England:

England is the heartland of Great Britain, one of the great empires throughout history. London itself is a truly modern, cosmopolitan city whose roots are firmly grounded in many centuries of history. Places like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace (formerly the residence of Princess Diana), Trafalgar Square, Picadilly Circus and Hyde Park ring a bell everywhere.

Visit one of the many museums in London or simply enjoy a cup of afternoon tea in one of the salons and lounges throughout London. Check out Madame Tussaud's Waxworks, Westminster Abbey, or St. Paul's Cathedral.

Outside of London check out Windsor Castle. Overall, England is a veritable treasure chest for castle-lovers. One of the typical ways to travel in England is to enjoy the fabulous hospitality of a private bed & breakfast. The Cotswolds are a beautiful area with rolling hills, featuring stone houses just the way you always ipictured a truly English landscape. Stratford-Upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare which is must see for every Shakespeare fan. Performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company will delight theatre buffs.

If you like bigger cities, check out Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool, home of the Beatles. Britain's Roman history is apparent in many places, including Hadrian's Wall near Newcastle. And a visit to Stonehenge will bring you up close to one of history's mysteries.

England's lovely coastline can be enjoyed in one of many resort towns. Southend-on-Sea officially offers some of the best beaches of Europe and is well known for its pier, its theatre and music events. In the south east of England, Canterbury's cathedral is a splendid example of medieval British architecture. In Dover you can catch ferries to the European continent.

As one of the world's most famous university towns, Oxford has a scenic riverside setting with museums, shops, restaurants and a vibrant entertainment scene. Cambridge, its rival city, has winding streets and splendid architecture and is perfect for a daytrip from London.

Brighton is a beautiful seaside city with gorgeous architecture. The Isle of Wight offers a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Bournemouth is a holiday resort town on the South East coast of England with award-winning beaches, parks and gardens. A visit to England can be the perfect combination of culture, history and relaxation.

Essential links for travelling to England:

Britain's official travel website
Lonely Planet England website
Frommers's England website
London's official tourism website
Heart of England Tourist Board
South East England's Official Tourism Website
South West England's Official Tourism Website

Essential travel books for travelling to England: