England – where a cup of tea can cure all ills, the railway was invented, Shakespeare was born and where Baby, Scary, Sporty and Posh set about spicing up lives.
It’s easy to knock England, especially if you’re English, but beneath a blanket of self-deprecation exists a land of quirky subcultures, cheeky sarcasm and Sunday roasts.
Opulent city architecture heralds a rich history; one which in recent times has witnessed a hastening growth in diversity, making England’s cities some of the most culturally varied in the world.
Ready for some fresh air? Well, you’re in for a treat… a real wilderness awaits you outside city gates. From pre-historic stone circles and lush countryside to a more mountainous terrain up north; this landscape is walled by an ever-changing rugged coastline.
A penchant for pub culture began in Roman times and now there are over 51,380 of these social hubs dotted around this small nation… let’s raise our glasses to that!
View my top tips for travelling in England, with budget friendly advice and recommendations for where to go and what to do.
Best Places to Visit in England
There are so many places to see in England, from ancient historical cities to beaches (yes beaches).
The capital city of London is a short 2 hour and 20 minute train journey from Liverpool. Here in the world’s most visited city, the list of famous buildings and places to visit is endless. You can take a boat along the banks of the River Thames to see the world-famous skyline or walk from Buckingham Palace to Westminster to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. You can shop all day on Oxford Street or watch the street performers in Covent Garden.
Home to The Beatles and one of the most successful football teams in the world, Liverpool FC, this is one of the best city breaks in the UK with shops, arts, culture and entertainment.
Chester
With over 2000 years of history, Chester is as fascinating as it is beautiful. This ancient city is a culture-lovers dream. Inside the best preserved Roman walls you will find an abundance of medieval buildings and the magnificent cathedral. You can take a leisurely walk along the river and the canal or visit the beautiful Grosvenor Park. Shopping fans can enjoy the great mixture of designer boutiques and high-street stores. There are some of the best traditional pubs in the country and you could even take a day trip to the UK’s top zoo.
Football supporters can visit two Premiership football stadiums, those of Manchester United and Manchester City followed by a walk around the National Football Museum. There’s the award-winning Museum of Science and Industry as well as many other museums and art galleries. The Arndale Centre has over 200 shops to visit whilst the Northern Quarter has a great selection of cool independent stores and quirky vintage shops.
Lake District
England’s largest national park was the home and inspiration for some of Britain’s most famous writers including William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, and Alfred Wainwright. It’s home to both the largest mountain (Scafell Pike) and the largest lake (Windermere) in the UK. You can visit the picturesque town of Bowness, go on a boat cruise across the lake or take a steam train ride through breathtaking scenery. For the more adventurous people as well as some stunning hikes there’s also a whole heap of activities to do such as climbing, water sports, and zip lines. And it’s all less than 2 hours’ drive from Liverpool.
Bournemouth
Located on the south coast of the UK, Bournemouth has a 7 mile long white sandy beach and is the perfect summer destination for sun, sea, sand and ocean! There are so many amazing places to visit near Bournemouth too, including Durdle Door and the Jurassic Coast, Salisbury and Winchester.
Southampton
Surrounded by rivers and sea, many of Southampton’s activities and attractions have a nautical theme. Ocean village is home to a marina, shops, restaurants, cinemas and bars. Head to the Maritime Museum to discover the port’s distinguished history, including a good exhibition about the Titanic. It was from Southampton that the Titanic began her ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. Visit historical Bargate, constructed in Norman times as part of the fortified walled city, and a main point of entry and exit to the city. If you plan to be in this region, view my Portsmouth travel tips.
Leeds
It’s easy to get around Leeds since the city is so compact – ditch the car and go walkabout. There’s plenty of architecture reflecting a rich history dating back hundreds of years – one example is the Town Hall, built to reflect Leeds’ wealth and power and opened by Queen Victoria in 1858. Shop till you drop in Leeds and when you’re done head to one of the many galleries, theatres, craft markets or museums dotted about the city.
Newcastle was once a strategic defence point of the Roman Empire and you can still see the remains of Hadrian’s Wall, built to mark the northernmost boundary. Modern Newcastle boasts excellent galleries, stunning architecture and great nightlife with thriving restaurants and bars.
Other
Some more places you might like to see include Cornwall and the Cotswolds – both areas of natural beauty. Birmingham, England’s second largest city is also recommended as are the Cathedral city of Canterbury and Northampton. If you want to explore the south coast of England a trip to the Isle of Wight is highly recommended.
Transport & Getting Around
Train
The rule of thumb is the earlier you book for off-peak periods, the cheaper the ticket. There is a host of different rail companies depending on whereabouts you want to visit. For information on train journey routes and timetables in the UK, visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk. When booking trains, be sure to book through websites which don’t charge you an online booking fee.
Coach
National Express coaches have some excellent offers for both singles and returns. Cheap deals are available if you book on the internet. Print off your booking yourself. Visit: www.nationalexpress.com. For travelling by train throughout Europe, visit: www.raileurope.com. Mega Bus is also renowned for its money-saving offers. You can get a bus for as cheap as £1.50! Visit: www.uk.megabus.com
Car
Cars can be hired through a number of rental companies. For the best prices, visit: travelsupermarket.com. Alternatively, why not share a ride? BlaBlaCar is a great way to save money and make new pals – all while minimising your carbon footprint!
Campervan
Hiring a campervan and hitting the wide open road is a must. It’s a fantastic way to get off the beaten track and exolore the less conventional routes. Plus, your accommodation and transport are all in one little nifty space! Check out Spaceships Camper Rentals and Wicked Campers for rental prices and more information.
Plane
A great place to book cheap flights within the UK and Europe is Easy Jet and Ryan Air. Book well in advance to get the cheap flights. These airlines fly from many regional airports and so for those of you who aren’t based in London, you can still find some great deals. London now has flights to Newquay, in the heart of Cornwall. It is an easy way to get out West for a weekend break.
Plan Your Trip to England
You want to see more places you might also find these guides helpful:
• Wales travel tips
• Scotland travel tips
• Ireland travel tips