"OMG. I am SO JEALOUS."
22.03.2024 - 15:51 / lonelyplanet.com
With its wild coastline, ancient history and cultural contributions that have left a mark around the world, England is one of the world’s most alluring destinations.
And while the famous landmarks and 24/7 buzz of London will always seduce first-time visitors, there are a ton of unique attractions outside the capital that deserve your attention.
From almost-cinematic hikes in the Lake District to the jaunty street art of Bristol, amazing adventures can be had up and down this green and pleasant land. The weather is always changeable, but England’s status as a world-class destination is never in doubt. Here are the best things to do in England.
Many historic cities in Europe retain their original city walls, but few are in as good condition as the 4m (13ft) stone walls surrounding the English city of York. Though the first fortifications were built by the Romans, the current walls are around 700 years old and date back to the medieval period. Stroll atop the walls, and you'll get some stunning views of this city’s soaring spires and crooked rooftops, especially the section behind the grandiose York Minster.
Take a walk through the colorful streets of Bristol’s Stokes Croft neighborhood to see the city’s creative spirit in full flow. The former hometown of enigmatic artist Banksy, Stokes Croft was also his original canvas, and many of his works can still be seen amid the area’s quirky pubs, cool cafes and vintage boutiques.
From classics such as Mild Mild West (with its Molotov-cocktail toting teddy bear) to lesser-known works such as The Rose Trap on Thomas Street North, Banksy’s influence is indelible.
Local tip: Explore more of Banksy's oeuvre on a superbly detailed tour by Where The Wall.
Bizarre and mysterious, the prehistoric stone circle at Stonehenge is one of England’s most evocative sights and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – befitting a site said to date back as far as 3000 BCE. Most visitors gaze at the 50-tonne stones from behind the perimeter fence, but with enough planning, you can arrange an early-morning or evening tour of Stonehenge and gain access to the inner ring itself. The site takes on an ethereal quality as the golden morning sunlight slants between the stones.
Planning tip: You can enter the circle for a sunrise ceremony for the summer or winter solstice for free as part of the Managed Open Access days.
Working out how to spend your time in London when you only have a few days is an almost impossible task as there’s so much to see and do, but it would be remiss to not visit some of its many remarkable museums. Best of all, the majority can be visited free of charge.
From big-hitters such as the British Museum and Kensington greats including the Natural History Museum and Science Museum to
"OMG. I am SO JEALOUS."
A beach is to a vacation is as ice cream is to apple pie: essential. We dream of beaches in Europe and we imagine that feeling of flaxen sand between our toes, the sounds of sea waves crashing on the shoreline, and the updrafts of salty ocean breeze. The small snag is, everyone else gets the same idea, and during peak seasons, carving out a spot on the shore to set out our picnic or recline with our beach read can feel like an impossible feat of engineering.
An inimitable blend of cool and kitsch, Brighton is one of the UK's most quirky, vibrant and welcoming cities.
There’s magic in a good hotel bar—you never know who is coming or going or what interesting things they might be getting up to pre- or post-cocktail. Hotel bars are one of the best ways to cultivate a feeling of travel at home, or on the other hand, enjoy a nightcap before heading up to your hotel room or a refreshment before exploring your destination.
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For English-speakers, Romanian is easier to learn than German. And you’ll be speaking Swahili sooner than Polish.
Here are ten of the newest dining experiences that contribute to London’s well-deserved reputation as a global culinary destination, from hotels with big-name chefs to some must-visit independents.
Joshua Mullock brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the Bridges team. His dedication and his unwavering commitment to quality promise to build on the success of his predecessors.
A transatlantic United Airlines flight was forced to turn around on Friday after one of its toilets malfunctioned and began leaking into the cabin, the German outlet RTL first reported.
Wildly creative in a refined way. That’s how a local Swiss journalist hailed Dutch chef Jeroen Achtien during his previous job. “Wildly creative” is one of those phrases that get thrown around a lot (guilty here), but in this case it’s apt. It’s what the chef is now doing in his native Netherlands, where he’s stepped into some pretty big shoes.
Few destinations capture the imagination like Iceland.
Looking for inspiration for your next big summer vacation? Or, perhaps you're in search of some suggestions for an exciting city break? Whether you're looking for far-flung travel suggestions in Europe or Asia or something closer to home on U.S. soil, we have you covered.