Best England Tours in January

Best Places in England to See

Of course let's start this tour in England's capital city, London. Begin with iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum, which offer a glimpse into centuries of royal history and global heritage. There are also plenty of laid-back activities waiting to be discovered in London, such as visiting a Borough or Portobello market to harvest local fresh food. Or theater enthusiasts can head to the West End for world-famous performances. With panoramic views of the city on the London Eye, what better way to experience London?

For an insight into academic brilliance and stunning architecture, Oxford and Cambridge are must-see destinations. These two cities are home to some of the best colleges in the world. You can take the Great Northern Line train from London to Cambridge, which takes only 48 minutes. In Cambridge, you can visit King's College or take a boat ride on the River Cam to appreciate the architecture of Cambridge University fully.

And from London to Oxford, you can take the GWR, which takes about 50 minutes. A must-visit location in Oxford has to be Christ Church College, which is the largest college in Oxford and the filming location for Harry Potter. Besides the strong academic atmosphere, Oxford's Covered Market is a great place to relax, offering different fresh fruits and vegetables, snacks, and some household items.

Head southwest to Bath, a city known for its Roman baths and elegant Georgian architecture. The Roman Baths are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the museum has more valuable artifacts from the Roman period. In the city of Bath, you'll also have the chance to relax in its modern spa or check out the ladder of angels at Bath Abbey.

Further west, the trips to Cornwall await you. This peninsula sits on the southwestern tip of England and boasts 300 miles of coastline. Don't miss Lands End, the south-westernmost corner of the English mainland, with direct views of The Celtic Sea, and the small town of St Ives with its golden sandy beaches, where there are plenty of galleries and exhibitions to visit.

Natural and Historic Landscape Destinations in England

Lake District National Park is also a great destination if your trip to the UK is more focused on natural landscapes. It is home to 12 of the largest lakes in England. With the town at the center, take a bus, bike or walk to the Lake District's attractions. Boat rentals are available at the Windermere Lake District marina or head to The World of Beatrix Potter to check out the fairytale world of Peter Rabbit.

Eastbourne in the south has the White Cliffs, called the Seven Sisters, made up of seven upland rolling bluffs, of which Beech Point is the highest point. It is also one of the filming locations for the movie Atonement.

Stonehenge in Amesbury, Wiltshire, England is also a popular attraction, the site of Europe's famous cultural temple of prehistoric times. Questions about how and why the massive Stonehenge was built remain a mystery to this day. Apart from checking out Stonehenge itself, you can also learn more about the history of the site by visiting the Neolithic houses outside the visitor center.

History lovers will find plenty to explore on an England castle tour. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and offers an insight into royal life. Leeds Castle in Kent was once a royal country house and is often referred to as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. Further north, the medieval Warwick Castle is even more majestic, with 1,100 years of history. The castle also offers accommodation options so you can dream away in the old castle. And Dover Castle, perched on the iconic white cliffs, has played a vital role in England's defense for centuries. From here you'll be able to look out across the English Channel to the French landscape on the other side of the river.

Best Months to Visit England

The best time to travel to England is usually in the spring, from late March to early June, and in the fall, from September to November. During these months, the weather is usually mild and pleasant. And major tourist attractions are less crowded than in the peak summer months of July and August. Although temperatures are warmer in the summer, it is also the busiest and often most expensive time to visit, with the possibility of thunderstorms. Even during these favorable seasons, the British weather can be unpredictable, so it's always wise to pack your clothes and be prepared for sudden rain showers.

How to Get Around England Without a Car

Don't worry about traveling to England without a car. For city-to-city travel, England has an extensive and efficient public transportation network.

Trains: The rail network connects most major towns and cities and offers a comfortable and scenic way to travel. However, it is best to book tickets in advance. For journeys within London, the Underground and extensive bus network can help you get around. Consider purchasing a Visitor Oyster Card, which costs £5 and makes it easy to travel on London's public transport.

Coaches: For the budget-conscious traveler, bus services such as National Express and Megabus are a more affordable alternative to trains, although journeys may take longer.

Local Transportation: Most towns and cities have good local bus services, and major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Sheffield also operate tram networks.

Traditional Foods in England

England isn't just about fish and chips, it's also about taking a tour of regional cuisines, each expressing a story of local ingredients and traditions. In Cornwall, you can sample the iconic Cornish pasty, a hearty pastry stuffed with beef, potatoes, and vegetables that was once a staple of miners' diets. The North of England boasts Yorkshire pudding, a delicious side dish to a traditional Sunday roast, while Lancashire is famous for Lancashire hotpot, a slow-cooked stew of lamb or beef and vegetables topped with potato chips. In the Midlands, you can enjoy a sweet Bakewell tart or a savory Melton Mowbray pork pie. In the South East, particularly in the East End of London, you may be able to sample a unique eel jelly. Wherever you travel in England, you're sure to find delicious local specialties that will add to the excitement of your taste buds.