25 Best Things To Do in England

England is a improbable vacation spot no matter your pursuits and price range. There are such a lot of nice issues to do in England from seeing the well-known websites of London to exploring the quaint cities and villages, nationwide parks and 1000’s of miles of shoreline.

I’ve spent most of my life in England and have explored this glorious nation from high to backside (although there may be nonetheless loads for me to find too).

From the serene southeast to vibrant London, the attractive Westcountry, and the wild and windswept north, there are such a lot of wonderful England sights to discover.

Sightseeing in England is a pleasure due to its wealthy historical past. You possibly can discover historical castles, drink in pubs which are tons of of years previous, swim on the many lovely seashores, and hike via England’s nationwide parks.

One factor’s for positive, there are many enjoyable issues to do in England and also you’ll discover the highest sights in England detailed beneath.

25 Greatest Issues To Do in England

The beneath checklist of issues to do in England incorporates among the high vacationer sights and experiences throughout the nation. From Harry Potter and Manchester United, to pub pints and charming castles, there’s one thing for everybody in England.

1. Take a London Sightseeing Tour

The most effective methods to see the highest sights of England’s dazzling capital is to take a sightseeing tour by open-top bus. This fab sightseeing tour will take you on a journey via London previous and new and consists of a few of England’s most well-known landmarks just like the Tower of London.

That is undoubtedly probably the greatest issues to do in England for first-time guests.

This 75-minute expertise will take you throughout Tower Bridge, via Westminster and previous Big Ben earlier than heading via Victoria to Buckingham Palace. You’ll be handled to an onboard commentary so that you’ll find out about every historic place, and one of the best factor is you possibly can hop on and hop off anyplace alongside the route at locations of curiosity.

I’ve spent a lot of my grownup life in and round London and though it’s like a second residence to me, I nonetheless get pleasure from doing the “vacationer issues”. I nonetheless regularly go sightseeing with buddies (normally earlier than discovering an honest bar or pub to settle in for the night).

2. Go to the Roman Baths in Tub

I’m obsessive about Roman historical past (most likely one thing to do with being born within the Roman capital of Britain) and England is bursting with remarkably well-preserved Roman partitions, buildings, mosaics and extra. One of the spectacular websites is the Roman Baths within the Somerset metropolis of Bath.

These luxurious bathhouses are fed by scorching springs and surrounded by classical Roman structure with arched rooves, plinths and columns courting again over 2,000 years.

This day trip from London not solely takes within the baths at Tub, however features a journey to considered one of England’s most well-known sights, Stonehenge.

Sadly, you possibly can’t enter the baths for a dip like in different locations corresponding to Budapest, nonetheless, there are many scorching springs the place you possibly can keep and benefit from the therapeutic waters close by. Take a look at this rooftop thermal bath spa and pool. Visiting romantic Tub is likely one of the finest issues to do in England for {couples}.

3. Discover the Residence of Royalty at Windsor Fort

Windsor Castle is likely one of the official residences of King Charles III. This large Norman fort dates again to the eleventh Century and has been an official residence of the reigning monarch for nearly 1,000 years making it the oldest and largest occupied palace in Europe.

Windsor Fort is ready inside 13 acres of land, together with manicured gardens, outbuildings and even a small city. It’s potential to go to the palace and grounds on a tour from London, and that is undoubtedly probably the greatest issues to do in England for these curious about historical past and the royals.

I’ve cycled previous Windsor Fort on my method from London to Bristol and the world across the palace is residence to among the most scenic English countryside conceivable.

With over 500 freely-roaming deer on the property, it’s not troublesome to see these marvelous creatures frolicking on open pastures within the close by woodland.

4. Go to Outdated Trafford (Manchester United Floor)

England is known for just a few various things, and soccer (soccer) is actually a kind of.

I have to confess that I’m not a lot of a footy fan myself (sorry Dad), nonetheless, the “lovely sport” is intrinsically linked to England, for higher or worse.

Arguably England’s most well-known crew is Manchester United and followers can go to the Man-U stadium and grounds at Old Trafford to see the place desires are made and dashed. With this two-hour stadium experience, you’ll get to immerse your self within the historical past and legends of Manchester United Soccer Membership.

You’ll get to see the pitch, tunnel, dugout, and gamers’ dressing room amongst different unique areas normally off-limits to the general public. You’ll additionally get to see the Man-U Museum with enjoyable, interactive displays and memorabilia from the membership’s lengthy historical past.

5. See Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury within the English county of Kent is considered one of my favorite English cities.

With charming, cobbled streets, quaint cafes, rustic pubs and previous Tudor buildings, this is likely one of the finest locations for sightseeing in England. The jewel in Canterbury’s crown although is the gorgeous stone cathedral courting again to 597AD.

The town is known because the setting for Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and naturally the Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest-ranking priest within the Church of England, based by King Henry VIII.

The town is a short day trip from London, both two hours by bus or 90 minutes by prepare. The most effective methods to find the city and Cathedral is on a strolling tour like this one the place you’ll be taught the fascinating historical past of considered one of England’s most well-known cities.

6. See the Gardens at Kew

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is likely one of the most spectacular backyard websites and largest vacationer sights in England. This UNESCO World Heritage site holds over 50,000 species of crops from everywhere in the world. The landscaped gardens are positioned alongside the River Thames in Richmond, Surrey (England’s Backyard).

Along with the fantastically manicured gardens and fascinating plant species, there may be an arboretum, bamboo backyard, Japenese Backyard, large pagoda, youngsters’s backyard a enjoyable treetop walkway and an onsite cafe and restaurant.

Kew Gardens is open day by day from 10:00am to three:00pm and tickets will be booked online.

7. Have Enjoyable at Thorpe Park

England has some nice theme parks and the highest considered one of these is Thorpe Park. This is likely one of the nice issues to do in England for households With thrilling rides just like the Samurai, Vortex and Tidal Wave, Thorpe Park makes for an awesome day trip for thrill-seekers young and old.

There may be a synthetic seashore and pool to chill off in throughout the summer season, a number of cafes and eating places, outlets and completely different occasions all year long. You possibly can even book a stay at Thorpe Park Resort or one of many cabins so you possibly can have early entry to all one of the best rides.

Thorpe Park is open from March to October from 10:00am to six:00pm. There are day by day trains and buses from London to close by Staines, the place you possibly can change for the 950 shuttle bus to the theme park.

8. See the Standing Stones at Avebury

Avebury is a ravishing village in Wiltshire in southwestern England famed for its standing stones on the village inexperienced.

The realm is surrounded by myths and legends and is residence to a big archaeological web site that has the remnants of a neolithic settlement courting again 4,000 to five,000 years.

Visiting the standing stones at Avebury is likely one of the finest free issues to do in England as this English Heritage web site is totally free to enter. When you’re on the lookout for a substitute for the extra well-known Stonehenge and need to get off the overwhelmed monitor, then Avebury is a superb selection.

After exploring the enchanting stones, make sure you pop into the Waggon and Horses for a pint and a chunk to eat (their Sunday carvery is a must-try). The pub is housed inside an historical stone constructing with a thatched roof courting again to the sixteenth Century.

9. Take a Harry Potter Tour (One of many Greatest Issues to do in England)

I missed out on the entire Harry Potter craze because the books got here out in my late teenagers, nevertheless it’s no secret how vastly fashionable the books and movies have change into. When you, like many, are a fan of all issues Hogwarts, then this Harry Potter tour is simply the factor for you.

See the Warner Bros studios the place the franchise was filmed and discover the magical world of this fashionable movie collection. You’ll get to stroll the cobblestone alleyways and see Olivander’s Wand Store, Weasleys’ Wizzard Wheezes, the Gryffindor Widespread Room and take a journey on the Hogwarts Categorical.

10. Go Browsing in Cornwall

Cornwall is fingers down my favourite a part of England.

