Must-See Places in England

Travel notes

England's distinctive atmosphere, music, culture, literature and scenery give it a character unlike other European countries. Be warned: the moments you spend here might turn out to be some of the loveliest of your life.

1. Stratford-upon-Avon

Shakespeare's birthplace is an absolute must, with beautiful surroundings, the character of a small English town, swans ruling the River Avon, and historic, excellent theatre stages. Before you go, remember to book a Shakespeare performance at the Swan Theatre or the RSC.

2. Oxford

With its university, bookshops and old cafés, Oxford feels like England's intellectual heart. Don't forget to climb the University Church of St Mary the Virgin for a wonderful view of the city.

3. Edinburgh

Scotland's jewel, Edinburgh, makes you feel as though you have stepped into a fairy tale. You won't be surprised that Harry Potter was written here. Just remember that in winter it can be dark by 3 pm.

4. Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle takes you back to medieval England: a place to soak up that historical atmosphere.

5. Bath

Bath deserves a place high on your list for its beautifully ordered cityscape and charm.

6. Cambridge

Another university city, Cambridge has a lovely waterway that adds to its beauty and is well worth exploring.

7. Shakespeare's Globe

If you want a taste of Elizabethan theatre or love Shakespeare, be sure to visit the Globe. At the time of writing, some performances even had £5 tickets.

8. Manchester

Manchester, a city closely associated with the Industrial Revolution, is somewhere to visit to understand English history and character. You can also explore its industrial museums.

9. Cardiff, Wales

Cardiff is the capital of Wales, but I wanted to include Wales in this England itinerary too. My notes placed it four hours from London. Cardiff Castle, in the city centre, is its leading visitor attraction. I thought the city had a very English appearance. Market Street, its shopping street in these notes, was also busy throughout the day.

10. Liverpool

These two northern English cities are generally known for their football clubs and struck me as very similar.

11. Newcastle

11. Blackpool

One of the most different places in this selection is Blackpool, a northern English seaside resort described here as an hour from Manchester and Liverpool. It has a long beach where you can swim in summer, with plenty of motels and guesthouses for a stay.

11. Brighton

Brighton is another seaside destination, this time in southern England. You can swim in warm weather, and the city is also known for its LGBTQ+ community. It certainly deserves a mention in an England travel guide.

12. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is the monument of enormous stones on Salisbury Plain. My original post reported a theory that, rather than being a temple, it commemorated peace between tribes on the island. I cited Professor Mike Parker of Sheffield University as saying it was built after long-warring tribes united. The date range in my original notes was written as 300–2500 BC. I also reported that a ten-year study linked its stones to different parts of Britain and interpreted them as representing different tribes. These are the claims recorded in this archive, not newly verified findings.

13. Yorkshire

Yorkshire is one of Britain's largest regions and has a strong identity of its own. Its people are proud of its appeal and famous for their warmth. Picturesque villages, the wild North York Moors and the rugged Yorkshire Dales have inspired many celebrated artists, writers and television producers. My original post also described it as the place where famous English tea is grown; that statement is retained here as part of the historical account, rather than current guidance.

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