England is a country full of history and incredible places to visit. With many castles, palaces, unique architecture, pubs , and spa towns , it’s worth putting the land of the Queen on your list of places to visit. After six months living there, I can say that I got to know the country quite well, and today I’m going to give you tips on what to visit and how to plan your England travel itinerary.
Planning tips for your trip to England
If you want to have the trip of your dreams, you need to think about every detail, because anything can happen on an international trip. Check out important tips related to currency, international SIM cards, travel insurance, and much more!
Currency of England
The currency in England is the pound. You can exchange pounds before traveling or as soon as you arrive at a currency exchange. Also, always carry one or two credit cards authorized for international use or debit cards such as Visa Travel Money.
Immigration in England
England is not part of the Schengen Area and you will need a visa to enter the country. For stays of less than 6 months, the visa is issued at the airport when your passport is stamped. It is important to have the following documents and booking confirmations printed in English:
- Valid passport;
- Round-trip airline tickets;
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation , Airbnb, etc.);
- Proof of sufficient funds to visit the country;
- Itinerary or tourist sites you will visit.
If you are staying at a friend’s house, it is important to have an invitation letter in English with all your and your friend’s details (including occupation, phone number, address, etc.). If you live in Europe and are visiting England, don’t forget to bring your Residence Permit.
International SIM card: how to buy one
You can leave your country of origin with an international SIM card and stay connected all the time. Get a 5% discount with the voucher. Visit the America Chip website, receive your SIM card at home, and travel abroad with unlimited internet. Alternatively, you can also use a SIM that supports roaming in England.
International travel insurance
Before traveling, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance to enter Europe. Travel insurance is mandatory and proof may be requested at the airport. To book your travel insurance with a discount, you can compare insurance companies and choose the best coverage for your travel style.
Tips on where to stay
To find affordable hotels in England, visit the Booking website and filter your search by date, location, star rating, and desired room amenities. If you prefer a larger place where you can cook, choose a house or apartment through Airbnb for a more comfortable trip, as if you were at home. Whenever possible, book accommodations with free cancellation in case you need to change your travel dates to England.
What to eat in England
England is a country of pubs, but there are restaurants with cuisine from all over the world. The most common dishes in England are fish and chips, hamburgers, and roast meats with fresh peas, gravy, and Yorkshire puddings.
English cuisine features a lot of potatoes! But don’t worry, if you look around you’ll find good options to eat (sushi, pizza, salads, etc.). Among the sweets, be sure to try the caramel shortcake and the traditional scones with jam.
The 10 best cities in England: travel tips
Check out our list of places to visit in England. To see all the cities on the list, it’s ideal to stay at least 10 days in the country, with at least 3 days in London. Check out our travel itinerary and the best cities in England to visit:
1) London
London is the capital of England and one of the most incredible places in the world. It’s possible to spend at least 30 days in the city and still not see everything! Attractions, pubs , restaurants, theaters, churches, palaces! Many entire neighborhoods have amazing things to do, such as Notting Hill.
Start your England travel itinerary in the English capital. There are at least four airport options in the city, and you can choose to land at Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick, or the more central London City Airport (for smaller planes).
It’s easy to get around the city and the public transport system works very well! The metro is always the fastest option to avoid traffic and see more attractions in a single day.
In London, be sure to visit Big Ben, the London Eye (famous Ferris wheel), Buckingham Palace (open to visitors only in summer), and the Changing of the Guard (at 11:00 am – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays).
In London, visit the beautiful Tower Bridge and the banks of the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus.
In addition, take some time to stroll and have lunch in Camden Town, browse the Notting Hill market, visit the fantastic museums, and explore the city’s parks. Among the museums, my favorite is the Natural History Museum in London, an incredible outing for both children and adults.
