Starting from multinational London, through Cornwall, and ending with the streets of Liverpool. Discover the places that must be visited in England during your next trip. And do it, perhaps, by starting your adventure from Southampton. Nature, myths, and cosmopolitan cities representing the heart of the West and beyond are waiting for you.
London
It is difficult to choose among the thousands of attractions and districts that characterize this incredible city. The first point to see in Trafalgar Square, the main city arteries run from the majestic square: the Mall leads to Buckingham Palace, the Strand leads to the City, and Whitehall leads directly to the Parliament building. On the square, in addition to being a focal point, there is the National Gallery, in which the Italian school with Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Raphael is the host. The English capital is the house of museums: how not to mention the British Museum, with its 4 kilometers of tunnels. A world that varies between Celtic finds, ethnographic sections from around the world, and ancient drawings.
Another emblem, of course, is Buckingham Palace, the residence of the English monarchy. The building, which can count 775 rooms and a park of more than 20 hectares, can only be visited in the summer when the royal family moves to Windsor Castle. A wonderful giant is the Palace of Westminster, a UNESCO heritage site since 1987, a colossus of 1200 rooms, which houses two chambers of the English Parliament. Big Ben stands out from this very famous building, whose name is one of the two towers. The new big hit is presented by St. Paul’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of the 17th century.
A good way to appreciate the beauty of London is also to discover it on board one of the typical tourist buses. You will walk across Tower Bridge, from which you will have an unforgettable view. The bridge connects the south bank with the north bank of the Thames. Don’t miss the stop that leads to Westminster Abbey, the church where English kings are crowned and where some of the most important personalities of Western thought are buried: Charles Dickens, Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin, and these are just three names. And then you will have to enter the chaotic world of Piccadilly Circus. For those who love greenery, London is the right place: there are at least nine city parks and many green spaces.
Stonehenge
This is the most famous prehistoric place in the world, a World Heritage Site. The embankment was formed by monoliths and stone circles. The oldest part dates back to 3000 BC. Elements of later periods have been added to the complex. The complex is surrounded by numerous mounds, which suggests that this is a huge necropolis. The mystery of its construction is still relevant. According to some scientists, it could be an astronomical calendar. The charm is also associated with the transportation of stones for many kilometers, which also gave rise to various legends and myths.
Stonehenge is an important step. There is also a museum in the Visitor Center. The collection features hundreds of remains found in local prehistoric sites, as well as an educational area for children. The site is located in Amesbury, about eight miles from Salisbury. On the contrary, the etymology of the terms comes from Hang (suspended) and stone (stone). Historical references to this place can be found as early as the first century BC.
Windsor Castle
We are located in one of the most important British royal residences. A monument representing a unique history. Suffice it to say that the original core was built in 1100. The manor has many records, it is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, and it was inhabited the longest. It has been a royal residence for almost a thousand years, and now it is a particularly welcome refuge for Queen Elizabeth on weekends and in the summer. Inside are treasures and collections of priceless value. Especially interesting and rich are the State Apartments, Private Rooms, and the Chapel of San Giorgio.
There are other historical rooms in the manor, such as the Waterloo Chamber, dedicated to the end of the Napoleonic Wars and used during investiture ceremonies. The floor is covered with the world’s largest seamless carpet, which was made for this room by prisoners of the Indian prison in Agra on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. St. George’s Hall, on the other hand, is over 55 meters long, with a table over 47 meters long, it is usually designed for state banquets and can accommodate up to 160 people.
Canterbury
It is one of the oldest cities in Kent, ideal for a day trip and getting rid of London traffic. The Cathedral, built in the Gothic style in 1100, stands out immediately. After the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket, it became a place of pilgrimage and was a source of inspiration for many important writers, from Chaucer to Eliot. Next to the religious building is the Norman Gate, built-in 1500. The other gate, located in the western part of the city, is the Western Gate with a height of 18 meters.
Another attraction of the city is represented by the Norman castle. The original structure was built mainly of wood and stone. Another gem is the Abbey of Sant’Agostino, where the remains of the saint are kept. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous restorations, having managed to preserve its cultural and historical significance so much that in 1988 it became a World Heritage Site. Not everyone knows this, but several shipping channels pass through Canterbury.
Liverpool
A fascinating city whose inhabitants, scouts, never lose their good mood along with a certain amount of eccentricity. Liverpool will surprise you, especially after the renaissance that characterized the commercial port (for several decades considered the most infamous area in the United Kingdom) and which gave new life to culture, organization, and entertainment. Today, the harbor is home to the Tate Gallery, the most important contemporary art gallery in Northern Britain, as well as the Beatles Museum, which tells about the life of the famous band through memorabilia, photographs, and musical instruments. The Maritime Museum is instead dedicated to informing and highlighting Liverpool’s commercial history.
