Visiting England
Have you ever dreamed of taking a ride on an iconic red double-decker bus? How about exploring towns with stone-made cottages and lush, green, rolling hills? England is a perfect choice destination for families looking for a historic destination and a culturally enriching experience. With no language barrier for English speakers and no visa requirements, England is a safe and reliable vacation spot. England is easily accessible by plane, but also by train from many other European cities. This makes it easily combinable with another city (there are direct trains to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and many others). It’s an ideal addition to any trip to mainland Europe or just as wonderful as a stand-alone vacation.
When is the best time to visit England and how long should I plan for a visit to England?
The most popular time to visit England is May through September, when temperatures range in the 60’s and low 70’s, and the flowers are blooming! England is beautiful year-round though, so don’t let time of the year stop you. The mild winters should not interfere with any family fun to be had! England (particularly London) is a very popular destination. So if you’re not a fan of crowds and lines, visiting in the off season is recommended (May-June or September). For a week-long trip, planning to visit two cities is probably the most ideal. Then your family will have enough time to really soak up and enjoy the sights and activities of each city. Day trips to the countryside are also easily accessible and lots of fun!
Where should I go in England?
England is a unique country that offers a variety of different experiences. Classically, London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham are the most visited tourist cities. They all offer great sightseeing, accommodations and eats. If you have children, London is a must visit city. As the capital, London has an extensive amount of tourist activities, including many rich activities for children. Other great (but less frequented) destinations for families (with or without children) include Southwest England and the Cotswolds & Bath.
Visiting London
London is the capital of England, with rich history and activities to please all the different personalities in your family. Art and culture fanatics should visit some the of renown museums and galleries such as the British Museum, Tate Modern, Victoria &Albert, Natural History Museum, and the National Gallery. For those interested in admiring and exploring beautiful castles and churches, a visit to Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral should be on your list. Do you have any shopaholics in the family? Visiting Camden Market or Portobello Road Market will fulfill their shopping wishes and also provide other members of the family enjoyable sightseeing and a taste of English culture. Harrods, London’s biggest department store and Hamleys, London’s biggest toy store, are other popular shopping destinations. If you’re growing tired of the bustling city, take a trip to Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens where you can take a break and a breath of fresh air.
For energetic nightlife lovers, the West End Theatre District (AKA the Broadway of London) is a must-see. Piccadilly Circus is also a popular nightlife destination, but it’s just as eccentric and charming during the day as well. London boasts a plethora of pubs, bars, and clubs, as well as some famous music festivals. Have any Harry Potter fanatics in the family? The Warner Brothers Studios is just north of London, in a town called Watford. You can wander through many of the real sets (such as the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s Office, Hagrid’s Hut) where the Harry Potter movies were filmed.
London offers so many wonderful activities
London also offers many incredible tours, including walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours on the famous red double deckers. Other popular attractions and destinations for sightseeing include the London Eye (a giant Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views of the city), Houses of Parliament (including the infamous Big Ben), and the Tower Bridge (a famous bridge stretching across the Thames River). There’s an incredible range of accommodations available in London. From luxurious five-star hotels, where you can live like the royals for a few days, to cheap and quirky hostels, where you can experience co-living and meet other travelers. London is sure to impress and entertain everybody in your family and provide an unforgettable experience.
Visiting Southwest England
Southwest England is a great destination for a family looking for a more laid-back vacation. This area boasts stunning beaches and gorgeous coastlines. Bournemouth is a popular seaside town for visitors, where you can experience the authentic British coastal town feeling. Make sure to check out some of the 7 miles of beaches that Bournemouth offers. Sports fans can live like a local and enjoy an AFC Bournemouth soccer game or a Bournemouth Rugby Club match. Many restaurants in Bournemouth are known for serving fresh produce and eco-friendly dishes. It’s a great place to visit for families who are interested in both the tourist attractions as well as experiencing the true local culture. Salisbury is another popular destination in Southwest England. A medieval city full of interesting and intricately designed cathedrals, churches, and houses, Salisbury is most famously known being the home of Stonehenge. Stonehenge (a prehistoric monument) is an iconic piece of history, and a must-see for history buffs. Though Southwest England isn’t as popular with tourists, it offers a cultural experience like no other, breathtaking landscapes and scenery, and entertaining activities for any family.
