England · 27 Places
England is the largest and most populous country of the United Kingdom, offering a remarkable blend of ancient history, vibrant cities, and stunning countryside. From the iconic streets of London to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, rugged moors of Yorkshire, and dramatic coastlines of Cornwall, England captivates visitors with its extraordinary diversity. World-class museums, medieval castles, Shakespearean heritage, and a thriving arts and food scene make England one of the world's most rewarding travel destinations.
England offers an extraordinary range of experiences within a compact geographical area. London is one of the world's great cosmopolitan cities, while beyond the capital lie medieval university towns like Oxford and Cambridge, the Georgian splendour of Bath, the Beatles heritage of Liverpool, and the vibrant arts scene of Manchester. England's countryside ranges from the dramatic Peak District and Lake District to the rolling Cotswold hills and the wild moorlands of Dartmoor and Exmoor. The English coastline stretches from the white cliffs of Dover to the surf beaches of Cornwall.
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The 27 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
A 900-year-old royal fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower of London served as palace, prison, and place of execution. Today it houses the spectacular Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown and the Koh-i-Noor diamond. Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) lead entertaining tours around the complex.
One of the world's most iconic prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge is a ring of massive standing stones erected around 2500 BC. Its exact purpose remains debated but it aligns with the summer solstice sunrise. The surrounding landscape is dotted with burial mounds and Neolithic earthworks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
England's largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District is a landscape of soaring fells, deep glacial lakes, and charming stone villages. Windermere is England's largest natural lake. The region inspired Romantic poets Wordsworth and Coleridge, and Beatrix Potter wrote here. Offers superb walking, boating, and cycling.
The world's first public national museum, the British Museum holds a vast collection of over eight million artefacts spanning two million years of human history and culture. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Elgin Marbles, the Sutton Hoo helmet, and the Lewis Chessmen. The spectacular Great Court is the largest covered public square in Europe.
The official London residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace has been the working headquarters of the Royal Family since 1837. Visitors can watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony in the forecourt. The State Rooms are open to the public during summer (August-September). The gardens host summer garden parties for 30,000 guests annually.
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds is England's most quintessential countryside, characterised by honey-coloured limestone villages, thatched cottages, ancient churches, and rolling farmland. Key villages include Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Chipping Campden, Bibury (with its famous Arlington Row), and Castle Combe, regularly voted England's prettiest village.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
London's most iconic hotel, The Savoy opened in 1889 and has hosted everyone from Monet to Winston Churchill. The Thames-facing rooms have spectacular views, the American Bar is legendary, and Kaspar's Seafood Bar & Grill overlooks the river. The Savoy combines Edwardian opulence with contemporary luxury.
Check rates on Booking.comThe jewel of Mayfair, Claridge's is one of the world's great Art Deco hotels, frequented by royalty, heads of state, and celebrities. The Foyer afternoon tea is a London institution. Chef Daniel Humm helms Davies and Brook restaurant. The hotel's impeccable service and timeless elegance set it apart.
Check rates on Booking.comSince opening in 1906, The Ritz has embodied the pinnacle of English luxury. Its Louis XVI interior is among the most beautiful in Europe. The Ritz Restaurant overlooks Green Park, the Palm Court hosts perhaps London's most famous afternoon tea, and the casino is one of London's most prestigious. Smart dress is required throughout.
Check rates on Booking.comSet in a Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse on the Royal Crescent, this magnificent hotel captures the essence of Bath's Regency elegance. Each room is individually designed with period antiques and modern comforts. The award-winning restaurant showcases locally sourced West Country produce.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Heston Blumenthal's legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the village of Bray, widely regarded as one of the world's great restaurants. The tasting menu is a surreal journey of multi-sensory gastronomic innovation, from Sound of the Sea (eaten while listening to ocean waves through a shell) to the famous Snail Porridge. Bookings open months in advance and are virtually impossible to secure.
Australian chef Brett Graham's two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Notting Hill is one of London's most celebrated fine dining destinations. The menu showcases exceptional British produce with impeccable technique; the flame-grilled mackerel and Brown butter and roe tart with smoked eel are signature dishes. The wine list is magnificent.
