very fine historic buildings.
6. East Midlands
This low-lying area is the fourth largest region in England. Along the southern boundary lies the chalky Chiltern Hills, while towards the north is the valley of the beautiful river Nene. Nottingham is the largest city and capital of the region. Bedford, Lincoln, Northampton, and Ely are some other important cities. Nottingham is worldwide famous for its fine quality lace production.
Northampton has a reputation for its leatherworking center, Bedfordshire, for its brick-making industry and Leicester for shoe factories. East Midlands has some of the most arable lands in England. The farmers from this region supply vegetables and fruits to local industries for canning, freezing, and jam-making.
7. North West England
The Northwest region of England is a wide and fertile plain, up towards the west slopes of the Pennine Hills. Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Isle of Man, Cheshire, Lancashire, and Cumbria are the counties of the region. Cumbria, also known ad Lake District, is the second-largest county in England.
Apart from the 15 lakes, the rugged area of the county is also home to the country's biggest mountains, with Scafell Pike being the highest peak. The largest cities of the Northwest region, Manchester and Liverpool, are important ports of England.
Steel production, clothing, manufacturing, and baking are famous industries in the area. As a large part of the region is farmland so dairy cattle can be seen everywhere, grazing on the low plains. Their milk is used to prepare the crumbly Lancashire cheese.
8. North East
This small region was once the hub of a mined lead, silver, and iron core, but ultimately this mining, as well as the coal mining, stopped here. Once famous for its shipbuilding and glass-making, this region is now famous for producing pottery and electrical machinery, especially in the Northumberland country.
The other two counties, Durham and Tyne and Wear have manufacturing and engineering industries in various parts. Sunderland is the largest city in the region. Cathedral city of Durham, Berwick-upon-Tweed, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne are other historically important cities.
The rugged and bleak region is a major timber producer of England from its large forested area of Kielder forest. Sheep farming can be regarded as the main agricultural activity of the people here. River Derwent, Tweed, Tune, and Eden are important salmon fisheries.
9. Yorkshire And The Humber
The region covers most of the area of Yorkshire and the northern part of Lincolnshire. The varying landscape of the region contains everything from high hills to fast-flowing streams, from long valleys to amazing limestone landscape.
You will find more historic houses, castles and national parks in this region compared to any other region. The two major industries of the region are textiles and engineering that are more concentrated in South and West Yorkshire. The moors have a rough grazing area for sheep, which give milk to produce delicious cheese, supplied throughout the country.
Literary Legacy
While the wider UK has much claim in the literary world, England has produced perhaps the most recognizable list. From Shakespeare to Jane Austen, it’s a literature enthusiasts dreamland, and several tours that visit England include a comprehensive look at famous literary sites.
You can visit Shakespeare’s house, the Globe Theater, Charles Dickens home, and even the pub where JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis use to meet for a pint and lively conversation.
Rolling Countryside
While it might seem cliche, England really does have a fair share of idyllic countryside. Rolling green hills, quaint cottages, lakes, ponds, and country roads are most quintessential in Kent, the Cotswolds, and the Lake District. These areas showcase a unique beauty, and many tours will explore them as a part of their itinerary.
A more wild version can be found in the far north of England, in Yorkshire, the famous home of the Brontes who spend their youth exploring the moors surrounding their fathers Parish. Down in the south of England you’ll find the mysterious Stonehenge site, surrounded by more misty, expansive moorland.
Top Castles in England
The English land is full of fascinating marvels of historical times. Old historical castles are one important part that people love to explore during their England tours. There is a huge variety of castles from various times roaring in the sky and telling the long stories of their past. You cannot visit all of these castles during a single England travel tour.
Here is a list of some most important England castles that you should include in your must-visit list when you are going to travel to England.
1. Warwick Castle
Built somewhere in the 11th century, this medieval castle is located in the county town of Warwickshire on the bend of the River Avon. The castle is one of the most famous ones among tourists as well as locals. The historical monument has undergone various renovations and reconstructions since its original construction.
The present form of the castle was built in 1608 by William the Conqueror. Until the 17th century, this marvelous building was in use as a fortification but was then turned into a grand home and is now open to the public. Visitors can spend hours admiring the views, exploring the corners, and enjoying the art exhibits.
