This small but powerful nation, which is a part of the stunning British Isles, is bursting to the seams with interesting historical landmarks, vibrant cities, and rich cultural customs. There are historic sites wherever you look, ranging from prehistoric megaliths and Roman ruins to mediaeval town centres and castles that are hundreds of years old.
England’s most popular tourist destinations are well-connected by trains and buses, making travel around the country incredibly simple. Alternatively, you can use a well-designed network of motorways to travel between locations of interest. Travelling across the nation in a vehicle or on public transportation will undoubtedly provide you with unforgettable memories. Make sure to utilise our list of the top attractions in England to make the most of your trip schedule.
1. Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Europe’s most famous prehistoric monument, Stonehenge, is located on Salisbury Plain, ten miles north of the mediaeval city of Salisbury. Due to its immense popularity, access is guaranteed only with the purchase of a timed ticket in advance.
A visit to the superb Stonehenge Visitor Centre is framed by its exhibitions. This site features exhibits that use audio-visual experiences along with over 250 historical artefacts to demonstrate how the megaliths were built between 3000 and 1500 BCE. They also provide interesting perspectives and details about living at this period.
See the instruments and tools used in daily Neolithic life by visiting the realistic reconstructions of Neolithic Houses after exploring the numerous viewing spots next to these massive stones. Observing employees and volunteers perform traditional skills from 4,500 years ago is a delight.
Although you can no longer enter the circle to stroll among the stones during regular business hours, English Heritage, the organisation in charge of the property, allows you to schedule exclusive early morning or late evening access.
2. Tower of London, City of London
One of London’s main attractions, the Tower of London has served as a prison, palace, treasure vault, observatory, and menagerie. There is enough to see and do at this World Heritage Site, which is widely regarded as the most significant structure in England, to occupy tourists for hours. The White Tower is the focal point of this stronghold situated along the Thames. Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1078, it houses incredible artefacts including the Line of Kings. The collection, the oldest tourist destination in the world, opened its doors in 1652 with an impressive exhibition of royal armour. The magnificent Crown Jewels exhibition, the historic Yeoman Warder Tours, the Royal Mint, and exhibitions and displays about prisoners and executions are among the other highlights. There is a lot of investigating to be done because the Tower of London is spread out over around 18 acres.
Make sure to look into any kid-friendly events if you’re travelling with kids. These consist of an entertaining “Knights School” and additional immersive programmes that offer an enjoyable look into the history of the castle.
3. The Roman Baths and Georgian City of Bath, Somerset
Bath is the best option if you only have time to see one of England’s most beautiful little cities. There are more amazing tourist attractions in this breathtakingly lovely city in Somerset than you could ever visit in a single day. Though mostly known for the spectacular Roman Baths, which date back two millennia and are situated around the city’s healing hot springs, it is also renowned for its honey-colored Georgian townhouses, some of which can be found on Royal Crescent. One of these, #1 Royal Crescent, is accessible to the public and provides an intriguing glimpse into Bath life in the Georgian era. Due to the fact that about 500 of the city’s structures are regarded as historically or architecturally significant, the entire city has been designated as a World Heritage Site.
The Holborne Museum, which houses extensive collections of artworks, silver, and period furniture, the Jane Austen Centre and its neighbour Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, which narrates the lives of two of Bath’s most well-known citizens, and the Assembly Rooms, which have been the subject of numerous period dramas on television, are among the most fascinating places to visit nowadays.
Bath is also the perfect base from which to visit some of the most breathtaking countryside in England, including the Mendip Hills, the Avon Valley, the Cotswolds, and a plethora of other amazing Somerset sites.
4. The British Museum, Bloomsbury, London
One of the best free things to do in London is definitely to visit the British Museum, which has some of the best antiquity collections in the world. More than 13 million artefacts from Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, Greece, the Roman Empire, China, and Europe are housed in this magnificent museum. The most well-known ancient objects are the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens.
