Do you need travel inspiration for your upcoming getaway this year?
If so, this article has everything you need to experience your best vacation to date!
Sir John Major once described England as “a green and pleasant land in which warm beer and village cricket are eternal virtues.” Thirty years later, the nation still holds its charming charisma and traditions.
However, the U.K. has grown and developed more since then. That is why Britain expects over 35 million visitors to pass through its gates this year.
Why do so many people want to visit England?
Keep reading to find out!
1. The Electric Nightlife
People know England from around the globe for its electric nightlife and party scene. Studies show that almost 50% of those 16 or over drink alcohol in England. So expect to find packed bars and clubs on the weekends, filled with upbeat energy.
If you fancy something a bit more relaxed, head to an iconic English pub. You can sample through pints of traditional ale or stout while mingling with the locals. If you visit from November to March, you can cozy up with a drink beside a roaring hot open fire.
However you like to spend your night, the U.K. has plenty of establishments to suit your needs.
2. Englands Picture-Perfect Villages
England’s villages look like something out of a Charles Dickens novel. Historic buildings line the cobblestone lanes. You will more than likely discover a cozy cafe or charming store. But you will always find a friendly local willing to chat.
From top to bottom, picturesque villages litter the English countryside. But the most well-known region for tourists is the Cotswolds.
The area is in the southwest of the island and spans 790 square miles of breathtaking land. The Cotswolds have a population of only 140,000 people. Yet it attracts 38 million foreign and domestic visitors.
The villages of England deserve an article for themselves. But some of the most popular and most beautiful are:
- Clovelly, North Devon
- Cartmel, Lake District
- Polperro, Cornwall
- Mousehole, Cornwall
- Thornton-le-Dale, North Yorkshire
3. The Lands Rich History
If you live outside the U.K., you might only know about England’s contribution to World War 1 and 2. It was the ruling allied power in WW1. Also, it was the only European allied power to withstand an invasion from the Axis powers in WW2.
Of course, this is a significant and fascinating amount of history in only a few years. Nevertheless, it is only a piece of the jigsaw in the nation’s almost 1,100 years of history. From the suffering of the Black Death in 1346 to the invention of the internet in 1989, you can learn about it at the vast array of history museums here.
On a wet day, you can take shelter and get educated in galleries such as the Natural History Museum or Roman Baths.
When the sun is shining, you can explore ancient castles and historical remnants. One not to miss is Windsor Castle, less than 1 hour from London.
4. The Bustling Cities
England has quaint countryside and peaceful green spaces to relax. However, with a population of over 68,810,700 on a small island, it is no wonder there are plenty of bustling cities.
London is the largest city in the U.K. and western Europe. The city alone has almost double the population of the Republic of Ireland.
Walking along the West End with your London travel guide, you can soak up the energy and atmosphere. Every day feels as if there is a festival taking place in town. You can watch it all pass by in a coffee shop and recharge for a busy day of sightseeing.
Manchester and Liverpool are two more busy cities that give London a run for its money. They are in the northwest of England and separated by only 25 miles.
Although The Beatles came from Liverpool, Manchester is a music lovers’ paradise. Liverpool has constantly been voted the number 1 nightlife spot in the country. But both cities have one thing in common, the famous football (soccer) teams.
5. The Delicious Food Scene
The U.S. is approximately 40 times the size of the United Kingdom. Texas, Alaska, Oregon, Montana, and New Mexico have larger areas than the island in the North Sea. Yet somehow, it manages to produce 200 Michelin Star restaurants. It is the 7th most popular worldwide.
For comparison, the U.S. is 6th with 244 stars.
Fortunately, it is not only Michelin Star eateries in fancy settings. There is a wide range of establishments around the country.
Budget-friendly fish and chips are a dish you must taste while on an England vacation. Another meal to kickstart your day is the Full English Breakfast. It includes fried eggs, sausage, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, pudding, tea, and toast.
6. Sports and Festivals
The English take their sports and festivals seriously. Whether a lower league soccer match or a concert in Hyde Park, every event has a carnival vibe.
England founded modern-day football back in 1863. Today, it is the home of the Premier League, the most anticipated club soccer league worldwide. Big-name clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool compete here.
Wimbledon is the most disabled tennis tournament on the planet. It takes in the summer every year.
If music is more your thing, Glastonbury should be at the top of your to-do list. You can camp out with 210,000 others and listen to some of the greatest bands and artists. Previous headline acts were Oasis, Beyonce, Jay Z, Radiohead, and the Foo Fighters.
7. Awe-Inspiring Nature
There are nine national parks placed around England’s countryside. No matter where you visit, there is always one nearby.
The Lake District National Park is the most visited by tourists. One glance at any photo of the area, and you will see why. It is home to rugged hills, dense forests, calming lakes, and fresh country air.
There is plenty more nature to explore than only national parks. Research shows that woodlands cover 10% of England. And if that still is not enough, you can enjoy a day on one of the hundreds of beaches surrounding the coastline.
Visit England This Year
Due to Europe’s Grand Tour, England has been a hotbed for tourists since the 18th century. Today, people still flock to this land described as green, pleasant, and packed with warm beers.
Start vacation planning today so you can visit England and see if it is still as described.
This article gave you reasons to visit England. But if you want to learn travel tips for a voyage to Europe, keep reading our extensive blog!