Say “England” and most people think of London: Big Ben, red buses and rain. But the England we wanted to show in our video was a little different: misty hills, towns of honey-colored stone, cliffs facing the ocean, quiet lakes and centuries-old bridges. It wasn’t a list but a slow documentary journey. In the same spirit, this guide presents England by the character of its regions, with practical tips for each.
London: The starting point
Most trips to England start in London, and the city deserves at least two or three days. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in Westminster, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, the British Museum and the National Gallery are the classic stops. Because entry to the permanent collections of many major museums is free, London is surprisingly budget-friendly.
A walk along the Thames, neighborhoods with very different personalities like Camden and Notting Hill, and the city’s great parks are ideal for getting into London’s rhythm. On the Tube, buses and trains, you can pay with a contactless bank card.
To compare London tours and day trips: tours and things to do in England.
Rural England: The Cotswolds
The shots in the video that best capture the feeling of the English countryside are most likely from the Cotswolds. West of London, towns of honey-colored limestone are scattered among gentle hills: Bibury, Castle Combe, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are the best known. Public transportation between them is limited, so exploring by car or on a guided tour is much easier.
Historic cities: Bath, Oxford, York
Bath, named for its Roman baths and famous for its Georgian architecture, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The crescent-shaped terrace of the Royal Crescent is the city’s symbol.
Oxford is a city of stone quadrangles and spires, built around the colleges of one of the oldest universities in the world. Some colleges are open to visitors at set times.
York, in the north, is a favorite with history lovers for its medieval walls, its enormous Gothic cathedral, York Minster, and its narrow, crooked street, The Shambles.
Stonehenge, near Salisbury, with its stone circle thousands of years old, is one of England’s most mysterious monuments. You can visit on a day tour from Bath or London.
Coastlines: Cornwall and the south coast
Cornwall, at England’s southwestern tip, with its cliffs facing the Atlantic, its beaches and fishing towns, is one of the most dramatic parts of the video. Towns like St Ives, Padstow and Mousehole draw surfers and families in summer.
On the south coast, the white chalk cliffs known as the Seven Sisters and the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder famous for its fossils, await. The natural rock arch of Durdle Door is the coast’s best-known sight.
Lakes and mountains: The Lake District
The Lake District in northwest England, with its lakes, green fells and pastures divided by stone walls, is a region that inspired poets. Windermere, Grasmere and Keswick make good bases for hiking and boat trips. The weather can change fast; even in summer, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes are essential.
Sample itinerary: 10 days
- London (3 days)
- Oxford and the Cotswolds (2 days)
- Bath and Stonehenge (1–2 days)
- The Lake District (2 days)
- York (1 day), then the train back to London
If you want to add Cornwall, tack a few more days onto the southern part of the route; it’s quite far from London.
Getting around
England has an extensive rail network, but tickets can be expensive; booking early and using railcards can save a lot. Renting a car is practical for rural areas, but remember that traffic drives on the left and country lanes can be very narrow.
There are direct flights to London’s airports and other major UK cities from much of the world. To compare flights: flights to London.
Entry and practical info
- The UK is not part of the Schengen Area. Depending on your passport you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a UK visa; check current requirements on gov.uk.
- The currency is the pound sterling (GBP). Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere.
- Outlets are Type G (three-pin), so bring an adapter.
- For mobile data: eSIM options for the UK.
Where to stay
Central London is expensive; neighborhoods farther out but close to a Tube line are easier on the budget. In the countryside, B&Bs and rooms above village pubs are part of the English experience. To compare options: hotels in England.
When to go
May to September brings the longest days and mildest weather. July and August are crowded because of school holidays. In spring the countryside is in bloom; in fall the Lake District and the Cotswolds fill with color. Be ready for rain in any season.
Food and drink
English food is far more varied than its reputation. A classic full English breakfast, fish and chips and the traditional Sunday roast are all must-tries. Afternoon tea, with scones, jam and clotted cream, is a ritual. Village pubs are the friendliest places to try local dishes.
Final word
Don’t think of England as just London. Put on our video, sit back and see which landscape calls to you: a stone village, a cliff above the ocean or a misty lake? Then draw your own route with this guide.
Unusual facts
- England is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom; the others are Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when crossing the street.
- Many of London’s major museums (such as the British Museum and the National Gallery) are free for their permanent collections.
- The London Underground is the oldest metro system in the world; its first line opened in the 19th century.
- Many sites, including Stonehenge and Bath, are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Things to watch out for & tourist traps
- The UK is not part of the Schengen Area and has its own entry rules: depending on your passport you’ll need either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a visa, and visa applications can take a while.
- Outlets take three-pin plugs (Type G), so don’t forget an adapter.
- Train fares vary hugely depending on time and flexibility; travel off-peak when you can.
- Country lanes are narrow and hedge-lined; if you’re not used to driving on the left, think carefully before renting a car.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to enter the UK?
It depends on your passport. Many visitors, including US, Canadian, Australian and EU citizens, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) applied for online before travel, while others, such as Turkish citizens, need a UK visitor visa. A Schengen visa is not valid. Check the official UK government website (gov.uk) for current rules.
What should I see outside London?
The Cotswold villages, Bath, Oxford, York, the Cornish coast and the Lake District are the favorite stops.
What’s the weather like in England?
Mild but changeable; even in summer, pack a rain jacket and a light extra layer.
