Things to Do in England
What to Do in England?
Visit the Tower of London, Explore Buckingham Palace, Explore Big Ben, See Stonehenge, Visit the British Museum, Take blessings at St. Paul's Cathedral, Visit Peak District National Park and many more.With heaps of travel ideas and some of the globally famous things in England you will never run out of activities and make unforgettable memories on your trip. Be it a fun-filled family trip or a honeymoon or an adventurous group tour with friends, England offers a medley of things to do for adventure seeking nomads. While the city tours focus on giving you an insight on some of the oldest cities of the world, a day trip to the outskirts of the major cities allows you to soak up the idyllic vibe of English countryside and indulge in uniquely varied activities.
Whether you want to explore the prime attractions in London city or embark on a scenic 10 Lakes tour or visit the musical city of Liverpool or enjoy a romantic dinner while cruising down the Thames or just want to soak in the mystic beauty of the star-studded night sky in the Galloway Forest Park there are a plethora of things to do in England for vacationers of all tastes and budget ranges.
If history and culture are your areas of interest, it would be amiss to touch upon the numerous historical sites dotted in and around London. Visiting the iconic abode of William Shakespeare at Stratford Upon Avon or watching the change of guards at Buckingham Palace or taking a selfie in front of the Big Ben are some of the best activities for first time visitors. Nature lovers should not leave a chance to visit the Wyre Forest and soak up its pristine charm or go for a day trip to the famous Lake District of England which has been a source of inspiration for the Romantic Poets. There is no dearth of activities in England, what you only need is to step out!
Here are some of the best things to do in England:
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The London Eye, one of the world's tallest overhung observation wheels, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. This gorgeous and unique observational wheel, also known as the Coca-Cola London Eye has 32 high-tech glass capsules or pods inside which you can stand and whirl like a large Ferris wheel.
The O2 Arena is the country’s second-largest indoor venue when looking at the seating capacity. In terms of ticket sales, the arena regularly ranks at the top position in the entire world and is a popular choice amongst bands and artists performing in the city.
If you want to attend a concert in London, you must have a look at O2’s availability and you will almost always find something fun to attend. The arena has hosted a number of famous personalities and groups, including Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake, Prince, The Rolling Stones and numerous others. Apart from musical performances, the venue also hosts sporting events including the Olympics and Paralympics.
Location:
Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0DX, United Kingdom
Timings:
Depends on the gig
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Checkout: Best Things To Do In London
The Royal Botanic Gardens or the Kew Gardens is an ideal places in England to get that uncommon daylight in London. Designed in 1759, the nurseries are currently government property and have an assortment of visits accessible with free tickets.
Location: Richmond, UK
Kensington Palace is the official London residence of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge. Few areas of the palace are open to tourists and visitors. Tourists can walk through the Kensington gardens, the Queen’s state apartments, and the King’s state apartment. There are shops, exhibitions and The Orangery café where you can have snacks. The Palace has various art galleries and exhibitions which one can explore on their excursion to Kensington Palace.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in England is the British Museum, which is situated in the Bloomsbury neighborhood. It is one of the largest and most significant institutions in the history and culture of the human race. If you're wondering what you can find in this country's oldest museum, you can expect to find collections of works of art, books, and other artifacts that tell the story of human history. The Egyptian Jewels on show at the place's display for human amazement are the main draw for tourists.
The Crystal Palace Park is a one-of-a-kind location where visitors can learn, maintain their health, and enjoy recreational activities. Enjoy the views of the Grand Terraces and the central axis, which present an enchanting site from the past. While strolling through the dense tropical woods and around the clear ponds, you may come across the mesmerising statues of prehistoric beings.
Etihad Stadium or The Manchester city football club, is ideal to get acquainted with the history of the football club. Explore the major highlights of the stadium like the press conference room, manager’s dugout, changing rooms and more. These are tucked away from the reach of the public when a match is hosted at the stadium and are a top attraction among the many places in Manchester.
Set your eyes on the exquisite exhibits showcased here to gather more information about the northern football club. You can also choose to explore with a passionate Manchester city FC fan as a guide to get more acquainted about behind the scenes at the etihad stadium.
Location: Ashton New Rd, Manchester M11 3FF, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM
Suggested Read: Romantic Things To Do In London
Seated south of Manchester City Center, Old Trafford is the largest club football stadium in the UK and one of the exotic Manchester Tourist attractions. Strive to get tickets for an exciting soccer match here or if you miss the same, visit the old museum at its place to check out its history from the stunning exhibits it resides in.
Many music concerts like the Move festival are often hosted here that are worth enjoying. The new parts after renovation have made it possible to accommodate more people so that the fans can truly enjoy the game.
