A vacation to England is an opportunity to experience quintessential English history, culture, fashion and customs and traditions. From the moment you step off your plane or disembark from your ship, you can’t help but be captivated by the charm and quirks of this island nation that has had such a massive influence globally. Perhaps one of the first places you will think of visiting is London, the capital of England and, of course, of the entire United Kingdom.
Indeed, London is as inspiring as it is in tradition and reputation, and with over two thousand years of history within its walls, there is as much diversity in architecture and design as there is among the people who live and work here. With over 300 languages spoken in London, it remains a major center for culture, business, arts and entertainment.
From the majestic Buckingham Palace, where you might be lucky enough to see the changing of the guard, to the famous Mall, the scene of so many parades and celebrations witnessed around the world. Perhaps one of the best ways to see London is to sail down the Thames, the mighty estuary that gave rise to London’s prominence so long ago. As you look out over the extraordinary skyline, you can’t help but be amazed at the wide range of styles and innate sense of history and belonging.
Where else can you find a skyline that sees such contrasts as St Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf, the incredible ‘Gherkin’ Tower 42 and the Palace of Westminster, the Millennium Dome and Westminster Cathedral all in perfect harmony, encompassing so many hundreds of years of history in perfect harmony. Perhaps it is this embrace of diversity that has helped London keep its history and past so alive, while at the same time moving into the future with imagination, determination and energy.
Whether you prefer strolling through royal parks as magnificent as Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, or shopping along world-famous Oxford Street or Covent Garden, there’s more to do here that could possibly fill many a vacation. If shopping is your passion, then the internationally renowned Harrods is, of course, an essential visit, while for others, an amazing tour of London Zoo or an entertaining trip to Madame Tussauds, where you can rub shoulders with the stars. of Hollywood and royalty, fits the bill.
When it comes to entertainment, London’s West End is an essential place to visit, where a variety of world-class theaters offer a host of plays, operas, musicals and shows. So many famous names are associated with these shows and performances, but as you tour London, famous names and famous sights will constantly surround you. Without a doubt, the best way to see London properly is to be driven in private by someone with local knowledge, as the sheer size and complexity of this city can challenge even the locals.
By hiring the services of a local driver, you will be able to see sights such as Trafalgar Square, the London Eye, Park Lane and Mayfair, Marble Arch, and the unique Tower Bridge. No matter how long you decide to stay in London on holiday, it will never be long and you will almost certainly be planning your next visit before you even leave.
But if you want to appreciate England at its best on vacation and experience the many other reasons why this nation is so rightly proud of its island, then you should leave London and perhaps head to Winchester. This cathedral city boasts one of the largest cathedrals in the world, and its gothic architecture is astounding. Winchester was the capital city of Wessex, an important place if you’ve ever read any of Thomas Hardy’s literary works.
Imagine being driven from a Gothic cathedral city, through miles of rolling English countryside, and being magically transported back in time thousands of years. England has a history that is hard to match anywhere else, and you can’t help but be moved by the magic and mystery of Stonehenge. This iconic symbol of ancient times still has the power to move people, inspire them, and even strike fear and awe into the hearts of men. If you can hire the services of a good guide then you can learn about the ways in which the seasons, the moon, the stars and the skies in general can be read, understood and predicted through these mighty rocks placed here by the ancestors. so distant from us as if from another world.
But there is so much more to see on your England holiday: from Stratford upon Avon, the home of William Shakespeare, where you may see one of his plays, once again transporting you to another time, to the Cotswolds, perhaps the epitome of English country life. A well-planned itinerary and a good experienced guide or driver can take you on a journey through the pleasant green lands of England, past castles and fortresses, cathedrals and towers, thatched cottages and duck ponds, village pubs and royal palaces. Take time to visit Althorp, the home of the Spencer family and where Diana, Princess of Wales is now buried. The best medieval castle in the country, Warwick Castle, is right next door.
A holiday in England is a chance to pack more history into one day than all the textbooks you read in school. But English history is not dry and dusty, but alive, rubbing elbows happily with the modern vitality of the 21st century. It is a country of contrasts, traditions, culture and fun. Above all, England is an island that is justifiably proud of its unique heritage and always eager to offer a helping hand to anyone willing to spend time within its borders. If you only vacation in England once, it will stay with you forever.
