Guide to England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom (UK) located on the island of Great Britain in Europe. It’s bordered by Scotland to the north and Wales to the west. England’s diverse landscape includes bustling cities, historic towns, and scenic coastlines making it a significant cultural and economic center within the UK and Europe.
Read everything you need to know about visiting the country of England in our Guide to England. If you prefer to skip ahead to read articles about specific places in England, you can go directly to the bottom of this page.
About England
England sits in the North Atlantic and is part of the European continent. It shares borders with Scotland and Wales. It has been occupied by humans going back to the Upper Paleolithic time period, more than 12,000 years ago. England has been occupied by numerous groups in the past including the Romans, the Normans, and the Vikings.
The United Kingdom has had tensions with Scotland, Wales, and Ireland over who rules over who, but in the 10th century they became unified and England later made treaties with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to fall under the rule of Great Britain. Learn more in this Guide to England.
Guide to England: England’s History
England’s history is complex and spans thousands of years going back to the Stone Age. Significant prehistoric sites in England include Stonehenge and Avebury.
The Roman Empire
In 43 AD, England was invaded by the Romans establishing the province of Britannia. The Romans built towns, roads, and Hadrian’s Wall to protect against northern tribes. The Roman Empire ruled over England until early in the 5th century when they withdrew due to a decline in their rule.
The Anglo-Saxons
Once the Romans left Anglo-Saxons from Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands settled in England marking the beginning of the Anglo-Saxon period for almost 700 years. During this time Christianity spread widely. The Anglo-Saxon period lasted from 410-1066.
The Vikings
From the 8th-11th centuries, the Vikings raided and settled in parts of England. England’s rulers were able to defend against the Vikings and it was during this period that learning was promoted and legal reforms were made.
The Normans and Medieval Period
In 1066, William the Conqueror from Normandy defeated King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings and became King. Significant cultural and administrative changes were made including the feudal system. From 1066-1485 the Medieval Period in England took place and in 1215 the signing of the Magna Carta limited royal power. It was also during this period that the Black Death occured decimating the population.
The Tudors and Stuarts
In 1485 the Tudor dynasty began with Henry VII. His son, Henry VIII, established the Church of England separating from the Roman Catholic Church. Elizabeth I’s reign from 1558-1603 was marked by the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the flourishing of the English Renaissance.
With Elizabeth I’s death in 1603, the Tudor period ended and the Stuart period began lasting until 1714. It was during the Stuart period that the English and Scottish crowns became united under James I. The English Civil War (1642-1651) between Royalists and Parliamentarians led to the execution of Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell began. The monarchy was restored just 9 years later in 1660 and a constitutional monarchy was established in 1688.
Georgian and Victorian Period
From 1714-1830 the Georgian period expanded the British Empire and the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution transformed society and the economy in England.
Queen Victoria’s reign between 1837-1901, marked the industrial progress, social reform, and the expansion of the British Empire outside of England. Significant scientific and cultural developments occured during the Victorian Period.
Modern Era of England
During the 20th century England played a crucial role in both World War I and World War II. After World War II the British Empire declined and colonies gained their independence. The second half of the 20th century saw significant social change in England as well as economic challenges leading to the evolution of the UK into a welfare state. Cultural shifts in the 1960’s saw a rise in influential music and fashion.
Today England continues to be a global player. Political changes such as Brexit (the UK’s departure from the European Union) have taken place in the 21st century but England continues to have a worldwide cultural influence.
England, Great Britain, or United Kingdom?
Let’s talk about the difference between England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom. These names have been used interchangeably by many but they are completely different. England is it’s own country. Great Britain refers to the 3 countries that are connected together: England, Scotland, and Wales.
The United Kingdom includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which is on a separate island. To make it even more confusing, Northern Ireland and Ireland, or Southern Ireland, are together on the same island but Southern Ireland is not part of Great Britain. It’s its own separate country and doesn’t fall under the rule of Great Britain.
Best time to visit England
England is known for it’s rain so it’s pretty impossible to avoid it. Summers will be the most crowded so if you want to avoid huge crowds, opt to go in the spring or fall.
Spring: From March to May the weather in England is mild across most of the country and things are starting to gradually warm. The landscapes are becoming lush, flowers are starting to bloom, and the there are less crowds during this time making it the perfect time to visit.
Summer: June to August is the peak tourist season and you can expect for major cities such as London to be very crowded. Summertime in England is warm but the weather can still be unpredictable so expect rain. Since it’s full with tourists during the summer you can expect prices to be higher.
Fall: From September to November the crowds start to disappear and the temperatures come down. It starts to become cooler and chances of daily rain increases in late fall. Autumn in England is a great time for exploring the sites without the crowds.
