England is a country of contradictions, where the remains of ancient Roman spas stand beside modern high-rise buildings, and tranquil pubs in the countryside can be found by taking a train journey to the bustling city of London. With so many places to visit and activities to do when you come to England for the very first time, it is difficult to choose which way to go. Will you visit the sites associated with The Beatles in Liverpool, go ghost hunting in York, or climb to the top of the white cliffs in Dover? To help you create your dream list of things to do in England, we’ve chosen the 10 experiences that best embody the true spirit of the country.
Whereas London may get all the attention, the true spirit of England comes from its small towns and rural landscapes. A growing number of astute travelers have realized that staying at commuter towns such as Hemel Hempstead could reduce hotel expenses without missing out on attractions. Nevertheless, traveling around the area demands that one knows the ins and outs of local travel. If your train drops you off at the station or you end up in Hemel Hempstead Old Town high street after a long day out, moving about town by using public transport may be difficult. This is why understanding local transport systems can come in handy since hiring Taxis In Hemel Hempstead means easily accessing sites such as Verulamium and the chalk lion of Whipsnade Zoo in St Albans.
A visit to England cannot be complete without immersing oneself in its rich, royal history in the form of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. While one can simply walk around the tower walls, it would be wise to join a tour conducted by a Yeoman Warder (also known as a Beefeater). Former soldiers with exceptional story-telling skills, these wardens will entertain you with stories about the ghost of Anne Boleyn and the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower.
Multiculturalism has been embraced whole-heartedly in England, and nowhere more deliciously than in London’s theater district. The ideal way to spend an evening in London would be to have a meal prior to the theater performance in either Soho or Covent Garden and then enjoy a spectacular musical. Getting back home late at night, particularly when out of Zone 1, poses certain challenges as public transportation becomes sparse and ride share prices can go sky-high due to demand. For family or group travel, one must arrange for an Airport Taxi Hemel Hempstead booking that will take them home from the theater at a set price and with a skilled driver familiar with the M1 and M25 motorways.
Forget about the cities and travel to the south-western direction. Jurassic Coast is the only natural World Heritage Site in England, which consists of 95 miles of coastline showing the evidence of 185 million years of earth’s geological evolution. Your goal would be pretty straightforward—to either walk along the entire path from Corfe Castle to Old Harry Rocks or brave the challenging steps down to the caves of Lulworth. Look out for fossilized remains of ammonites on the Charmouth beach; you are allowed to collect any decent fossil and bring it back home.
For people who envisage England as a country shrouded in the mists of “Wuthering Heights” and sparkling waters, this is the place. You may rent a “launch” (a motorboat), cruise on Lake Windermere, or follow the example of the Romantic poets and climb Mount Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. Afternoon is for visiting Hill Top House, the old 17th century farm house of the creator of Peter Rabbit. You will be able to see her clogs near the fireplace and Peter’s vegetable garden. Of course you should try a “sticky toffee pudding.”
England cannot be experienced without visiting a local pub, although do not go for the commercial pubs. Go to Oxford, “the City of Dreaming Spires,” and experience the pubs that have seen Nobel laureates and literary giants like Tolkien and Lewis meet and discuss their books, such as “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Try some real English ale (choose either a “bitter” or a “pale ale”) and some Ploughman’s lunch, consisting of cheese, pickles, and a crusty loaf of bread. This meal has remained unchanged for the past 500 years.
For an understanding of Englishness, one should witness cricket in the summertime. It is a game which is bewildering and wonderful and can last for many hours or even several days. There is no need to understand the intricacies of LBW (leg before wicket), but simply immerse yourself in the spirit of the occasion. Visit a county ground such as The Oval in London or Old Trafford in Manchester. Purchase a ticket to watch a “T20” game (the shortened form of the game played quickly). Pack some food, a Pimm’s (a fruit-laden gin-based drink), and perhaps a sun hat.
Also read: What Is the Best Place to Visit for 4 Days in the UK
The North of England presents a rugged and more mature scene. York is an old town surrounded by walls, dating back to before Viking times. The York Minster boasts the title of the largest Gothic cathedral found north of the Alps; be sure to ascend its tower to get an overview of the Yorkshire Dales. Following that, stroll through The Shambles, which is a medieval street so narrow that the wooden buildings’ tops almost meet each other. This street today resembles Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter films because it was the inspiration behind it.
Forget about luxury London hotels for now. The most traditional afternoon tea is served in either a country estate or a cathedral garden room. Here you have to know the rules: Sandwiches come first (cucumber, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise), next comes the scone (clotted cream and strawberry jam—there is a heated debate on which one should be spread first), followed by petits fours. Tea at places such as Bath’s Pump Room (where Jane Austen visited her spa baths) or the Orangery at Kensington Palace will do you nicely. It is more than just lunch.
The picturesque villages of Bibury, Castle Combe, and Bourton-on-the-Water with their golden Cotswold stone houses make great images for postcards. While nature remains priceless, true treasures can be found within antiques shops. The UK is known as the leader in producing valuable “junk.” Seek out antique Royal Albert plates, sterling silver sugar tongs, or even a 1980s-style Burberry trench coat. But if nothing strikes your fancy, bargaining with shopkeepers, of course politely, is part of the culture. Drive slowly through all the little roads and pull over at every “Tea Room” you encounter for a cup of Earl Grey.
Everyone may want to watch Manchester United and Arsenal, but real passion will always emerge at the Championship level or even the League One level. Try to catch a game between two local teams in a city such as Leeds, Sheffield, or Sunderland. The fans will chant continuously for the duration of 90 minutes, munching on meat pies made from minced beef and gravy. You don’t have to sit up front; you have to find yourself a spot close to the “Kop.” You won’t forget the deafening shout after each goal, groans over missed penalties, and scarves waving everywhere.
It’s a small place, yet quite crowded. What appears to be a short distance on the map could take you about three hours to reach because of poor roads and strikes by the rail company. Check whether you really need a car or whether you could use trains combined with a taxi to accomplish your tasks. Get yourself a pair of good quality water-resistant shoes (weather conditions will change every hour) and get a reusable water bottle, as tap water is absolutely safe wherever you go in England. Most important, don’t think about doing everything. Select three regions (like London, Southwest, including Jurassic coast, and the North, which includes York) and experience life in the UK.
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