However, there are a tonne of other amazing works on display here as well, making this one of the top tourist destinations in London. The collection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts is the largest outside of Cairo, and the Mildenhall Treasure, a remarkable 4th-century Roman silver hoard discovered in Suffolk in 1942, is just amazing. If you have time, consider taking part in a class or lecture, or consider going on a guided tour. Exciting private excursions are also offered after hours. There are also on-site dining and shopping options.
5. York Minster and Historic Yorkshire
The cathedral in Canterbury is the most important building in the Church of England, after the magnificent York Minster. Situated in the heart of York’s old city, it is flanked by churches, mediaeval guildhalls, and half-timbered houses and businesses. On the other hand, three miles of majestic town walls encircle York’s charming streets, and you may walk along them for breathtaking views of the city and its environs. Visit the National Railway Museum, one of the most popular tourist destinations in England, while you’re here.
York is an excellent starting point for exploring northeastern England, especially the untamed splendour of the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. Some of England’s most stunning mediaeval towns and cities may be found elsewhere in this region of the nation. Notable examples are Beverley, which also has a gorgeous minster, and Durham, which is well-known for its castle and cathedral.
6. Windsor Castle, Berkshire
England is a nation steeped with pomp, ceremony, tradition, and history. It is therefore not surprising that the Royal Family, who have shaped this nation and many other regions of the world for ages, is one of the main tourist attractions here.
Windsor Castle should be your first choice if you only have time to visit one royal site. Windsor Castle, one of the Royal Family’s official residences, is a short 40-minute train ride from Central London and welcomes guests on a regular basis when the King is not there.
It also has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the 11th century, when a victorious William the Conqueror had a stronghold built on this exact location. The State Apartments, the beautiful Queen’s Gallery, and the castle church are some of the highlights of a trip to Windsor Castle.
Don’t forget to pack your walking shoes. With this iconic structure serving as the backdrop, the expansive gardens, which encircle the castle for around six miles, offer some of the greatest selfie options available.
7. Chester Zoo, Cheshire
Located in Upton in Cheshire, just over a mile north of Chester city center, Chester Zoo is England’s most visited attraction outside of London and is one of the best places to visit in England for families.
The more than 11,000 animals living in this 125-acre site represent about 400 different species. But the zoo’s appeal reaches beyond just animal lovers, with prizewinning landscaped gardens also available for visitors to enjoy. You can tour these extensive grounds on the zoo’s monorail system to reach highlights that include Chimpanzee Island, a penguin pool, and Europe’s largest tropical house. There’s plenty of other fun things to do at Chester Zoo, too, so expect to easily spend a day enjoying this top-rated tourist attraction.
While in Chester, take time to walk its old city walls, the best preserved of their kind in Britain. You should also spend time exploring Chester’s other distinctive feature: its galleried walkways. Known as the “Chester’ Rows,” these impressive medieval architectural gems run the full length of stone and half-timbered buildings dating from the 14th century, and make for a unique and picturesque setting. Chester Cathedral is also worth exploring if you can squeeze it into your travel itinerary. So, too, are Lower Bridge Street and Watergate Street, both of them home to numerous picturesque old buildings.
FAQ’S:
Q1.What are the top tourist attractions in England?
England boasts several iconic attractions, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, the British Museum, the Eden Project, the Lake District, and the Roman Baths in Bath.
Q2.What is the best time to visit these attractions?
The best time to visit varies for each attraction. Generally, weekdays and offseason periods are less crowded. However, it's recommended to check the official websites for updated information and any special events or closures.
Q1.What are the top tourist attractions in England?
England boasts several iconic attractions, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, the British Museum, the Eden Project, the Lake District, and the Roman Baths in Bath.
Q2.What is the best time to visit these attractions?
The best time to visit varies for each attraction. Generally, weekdays and offseason periods are less crowded. However, it's recommended to check the official websites for updated information and any special events or closures.
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