Visiting the Cotswolds
If you’re looking for a relaxing, remote, and peaceful vacation, you may want to visit the quaint English countryside. Cotswolds AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), is a collection of counties in rural England, that is well-known for its beautiful rolling hills, stunning meadows, charming villages, and enchanting castles. Some popular villages include Stanton, Chipping Campden, Painswick, and Bourton-on-the-Water, among others. If you’re looking for an intimate and romantic getaway, the Cotswolds area is perfect. It will provide a picturesque setting with cozy pubs, luxurious spas, and a slow-paced feel. It’s also a must-visit area if you’re an outdoorsy family. Many of the towns and villages in Cotswold offer interesting and reasonably priced walking tours, hiking expeditions, and birding tours. For animal-loving children, you can see over 260 different species of animals at the Cotswolds Wildlife Park & Gardens. This part of England will make you feel as though you’re living in a storybook. The Cotswolds will also provide an unforgettable family or couple vacation.
Visiting Bath
Bath is a vibrant and history-rich city. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, Bath is known for it’s baths that were built by the Romans. A must-see in Bath, is of course, the Roman Baths. It’s an iconic tourist attraction where you can observe a authentic piece of British history. The Roman Baths (and attached museum) offers fun events and activities for people to enjoy depending on time of year. Visit the stunning Bath Abbey and soak up some gothic architecture. If you love architecture, you may also want to check out the Royal Crescent or Circus. Like many other English cities, Bath offers a wide range of museums to visit. The most popular are the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, American Museum in Britain, Holburne Museum, and the Fashion Museum. Royal Victoria Park and Prior Park Landscape Garden are wonderfully kept outdoor spaces and popular to enjoy some fresh air.
How easy is it to travel within and outside of England? Can I combine a trip to France or Ireland with a trip to England?
Travelling within England is fairly easy and can be affordable depending on what mode of travel you utilize. Typically, trains are much faster than buses, but much more expensive. Trains from London to Bath are about 90 minutes and the prices start at $20 a person. Trains from London to Bournemouth and surrounding areas cost upwards of $15 and take a little over two hours. Depending on where you visit in the Cotswolds, the train ride times range from 45 minutes to 2 hours, and cost anywhere between $40 and $90 per person. Buses from London to Bath or the Cotswolds are significantly cheaper, running anywhere from $8-$15 a person. The downside is that it takes much longer, between 3 and 5 hours depending on your final destination.
Yes! Of course you can combine your trips, in fact, many people do. Trains provide an easy and efficient way to travel between countries. Many people decide to explore Ireland or other destinations within the United Kingdom, such as Scotland or Wales, in conjunction with their trip to England. Trains from London to Paris and vice versa, cost upwards of $61 per person per way, and take a little over two hours (on the high-speed train).
Wherever you go in this beautiful country, you will have fun!
However you decide to explore and experience England, whether it’s a long weekend solely dedicated to London, a week bouncing around Bath and the Cotswolds, or a few weeks jumping from mainland European cities to the islands of the UK, it is sure to impress and provide unforgettable memories.
Across the pond lies a magical place, where some of our greatest classical authors pulled their inspiration for characters we have grown to know and love. From the busy atmosphere of London and Baker Street in Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to the calm Hertfordshire countryside in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. England provides some of the most beautiful and varied landscape for your family to explore and enjoy! Visit the country’s staple attractions including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, located conveniently downtown with a wide range of family focuses amenities to enjoy. Then retire to the countryside for a few days to bask in the English sun and relax in one of the local manor homes, with gardens where your children can enjoy the wide open spaces.
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