I’ve been touring there since I might barely stroll and return again and again to benefit from the nice surfing beaches, miles of coastal walkways and paths, and picturesque fishing villages and harbor cities. Newquay is the house of browsing in England and an awesome place to have a go at this enjoyable sport.

This two-hour beginner surfing lesson will see you find out about surf security, primary methods and have you ever standing up and using waves by the tip of the session. Browsing is considered one of my favourite things to do in Cornwall and I can’t wait to get again on the market and journey waves once more.

You is likely to be shocked to be taught that you could surf at any time of the 12 months in Cornwall, although you’ll undoubtedly want a wetsuit to courageous the water outdoors of the summer season months. Bude, Polzeath and St Ives are additionally glorious choices for browsing. When you’re on the lookout for calmer waters, then head to the south coast round Penzance.

11. See the Collections on the British Museum

Together with the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan in New York, the British Museum is likely one of the high museums on the planet due to its huge assortment of displays courting from antiquity to the trendy day.

If I’ve a spare hour or two in London I’ll normally head right here and discover an unseen part or try the newest exhibition.

Visiting the British Museum is likely one of the finest free issues to do in England, as like most main museums right here, it’s free to enter. You possibly can spend as lengthy or as little time as you want exploring something from Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone, historical Greek and Roman sculptures and a lot extra.

If you wish to get one of the best out of your journey to the museum, then think about a guided tour like this 90-minute small group tour that concentrates on historical Egypt, historical Greece and historical Rome (among the most fascinating durations in historical past).

12. Spend a Day at Blackpool Pleasure Seaside

If you would like an actual English seaside expertise with exhilarating rides, deck chairs, sticks of rock, ice cream, and fish and chips, then head to Blackpool’s well-known pleasure beach.

Blackpool has been a well-liked vacation vacation spot since Victorian occasions and nonetheless retains a few of that old-world appeal.

On the pleasure seashore, you possibly can watch one of many many exhibits and performances which are placed on all year long, and luxuriate in foods and drinks on the many onsite eating places and cafes from Burger King to Bubble Waffle (although actually you need to undoubtedly strive the fish and chips).

There are a lot of issues to do in and round this northern metropolis. Take pleasure in a day on the seashore, climb the well-known Blackpool Tower, and take selfies with celebs and superheroes at Madam Tussauds Blackpool. The town is well reachable by street and rail from Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and London.

13. See the White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover are considered one of England’s most iconic landmarks. The towering cliffs of white chalk rise as much as 350 toes (110 meters) above the seashores of the English Chanel. On the high of the cliff is Dover Castle which dates again to 1066 and was an essential protection of the land for over 9 centuries.

You possibly can stroll alongside the seashore beneath the cliffs or on the grassy clifftop for wonderful views throughout the Chanel. On a transparent day, you possibly can nearly see France within the distance. I’ve seen the cliffs many occasions, most lately three months in the past once I took the ferry to France, and I at all times marvel on the sight.

The White Cliffs of Dover are one of the crucial exceptional pure phenomena in England and shouldn’t be missed. The journey from London to Dover by prepare takes simply over one hour, so you possibly can witness this improbable sight and be again in London in time for supper.

14. Go to Colchester Fort

England is a land of castles. From King Arthur’s fort at Tintagel to the royal residence at Windsor and lots of, many extra, you don’t must go far to see considered one of these spectacular fortifications.

Colchester castle is likely one of the most spectacular and earliest castles in England (and being from Colchester I ought to know a factor or two about it).

The Norman Castle sits on the location of a Roman temple courting again over 2,000 years and proof of this may be seen within the cellar/basement/dungeon. It was constructed on the highest of a hill surveying the encircling countryside and the views are unbelievable. The big fort park is a superb place to chill out or have a picnic.

There’s additionally much more to do in Colchester than simply the fort. The city is surrounded by sections of Roman partitions nonetheless intact and it’s also the location of the one Circus Maximus discovered outdoors of Italy. There are additionally some nice pubs and eating places within the city (head to Coda for one of the best cocktails and Three Wise Monkeys for meals).

