England vacations

The UK’s capital lives up to the hype. See Roman ruins, soak up world-class art, shop at stylish boutiques, then sit down with a pint and plot your next visit.

Northern England’s post-industrial metropolis is one of the UK’s most talked-about travel destinations, with indie shopping, bohemian cafes and a thriving arts scene.

England’s surf capital has more than perfect waves. Explore nature and history, feast on fresh seafood and enjoy the nightlife scene on your vacation in Newquay.

Stepping into the past is an easy thing to do in England. The colorful legacy of its kings and queens is beautifully preserved in the country’s castles, palaces and stately homes. Visit fortresses that have stood for a thousand years, climb iconic towers where traitors were held, or get up close to the Crown Jewels.

England is a great walking destination. Ancient rights of way allow you to roam a vast network of trails, even across private land. The country is fairly flat, with rolling hills that get bigger the further north you go. You’ll find tremendous views across its verdant landscape, while its extensive coastal path offers nearly 3,000 miles of walking routes.

Stone churches, thatched cottages, redbrick farmhouses — England’s villages have a centuries-old charm. Get off the main roads and into the countryside, and you’ll soon find yourself winding through places whose quaint buildings and traditions can date back all the way to the Middle Ages. To feel like a local, stop for a pint in a traditional pub.

Whether you’re surfing off the southwest’s sandy coves or walking a windswept wilderness in the northeast, beaches in England offer plenty of variety. Many seaside resorts date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, with entertainment like amusement parks and end-of-pier shows. And while the waters can be brisk beyond the summer months, the coastal drama of white cliffs and fossil-laden landscapes lasts year-round.

From the Lake District to the South Downs, you’ll find a tranquil beauty in the English countryside. Ten national parks cover 10% of the country, including old-growth forests, granite peaks, purple moorland and bird-friendly wetlands. Spot deer, squirrels and badgers in the ancient woodlands or otters and kingfishers along the rivers and canals.

There was a time when many of the best restaurants in England were French. Now, ‘modern British cuisine’ is a badge of honor. Hearty dishes like pies and pasties sit alongside the global flavors of its multicultural population — expect some of the best masala curries outside India. Try a traditional Sunday roast (chicken, beef or lamb), or indulge in an English breakfast (bacon, eggs, mushrooms and beans).

You’ll find first-class entertainment here, from world-famous music scenes to the largest theater district on the planet. Many museums in England were established during the days of empire and are reckoning with the legacy of their vast collections. Many of the largest and best-known are free. There’s great art too, with more than 800 galleries to enjoy in London alone.

July and August attract vacationers to the festivals, beaches and tourist hotspots. But May and September can be just as warm, with fewer crowds. Spring and fall are the best times to visit England for wildflowers and autumnal colors. The cold, wet winters are more than made up for with festive traditions throughout December.

While London can be expensive, it’s more than possible to have a cheap trip to England. An inexpensive meal at a pub or a restaurant will cost you less than 20 British pounds (£), and the cities are well served with food trucks and street markets. You’ll find coffee for under £4 and beer for around £5.