Main attractions in London:
- Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster
- London Eye
- Buckingham Palace
- Westminster Abbey
- Saint Paul’s Cathedral
- Trafalgar Square
- Piccadilly Circus
- Oxford Road
- Camden Town
- Notting Hill
- Tower Bridge
- Hyde Park
- Natural History Museum
- British Museum
2) Cambridge
Heading north in the country, the ideal option is to rent a car when leaving London. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Cambridge. By car, it’s 102 kilometers from the capital and takes about 2 hours. By train, the journey takes 54 minutes.
In Cambridge, you can spend the day and then head north. Visit the famous University of Cambridge, take a guided tour, and discover the second oldest university in the world still in operation (founded in 1209).
3) Cities in England: Lincoln
In Lincoln, stroll through the streets at the top of the city where you’ll find Lincoln Castle and the beautiful Cathedral. Wander through the streets of Steep Hill and enjoy the local cuisine. A charming city to spend the day or a morning. It’s worth visiting and adding to your England travel itinerary.
4) Peak District National Park – Bakewell, Buxton
Further inland lies the Peak District, a national park brimming with greenery and charming little towns and villages. It feels like traveling back in time. Among the places that most enchanted me in the national park were the towns of Bakewell and Buxton. Don’t miss the imposing Chatsworth Palace and be charmed by the hospitality of the English country dwellers.
The best way to explore the Peak District is by car, stopping at pubs , churches, waterfalls, and villages along the way. The park also features grottoes, caves, and areas for hiking, running, cycling, or horseback riding.
5) York
To end your trip on a high note, go to YORK ! Simply the cutest city in the world! A charming place, full of amazing shops, pubs, and breathtaking architecture.
The city is entirely walled, and the Gothic York Minster cathedral dates back to the 13th century. It’s a very touristy area with incredible hotels of all star ratings. York’s Chocolate Story is one of the attractions for chocolate lovers. In addition, the city has several amazing bakeries (quite rare in England). It’s worth trying the marvelous caramel shortcake .
To return to London, you can drive (4-hour journey – 326 kilometers) or take the train back in just 2 hours.
To rent a car in Europe, the best option is the Rentalcars website; it compares prices from various rental companies, allowing you to save a lot during your trip to England.
6) Brighton
Brighton is located in the south of England and is a very popular destination during the summer. The first reason is obvious: the city is on the English coast, and the other is its short distance from the capital, London (only 76 km). Furthermore, Brighton has been named the happiest city to live in the United Kingdom.
Places to visit in Brighton include the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Deck, British Airways i360, Sea Life Brighton, and the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. Visiting these places will allow you to have a great time and get to know the city well.
7) Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne, or simply Newcastle, is a city in England located in the northeast of the country. The River Tyne runs through the city, which is the most populous in the region. When visiting Newcastle, be sure to see Tyne Bridge, Newcastle Castle, Grainger Town (including Grey’s Monument), and the Theatre Royal. Also, be aware that the nightlife there is very lively and there are plenty of leisure options.
8) Birmingham
One of the cities in England that you need to visit is Birmingham. It is the second largest city in the United Kingdom and has a population of 1.1 million people, however, its metropolitan area is enormous and exceeds 4.3 million inhabitants. Birmingham is 160 km from London and is considered the social, cultural, financial and commercial center of the Midlands.
Birmingham’s economy is dominated by the service sector, and the city is a major international commercial center, as well as a significant hub for transport, retail, events, and conferences. After London, the city’s five universities make it the second largest center of higher education in the country.
When visiting Birmingham, be sure to include the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, the Black Country Living Museum, the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham, the Birmingham Library, The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, and The Bullring. It’s worth it!
9) Nottingham
Nottingham is a city located in central England and closely linked to the legend of Robin Hood. With approximately 330,000 inhabitants, its metropolitan area has over 1.6 million inhabitants, and its economy is the seventh largest in the United Kingdom. Include in your visit Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Hall Park (very beautiful), and in the city center, the National Justice Museum and Old Market Square.
