Introduction
As it is home to everything from Buckingham Palace and The Beatles to pubs, Harry Potter and the Premier League, it is no surprise that England has long been a popular place to visit. While lots of people come to experience its rich culture and see its impressive historic sights, museums and cities, others prefer to explore its picture-perfect countryside and quaint and charming towns and villages.
Part of the United Kingdom, England occupies the central and southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain with its territory also including several smaller isles and archipelagos. Only separated from mainland Europe and nearby Ireland by narrow channels and small seas, it is bordered by Scotland to the north and Wales to the west. While much of it consists of verdant farms and fields, rolling hills and sparkling lakes like in the Pennines and Lake District also dot its moors and forests while secluded beaches and scenic bays line the coast.
Due to all its world-renowned historic sites and cultural landmarks, the island nation’s lively capital London really is a must-visit. Asides from stopping by some of its excellent museums or watching a live theater show, it has some sublime shopping, restaurants and nightlife for visitors to enjoy with Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London counting among its main attractions.
While London and all its iconic sights understandably dominates most first-time visitors’ itineraries, England has an almost endless list of things to see and do. Besides checking out the cosmopolitan cities of Manchester and Liverpool, you can delve into the unique culture and identities of Brighton and York or explore the charming university towns of Oxford and Cambridge.
Away from its cities, England has drop-dead gorgeous regions such as the Cotswolds, Lake District and Peak District for visitors to drive around – all full of quaint villages and spellbinding countryside scenery. In addition to lounging on its beaches and exploring its colorful seaside towns, you can also visit important and impressive historic sites such as Hadrian’s Wall and Stonehenge.