2. Windsor Castle
Occupying about 5 hectares of land, this Berkshire-based castle was built in the 11th century and had the privilege to be the oldest castle of the world that is inhabited by the royal family. Originally it was built to protect London, but due to being close to the royal hunting grounds, it soon became a royal residence. Today, the Queen uses it as a royal residence for official tasks as well as her weekend home.
Some parts of the castle are open for the public that let you have a peek into the opulent stateroom and admire their treasured interior. However, you can stroll along the castle’s Long Walk path and admire the scale and grandeur of the castle. Also, visit the beautiful garden around the castle.
3. Bodiam Castle
This medieval castle is one of those few historical buildings that have retained their original picturesque appeal till today. Built by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge for purely defensive purposes, in 1385, the castle has a moat, circular towers, and gatehouse entrance twin towers.
However, the interior of the building couldn't survive much from the test of time but has left enough from its original form to represent the inner layout of the huge castle. Bodiam gives you a scene from some fairytale with its soaring towers and battlements. To save it from demolition, John Fuller, an art philanthropist, purchased the castle in 1829, in 3000 guineas.
4. Tower Of London
Sitting in Central London, at the side of the River Thames, this historic castle was built somewhere by the end of 1066. Though the official name of the castle is Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, it has not been used as a residence since the Tudor period. Built as the royal residence and fortified castle, the historic structure was used mostly as a prison from the 12th to the 20th centuries.
Many famous people, including royals like Henry VI, Elizabeth I, Richard I, and Edward V, were imprisoned in its walls. The castle is a popular destination among tourists who come to explore the amazing display of armory, Crown Jewels, and the castle's menagerie.
5. Bamburgh Castle
Sitting in Northumberland, on the northeast coast of England on volcanic dolerite, the castle occupies about nine acres of this rocky plateau. The gracious outlook has led to its casting in various movies and series for decades. The origin of this unique castle dates back to the 3rd or 4th century and is thought to be the capital of the native Britons' kingdom.
The core of what we see today was built in the 11th century by the Normans, but in 1894 William Armstrong, the Victorian industrialist purchased and restored the castle. It is still occupied by Armstrong's family, but 16 of the rooms are open for visitors that display ancient artifacts like medieval armor.
6. Arundel Castle
The 11th-century castle was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It has the privilege to be one of the first English castles that had the luxurious facilities of electricity, central heating, and lifts. Like many other castles in England, a large part of Arundel has been rebuilt over time, but the interior has been well-reserved.
The medieval furnishing, tapestries, and rare paintings are worth a visit. For more than eight centuries, the castle had been the residence of the Dukes of Norfolk. Even after the massive destruction during the English Civil War of the 17th century, the 15th Duke of Norfolk restored the castle in the 19th century.
7. Dover Castle
Sitting at the top of the famous White Cliffs, this majestic castle dates back to the 11th century and is one of the largest castles of England. Due to its strategic position, the mighty castle was considered to be the key to England. Its structure has undergone various changes over the centuries to meet the warfare requirements.
With 21 feet thick walls, the castle was used for defensive purposes during various wars. During the two World Wars, the strategic location of the castle helped it to overlook the crossings to mainland Europe. It also plays important roles as a hospital, command center, and air-raid shelter during WWII. Explore the historic chapels, secret tunnels, specially designed walls, and much more.
8. Bolsover Castle
Unlike most of the English castles, this mysterious complex was not built for defensive purposes rather for as a grand home and palace. Built during the 17th century by Cavendish family, this castle took the place of an older medieval fortress. Apart from its artistic features, the castle is famous for its mysterious character, due to which it earned the title of the Spookiest English Heritage Site in 2017.
Stroll along the walls, have a view of the beautiful gardens and explore the interiors with a huge range of exhibits. The square-shaped building in the complex, called the Little Castle, overlooks the whole site with its impressive outlook, fascinating wall paintings, and interior.
9. Leeds Castle
Built in the place of an older structure, this charming castle dates back to the 1080s. The fascinating castle is one of the most beautiful structures of the world, with its impressive construction having a blend of Medieval and Tudor styles.
Due to its beautiful structure, the castle has been used as a production site for various movies and series. The original building was turned into ruins by the late 18th century, and the new present form was built by 1823. In 1926, Lady Baillie, the Anglo-American heiress Olive bought this castle and finished the restoration.
Train Travel in England
The train is the fastest way to travel around London, but it may not be the cheapest one. However, you can save a great deal on your train ticket by following some travel rules.