10) Manchester
Another city in England that you need to visit is Manchester. With over 500,000 inhabitants, it’s a large city notable for its architecture and culture. Furthermore, the city stands out for its scientific and engineering output, sports clubs, and transport connections.
While in the city, visit the Museum of Science and Industry, the Manchester Art Gallery, the National Football Museum, the Museum of Manchester, Old Trafford Stadium (home of Manchester United), the Imperial War Museum North, the John Rylands Library, and Manchester Cathedral.
Best time to visit England
England is beautiful in every season, but it rains a lot in autumn and winter! The best time to visit England is in the summer, between the end of June and the end of August. Even so, you need to be prepared with waterproof coats, boots, and warm clothes, as average summer temperatures are around 20°C.
It’s important to know that the electrical outlets in England are different from those in other countries, but you can buy a plug adapter as soon as you arrive. The best stores are Poundland, Savers, and Home Bargains. Or even at the airport (which is a bit more expensive).
Is it worth taking a Eurotrip through England?
Of course, it’s worth including England in your next Eurotrip! And there are several reasons: firstly, the country is easy to access (by plane, bus, or train), and secondly, England is a country very rich in culture and history. In other words, including England in your next Eurotrip is an excellent idea!
How to save money on a trip to England
First, you need to understand that there’s a myth surrounding England because of its currency. The pound sterling is (or used to be) stronger than the dollar, for example, so if you do a simple conversion you’ll find everything expensive. The right thing to do is find ways to save money, and for that, we’ll give you some tips:
- Food:Â opt for supermarkets and avoid eating only in restaurants. Always visit supermarkets to buy groceries (food, hygiene products, etc.) and prepare your own meals. It may seem simple, but in the end, it makes a big difference.
- Accommodation and transport:Â if you want to save on accommodation, you’ll spend more on transport. This is because, generally, the more distant accommodations are the cheapest, however, the difference in price will often be used for transport (subway, taxi and train are expensive in England). So, do the math and see if it’s not worth staying in a better location to avoid spending so much on transport.
- Invest in good footwear:Â yes, having comfortable shoes will make walking more enjoyable (and less painful). Therefore, when visiting England, make sure your feet are comfortable so you can visit as many places and attractions as possible, and whenever possible, get around on foot (within London this can lead to significant savings).
Required documentation for traveling to England
To visit cities in England and enter the country, local immigration authorities will only require your passport as identification. A visa is not required to enter England; however, immigration officers will check your passport, ask questions about what you want to visit and how much money you have for the expected duration of your trip.
Ideally, bring everything printed out (and in English) and have your accommodation information, an up-to-date bank statement, the tourist attractions you plan to visit, and the cities you want to explore readily available and organized. Make sure everything is in order to avoid problems at immigration!
Tips for a perfect trip to England
England is an excellent country for tourism. There are many leisure options, a lot of culture and history. Therefore, it’s ideal to plan what you intend to visit in each of the English cities you go to, but, in addition, here are two essential tips:
Buy tickets in advance.
Buying tickets in advance can mean significant savings. Therefore, research flights to England well in advance and, when buying your ticket, remember to choose one that includes the option to change the date free of charge. This is because, with the conflict in Europe and the pandemic, things can change quickly.
Travel to England during the off-season
Traveling through Europe during the summer months means spending more than usual. Therefore, visit England before the European holiday season and avoid June, July, August, and September. May is an excellent month, as is October, because it’s not yet too cold (nor too hot) and you won’t pay exorbitant prices.
Read Also: How to Move to the UK – Visa Options & Immigration Routes
Cities in England: discover the most charming and small ones
There are many small towns in England that are excellent places to visit. See a list of them below:
- York;
- Buxton;
- Bakewell;
- Matlock;
- Beaconsfield;
- Canterbury;
- Cambridge;
- Lincoln;
- Brighton;
- Durham;
- Bournemouth;
- Leamington Spa;
- Oxford.
I hope this has helped you plan your England trip. Have a great trip! Enjoy your time in England!
