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Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts

Country Focus: England


Thatched roofed homes, a picturesque countryside, ancient castles and a bustling capital city are all things visitors to England can be sure to enjoy.  There is so much to see and do throughout England while you take in all the character and charm that this country has to offer. 
London is said to be the most visited city in the world and is considered one of the cleanest and safest cities to visit.  The Tube, the underground public transportation system, is easy to navigate and very user friendly.  It’s a convenient way to get to all the top attractions London has on tap.  On most visitor’s list is a trip to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard, which usually takes place at 11:30am weekday mornings (though the time can vary).  Big Ben, Parliament and the London Eye are iconic landmarks to visit, as well as, Tower of London where the Crown Jewels exhibit is located.  These are just a few of the many sites more than 17 million London visitors enjoy each year.  London is also home to many well-known museums to explore and, as an added bonus, most London museums do not charge an entrance fee. 

Venturing outside of the city and exploring the English countryside with all its alluring character is a must-do for any visitor to this country.  If you head to South Central England, you’ll find an area referred to as the Cotswolds.  This is true quintessential England at its very best.  Known for its rolling hills and meadows, quaint villages and cozy pubs, it holds all the charm that comes to mind when people think of England.  Just outside the Cotswolds is the historic city of Bath.  Bath is best known for its Roman built baths and Bath Abbey.  You can stroll the cobblestone streets where you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants.  Not too far from Bath you can take a self-guided tour of Stonehenge which is not to be missed on any trip to England. 
Head to the Southernmost part of the country to explore the sleepy seaside towns in the Cornwall area.  If you are a surfing enthusiast, you can “hang ten” in Newquay or any of the surrounding towns known for their impressive waves.  Head north of London to visit the Lake District with its many outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. 

The Southeastern coastline is home to the White Cliffs of Dover.   It’s here that you will find the iconic chalk cliffs that face the English Channel towards Continental Europe.  On your travels, be sure not to miss any of the famous castles that are dotted around the countryside.  Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace and Leeds Castle are among the most famous castles located outside of London.

With so much rich history and breathtaking countryside to explore, you’ll want to put England on the top of your travel list.  Gather up your mates and start making plans for your unforgettable trip to “Old Blighty.”



Thank you travel blogger Lisa Medeiros.  Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros

Top 5 Day Trips from London



While it’s no easy task to pry yourself away from all the excitement that UK’s capital city has to offer, you won’t want to miss out on experiencing the charm and character of the English countryside.  With so much to see and do just a few miles outside of the city, you’ll have a difficult time deciding which you like better…city or country. 
Cornwall
Located Southwest of London are the picturesque seaside villages that make up the area known as Cornwall.  This area is a popular surfing destination even though the water is always a bit chilly.  Don’t let that stop you from booking a surf lesson where wet suits are always provided.  If you’re a photography buff, then you’ll enjoy snapping away at the breathtaking harbor views in this popular tourist destination. 
Stonehenge
Don’t listen to the folks who think it’s just a bunch of rocks.  Stonehenge is an amazing ancient Wonder of the World that is not to be missed.  Take the self-guided tour and stare in awe as you attempt to figure out for yourself exactly how and why it was built.  It’s located about 90 miles from central London.  It’s also a short distance to Bath, so while you’re out that way tack on a trip to see the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. 
Shere, Surrey
While out touring the English countryside it’s nice to take a break from the touristy spots and stop into one of the many quaint villages to see what I like to call “real England.”  Shere is a little village located in Surrey.  I used to live a short drive from Shere and found its duck-filled stream and cozy shops an enjoyable retreat.  If you’re a movie buff, then you’ll recognize this village from the movie Holiday with Cameron Diaz and Jack Black.  Diaz’s character is a LA executive who decides to do a home swap with Kate Winslet’s character who has a home in Shere.  You can have your own “Holiday” experience with a luxury home exchange in one of these quintessential  English homes offered by International Vacation Home Exchange and experience “real England” first hand. 
Dover
Located on the East Coast of England and at the closest point to continental Europe, Dover is a must-see attraction for any history buff.  You can see for yourself the beauty of the well-known White Cliffs of Dover.  Take a tour of medieval Dover Castle which houses the wartime tunnels and learn about this area’s integral part in history.
Lake District
Enjoy the English countryside at its best in this Northwest area of England.  There are endless ways to enjoy the outdoors.  Whether it’s hiking, biking or just taking a scenic drive and stopping off to enjoy a pint at one of the local pubs.  This area is not only known for its majestic lakes and rugged mountain terrain but also for its historic literary association.  This area has been an inspiration to authors and poets such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter to name a few. 

These are just a few of the sites that are packed into this tiny island.   There is so much rich history and breathtaking charm scattered throughout the countryside that you could return time and time again and never run out of sites to see. 


Thank you Travel Writer Lisa Medeiros.  Check out lisamedeiros.com and follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_



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