Tower of London
900-year-old fortress housing the Crown Jewels
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About England
England offers an extraordinary range of experiences within a compact geographical area. London is one of the world's great cosmopolitan cities, while beyond the capital lie medieval university towns like Oxford and Cambridge, the Georgian splendour of Bath, the Beatles heritage of Liverpool, and the vibrant arts scene of Manchester. England's countryside ranges from the dramatic Peak District and Lake District to the rolling Cotswold hills and the wild moorlands of Dartmoor and Exmoor. The English coastline stretches from the white cliffs of Dover to the surf beaches of Cornwall.
- Capital
- London
- Largest city
- London
- Population
- 56.5 million
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- British Pound
- Time zone
- GMT/BST (UTC+0 / UTC+1 in summer)
Explore England by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in England
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Stonehenge
Prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain
Lake District National Park
England's most visited national park with stunning lakes and fells
Cotswolds
Idyllic honey-stone villages and rolling hills
Oxford University
World's oldest English-speaking university with stunning architecture
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day England Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in England, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic England
- Days 1-2England city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate England
- Days 1-3England comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to England, departure
Where to stay in England
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $60
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $150
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $400
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
The Savoy
London's most iconic hotel, The Savoy opened in 1889 and has hosted everyone from Monet to Winston Churchill. The Thames-facing rooms have spectacular views, the American Bar is legendary, and Kaspar's Seafood Bar & Grill overlooks the river. The Savoy combines Edwardian opulence with contemporary luxury.
Check rates on Booking.comClaridge's
The jewel of Mayfair, Claridge's is one of the world's great Art Deco hotels, frequented by royalty, heads of state, and celebrities. The Foyer afternoon tea is a London institution. Chef Daniel Humm helms Davies and Brook restaurant. The hotel's impeccable service and timeless elegance set it apart.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Ritz London
Since opening in 1906, The Ritz has embodied the pinnacle of English luxury. Its Louis XVI interior is among the most beautiful in Europe. The Ritz Restaurant overlooks Green Park, the Palm Court hosts perhaps London's most famous afternoon tea, and the casino is one of London's most prestigious. Smart dress is required throughout.
Check rates on Booking.comBalmoral Hotel Bath
Set in a Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse on the Royal Crescent, this magnificent hotel captures the essence of Bath's Regency elegance. Each room is individually designed with period antiques and modern comforts. The award-winning restaurant showcases locally sourced West Country produce.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in England
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
The Fat Duck
Heston Blumenthal's legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the village of Bray, widely regarded as one of the world's great restaurants. The tasting menu is a surreal journey of multi-sensory gastronomic innovation, from Sound of the Sea (eaten while listening to ocean waves through a shell) to the famous Snail Porridge. Bookings open months in advance and are virtually impossible to secure.
The Ledbury
Australian chef Brett Graham's two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Notting Hill is one of London's most celebrated fine dining destinations. The menu showcases exceptional British produce with impeccable technique; the flame-grilled mackerel and Brown butter and roe tart with smoked eel are signature dishes. The wine list is magnificent.
St. John Restaurant
Fergus Henderson's pioneering nose-to-tail cooking institution opened in a former smokehouse near Smithfield Market in 1994. It changed the way Britain thinks about food. Roast bone marrow with parsley salad is the signature; offal, chitterlings, and unusual cuts share the menu with superb seasonal British cooking. The wine list is exemplary.
The Clove Club
Set in the handsome Victorian Shoreditch Town Hall, The Clove Club serves a tasting menu of extraordinary modern British cooking from Isaac McHale. The buttermilk fried chicken with pine salt is one of London's most talked-about dishes. The open kitchen creates theatre, and the natural wine list is excellent.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Heston Blumenthal's London restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental, Knightsbridge reimagines historical British recipes with modern culinary techniques. The Meat Fruit (mandarin spherification containing chicken liver parfait) is one of London's most iconic dishes. Each dish comes with historical references from medieval manuscripts.