1. Try to book in advance, especially during off-peak hours as most of the companies offer up to 50% discount at that time.
Peak times vary for different companies, but usually, they are during early morning and late afternoons when there are huge traveling crowds on the station. Off-peak hours are outside these times, like in the middle of the day or late at night.
2. For most of the routes, it is better to book a return ticket that can cost you less than the two single tickets together.
Day Return ticket allows you to take a trip to and from the same destination on the same day while Standard Return allows you to have a return journey on the discounted price within one calendar month of your departure date.
3. Getting a rail pass can help you save more on your tickets and is also a convenient and time-saving way of traveling by train.
The BritRail passes cover all trains within a geographical region, but you need to activate them before starting your journey. BritRail passes can be easily activated from the ticket office. Keep your passport and a few passport size pictures with you.
To make your England travel more convenient, get a BritRail pass. The BritRail makes it very easy to travel around, and you can literally hop on any of the British trains with just your pass in hand. However, it is better to reserve seats in advance, especially for weekend travel as the trains tend to fill up quite soon. Seat reservation is free for any train and can be made from any train station in Britain.
There are various types of Railcards for different groups of people; 16-25 Railcard for full-time UK students or people between 16-25 years of age, Senior Railcard for people over 60 years, Disabled Person Railcard for people registered for disabilities, Two Together Railcard for a couple or any two people traveling together, and the Friends and Family Railcard covering four up to four adults along with four children traveling together.
All of these Railcards are available in just £30 and valid for the whole year. The cards let you enjoy a 30% discount on almost all train travel and a 60% discount for children on the family card. To upgrade your ticket to the standard or first class, you have to pay some extra, but that will give you a free meal, Wi-Fi access, bigger tables, and extra legroom.
For those who don't want to get bound by reservation, there is the flexible ticket facility that you can get from any train station at any. Also called Anytime tickets in England, these allow you to travel on certain dates or times. As these tickets let you travel during peak hours as well, so they are usually a lot more expensive than the fixed ones.
If you are traveling with a flexible ticket and have no seat reserved, you might not get a seat during your journey, especially during peak hours. You can only get a seat on a flexible ticket if there is some unreserved seat by some other passengers.
Popular Tour Routes in England
England is a big country with numerous worth-visiting sites in every city. There are historical structures, architectural wonders, fascinating castles, art exhibits, magnificent scenery, stunning lakes, and much more.
When starting your journey, the first step is to devise a map of your travel route so that you can plan accordingly. For your England travel, here are some suggested routes that are popular among tourists during their England tours. Choose one of these for your travel to England, as per your convenience and interest.
Most of the England tours start from London, the heart of the country. Have the taste of the typical urban life for a few days as there is a lot to capture in this bustling city. Move on to Cornwall to have a taste of the English countryside. The next stop is the charming Devon with its picturesque farms, fascinating cottages, coastal drives, and UNESCO Heritage sites.
Move back to the city bustling towards Brighton, the small city full of entertainment and luxuries. Spend some time on Canterbury, and feel like living in a fairytale, then move towards the famous Oxford with its world-famous university. Now move towards the Northern England towards York and surrounding moors, and pick up a farm on the way with your favorite fruits.
After exploring this cathedral town, your next and last stop is the beautiful and romantic Lake District National Park that has inspired numerous romantic poets for their writings.
If you are more of a historical person and wants to explore the ancient features of England, then your route must be as follows:
London – Salisbury – Bath Spa – Oxford – Stratford-upon-Avon – York
This route will take you back through time across the country with England's most significant cathedrals, castles, and colleges.
England Reviews & Ratings
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Trusted Customer
Oct 2024
Written on
Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi
This was a lovely trip , Erwin our leader was friendly, extremely helpful and great for adapting to meet the group's needs. The cycling each day was within my abilit...
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Heidi
Oct 2024
Written on
Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi
Brilliant cycling holiday, with a fantastic group. Erwin , our leader made sure we were all happy, arranged accommodation, transport , evening meals and the cycling ...
A
Andrew
Jun 2024
Written on
Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi
Great trip. The canal path is not as bad as the Explore notes lead you to believe. I have been on other Explore cycling trips, but the bikes used on this trip were s...
H
Hilary
Oct 2023
Written on
Cycling in France - Canals and Castles of the Midi
Cycling to Chateaux de Lastours and walking to some of the chateaux.
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