Location: Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Talbot Road, Manchester, M16 0PX
Timings: Monday – Friday: 10AM - 10PM, Saturday: 10AM - 9PM and Sunday: 12PM - 6PM.
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A Victorian, Neo Gothic civil structure, the city center in Manchester is a truly excellent one and worth visiting among all the famed places to see in Manchester. It was designed by English architect Alfred Waterhouse. The city center in Manchester is viewed as probably the best milestone in the city. It is respected among the best instances of Neo Gothic design in the United Kingdom.
The structure was planned by modeler Alfred Waterhouse and it was finished in 1877. There are numerous immense stately rooms like the Great Hall. The Great Hall is improved with Ford Maddox Brown's overwhelming Manchester Murals. There are sculptures of Dalton, Barbirolli and Joule in the passageway and the design lobby.
Location: Town Hall Extension, Mount Street Entrance, Albert Square, Manchester M2 5DB, United Kingdom
Timings: Open 24 hours
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The artefacts displayed in the museum date as far back as the year 1555 and contain memorabilia from famous players belonging to the Victorian era right up to the present day. When at the museum, you can enjoy a guided tour, visit the Kenneth Ritchie Wimbledon Library and shop at the Wimbledon store. You can also access the Centre Court except during the days of the championships.
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This urban heritage park is a first-of-its-kind conservation area that tops the list of famed places in Manchester. It is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Do visit the fascinating pub “The Wharf” to treat yourself to some scrumptious food and a variety of beers and this is one of the best places to see in Manchester.
Originally, this place was the site of Mamucium, a Roman Fort which today works as a peaceful retreat for all. This 7 acre park is abode to the building of the Museum of Science and Industry, the Roman fort of Mamucium, outdoor terraces and many bars and restaurants where one can experience the true vibes of the city.
Location: Liverpool Rd, Manchester, Manchester M3 4FP, England
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The Victoria Baths complex is an ideal getaway for some water fun, art exploration and more all at one place and is one of the best England tourist places. The façade has colorful brickwork and decoration by terracotta, the inside spaces are clad in frosted tiles and the greater part of the windows has ornamental stained glass. The spacious and largest municipal bathing institution welcomes people who look to unwind and relax with swimming, bathing and other leisure activities.
Fascinating artworks like pictures, documents, memoirs, and objects helps in learning about the history of this place in a more detailed way. For a very long time the showers gave both fundamental and recreation offices. Private showers and clothing were housed there close by three pools and Turkish Baths. In 1952, the principal public Aeratone (Jacuzzi) was introduced that welcomed leisure visitors in great numbers.
Location: Hathersage Rd, Manchester M13 0FE, United Kingdom
It is the third biggest Chinatown in the whole of Europe. The start of the Chinatown is set apart with an entrance on Faulkner Street and it contains an enormous number of Chinese, Thai, Nepali, Japanese, Singaporean, Vietnamese and Malaysian eateries. Individuals from everywhere in the city visit this spot to evaluate these cooking styles and appreciate a brief look at China culture.
Location: Manchester, England
Timings: Open 24 hours
You enjoy the magnificent view of the park and gardens sitting at the corner of the Palace's lake, the stand-out human-made feature in the Palace. It's no doubt the most famous Palace as the birthplace and home of Sir Winston Churchill, England's Prime Minister.
Location: Woodstock OX20 1PP, UK
Take a couple of full breaths before you move to the top along a lofty, cobbled pathway. St Michael's Mount is generally acclaimed for its exquisite nurseries, particularly in the spring and summer when the patios course down from the palace is an uproar of shading. It's fantastic that these lavish nurseries thrive, given the ocean hitting the shores and the salty breezes which blow in across the island give you the refreshing feeling.
Location: St Michael's Mount, Marazion, UK
Extravagant flora and fauna like wildflower, hogweed, Himalyan Balsam, kingfisher, Goosanders and others uplift the beauty of this place. Learn more about the natural beauty residing here as you include it in your bucket list of exploration of places in Manchester.
Location: 18 Stenner Ln, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2RQ, United Kingdom
Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM
Another thing that fascinates tourists the most is the Kendal Castle which is famously situated at the highest point of a lofty slope, offering guests unique perspectives on the city and the moving slopes beneath. Its beauty and unspoiled flora, fauna have always inspired everyone.
Location: United Kingdom
The tour also includes entry into the World Rugby Museum which holds the biggest collection of rugby memorabilia in the world. You can even enter the Royal Box and enjoy VIP views of the entire arena.
