Destination Guide: England A vibrant hub of history, heritage and tradition England is home to iconic landmarks, hidden gems and enchanting natural beauty alike

The largest and most populous of Britain’s three nations, England is a vibrant hub of activity which hums with history, heritage, pomp and tradition. But whilst iconic landmarks and destinations await around every corner you don’t have to venture far off the beaten track to discover a truly hidden gem or the next spot of enchanting English natural beauty.

England’s culture is overwhelmingly one of endearing contradictions and eccentricities: We invented cricket, a sport at which we are best at losing. We harbour a national obsession with the weather yet experience a mild and uneventful climate. We incessantly apologize for things that aren’t our fault. We introduced the world to political democracy but engage in an endless love affair with our hereditary monarchy. We are equally proud of our secular national institutions and our religious history. The nation’s favourite meal is the Indian curry, we love warm beer even in the Summer and there is no crisis that can’t be solved with a nice cup of tea! Our pastimes include train-spotting, pigeon-fancying and cheese-rolling and we live in little towns with eccentric names such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold. When you immerse yourself in the English culture you’ll meet a friendly people brimming with character and humour.

Likewise, whilst often understated, England’s countryside and natural scenery are undoubtedly as contrasting as they are beautiful. Within this small country you’ll see landscapes to include the softly rolling patchwork hills of the Cotswolds in central England and the rugged, untamed moorlands of the Yorkshire Dales in the North. England’s East side enjoys pastoral lowlands, lush green fields and the tranquil waterways of the Norfolk Broads whilst in the West Country of England you’ll discover misty moors, craggy coves and rugged cliff faces along the glorious coastlines of Devon and Cornwall. The South East of England is best-known for some of the world’s most famous cultivated flower gardens at Sissinghurst and Kew, whilst the North West of England is undoubtedly more rugged and untamed in its beauty, home to the stunning Lake District and its natural waters settled beneath coarse and awe-inspiring mountain dales.

Many of England’s towns and cities are major destinations in their own right, each home to vast histories and cultures renowned the world-over. The burgeoning metropolis of London is a world-class city and seemingly has its own gravitational field with iconic English landmarks, famous venues and world-renowned institutions in abundance. And yet there is so much urban life to explore beyond; outside of London England boasts glorious cathedrals cities such as Canterbury & Salisbury, medieval towns like Oxford & Stratford-upon-Avon, opulent Georgian centres such as Bath, vibrant industrial cities such as Manchester and Liverpool and towns whose origins lie in the Roman era such as York & Chester. Not to mention a host of lesser known villages and townships and their outlying castles and stately homes the length and breadth of the country each with their own story to tell.

Visiting England, you’ll discover a truly great nation. England is a place to sit back and enjoy traditional hospitality, to experience first-hand a host of world-famous sites and to discover hidden gems, a place to soak up glorious history and to indulge in the great outdoors. For a truly great British journey, the beguiling land of England should not be missed.