What to do in England? Our must-sees!
With its legendary monuments, elegant gardens and vibrant cities, England has many facets. Embark on a journey to Shakespeare’s country and discover the beauty of this land so close, yet so different.
Not sure where to start on your trip to the heart of the UK? Here’s our guide to the must-see things to do in England, from its capital London to the most unexpected activities!
Our Great British trips
England and North Wales: Highlights and History
Great British Steam Railways Tour
London & Oxford: A 7-Day Discovery
London & Paris Highlights
The heart of England tour
One thing’s for sure: a trip to England can’t be done in a day! The country is bursting with places to discover, visits, tours and unusual activities to do, on a road trip in England, for example. So, if we were to list all the must-dos in England, our article would be endless! Think you’ve covered everything? We’ve still got a few nuggets to share with you. From Cornwall to Cumbria, discover our secret spots in England.
Brighton: England’s trendy seaside town
Spend a day at the seaside in the coastal town of Brighton. It’s the ideal starting point for discovering the dolce vita made in England!
Brighton Lane
A must when visiting Brighton: the Lanes. These are small shopping streets, renowned for their charming boutiques. Here you can stock up on vintage goods, antiques and beautiful British jewellery. If you’re feeling peckish, don’t hesitate to stop off at an authentic café. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy an exquisite cup of tea, the English way!
Brighton Pier
Fancy giving your trip to England an unusual twist? Then head for Brighton Pier! Built on a pier, this amusement park, like no other, floats (almost) on the water. The day’s programme includes a carousel, rollercoasters and bumper cars!
Sunset lovers won’t be left out. At Brighton Pier, it’s not unusual to see the sky turn shades of pink and orange at the end of the day. It’s a sight not to be missed!
Visit Bath: a unique spa town in England
Bath is a unique spa town in south-west England and a must-visit destination for history, culture, and nearby attractions. Famous for its well-preserved Roman Baths in the heart of the city, Bath offers a journey through ancient thermal heritage alongside the stunning Bath Abbey, founded in 675 and renowned for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture and panoramic city views from its towers.
Just 50 minutes away, the iconic Stonehenge (one of the UK’s most famous prehistoric sites) makes an easy and unforgettable day trip. Visitors can also explore vibrant Bristol, less than an hour from Bath, known for its street art, Millennium Square, Castle Park, Brandon Hill Park, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, and the dramatic Avon Gorge, making Bath an ideal base for exploring England’s rich history and culture.
A picturesque getaway in the Cotswolds
For the next stage of your trip to England, head for the Cotswolds. Situated in the south-west of England, the region is made up of picturesque little villages between Oxford and Bath. It’s the ideal stopover for lovers of the great outdoors and green spaces! Follow the guide!
Castle Combe
This village is without doubt the most famous in the Cotswolds. With its small, attached houses, stone facades and narrow streets, it has everything to please. The village is also imbued with the mysterious charm of England. You’d think you were in a Harry Potter film… and with good reason! Lacock Abbey, just 20 minutes away by car, was used as a film location in the saga. Gryffindor’s word!
Oxford : close to the Cotswolds
Just over an hour’s drive from the Cotswolds, make sure you stop off in Oxford during your trip to England. Steeped in history, the city is recognised as the seat of learning. Why? It is home to Oxford University, considered one of the best universities in the world.
Spend a day visiting this prestigious institution. Stroll along the immense alleys and soak up the Anglo-Saxon atmosphere. The Potterhead’s among you will undoubtedly recognise a few places from the famous wizarding school!
Would you like to discover other destinations in England, not far from the Cotswolds? Don’t hesitate to make a stopover during your trip to visit Birmingham, the city of a thousand trades!
York, England’s medieval city
Located in the north of England, in Yorkshire, York is one of the country’s most popular cities. With its perfectly preserved medieval architecture, York is a must-see for history buffs travelling to England!
YORK MINSTER
A visit to York usually begins with its majestic cathedral. At almost 6,000 square meters (about half the area of a Manhattan city block), York Minster is one of the largest religious buildings in England. With its Gothic architecture and chapels full of carvings, the cathedral is well worth a visit. After your visit, climb 275 steps of the tower to reach the top of the cathedral. From there you will then be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of York. Don’t forget your camera!
