Introducing England
Throughout its long history, it's been a green and pleasant land, a sceptred isle and a nation of shopkeepers. It's stood as a beacon of democracy and a bastion of ideological freedom, as well as a crucible of empire and a cradle of class oppression. Magna Carta, the King James Bible and the welfare state were all dreamt up here, but then again so were beer bellies, Bovril and Mr Bean. It's a nation of tea-tippling eccentrics and train spotters, of dog lovers and footy fanatics, of punk rockers, gardeners, gnome collectors, celebrity wannabees, superstar chefs, free-wheeling city traders, pigeon fanciers, cricket bores and part-time Morris Dancers. To some it's Albion. To others it's Blighty. To many it's the most eccentric, extraordinary and downright incomprehensible place on earth. Welcome to England.
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To journey through England is to journey through time (interspersed with several cups of tea) - from the ancient megaliths of Stonehenge to the space-age domes of the Eden Project in Cornwall. It's also a trip to the 21st-century: London is gearing up for the 2012 Olympics while cities like Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle revel in their heritage and confidently face the future, with industrial buildings revitalised as waterfront galleries or trendy apartments, flanked by tempting bars, shops, restaurants and some of the finest music venues on the planet.
For visitors, the beauty of travel in England is the compact nature of the country. By spending less time going between places and more time in them, you can immerse yourself in the scenery, instead of just breezing through. Whether you're strolling the undulating hills of Oxfordshire, cycling in Norfolk, surfing off Newquay or rock-climbing in the Peak District, England is perfect for activity and adventure. And with time on your side, you'll get closer to understanding local sensibilities: relaxing with the locals in a country pub, enjoying a music festival or watching a cricket match.
Last updated: Jul 16, 2010
Tips & articles
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Saddle up for the world’s best cycling routes
1 February 2012
There’s no better way to explore a place than by bike. In honour of our favorite two-wheeled travel companion, here...
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Travelling blind
26 January 2012
This remarkable story, originally published in Lonely Planet Magazine, takes us into the world of Tony Giles, who travels around...
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Globetrotting for chocoholics
19 January 2012
Love chocolate? Discover how to feel full of beans on this non-stop choc-focused tour of the planet.Flanders, BelgiumBelgians love chocolate...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Buying A House in England
by billthehammer 14 September 2011
For a total of £780 in survey fees part of the flooring should have been pulled up for a proper inspection otherwise a detailed report…
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RE: Buying A House in England
by battybilly 14 September 2011
There are many damproof/dampcourse solutions on the market. Some costing £100's, others £1000's. As well as haggling on the price, get…
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RE: Buying A House in England
by moobie 14 September 2011
If it has been on the market for 18 months and yours is the first offer I'd be reading the surveyor's report carefully. As a house is,…
Hotels & Hostels
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England
Things to do
- All things to do (3,317)
- Activities (383)
- Entertainment (788)
- Restaurants (840)
- Shopping (323)
- Sights (976)
- Tours (7)
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Our Top Picks For England
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1 London
England's capital. Britain's cultural melting-pot. Europe's largest metropolis. The world in one city.
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2 The Cotswolds
Classic rural scenery. Picture-postcard villages. Antique shops on every corner.
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3 Lake District
England's highest mountains, with stunning views, tranquil lakes and hiking a-go-go.
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4 Bath
Grand Georgian terraces, Palladian parades and one of the finest Roman bathhouses in the world. If you only explore on English city outside of London, make it this one.
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5 Manchester
England's Barcelona. Renowned for fine arts, modern architecture and unstoppable night-time activities.
Fast Facts about England
- Number of Brits living abroad?
5.5 Million
- Most popular girls names in England?
Olivia, Emily, Ruby, Grace
- How many Kings has England had?
51
- Average number of cups of tea drunk per day
3
- Which is older, Andy Capp or Dennis the Menace?
Dennis the Menace - first appeared in The Beano in 1951. Andy Capp first appeared in 1957.
- Most popular boys names in england?
Jack, Oliver, Thomas, Harry
- Population
51 million
- Where do the three lions on England's coat of arms come from?
Richard the Lionheart introduced a third lion, adding it to the two golden lions on a red field from his family's coat of arms during his reign.
- Average number of days when it rains
1 in 3
- Size
50,000 sq miles (130,000 sq km)
Our favourite England Blogs (beta)
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Lady Makes a Pizza
Blog: A Lady in London - 3 February 2012
Since moving to London, I have spent most of my evenings eating at restaurants. This is partly because I love food, but mostly because I can’t cook. Left to my own devices, my diet consists mainly of scrambled eggs, spaghetti, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Last week my worlds collided when I was invited to make [...]
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weekly photo: changing of the guards at buckingham palace
Blog: The Road Forks - 3 February 2012
Changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace
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museum hopping with context london
Blog: The Road Forks - 1 February 2012
We of
