Welcome to England UK!
Each page opens with an inspirational video. If you have the time, sit back and enjoy. These filmmakers have an incredible passion for travel and we want to share their talent. After watching, we hope to give you a reason to read on….
*Video Plays Once~Click 1X to Pause
About England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. It is separated from continental Europe by the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south. The country covers five-eighths of the island of Great Britain, which lies in the North Atlantic, and includes over 100 smaller islands, such as the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight.
The area now called England was first inhabited by modern humans during the Upper Paleolithic period, but takes its name from the Angles, a Germanic tribe deriving its name from the Anglia peninsula, who settled during the 5th and 6th centuries. England became a unified state in the 10th century and has had a significant cultural and legal impact on the wider world since the Age of Discovery, which began during the 15th century. The English language, the Anglican Church, and English law—the basis for the common law legal systems of many other countries around the world—developed in England, and the country’s parliamentary system of government has been widely adopted by other nations. The Industrial Revolution began in 18th-century England, transforming its society into the world’s first industrialized nation.
Of the 25 United Kingdom UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 17 are in England. Some of the best known of these include Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites, Tower of London, Jurassic Coast, Palace of Westminster, Roman Baths, City of Bath, Saltaire, Ironbridge Gorge, Studley Royal Park and more recently the English Lake District. The northernmost point of the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s Wall, is the largest Roman artifact anywhere: it runs for a total of 73 miles (117 kilometers) in northern England. (Wikipedia: England)
Country Planning Guide
Map of England
Regions of England
- Northeast Region: northern border, Roman ruins, most castles, counties such as Tyne, Durham, & Newcastle
- Northwest Region: known for music, great football teams, stunning Lake District, counties such as Cumbria, Cheshire, Liverpool, & Manchester
- Yorkshire Region: largest county, known for cozy pubs, historic cities, beautiful scenery
- East Midlands: rolling hills, beautiful countryside, counties include Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Rutland and parts of Lincolnshire
West Midlands: industrial and engineering traditions, counties consist of Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire
South East Region: most populated area of England, close to London, Oxford University, includes the counties of East Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire
- Southwest Region: quaint villages and a stunning coastline, the Cotwalds, Stonehenge, histori town of Bath, Jurassic Coast, consists of the counties of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire
What to Know Before You Go
Check out the content in each slider to help you prepare for your trip to England! We will share with you information on the best time to go, culture, language & currency. We also give suggestions on transportation and cost saving ideas. Learn more about the culture and food so you are ready of the best trip ever!
*Be sure to click on the slider to stop and read, and click again to move forward or the button at the top right.
The best time to visit England is in the summer but the downside is that everyone else knows that as well. It can be crowded, so consider that as well as increased costs, especially in London. Many think it rains all year long, which is not the case. If showers come through, it may clear up shortly so give it time but always pack layers! Winters are mild, so if you are game, airlines offer great deals in the off season. It never really gets too cold or snowy, but may be a bit more rainy.
Football is a big part of England's culture (and the UK for thaat matter). One day when in London we stumbled upon a few chaps, dressed up and ready to party at a football championship. We ended up getting off the train to check it out and low and behold it was WIMBLEY STADIUM! The fans for the Liverpool and Wales teams were so prideful in their teams. They sang great songs and it was a truly unique experience for us Americans. There is so much pride in their sports teams. There is also much proide in the monarchy as most from England do support the role of the Queen. And as for language, of course it is English, but try interpreting a guy on the tube from Liverpool (needed subtitles).
While in London, we recommend you do not drive. It is not worth the headache and cost. The tube (subway) is super easy and affordable. There are trains leaving every airport and we can attest to Gatwick and Stansted. It was super easy to get on board and travel through London and beyond. They do offer a pass for the rail which also includes the red double decker bus. Also do know that black cabs are very expensive (get rates up front).When driving outside of London, do remember they drive on the left. But you get the hang of it, especially wtih a navigator up front. The roads are so easy to use and even smaller village roads can be managed. Just look out for brush and ditches (and one lane roads). People are friendly and it is very easy to manuever.
Even places like London offers free activities. The Sky Garden, which is at the top of the building in London does offer free rides to the top with incredible views. It can only be arranged by reservation so do keep that in mind. A visit to the Burrough Market is a great expereince and of course, only costs if you buy something. Food vendors come from all over. it does bring in the crowds so keep that in mind. Walking across the many great bridges in London (including famous Tower Bridge) is also free. And you can walk down to Buckingham Palace for a great view and changing of the guard. Also there are so many lovely parks in London so be sure to look them up and add them to your itinerary. The greenery and architechture is beautiful!
There are so many iconic landmarks in London. As mentioned on the last slide, many are free or little charge. Take a walk across the iconic Tower Bridge, and hit Sky Garden on the way, You have to get tickets ahead to go to the top of Sky Garden but so worth it. They are free but need to be reserved. The SHard is another tall building but they charge for adminssion to the top. Take a walk over to Buickingham Palace and be sure to stop by Big Ben. Big Ben is under construction but it is so lovely to walk by the Thames and view these historic buildings. Other popular things to do in London include Picadilly Circus (which reminds us of Times Square) and Oxford Street, the best shopping in London. Do look up the many parks in London including Hyde, St. James, Regent, Kensington.
Look for an Ale and Pie House for am amazing staple in England, the meat pie with mashed potatoes and peas. Another staple in England is fish and chips. Admidittedly we liked the fish and chips in Ireland better but it is worth a try. English Beers are ales. They have more limited carbonization to some may seem flat but this is their tradition. London is also known for other cultures like Indian and African due to the imigrants that have made England their home. The Indian food in London is some of the best in the world. There is a wonderful and traditional China town in London. Be sure to stop by for dim sum if you have the time. They are authentic and affordable.
The British Sterling Poind is the currency of England and all of the UK. You may hear the word "quid" which is slang for pound. In pubs tipping is not required but you can always buy the bartender a drink. Gastropubs and some reastaurants may add in about a 10% service charge. For a taxi, you can just round up to the nearest pound. England is not a tipping culture like the U.S. but if you want to extend a tip due to good service, we doubt it will be turned down. Most places take a credit card but when in villages, it is wise to have cash on hand.
Type G outlets are used throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These sockets have three rectangular holes, including a ground. It is wise to bring a few, as hotels may not supply them. Also get your mobile plan squared away before you leave. ATT tried to tell about a plan the day before we left, that turned out costing $300 more. It was a distraction to deal with that while traveling. We suggest Facetime and What's Ap to talk to family back home. Put the mobile phone on no roaming and data.
Top Destinations
Get Inspired - Podcasts, Blogs & Video
Top 10 Places to Visit
As always, Ryan Shirley inspires us with the most beautiful and fascinating places to visit in the UK. Check ou this other amazing videos by clicking Explore More.
England Places
This video by Touropa will give you a good overview of some of the best places to visit in England. Please check out the link below for an incredibly thorough Travel Guide for all things England.
Get Inspired - British Recipes!