THE SHAMBLES
Harry Potter fans be warned: you won’t be disappointed by this visit to England! Located in the historic heart of York, the street of The Shambles looks like something straight out of a J.K. Rowling novel. With its cobbled streets, quirky facades and charming little shops, it’s a veritable Chemin de Traverse! And don’t forget to stop off for a well-deserved shopping spree.
Discover Liverpool, birthplace of the Beatles
Nestling in the north-west of England, Liverpool is home to an immense historical and cultural heritage. The birthplace of the Beatles, the city is a favorite with music lovers of all kinds. So, are you ready to follow in the footsteps of the Four Boys in the Wind?
THE BEATLES STORY
This museum is undoubtedly the place to be for all fans of the legendary British rock band. Since it opened in 1990, this British museum has been retracing the legend of John, Paul, George and Ringo through a wealth of collectors’ memorabilia. Costumes and iconic instruments will help you (re)discover the history of this legendary British band! Get your tickets for one of the UK’s most rock’n’roll museums.
ALBERT DOCK
Liverpool’s iconic English quarter, Albert Dock was once one of the most modern seaports in the world. Today, the Dock Walk is a place of authenticity and uniqueness in England. Stroll along the waterfront for a day and let your gaze wander over the old wooden sailing ships moored there. And don’t miss a visit to the International Slavery Museum, for a historical and commemorative interlude. To round off the day in style, opt for a traditional fish & chip supper overlooking the harbor!
Cornwall
Located in the far south-west of England, Cornwall is, in our eyes, one of the most beautiful regions in the country. With its wild moors, steep beaches and breathtaking cliffs, Cornwall looks like something straight out of a Friedrich painting.
Spend a day (or more) discovering the ruined chapel of Roche Rock. Perched atop an immense black rock, this chapel seems to have been carved right out of the stone. The sight is mystical, but magnificent! And don’t hesitate to stop off at one of the many typical fishing villages in the region, such as Mousehole or Mevagissey. A must-see on any trip to England!
Other must-sees on your visit to Cornwall:
⮕ Polperro
⮕ Kennal Vale
⮕ St Michael Mount
⮕ Minack Theatre
⮕ Botallack Mine
Lake District
The county of Cumbria, in the north-west of England, is home to the Lake District. This region, populated by immense lakes and breathtaking mountains, has a singular beauty like no other. In fact, its beauty has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status!
The Lake District is also home to England’s most populous national park. To discover this exceptional park, there’s nothing like a trip to Lake Windermere, the largest lake in the region. Here you can enjoy spectacular scenery, with rolling hills and lush green valleys. Near the lake, don’t miss out on a visit to a charming village, such as Grasmere (and don’t leave without some Grasmere ginger bread!). It’s the ideal getaway for a breath of fresh air in the heart of an exceptional natural national park!
Other must-sees when visiting the Lake District:
⮕ Hawkshead
⮕ Coniston
⮕ Castlerigg Stone Circle
⮕ Keswick
A day in England’s vibrant capital
With its royal palace, eccentric districts and famous castle nearby, the city of London has captured the hearts of many travelers (and ours too). In fact, England’s capital is an essential stopover on your trip to the land of Shakespeare. Welcome to London!
Big Ben and Westminster Palace
A visit to London usually starts with the unmissable Big Ben. This clock, over 100 meters high, is the emblematic symbol of the city and England. It is also one of the most reliable clocks in existence today. A testament to English punctuality!
Take advantage of your visit to the famous clock to venture into the famous Westminster Palace. This former English royal palace, now the seat of parliament, is one of the largest royal buildings in London. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this neo-Gothic monument is well worth a visit on a trip to England and the heart of London!
Buckingham Palace
To fully immerse yourself in the royal atmosphere of London, there’s nothing like a visit to the prestigious Buckingham Palace. Far from being just another palace, Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the English royal family in the heart of the city. With its grand marble staircase adorned with portraits and its rooms, each more prestigious than the last, the palace will not leave you indifferent!
Windsor Castle
Your visit to England continues near London, at the majestic Windsor Castle. Built on a hill overlooking the city, Windsor Castle is the largest castle in the world that is still inhabited. Since its creation in the 11th century, the estate has been home to many monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III. A must-see on your trip!