Top 10 Best Places to Visit in England

England is a great place to visit, whether travelers are making their first or umpteenth trip abroad. That’s partly because the language barrier isn’t there for English speakers, though one can hear languages from throughout the world spoken here. First-time visitors may just want to hit the highlights, such as Westminster Abbey or shopping at Knightsbridge in London and perhaps visit a university town or Stonehenge. Return visitors might opt for hiking on the moors, investigating the nooks and crannies of picturesque villages, or digging into their English heritage. The best places to visit in England truly offer something for everyone.

1London

London is a fascinating city laden with history, filled with museums and art galleries, beautiful green parks, fantastic shopping and dining, a vibrant theater scene, and, of course, royalty. London is truly a city that has it all.

The English capital is a city that is steeped in history, from its museums and palaces to historic buildings such as Westminster Abbey, the final resting place for many of the country’s greatest individuals, from writers to statesmen to royalty. London is home to some of the most famous museums in the world: the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Tate Gallery, all of which offer free admission. The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is a not-to-be-missed experience, as is watching the minutes tick away at Big Ben, probably the world’s most famous clock.

Some of the best performances in the world can be found in London, with its lively theater scene. Concerts abound, beginning with an evensong service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a church that is just as famous for the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer to Prince Charles as it is for being a great example of Christopher Wren’s architecture. Travelers with an interest in other royal wives may want to visit the Tower of London where Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII, was beheaded. Another London must is riding a double-decker bus across Tower Bridge over the Thames River.

Shoppers will enjoy Oxford Street and Knightsbridge, home to Harrods’s, one of the world’s most famous department stores. When it’s time for a break, have a pint at a traditional English pub while deciding what ethnic cuisine to eat that night.

See also: Where to Stay in London

2Stonehenge and Avebury

One of the most popular places to visit in England, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument found in Wiltshire. From about 2500BC, Neolithic and Bronze Age man started to bring gigantic stones from Wales and the Marlborough Downs. It was not until 1600BC that Stonehenge came to be completed. A trip to Stonehenge is best combined with a trip to prehistoric Avebury to the north, which has an even bigger stone circle, with fewer restrictions, and far fewer tourists.

3York

York is a walled city with a rich heritage located where the River Foss meets the River Ouse. An impressive number of attractions are packed into the space of this ancient city. York is just a two-hour train ride away from London.

Plenty of exciting sights compete for visitors’ attention as they stroll along the city’s cobblestone streets. One of the city’s landmarks is York Minster. This commanding stone cathedral is filled with remarkable works of art. Children are unlikely to be bored thanks to “explorer baskets” and other activities geared toward young people at the cathedral.

One of the more unique offerings in York is the JORVIK Viking Centre. This recreation of a Viking city captures the sights, sounds, and even the smells that existed a thousand years ago. The medieval Clifford’s Tower, which was built by William the Conqueror and rebuilt by Henry III in the 13th century, is a great vantage point for panoramic views around the city.

Yorkshire Museum is home to impressive collections of archaeology and geology. An authentic recreation of a Victorian street is one of the highlights of the Castle Museum. The Railway Museum is a free attraction that explores 300 years of rail history, including interactive displays that capture the attention of visitors young and old alike.

Visitors can explore the city by boat, bus, bike or foot. In fact, it is one of the largest pedestrian zones in Europe, which means getting around without transport is not difficult.See also: Where to Stay in York

4Oxford

Oxford dates back to Saxon England when it was known as Oxenaforda or a place where oxen crossed a river. Today it is known as home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford University, which dates back to the 12th century. This southeastern England town, the county seat for Oxfordshire, also boasts the remains of Norman castles, and the Christ Church Cathedral, a college chapel and cathedral rolled into one building. Because students come from all over the world to study here, Oxford is an ethnically diverse city.

See also: Where to Stay in Oxford

5Jurassic Coast

Fossil hunters may want to make a beeline for the Jurassic Coast, a section in southern England that runs roughly from Bournemouth to Exmouth. The rocks date back 185 million years to when the continents were crunching up against each other and then drifting apart. Museums along the way explain each region; Charmouth is the best place to find fossils. Fossil hunters, and all visitors, should take time to walk the beaches or visit the small charming towns along the way. Take care when walking near cliffs since rocks can fall at any time.

6Cambridge

Cambridge is a charming English city located on the River Cam just north of London. As the home to one of the world’s top universities, the University of Cambridge, it has all of the cultural and entertainment options you might expect from a college town.

Cambridge touts itself as a “city for all seasons”. There is no shortage of things to do even on the coldest winter day, and the options are seemingly unlimited when the warmer weather sets in.

The King’s College Chapel, situated along the River Cam, is considered a fine example of perpendicular Gothic architecture and is one of the most visited sights in the city. The Cambridge University Botanic Garden features 8,000 species of plants and flowers, a winter garden, mature trees and glasshouses. It has been drawing in visitors for more than 150 years.

A number of tours are available to showcase the city’s sights, including daily two-hour official public walking tours, punting tours and ghost tours.

Cambridge’s green surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a number of outdoor activities. In addition to perennial favorites such as walking and cycling, the Cam River is a great place to try punting, which involves steering a flat-bottomed boat with a pole.

7Bath

Bath got its name because that’s what it was when it was founded by the Romans in 60 AD, who built baths here because of the hot springs. It reached its popularity peak in the Georgian years when the wealthy flocked here for spas. Besides being famous for its waters, the city also is an excellent example of Georgian architecture. The city has an active cultural scene today, with live theatre and fine dining. This southwestern English city makes a good base from which to visit the monolithic Stonehenge. See also: Where to Stay in Bath

8St Ives

Located on the coast, St. Ives may be a former fishing town but it still has the only port in southeastern England’s Cornwall. Today this picturesque town of almost 12,000 is such a popular holiday resort it was named the Best UK Seaside Town in 2010 and 2011. Comfortable walking shoes are a must to get up the hilly, narrow cobblestone streets that are lined with quaint buildings housing boutiques and art galleries.

See also: Where to Stay in St Ives

9Lake District

The Lake District in northwest England’s Cumbria is home to the country’s largest national park. The mountainous region is known for hikes and mountain climbing. It’s a popular tourist destination, attracting more than 15 million visitors annually. The park has the highest mounting in England, Scafell Peak, and the longest lake, Windermere. Others may prefer more gentle walks through the valleys while they contemplate the works of William Wordsworth, a famous 19th century poet, or riding a steam train through the scenic are.

10Brighton

Brighton, on the Sussex coast, has been a popular beach resort since the mid-19th century. Much of its popularity is due to the proximity to London, making it popular with day trippers. The beachfront is lined with graceful old Victorian homes that today provide tourist accommodations. Visitors will want to walk out on the famous Palace Pier or admire the traditional English gardens. The city has a vibrant night life, and is home to many entertainers and athletes.