Vacationing in England? 8 Tips for an Amazing British Adventure!

In the words of a true Brit, you don’t want to be “daft” when it comes to your vacation to England. Rather than “queue” up at tourist traps that will take both your time and money (Sherwood Forest and Stratford-Upon-Avon to name just a few) spend your “pounds” at some amazing locations that will make you look as “dishy” as possible in your travel photos.

1. 1. Tours:
   For travelers that don’t want to be locked into a rigid one-size-fits all group tour, but don’t want to tour alone, there are several midrange options. Ask your agent at JoyTravel.com which one works best for you.

Walking: With options from private to group excursions, walking tours can be an excellent choice for getting a close up view of the country or city. Just be prepared with comfortable shoes and a trusted umbrella.
Bus: Busses are great for people traveling with kids and give the traveler the opportunity to go from one part of the country to the next in a matter of minutes. Traditional red double deckers are always a memory maker.
Boat: Rivers run rampant through England. Why not consider a boat cruise down the Thames?

2. 2. Churches:
   Whether the most devout worshipper or steadfast non-believer, there are as many churches as people of faith. Here are a few teeming with beauty, splendor and historic significance.

Paul’s Cathedral: This London church has been around since 604AD. The great fire of London burned much of the original structure to the ground in 1666, but some artifacts remain. (“Fire Tours” are an excellent way to see century old relics.)
Durham Cathedral: Surrounded by a medieval city and set on a hillside, this structure is considered a holy site. Don’t miss the beautiful library and castle adjoin.
Salisbury Cathedral: Located ninety miles from London, this beautiful church was built in 1222 and considered an architectural masterpiece.

3. 3. Country:
   Nature lovers could spend their entire visit just in the English countryside. Here’s a sampling of a few places you’ll want to take advantage of.

Cotsworlds: One of the most scenic places in all of England, this is a town full of darling b & b’s and thatched roof, storybook looking cottages with loads of pottery and china to choose from.
Holy Island of Lindisfarne: Located in the northeastern corner of England, this island is an oasis for pilgrimmers. It maintains a medieval feel and is most known for when the monastery was attacked by vicious Vikings in the year 793AD.
Canterbury: Chaucer would approve of this lush country still ripe with bygone literature references. Take boat tour or walk along green meadows through a town rife with shops and local faire.

4. 4. Monuments:
   It seems there are more monuments than bobbies (policemen) in England. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:

Stonehenge: Before Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series was the original set of standing stones. Located just eight miles from Salisbury, Stonehenge is considered a modern wonder of the world.
Big Ben: Located at the northside of the Palace of Westminster and built in 1859, Big Ben is one of the largest four-faced clocks in the world. (Second only to one in Minneapolis City Hall.)
Tower of London: This “prison” was built in 1066 in London. It is remembered as a death chamber, though only 7 people were actually executed there. Tourists bent on bloody history can get more bang for their buck by visiting Tower Hill which boasts 112 deaths over four hundred years.

5. 5. Castles:
   If you think the cathedrals of England are smashing, wait until you visit the castles. These two are the most famous:

Westminster Abbey: This gothic cathedral is located in London. It’s advised to take a full or half day to tour this spectacular dwelling.
Windsor Abbey: Located in Berkshire, this is one of the oldest castles and largest castles in the world. It’s home to the current queen, too!

6. 6. Tea:
   Americans have been talking about English tea ever since it was dumped in Boston Harbor. For a more refined experience, consider:

The Milestone Hotel: Located across from Kensington Gardens, thirty pounds gets you an adult tea. Twelve pounds gets you a child’s tea.
Annies: Less prestigious than the fancy tea houses, but equally delicious, this tea house is hidden away in Manchester and serves some of the finest chocolate tarts in the city.
Other houses to consider include: National Dining Rooms in the National Gallery, Harrod’s Shopping Center and the Essex Rose Tea house (considered one of the best values around).

7. 7. Shopping:
   What would a trip to England be without shopping? Here are two prime locations not to be missed. One is outdoor, one is indoor, and both have enough merchandise to keep you busy your entire trip.

Camden Lock Market: It’s a shock Peter Pan didn’t touch down on his way to Neverland to pick up some goodies. From art to vegan delights to meat, cheese, wine and everything in between, Camden Lock Market can best be described as one of the world’s best outdoor farmer’s/arts n’ craft markets.
Harrods: Opposite of Camden Lock Market but equally impressive is the shopping mall of Royalty. Stop in for tea and stay for the highest quality designer brands in the world.
Hotels, Pubs and Gardens – Oh My! Our list wouldn’t be complete without a nod to some of the best hotels, pubs and gardens around. Just a few gems include:
Sampson’s Farm
Turf Tavern
Exmoor Forest
Covent Garden
Hampton Court

8. Art, Theater and Night Clubs:
For artists and pleasure seekers, consider the National Gallery, British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, Dickens Museum and Royal Albert Hall just to name a few.

Here at JoyTravel.com we could spend all day singing the praises of England, but since you’ll want to spend your time booking your trip rather than reading about it, feel free to contact us. We’d be glad to book you a trip of a lifetime!