The English Midlands are often overlooked by travelers, but there are many reasons why you should visit. It is full of history; many of its cities were founded over two millennia ago, making them some of the oldest cities in England. The Midlands are the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, which, by the dawn of the nineteenth century, had helped to cement the British Empire`s role as the most influential country in the world. That industrial might is still evident today as factories dot the landscape. In the West Midlands, you will find Birmingham, the United Kingdom`s second most populous city, as well as the cities of Coventry and Wolverhampton. In the East Midlands, you will get the chance to visit such important cities as Nottingham and Leicester. No matter where you decide to go, The Midlands are a great place to explore.
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 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.
The West Midlands have played a sizable role in the economic growth of the British Empire, as many industries profited from their sales to all corners of the world. It was also the epicenter of the British automobile industry, which thrived for nearly a century. While this area was heavily damaged during World War II, many old buildings, such as Aston Hall and St. Philip`s Cathedral, survive.
The East Midlands were fully settled by the time of the Romans. The Roman Fosse Way began in what is now the East Midlands and signifies the western frontier of the Roman Empire. During the Viking conquest of Britain, it was part of an area called The Five Boroughs of the Danelaw. Leicester is perhaps one of the oldest cities in Britain, dating back to the second century before the Common Era.
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.