The diversity of the two cathedrals will be another element of amazement during your trip. The Great Cathedral, signed by Giles Gilbert Scott, was begun in 1900 for Anglican worship. It was completed only in 2008, together with the second building, the Catholic one. The latter looks like a nightclub, although the shapes were inspired by the crown of thorns of Christ. Continuing the architectural lines, it is impossible not to admire the three buildings that Liverpool residents call the “Three Graces”, the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port Liverpool Building.
Cornwell
A magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed region that occupies a peninsula in the southwest of England and will amaze you with the charm of its landscape consisting of cliffs overlooking the blue sea, vast and unspoiled beaches, wooded valleys, and countryside. The whole will be dotted with villages, the largest of which is Truro, as well as historical residences, archaeological sites, parks, and gardens. The particularly mild climate allowed the creation of fantastic botanical gardens. First of all, it is worth visiting St. Michael’s Island, crowned with an elegant mansion. The ruins of Tintagel Castle, associated with the legend of King Arthur, are surprising.
Cornwall was also popular for its mines, which supplied copper, tin, lead, arsenic, and silver, especially during the Industrial Revolution. Colors, indescribable views, as well as many picturesque villages, and many surprises: there are several star-marked restaurants in Cornwall, as well as many places where you can taste Cornish pasties made of shortbread with meat filling. In this region, there is an area called “Outstanding Natural Beauty”, consisting of 11 coastal areas and one inland.
Oxford
It is located an hour’s drive from London and is home to the UK’s most famous university, as well as the oldest city. The center is represented by the Carfax Tower, that is, what remains of the Church of St. Martin in 1100. One of the most popular and photographed buildings is the Radcliffe Camera in the Neoclassical style, known for its special circular library. Christ Church College, founded in 1524, is the most popular college in Oxford, where the filming of the Harry Potter saga took place. Don’t miss Blenheim Palace, an exquisite residence with beautiful gardens, the birthplace of Winston Churchill.
Take a walk along the riverbank to discover the oldest botanical garden in the UK, founded in 1621: now it has more than 8000 plant species on an area of 1.8 hectares. Oxford is also a city full of culture. In the Ashmolean Museum, you can admire Roman and Greek sculptures, such as the Frieze of the Parthenon and the Olympic Apollo. For a colorful walk, rich in flavors and traditions, you can’t miss a stop at the indoor market, where there are at least 50 shops and several pastry shops specializing in cake design.
The Cliffs of Dover
Now they have become a symbol, the first thing a visitor sees coming from the English Channel. These white rocks reach a height of 110 meters and stretch along the coast for more than 13 kilometers. According to scientists, they were formed during the Ice Age, and the special color is due to limestone rocks consisting of fossils of ancient marine organisms. These rocks are especially dear to the British and have become a symbol of their history.
One of the most popular songs during the Second World War among the British military was “The White Cliffs of Dover”. The place where they left and where they would like to return to after the end of the war. There was even a film dedicated to the rocks, the classic 1944 Great Cliffs of Dover, directed by Clarence Brown.
Manchester
Fascinating past and bright present: that’s what Manchester means. Rich in culture, art, and constant evolution. One of the most impressive sights is the cathedral, a neo-Gothic gem that represents the most important English place of worship in the city. The building was bombed during World War II and underwent a restoration that lasted more than 20 years. Its nave is one of the longest in the UK and you will find some special artifacts and wood carvings. The symbol of Manchester is the Town Hall, a majestic Neo-Gothic architecture overlooking Albert Square. For sports fans, on the other hand, Old Trafford, Manchester United Stadium.
One of the most charming areas that manage to unite the two souls of the city, recalling its ancient origin and industrial character, is Castlefield, also formed by a series of artificial canals used in ancient times to transport coal and goods. The alternative soul is represented by the Northern Quarter, which is dominated by street art, clothing stores, and murals, as well as pubs, breweries, and clubs. A museum dedicated to Manchester’s industrial past is not to be missed: The Museum of Science and Industry is located in the oldest former railway station.
Nottingham
Indeed, Nottingham is the home of Robin Hood, the legendary archer who is part of British folklore and history. The heart is represented by the Old Marche Square, the largest square in England, surrounded by buildings of the nineteenth century. Nottingham Castle is one of the first places to start, it houses an art gallery and a museum. The city cathedral dedicated to St. Barnabas is also very picturesque. The city is also known for caves excavated in the early Middle Ages, there are more than 500 of them. The tour will introduce you to their secrets and various uses, from an ancient tannery to a bomb shelter.
Sherwood Window is located 40 kilometers away and is a landmark in these parts. Famous for hiding Robin Hood in it, it is the perfect place to ride a bike or stroll among the century-old trees, especially at sunset. Major Oak, in particular, was the refuge of the famous archer. The day can end in Hockley, the most fashionable area with lots of shops, shopping malls, clubs, and restaurants.
