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
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England
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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Travel Photo – Windermere, Lake District, England
Blog: Landlopers - 30 July 2010
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Buying Air Tickets – How to find the best flights and cheapest fares
Blog: My Little Nomads - 29 July 2010
Tips, advice and great web sites for finding the best airlines and cheapest prices for your next vacation.Read more: Buying Air Tickets – How to find the best flights and cheapest fares Most popular post: The 5 Best Greek Islands for Kids and Families Most emailed post: Preventing Malaria When You Travel
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Romantic destinations: are they all in the mind?
Blog: 501 Places - 29 July 2010
I asked my wife the other day: what makes a particular place a romantic one? She immediately replied that it was about the person you’re with, rather than where you are. So I asked her if it would make any difference if I took her for a romantic weekend to Paris or to Cleethorpes (for [...]Romantic destinations: are they all in the mind? is a post from: 501 Places