15. Take a Beatles Tour in Liverpool

I’m not likely an enormous fan of the “fab four” however there’s no denying the Beatles’ affect on music. Liverpool has been residence to many inventive legends over time and John, Paul, Ringo and George are arguably essentially the most well-known and best-loved world wide.

The Beatles Story is an immersive expertise the place you’ll get to be taught all concerning the historical past of the band, see uncommon memorabilia on show within the Beatles Museum and luxuriate in a few of their music alongside the way in which. For music followers, that is undoubtedly one of many high issues to do in England.

There are many different nice Liverpool sights, museums and galleries to maintain you occupied, and the native Scoucers are famed for his or her friendliness and hospitality. I used to be in Liverpool lately and had a improbable time.

16. See a Play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on London’s South Financial institution is the reconstruction of the unique Elizabethan playhouse the place the Bard wrote his performs for. I’ve seen Shakespeare’s performs carried out throughout the nation, however for some purpose, I haven’t but seen one on the Globe (although I’ve visited it as a vacationer attraction).

There are nightly performances of Shakespeare’s performs corresponding to The Tempest, Titus Andronicus, and classics corresponding to Romeo and Juliet, plus an assortment of different modern performs, workshops, and extra.

When you’re on the lookout for cultural issues to see in England, then watching a play at The Globe is simply the factor.

17. Punt Alongside the River Cam in Cambridge

Cambridge is considered one of my favourite cities due to its wealthy historical past, attractive schools and nice walks.

When you’re on the lookout for superior stuff to do in England then punting down the River Cam alongside the well-known backs of the universities is a superb thought. You’ll get to see among the most well-known schools corresponding to Trinity, King’s and Queen’s.

This guided punting tour takes you on a journey via the historic heart of town whereas your chaperone introduces some fascinating info concerning the locations you cross, together with some humorous tales. I might let you know considered one of these tales now, however I don’t need to spoil the shock.

Cambridge can be residence to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology which is considered one of my favourite museums for its Roman exhibition, and it’s free to enter too.

It’s simply over an hour by prepare from London to Cambridge and makes for an awesome day journey. This tour from London takes in each Oxford and Cambridge and is a superb possibility if you wish to see each college cities.

18. Have a Curry in Birmingham

Birmingham is residence to considered one of England’s largest south Asian communities and as such, it’s the residence of curry. That is the place the British pallet was first launched to balti again within the seventies and town is famed for its many curry homes.

Opheem is likely one of the finest Indian eating places in Birmingham because it blends conventional south Asian delicacies with a swanky, fashionable contact and nice eating expertise.

Chef Aktar Islam has even gained a coveted Michelin star for his efforts. You possibly can strive the ten-course tasting menu for £95.00 per head (vegetarian and pescatarian choices obtainable).

If that every one sounds a bit too grand to your tastes, then I may also advocate my native, Curry India Tandoori in Colchester (the lamb shashlik is to die for). Count on to pay a really affordable £10 to £15 per predominant.

19. Go to the Eden Mission

The Eden Project is a big sub-tropical backyard and eco-park housed below specifically designed biomes (biodomes) in Cornwall. Discover sections from the rainforest to the Mediterranean, invisible worlds and way more whereas studying concerning the pure world round you.

This is likely one of the nice issues to see in England and is a improbable day trip for the entire household.

There may be even a zipper line, a winter ice rink for skating, and throughout the summer season music performances by high stars on the Eden Sessions (Lionel Ritchie and Jack Johnson have been confirmed for 2023).

20. Hike the South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is a 630-mile (1,014 km) mountain climbing path across the coast of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. The path takes in among the most lovely components of the nation from the gorgeous beaches of Cornwall to Exmoor National Park and thru the picturesque cities and villages of the south coast.