The Waterside Inn
The Roux family's riverside restaurant in Bray has held three Michelin stars since 1985 - the longest-held three-star rating outside France. The classically French cuisine is served in an idyllic Thames-side setting. Alain Roux continues the family tradition with dishes like foie gras terrine, langoustines, and souffles of extraordinary lightness.
Getting around England
England has an extensive rail network connecting major cities, with London served by an underground metro system. National Express coaches offer budget travel between cities.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in GBP, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $80 | $250 |
| Food (per day) | $20 | $45 | $100 |
| Transportation | $10 | $15 | $30 |
| Activities | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Daily total | $60 | $150 | $400 |
Best time to visit England
June and September offer the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds than peak July-August. Spring (April-May) brings wildflowers and longer days; autumn (September-October) has beautiful foliage.
Essential travel tips
- Get an Oyster card or contactless payment for London transport
- Book train tickets weeks in advance for best prices
- Many museums and galleries in London are free
- Pubs close earlier than many European bars - last orders typically 11PM
Safety information
Keep wallets, phones, and bags secure in busy tourist areas including London Underground stations, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, and Camden Market. Use bags that zip closed and keep them in front of you.
Be wary of people asking you to sign petitions, who then demand money. Avoid 'three-card monte' street gambling games which are illegal and rigged. Unofficial 'gold rings found on the pavement' is a well-known scam.
Only use black licensed cabs (which have a Hackney Carriage licence) or reputable ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt). Avoid unlicensed minicabs that tout for business outside nightclubs and stations.
In nightlife areas, never leave drinks unattended and be cautious accepting drinks from strangers. 'Spiking' (adding drugs to drinks) occurs occasionally in English cities. If you feel unwell, seek help from bar staff immediately.
England drives on the LEFT. When crossing the road, look RIGHT first (the opposite of most countries). Most crossings are marked 'LOOK RIGHT' and 'LOOK LEFT' on the tarmac. This is one of the most common hazards for visitors.
When walking in upland areas (Lake District, Peak District, Dartmoor, Yorkshire Dales), always carry an OS map, compass, and waterproof clothing. English weather can change rapidly. Tell someone your planned route and expected return time.
Rip currents and strong tides affect English beaches. Only swim at beaches with RNLI lifeguards (indicated by red and yellow flags). The RNLI rescue over 9,000 people from English beaches each year.
England's city centres can become rowdy late on Friday and Saturday nights when pubs close. Stick to well-lit areas, travel in groups where possible, and avoid confrontations with drunk individuals.
Use ATMs at bank branches rather than standalone ATMs in shops. Shield your PIN. Card skimming devices are occasionally placed on isolated ATMs.
Wear a helmet when cycling (not legally required but strongly advised). Use the cycle lane where provided. At night, lights are legally required front and rear.
Large music festivals (Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds, Download) are generally safe but pickpocketing occurs in crowds. Use festival lockers for valuables and register a meeting point with your group.
England can experience flooding in low-lying areas, ice and snow in winter (particularly the Pennines, Lake District, and Dartmoor), and occasional heatwaves in summer. Check Met Office forecasts at metoffice.gov.uk before outdoor activities.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit England?
Entry requirements follow United Kingdom rules. EU citizens may enter visa-free for up to 6 months. US, Canadian, Australian and many other nationals can visit visa-free for up to 6 months. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for many nationalities from 2024. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in England?
The currency in England is the British Pound (GBP). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in England?
The main language(s) spoken in England: English. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in England?
The top attractions in England include Tower of London, Stonehenge, Lake District National Park, British Museum, and Buckingham Palace. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
How do I get around England?
England has one of the world's most comprehensive transport networks. The National Rail network connects over 2,500 stations. London is served by the iconic Underground (the Tube), buses, Overground, Elizabeth line, and river services. For the countryside, a hire car offers the most flexibility. Driving is on the left.