North West England consists of the counties of Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside. It is the second-largest conurbation in England, after London/South East England. The major urban areas in North West England include Manchester, the UK`s third-largest city, which usurped Birmingham as the most industrialized city in the British Empire; Liverpool, on the River Mersey, known for its seafaring traditions and its Merseybeat music style which spawned such successes as The Beatles; Blackpool, one of the most popular seaside resorts in England, located on the Irish Sea coast; and Chester, perhaps the best-preserved walled city in Britain. The Lake District, in Cumbria, is far removed from the urban core of the North West and is known for its peaceful and scenic landscapes.
The English Midlands are often overlooked but are alluring to travelers. The region is full of history; many cities were founded over two millennia ago, and are some of the oldest cities in England. The Midlands was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, helping to cement the British Empire`s global influence.
Explore quintessentially English villages of honey-colored stone; take in splendid, lively market towns, and visit some of the country`s greatest castles and country houses in the Cotswolds, a collection of small, rural villages with acclaimed reserves and some of the most breathtaking landscapes available in England.
The history of East Anglia (Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire) is vivid and rich; the oldest structures still standing in England, dating from the Bronze Age, are located in East Anglia. A number of large, ornate former monasteries-turned-cathedrals dot Cambridgeshire, from Peterborough to Fenland and the Isle of Ely.
The Thames River flows for 215 miles, making it the longest river in England. The area along the Thames has been at the epicenter of much of England`s military and economic history, and has served an important role in the growth of England since the time of the Romans, evidenced from cities such as London, Oxford, and Windsor.
South East England is a large and geographically diverse region, much of which sits in the Thames River Valley, and here you can experience such sights as the New Forest, the Chiltern Hills, and the White Cliffs of Dover, in addition to Blenheim Palace, Windsor Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, and the list goes on.
South West England is filled with exciting sights such as Stonehenge, the world-famous prehistoric stone circle; the Roman-era hot springs of Bath; the coasts of Dorset and east Devon; and the tin mines that dot the coasts of Devon and Cornwall. All of these popular attractions are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
England is a country which combines geographic beauty, architectural splendor, and rich history to create a tourist experience which will stay with you for the rest of your life. Together, the three historic cities of Bath, Oxford, and Cambridge are the true Charms of England, and must be experienced to be truly appreciated.
Seaside resorts were the forerunners to today`s British tourism industry, and they still welcome millions of tourists annually after over 150 years in existence. Arguably the most popular of the seaside resorts in England are Brighton, Bournemouth, and Blackpool. Llandudno, a short train ride away in Wales, is also very popular.
The British Isles has a rich history of literary excellence. The history, fantasy, politics, romance, and tradition of the isles have been brought to life and evaluated by authors who span centuries. The canon of literature produced by authors from the British Isles illuminates historical narratives and literary innovations.
Driving Time
London - Manchester: 4 hrs. 20 mins aprox.
Driving Time
London - Stratford-upon-Avon: 2 hrs. 20 mins. approx.
Stratford-upon-Avon - York: 2 hr. 45 mins. approx.
York - Windermere: 2 hrs. 35 mins. approx.
Windermere - Manchester: 1 hr. 35 mins. approx.
Beautiful North East England consists of such cities such as Durham, which boasts a 1,000-year-old old town; Newcastle-upon-Tyne, developed around an old Roman settlement and once one of the most important shipbuilding centers in the world; and Sunderland, which grew around the 7th-century Monkwearmouth-Jarrow Abbey.
Yorkshire is the quintessential Northern English travel destination. Yorkshire is known for its scenic landscapes, especially at the North York Moors, the Peak District National Park, and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is also known for its bustling cities such as York, Sheffield, Leeds, and Bradford.