You clearly don’t must hike the whole 630 miles (although that’s an possibility for hardcore hikers after all) and you’ll decide and select from any of the sections from quick walks to longer day and multi-day hikes.

My favourite part is that between Polzeath and Port Isaac. It’s an excellent day’s stroll and the views are phenomenal.

The northern part of the path is essentially the most picturesque, with dramatic clifftop vistas over the North Atlantic and in spring the cliffs are awash with the colour of sea campion, spring squill and ox-eye daisies.

You possibly can spot quite a lot of wildlife and sealife from the cliffs and seashores together with seals, whales and basking sharks should you’re fortunate.

21. Have a Pint in a Correct English Pub

If there may be one factor that England does very properly, it’s the standard pub. For hundreds of years Englishmen and girls have been having fun with a tipple in one of many 1000’s of public homes and inns throughout the land (and I’ve bought a good bit of expertise on this subject myself).

Lots of England’s pubs are in buildings tons of of years previous. Assume picket beams and roaring fires, with horse tack and different trinkets adorning the partitions.

Beer gardens are a favourite place for Brits in summer season and lots of pubs have outdoors seating the place you possibly can benefit from the nice British climate (generally) with a pint and a few correct pub grub.

Having fun with just a few pints in a homely pub is likely one of the finest issues to do in England at night time. You’ll not have any issues discovering an excellent pub wherever you’re in England, however I’ll checklist just a few of my favorites to present you some inspiration:

• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street, London
• The Rose and Crown, Wivenhoe, Essex
• Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester, Essex
• Sole Bay Inn, Southwold, Suffolk
• The St Kew Inn, St Kew, Cornwall

22. Hike England’s Tallest Mountain

At 3,209 toes (978 meters) Scafell Pike is England’s tallest mountain.

It’s not precisely Everest, nevertheless it’s positioned within the lovely Lake District Nationwide Park in northern England, not removed from Lake Windemere. Mountaineering Scafell Pike is finest accomplished from Might to September to make sure one of the best climate, as it might probably change into harmful in winter.

The round-trip hike (there is no such thing as a technical climbing) ought to take round three to 4 hours, although I extremely advocate taking a picnic and spending longer to absorb the unbelievable views.

The charming Lake District city of Kendal makes an awesome base for exploring the Nationwide Park and climbing the Pike.

23. Stroll Alongside the Well-known Brighton Pier

Visiting the colourful seaside metropolis of Brighton is likely one of the finest issues to do in England, particularly in summer season, and strolling alongside the iconic pier is a should.

Take within the views of this nice stretch of the south coast, benefit from the amusement arcade and feast on fish and chips (although be careful for hungry seagulls, I converse from expertise).

Brighton is simply over one hour from London by train and makes for an ideal day journey from town, although ideally, you’ll need to spend at the very least a few days exploring the place.

Brighton is considered one of my favourite locations for a weekend break and I really like exploring the Lanes, the previous quarter of town with a number of fascinating boutique outlets and bars.

24. Take pleasure in a Sunday Roast

The Sunday Roast is considered one of England’s favorite foods and the one I missed essentially the most once I was dwelling overseas. This conventional Sunday lunch normally contains roasted hen, lamb, pork or beef (nut roast being the vegetarian different) served with “all of the trimmings”.

Trimmings embody roast potatoes (crispy on the surface, fluffy inside), carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, Yorkshire puddings and bread sauce. Cauliflower cheese additionally makes an awesome accompaniment. All this washed down with a pleasant glass of purple and you’ve got pure heaven.

Pubs up and down the nation normally serve a Sunday roast between 12:00pm and three:00pm. The Garden Gate at Hamsped Heath in London is likely one of the finest locations for a roast and someplace I at all times attempt to go to once I’m on the town.

25. Take a Boat Journey on the Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads is a Nationwide Park and England’s largest protected wetland. This collection of waterways crisscrossing the East Anglian county of Norfolk is the proper place for messing about on the river in gorgeous nature.