Fergus Henderson's pioneering nose-to-tail cooking institution opened in a former smokehouse near Smithfield Market in 1994. It changed the way Britain thinks about food. Roast bone marrow with parsley salad is the signature; offal, chitterlings, and unusual cuts share the menu with superb seasonal British cooking. The wine list is exemplary.
Set in the handsome Victorian Shoreditch Town Hall, The Clove Club serves a tasting menu of extraordinary modern British cooking from Isaac McHale. The buttermilk fried chicken with pine salt is one of London's most talked-about dishes. The open kitchen creates theatre, and the natural wine list is excellent.
Heston Blumenthal's London restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental, Knightsbridge reimagines historical British recipes with modern culinary techniques. The Meat Fruit (mandarin spherification containing chicken liver parfait) is one of London's most iconic dishes. Each dish comes with historical references from medieval manuscripts.
The Roux family's riverside restaurant in Bray has held three Michelin stars since 1985 - the longest-held three-star rating outside France. The classically French cuisine is served in an idyllic Thames-side setting. Alain Roux continues the family tradition with dishes like foie gras terrine, langoustines, and souffles of extraordinary lightness.
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England has an extensive rail network connecting major cities, with London served by an underground metro system. National Express coaches offer budget travel between cities.
Daily spend by tier in GBP, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $80 | $250 |
| Food (per day) | $20 | $45 | $100 |
| Transportation | $10 | $15 | $30 |
| Activities | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Daily total | $60 | $150 | $400 |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for United Kingdom.
June and September offer the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds than peak July-August. Spring (April-May) brings wildflowers and longer days; autumn (September-October) has beautiful foliage.
Keep wallets, phones, and bags secure in busy tourist areas including London Underground stations, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, and Camden Market. Use bags that zip closed and keep them in front of you.
Be wary of people asking you to sign petitions, who then demand money. Avoid 'three-card monte' street gambling games which are illegal and rigged. Unofficial 'gold rings found on the pavement' is a well-known scam.
Only use black licensed cabs (which have a Hackney Carriage licence) or reputable ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt). Avoid unlicensed minicabs that tout for business outside nightclubs and stations.
In nightlife areas, never leave drinks unattended and be cautious accepting drinks from strangers. 'Spiking' (adding drugs to drinks) occurs occasionally in English cities. If you feel unwell, seek help from bar staff immediately.
England drives on the LEFT. When crossing the road, look RIGHT first (the opposite of most countries). Most crossings are marked 'LOOK RIGHT' and 'LOOK LEFT' on the tarmac. This is one of the most common hazards for visitors.
When walking in upland areas (Lake District, Peak District, Dartmoor, Yorkshire Dales), always carry an OS map, compass, and waterproof clothing. English weather can change rapidly. Tell someone your planned route and expected return time.
Rip currents and strong tides affect English beaches. Only swim at beaches with RNLI lifeguards (indicated by red and yellow flags). The RNLI rescue over 9,000 people from English beaches each year.
England's city centres can become rowdy late on Friday and Saturday nights when pubs close. Stick to well-lit areas, travel in groups where possible, and avoid confrontations with drunk individuals.
Use ATMs at bank branches rather than standalone ATMs in shops. Shield your PIN. Card skimming devices are occasionally placed on isolated ATMs.
Wear a helmet when cycling (not legally required but strongly advised). Use the cycle lane where provided. At night, lights are legally required front and rear.
Large music festivals (Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds, Download) are generally safe but pickpocketing occurs in crowds. Use festival lockers for valuables and register a meeting point with your group.
England can experience flooding in low-lying areas, ice and snow in winter (particularly the Pennines, Lake District, and Dartmoor), and occasional heatwaves in summer. Check Met Office forecasts at metoffice.gov.uk before outdoor activities.
Entry requirements follow United Kingdom rules. EU citizens may enter visa-free for up to 6 months. US, Canadian, Australian and many other nationals can visit visa-free for up to 6 months. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for many nationalities from 2024. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in England is the British Pound (GBP). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in England: English. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in England include Tower of London, Stonehenge, Lake District National Park, British Museum, and Buckingham Palace. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
England has one of the world's most comprehensive transport networks. The National Rail network connects over 2,500 stations. London is served by the iconic Underground (the Tube), buses, Overground, Elizabeth line, and river services. For the countryside, a hire car offers the most flexibility. Driving is on the left.
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.