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This library is one of the only five libraries open to exploration. It contains in excess of 4 million printed books and original copies and more than 50000 electronic books. This spot is absolutely a book sweetheart's heaven. Other exhibits that are worth glancing here are medieval manuscripts, oldest known parts of the New Testament and others.
Location: 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH, United Kingdom
Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM
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What are the best things to do in England?
1. Visit the Tower of London- A guided tour to this historic castle which holds centuries of dark history of London city is one of the best things to do in England. It served as an execution site, a Royal mint, Her Majesty's prison, a Royal Menagerie, an observatory and a military storehouse down the years.
The site hosts special events, medieval reenactments and family activities throughout the year which makes it one of the popular attractions in England. In a guided tour you can walk along the battlements, appreciate the Royal Armouries in the White Tower and see the place where Anne Boleyn was executed by Henry VIII.
Location: St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
Price: For members entry free, adults £25, Child £12.50
Timings: March- October from 9.30am- 5.30pm, November- February from 9.30am- 4.30pm. (Sunday and Monday opens from 10am)
2. Explore Buckingham Palace- The grand royal residence of the British Monarchy which is popularly recognised as the home of Her Majesty, is the focus of Britain's national identity, pride and glory. In exclusive guided tours you can visit the State Rooms that are magnificently decked and open for public view.
Buy a few pieces of royal souvenirs such as artworks, homeware, jewellery and other knick knacks from the Buckingham Palace Shop. End your day trip with tea, coffee, sandwiches and cakes in The Garden Cafe which overlooks the Palace garden- one of the highly recommended England things to do in your tour.
Location: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
Price: Adults £(26.50-49), senior citizens £(24-44.5), student £(24-42), under 17/disabled £(14.50-26.50), under 5 entry is free, family (2 adults and 3 under 17s) is £(67.5-124.5).
Timings: July- August from 9.30am- 6.30pm and September- October from 9.30am- 6.30pm
3. Explore Big Ben- The iconic clock tower is one of the most famous things in London city for tourists to explore which is globally acclaimed for its gigantic bell and accuracy. Formerly Big Ben was known as St. Stephen’s Tower until 2012. On the auspicious Diamond Jubilee ceremony of the Queen which commemorates her 60 years’ reign on the British throne the tower was christened the Elizabeth Tower.
Being located in the heart of London city, you can reach the place on a bicycle tour and explore other attractions nearby. Climb 334 steps upstairs to reach the belfry where the bells are installed. Another impressive feature of the tower is the Ayrton Light which lies atop the imposing tower and is lit when the House of Parliament sits after dusk.
Location: Palace of Westminster, London
Price: £15 for adults, £10 for children, £37 for 37 for families, £6 for children (between 5-16) years. Children below 5 years of age have entry free.
Timings: 9:15am- 4:30pm all days except Wednesday (1.15pm- 4:30pm)
4. See Stonehenge- For the enthusiasts of history, this World Heritage Site is a must visit place in England as it is the best Neolithic monument in Europe known till date. In a guided tour from London to Stonehenge, you can walk around the famous Stone Circle and get to know the mystery behind Stonehenge.
In your trip you can also visit the other famous site, the City of Bath which has a repute for its ancient Roman baths and brilliant Georgian architecture.
Location: Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom
Price: £21.50 for adults, £12.90 for children between (5-17) years, free entry for members
Timings: Sunday- Saturday between 9.30am till 5pm
5. Visit the British Museum- The British Museum stands high as the first museum of the world which upholds the different cultures spanning over continents and landmasses. It stands apart in housing a unique collection of eight million artefacts of paramount historical importance, beauty and gravity.
These artefacts spanning over 2 million years of human civilization provide fair insight into archaeology and ethnography belonging to different races across the world. Among the famous holdings of British Museum are Elgin Marbles, Rosetta Stone, a 1st century cameo glass, Chinese ceramics of the Ming dynasty and others.
Location: Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1B3DG
Timings: Monday through Sunday from 10am- 5:30pm. Fridays between 10:30am- 8:30pm
6. Take blessings at St. Paul's Cathedral- Overlooking the diminutive Ludgate Hill, the cathedral is one of the famous things in England standing tall for more than 300 years. The imposing sepulchre of the cathedral which was inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican is revered by the Londoners as a symbol of pride and resilience and adds to the beauty of the city’s skyline. Although not all areas of the cathedral are accessible to the visitors, you can attend the cathedral choir i.e. the Sunday Eucharist (11:30am) or Evensong (Monday-Saturday at 5pm, Sunday at 3.15pm) with prior online booking.