Winter: December to February is off-peak season so if you want to explore England during the least crowded time, this is it. Weather during winter is generally cold and damp with grey skies and occasional snow.
Areas of Interest in England
England offers a wealth of diverse attractions, ranging from historical landmarks to natural beauty and cultural experiences. Here are some areas of interest to explore England.
- London: Definitely the most popular destination in England and where most people first arrive is London. Some of the major attractions there are the The Tower of London, The British Museum, and Big Ben.
- Stonehenge: Located northwest of London, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument considting of a ring of standing stones with mysterious origins and purposes.
- Bath: Famous for its Roman-built baths and stunning Georgian architecture, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today visitors can soak in the natural thermal waters at the Thermae Bath Spa, visit the Jane Austen Centre who once lived in Bath, or learn about Georgian life at the historic venue of The Assembly Rooms.
- The Cotswolds: The Cotswolds is a picturesque region in south-central England known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and quintessentially English countryside. The region is known for its distinctive honey-colored limestone which is used in many of the buildings giving villages a unique and charming appearance.
- Liverpool: This vibrant city in northwest England is famous for its maritime history as home of The Beatles. Visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum which includes exhibits on the Titanic or the Liverpool Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Britain.
- Warner Bros. Studio: If you’re a fan of Harry Potter then a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio for an in-depth look at the film sets, props, and costumes used in the movies is a must.
Passport & Visa Requirements for England
If you’re traveling to England you must have a valid passport and you should have at least 6o days remaining on your passport from your planned departure date. Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to visit England and should check the UK government’s visa guidance.
For most people, including those from the United States, they will not need a visa to enter England if your stay is 6 months or less.
Getting to England
Most people arriving by air to England will arrive through one of its many airports. The London Heathrow International Airport is the largest airport in the United Kingdom and one of the busiest in the world. Other major airports in England are the Manchester and Birmingham Airports.
While the majority of people traveling to England will arrive by plane, if you’re traveling from Europe you can also arrive by train through the Channel Tunnel or Chunnel. This undersea tunnel links southern England to France. There are three rail tunnels, two used for freight and passengers and another used as a service tunnel.
Guide to England: Budget
England’s currency is the British Pound and is the only currency used. Budgeting for a trip to England can vary widely depending on your travel style, length of stay, and activities.
Most businesses accept credit cards but it’s always a good idea to have some cash for smaller purchases you make, especially with a small business. You’ll also find ATM’s throughout England.
Accomodations in England
You can expect to pay more for accommodations in major cities such as London. You’ll find major name brand hotels throughout England (Radisson, Holiday Inn, etc…) but you can find smaller locally owned hotels throughout the country as well as Bed and Breakfast places in the countryside. Costs will range from about £20 up at a hostel on up to £400+ a night for luxury.
Keep in mind the closer you stay to the tourist locations, the more a room will cost.
Food & Drink in England
The cost of food and drinks in England really depends on where and what you eat. Eating anywhere near major sites will cost more. Expect to pay between £15-£80 a meal. Eating at a pub will be a good option for saving money in your food budget.
Activities in England
England has a good mix of paid and free attractions. Many museums and galleries in London such as the British Museum and the National Gallery are free. But the majority of attractions will require an entrance fee. You can expect to pay between £15-£30 per ticket to places such as the Tower of London and Stonehenge.
Guide to England: Getting Around
If you plan on exploring England outside of London then you may need to rent a car. However, it does depend on where you want to go.
If you’re just staying in London you definitely won’t need a car. You can quickly get to places by taking the subway, or theTube. If you plan your London Itinerary right you may also be able to get to your sites of interest by just walking.
If you plan on visiting locations outside of London then you have the option of either renting a car, taking a tour, or travel by train. There are also trains that travel from London to places outside of the city such as Bath. Another option is to take a bus. You could take a train from London to Bath and then take a bus from Bath to the Cotswolds.
Guide to England: Staying Connected
England has a very good cell network and you shouldn’t have a problem with cell service while there. You should be able to connect via WI-FI in places like your hotel or at restaurants but another option is to purchase a local sim card for your stay.
We like to use a company called Airalo that provides e-sims for over nearly every country and/or region worldwide. It’s super easy to install the e-sim right before you leave home and as soon as you land you can activate it. You can pay less than $10 for up to 15 days of service while there. If you run low it’s easy to just top up and add more data.
Having service when traveling is almost essential these days. Just for the GPS alone and being able to use Google maps, it’s worth it.
Safety in England
England is considered a safe country to visit but it’s always good to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. The biggest thing you might have to worry about are scams or pickpockets.
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Guide to England: Bucket List Ideas
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