England travel guide

England – Britain's biggest country

Learn everything about England from its beautiful landscapes and historic World Heritage Sites to its vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. You'll also find useful travel information such as a map of England, accommodation booking and information on famous attractions and events.

Memory of England

"The English people are great, the food is fantastic, everyone is helpful and it is a beautiful country in and out of London"

Rob, USA

Beautiful coastline, charming villages and world-class cities

Sunlight shining down along the rugged and jurassic coastline at Durdle Door in Dorset Source:© Britainonview / - Britain on ViewEngland is the biggest country in Britain , and is home to the largest city in Europe. It's also home to over 600 miles of beautiful coastline and some of the world's top tourist attractions. England is divided into 9 distinct regions, each with its own unique personality, history and culture - from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and charming Cornish villages to the bustling city life of London and the dramatic coastlines of the North East. So no matter what kind of holiday you want, you'll find the perfect destination in England.

Culture & heritage

England is home to 21 of Britain's UNESCO World Heritage Sites , including Hadrian's Wall in the North East, Stonehenge in the South West, Canterbury Cathedral in the South East and the Tower of London and Maritime Greenwich in London . You can also find all 7 of Britain's Heritage Cities in England.

Attractions

Lion at the safari park, Longleat, Wiltshire, England Source:© Britainonview / - Britain on ViewIn every region of England there are hundreds of fantastic attractions to enjoy. As well as London's world-famous attractions, you'll find historical sites like Stonehenge , ecological attractions such as the Eden Project and great family attractions ranging from zoos and safari parks to picnic spots and beaches . Use our Attractions & Events search to find attractions near your destination.

  • Points of Interest
  • Accommodation
  • Attractions
  • Events

Top daytime must-do's

Top night time must-do's

Take in the sights of Cambridge as you drift along the River Cam in a traditional punt .

Catch a show at the UK's oldest working theatre, the Bristol Old Vic .

See the best of England's countryside with one of our walking itineraries .

Try your hand at celebrity-spotting at Liverpool's Albert Dock .

Find out where your favourite films were shot.

Book a restaurant and enjoy some great British food.

Shop till you drop at the Bullring in Birmingham.

Try and visit all of the top 10 nightclubs in Britain.

Follow in the footsteps of the Fab Four as you discover Beatles Britain .

End the night in some fabulously quirky accommodation .

Shopping

Victoria Quarter in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England Source:© Britainonview / Pawel LiberaFrom the bright lights of Oxford Street to the medieval rows of Chester , England has endless shopping choices. If its designer labels you want, head to London's Westbourne Grove or Harvey Nichols in Leeds, or Portobello Market or Manchester Fashion Market for vintage and one-off finds.

Sport

The English adore watching sports, and some might argue that nothing comes close to experiencing a charged atmosphere at an English sports ground or stadium. Football is the national sport, and no matter where you are in England, you'll never be far from a football ground. But if the beautiful game isn't your thing, England is also the home of cricket, tennis and rugby.

Food & drink

Meat and vegetable curry dishes Source:© Britainonview / Andy Ward / Leicestershire PRFrom Cornish cream teas and English wines to smoky Northumberland kippers and Brick Lane curries, English food is exciting and diverse. No matter where you are in England, you'll find great regional food and restaurants.

Buy before you fly

To make your trip to England easier, you can buy tickets to attractions, travel passes, and much more at our online shop, and avoid the queues. The BritRail GB Flexi Pass allows you to explore the country at your own pace, and the Great British Heritage Pass gives you free entry to nearly 600 of Britain's finest historic houses, gardens and monuments. For more great offers, go to VisitBritain Direct .

EnglandFacts

Population
50 million
Main airport
London Heathrow
Capital city
London
Language
English
Main towns / cities
London, Liverpool, Manchester,...

DiscountsAnd Deals

Save time and money before you travel!

We have over 150 Britain products in our online shop. From transport tickets to popular attractions and sightseeing passes, we have everything in store. View all products
BritRail England Flexi Pass

The BritRail England Flexi Pass - flexible train travel around England

BritRail England Flexi Pass
From $205
English Heritage Overseas...

Experience over 400 historic sites with the English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass

English Heritage Overseas...
From $30.50

Things to do

  • Itineraries
    • Ben Nevis view from Corpach © Britainonview / - Britain on View
      Walking up Ben Nevis

      Britain's highest mountain features on many people's hit list and while the walking and summit views make it a worthwhile outing, it is not a...

    • River Wye Source:Anguskirk
      Walking the Wye Valley

      The Wye Valley Walk follows the beautiful river valley from Chepstow in Monmouthshire to Rhayader in Powys, criss-crossing the border between...

    • Eilean Donan Castle at night Source:Allan Gourlay
      Scotland's history & heritage

      Taking you through the West Highlands of Scotland, this captivating itinerary allows you to relax and indulge your senses while experiencing the...

    • View over Oxford spires from Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford © Britainonview / Pawel Libera
      Heart of England by car

      On the lookout for everything English? From cosy tea rooms to superb medieval architecture you will find everything in the Heart of England.

    • Wast Water in the Western lake District Source:Barry
      North England by car

      Come and take in some of the prettiest towns and villages and the most inspiring scenery England has to offer, from wild mountains to wooded...

  • Sightseeing
    • Canterbury Cathedral Source:Spiterman
      Canterbury Cathedral

      Canterbury has been a key location for the Church of England for nearly five centuries and you'll find many important religious buildings and...

    • Kew Gardens, London Source:Roger Quayle
      Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

      Kew Gardens has made continual contributions to botanical and environmental science since 1759, helping conserve unique collections of plants...

    • Major Oak in Sherwood Forest Source:Chris Guise
      Robin Hood

      A brilliant archer, Robin Hood lived a life of adventure, stealing from the rich to give to poor and hiding out in Sherwood Forest. Take a Robin...

    • Durdle Door, Dorset Source:© lovestruck. (Flickr)
      Dorset and East Devon Coast

      The Dorset and East Devon Coast, also known as The Jurassic Coast was the first ever site to be inscribed as a 'natural' World Heritage Site. It...

    • Blenheim Palace Source:Chris Guise
      Blenheim Palace

      The birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace near Oxford is a perfectly preserved 18th-century residence set in a 2,100-acre park...

  • Events
    • Minack theatre on the coast of Porthcurno, Cornwall Source:Eve Saint-Simmons
      The Minack Theatre

      The Minack Theatre showcases a summer season of 18 plays in Britain’s most beautiful and original theatre.

    • 'Night Glows': hot air balloons at night Source:Nic Wise
      Bristol Balloon Fiesta

      From 6-8 August, the small market town of Brecon in Wales plays host to the world-famous Brecon Jazz Festival.

    • Notting Hill Carnival participant wearing a spectacular red and gold feathered costume, Notting Hill, London © Britainonview / Jon Spaull
      Notting Hill Carnival

      Enjoy Latin flavours at Festinho 2010; a laid-back Brazilian music festival in the Oxfordshire countryside from 27-29 August.

    • Brazil Brazil performing onstage Source:Andy Philipson Copyright:2010
      Festival Brazil

      Festival Brazil brings a dynamic programme of music, visual arts, dance, literature, debate and performance to London.

    • Main stage at the festival Source:Tom Bamber
      Music festivals

      With the summer festival season well underway, it's time to pack the tent, put on your denim shorts and wellies and MAKE SOME NOOOOISE!