Location: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom
Price: £20 for adults, £8.5 for children
Timings: Monday-Saturday 8:30am- 4:30pm
7. Visit Peak District National Park- With rivers and springs, moors and dales, hillocks and caverns, the Peak District National Park introduces you to a world of contrasting natural beauty and offers a surfeit of things to do in England.
From the high, moorland plateaus in the north to the deep dales and rolling verdant hills in the south of the Peak District, the place is ideal for walking and cycling excursions. Among the other activities are cable car ride to the Heights of Abraham, wildlife sightings at Peak Wildlife Park or White-Knuckle Ride at Alton Towers Resort.
Location: Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WS, United Kingdom
8. Stroll and shop around Oxford Street- If you are a true shopaholic, then this is your place to be on an England tour. The 1.5-mile-long avenue lined with wall-to-wall shops, retail outlets, departmental stores and smattering of cafes and restaurants fairly boasts of being the premier shopping destination in England and one of the busiest retail areas in Europe.
Oxford Street is known for its eclectic mix of shops ranging from mainstream fashion names to lower-end shops to provide something for every buyer. Although shopping is the chief attraction at Oxford Street, you can check out the nearby places of attractions that include Oxford Circus, Marble Arch, St. Christopher’s Church and others.
Location: Oxford Street, London W1W 8LG England
9. Explore The Regent's Park- Located in Central London, visiting Regent's Park is one of the most famous things in England. The splendid variety of wildlife includes an impressive population of 200 species of birds, 21 species of butterfly, amphibians, grey squirrel, hedgehogs, woodmouse and other mammals.
The park property is divided into several manicured gardens namely- Queen Mary's Garden, The Avenue Gardens, St. John's Lodge Gardens and others that offer a refreshing gateway to the Londoners. The other attractions of the park are London Zoo, an open-air theatre and an array of sports and recreational facilities.
Location: Chester Road Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR, England
Timings: Sunday- Saturday between 5am- 9.30pm
10. Visit the beautiful Windsor Castle- This is the oldest and the largest occupied castle in the world which has 900 years of royal history to its credit and probably the most famous thing in England to see.
The castle which was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century has been the residential abode of 39 monarchs of Britain and is the present home of Her Majesty where she spends most of her private weekends and uses the property for state occasions and other official ceremonies.
Location: Windsor SL4 1NJ United Kingdom
Price: £(13-60), free entry for children under 5.
Timings: March- October every day between 10am- 5.15pm, from November- February between 10am- 4.15pm. Last entrance to the castle is 90 minutes prior to closing time.
What are the best adventure activities to do in England?
River swimming in Oxfordshire- The clean and tranquil waters of the Thames flanked by typical English countryside offer a rewarding open-water swimming expedition to those who want to dip their toe in this sport. The expedition touches the riverbank from Buscot Lock to Buckland Marsh along England’s breath-taking watercourses.
Coasteering in Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim- Coasteering is a unique activity which allows you to test your skill and offers you a refreshing break during your England trip. Explore the rugged Causeway coast by leaping, scrambling and swimming and sometimes a bit of cliff jumping which is collectively called coasteering. Plunge into the turquoise waters along with a local guide and discover the hidden coves and islands and get to know more about the thriving marine creatures and wildlife of the region.
Climbing Scafell Pike- Scafell Pike is England’s highest peak which is located in the Lake District National Park. After a moderately difficult climb up to its summit you will feast your eyes on the stunning landscape views.
Surfing Sennen Cove- The white powdered beach of Sennen Cove with stunning seascape and caerulean waters of the Atlantic Ocean makes it a sought-after destination for surfing round the year. Being located in a village idyll, you can enjoy great views of the scenery while surfing the sea waters.
What are the best water sports to do in England?
Canoeing across River Wye- As the weather in England warms up, the locals and tourists gear up in testing their canoeing skills across the Wye Valley. Even if you are a beginner in this sport you will be in safe hands while canoeing the River Wye and the rapids at Symonds Yat as you will be under strict vigilance of a team of expert guides.
Family adventure break in Nottingham- In England things to do are really countless and the Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens in the northwest of Great Yarmouth is one of the best sites for an adventurous family day trip. You can go canoeing or ride on a paddleboard through the genteel waters at The Waterside and enjoy great lunch along with splendid views of the wildlife area.
Kayaking in River Dart- Kayaking the River Dart in Dartmouth is certainly one of the best activities to do in England as it takes you through the beautiful woodlands of Dartmouth Moors. The expedition ranges from Grade 5 which is tried by the advanced kayakers to gentle tidal waters near the sea where beginners can indulge in playful kayaking.
