South East England is a large and geographically diverse region, consisting of the counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, West and East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and the Isle of Wight. Much of South East England sits in the Thames River Valley, and in this region you can also experience such scenic wonders as the New Forest, North and South Downs, the Chiltern Hills, and the White Cliffs of Dover. Such noted points of interest as Blenheim Palace, Windsor Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Brighton Pier, the University of Oxford, the Royal Ascot, and the aforementioned White Cliffs of Dover all bring millions of tourists to the South East every year. Principal cities in the region include Oxford and Windsor, in the Thames River Valley; and Brighton and Southampton, on the southern coast.
Northern England is the quintessential English travel experience, offering both rural and urban vacation opportunities, ranging from such industrialized and vibrant cities as Manchester, Liverpool, and York, to the beauty of its national parks, like the Lake District, the Peak District, and the Yorkshire Dales.
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.
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 - Oxford : 1 hr. 55 mins. approx.
Oxford - Bath: 1 hr. 40 mins. approx.
Bath - Plymouth: 2 hrs. 40 mins. approx.
Plymouth - Salisbury: 2 hrs. 45 mins. approx.
Salisbury - London: 2 hrs. 30 mins. approx.
Driving Time
London - Bath: 2 hrs. 30 mins. approx.
Bath - Gloucester: 1 hr. 10 mins. approx.
Gloucester - Oxford: 1 hrs. 15 mins. approx.
Oxford - Stratford-upon-Avon: 1 hr. 5 mins. approx.
Stratford-upon-Avon - London: 2 hrs. 5 mins. approx.
Driving Time
London - Stratford Upon Avon: 2 hrs. approx.
Stratford Upon Avon - Oxford : 1 hr. approx.
Oxford - Salisbury: 1 hr. 15 mins. approx.
Salisbury - Bath: 1 hr. approx.
Bath - Plymouth: 2 hrs. 35 mins. approx.
Plymouth - Cheltenham: 2 hrs. 50 mins. approx.
Cheltenham - London: 2 hrs. 15 mins. approx.
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.
The Bard, William Shakespeare, is arguably the greatest writer in the English language, and the towns of Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick couldn`t be prouder to have been his stomping grounds. Today the towns are home to the Royal Shakespeare Company and a number of theatres and performing arts centers.
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.