There may be a number of wildlife to be noticed, and lots of nice pubs to cease off at alongside the way in which.

You possibly can hire a boat for round £500 per week and this consists of your lodging on board (with sleeping for as much as 4 folks). That is considered one of my favourite summertime actions and I’ve been visiting this attractive a part of England since childhood. Look out for the windmills, wading birds and quaint villages across the broads.

Fast Journey Itineraries For England

When you’re on the lookout for concepts on what to see in England, then the beneath itineraries will enable you to get one of the best out of your journey. Whether or not you will have simply someday, or for much longer, these high vacationer sights in England will hold you entertained to your keep.

1 Day in England Itinerary

When you’ve got simply someday in England then spending it in London makes essentially the most sense. Take the London sightseeing tour to see all the main sights.

Pop into one of many many pubs throughout town for a pint (Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Road is an efficient possibility) and end your day with a play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

2-3 Days in England Itinerary

With two to a few days in England, base your self in London and observe the above itinerary to your first day. Add in journeys to Colchester Fort, Cambridge, Canterbury Cathedral, or Brighton Pier, all inside simple attain of London inside an hour or two by prepare.

Whereas in London make sure you spend at the very least a few hours exploring the British Museum. and in case your journey occurs to incorporate a Sunday, head to the Garden Gate for a Sunday roast with all of the trimmings (although even when it’s not Sunday you possibly can decide one thing scrumptious from the menu).

1 Week in England Itinerary

One week will help you discover extra of the England sights. For the primary two or three days base your self in London and observe the above itineraries.

After you’ve explored among the issues to do in and round London, head to the Westcountry. You possibly can hop on a prepare to Tub and marvel on the historical Roman baths, and chill out at a thermal spa.

From Tub, it’s simple to get to Cornwall, both by prepare to Bodmin Parkway or by driving (having your individual transport is preferable to get one of the best out of your journey).

Head to the Eden Project to discover the sub-tropical biodomes earlier than reducing north to Newquay the place you possibly can have a go at riding some waves.

After Cornwall head north and relying in your proclivities, you possibly can try the Beatles Story in Liverpool or go to the Manchester United grounds at Old Trafford. When you’ve got the time, add in a visit to Blackpool for a day on the seaside and benefit from the well-known Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Make your approach to the Lake District and hike up Scafell Pike earlier than persevering with again down south to Birmingham for a curry and again all the way down to London. Any Harry Potter followers amongst you shouldn’t miss the journey to the Warner Bros Studios to journey the Hogwarts Categorical.

Attending to England

Attending to England is simple with glorious connections to mainland Europe, Asia and the United States from London’s three main airports (Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted). London can be linked to France and Belgium by way of the Eurostar which takes simply 2.5 hours from Paris to London.

There are a lot of reasonably priced airways connecting Europe to England, try Wizz Air, Ryan Air and Straightforward Jet.

There are additionally boats connecting England to the Republic of Eire, Northern Eire, France and the Netherlands (which is considered one of my favourite methods to journey between England and the remainder of Europe).

I’ve additionally lately been utilizing buses to get to and from England and Flixbus has some glorious offers (Munich to London value me simply £35 together with the ferry).

England has a superb public transport community making it simple to journey between the main cities and cities, although trains will be pricy if not booked properly prematurely.

Buses are cheaper than, however take longer to get round. Hiring a automotive is the best choice because it provides you essentially the most freedom and you will get to among the harder-to-reach hidden gems like Avebury.

Issues To Do in England: FAQs

Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting England.

In Closing

Now what to do in England which of those improbable actions would you want to begin with? From all of the sights and sounds of London to the attractive Cornish shoreline, the historic cities of Cambridge and Colchester to Harry Potter, Manchester United and the Beatles, there actually is one thing for everybody.

One factor’s for positive, you’ll not be in need of enjoyable issues to do in England regardless of the climate or time of 12 months. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for recent air and beautiful countryside, pleasure, leisure or top-notch meals, England has all of it and is ready to your go to.