Windsurfing- While making a list of England things to do, you cannot miss out windsurfing. This versatile sport is a combination of sailing and surfing in which adventurers start on a large board and gradually surf the wind rather than the waves. Some of the best spots of windsurfing in England are the seas in Lancashire and Fox Lake.
How to reach England?
By air: There are a number of direct flights from all of the four metro cities to the capital London. It takes about 9 hours 25 minutes or 9 hours 40 minutes (depending upon the carrier) for a direct flight to reach London from India. There are three major airports in London namely Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick and you may land in any of one of them. The most preferred carrier from India to London is the British Airways.
By sea: There are cruise ships from the US that reach England in about 6-9 days from port to port. Variables such amenities, shipboard events and activities may differ from one liner to another. One of the premium cruise lines for transatlantic voyages. There are ferry services from France, Belgium, Spain and other countries to major ports of England.
What is the best time to visit England?
Due to an overall temperate climate, England can be visited at any time of the year. But the best times of the year to visit England and explore its enthralling countryside are during summer (June through August), spring (late May to Early June) and autumn (September through November).
During these months the climate is relatively warmer and pleasant making it congenial for sightseeing and keeping yourself occupied in a wide range of activities in England. Early spring and late autumn are a little chillier but pleasant enough to bring out the tourists and locals to the outdoors.
Is England safe?
England is considered a safe country to visit and a favourite of wanderlust souls. With a few exceptions the country is overall safe for visit. There is barely violent crime but pickpockets are pretty common.
Use your common sense while venturing out to see the famous things in England and you will gather a lifetime of experiences in one of the best travel destinations of the world.
What is England known for?
Blessed with some of the most panoramic village idylls of Europe and an array of attractions to indulge in, England is one of the best travel destinations of the world. The other famous things in England include literature, music, sports, architecture, food, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historical monuments and mansions (Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London etc), museums, idyllic villages, shopping destinations, art galleries (Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Tate Britain etc), pristine beaches and some of the best universities of the world.
What to buy in England?
- Union Jack items
- Museum souvenirs
- British chocolate
- Homeware collections
- Beauty products
- Designer outfits
- Wine
- Buckingham Palace merchandise
How to reach England from India?
By air: There are direct flights from all four metro cities and some other major cities of India to London and few other major cities in England.
By sea: Ships from the ports of Chennai, Kolkata, Mundra, Visakhapatnam and Nhava Seva reach various ports of England in 29-44 days. The major ports of England are London Gateway, Southampton, Grangemouth, Belfast and Felixstowe.
How many days do you need in England?
To cover the most famous things of England you will need at least 10 days to tour around this state which has too many things to see in a single trip.
What are the best things to do in England at night?
Gaze at the night sky in Galloway Forest Park- Sprawling over 300 square miles of prime Scottish woodland, Galloway Forest Park has fairly earned the title Dark Sky Park where you can sit and marvel at 7000 stars that are visible in naked eyes.
It is certainly one of the best things in England to experience. On a clear day when pollution level is minimum, look up to heaven and see the stars gleaming like diamonds in the sky- trust us it's like stepping back to time; the same sky under which our ancestors lived.
Spend an evening at Lane 7- If you have had enough of sightseeing in England, it's time to divert your attention to something frolicsome. Hit Birmingham’s luxury bowling at The Cube in Lane 7 and try a hand in games like karaoke, retro arcade games, beer pong and nine walnut bowling lanes. Being located within the city centre and bestowed with an eclectic bar it is a must visit place at night in your England trip.
Enjoy live music and entertainment at The Leadmill- The city of Sheffield is a city fairly boasts of being as vibrant at night as it is during daytime and if you are by chance visiting the city on a Wednesday, make sure to visit the Leadmill’s Comedy Club.
It is guaranteed that it will be one of the most exciting activities to do in England with live music, delectable street food and a night of laughter and fun. Also, visit the Peddlers Night Market which carries a similar Sheffield vibe with live music and great food for you to tuck into.
Experience a fun-filled night at The Edge- The long-established gay club refurbished to offer an ectlectic range of recreation for party animals. There is an immaculately lit dance floor, a VIP lounge, an upscale bar and alfresco sitting area.
Enjoying fine dining in the allotted inhouse space along with pop classics played by renowned DJs and dance is certainly one of the highly recommended things to do in England.
Cruise down The Thames in London- According to most travel buffs, London’s skyline at dusk is one of the most famous things in England and if it is in a luxurious cruise down the Thames, it is certainly worth experiencing.
Enjoy a 4 course meal with a glass of wine and listen to fine jazz music played in the background as you cruise past the Big Ben, Tower of London, The Shard and other iconic landmarks of London city.
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