Things to see and do in England

The Lizard Peninsula is located in the southern part of Cornwall. It is known for its rare plants and geological formations and is part of Cornwall's "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty".

In earlier centuries, the peninsula was often referred to as a "ship graveyard", as many ships met a devastating end on the coastal cliffs. The Lizard Peninsula is one of the best places in Cornwall to see wildlife, especially marine life. Off the coast of The Point, the views are breathtaking and you may spot seals, dolphins and even the odd whale.

The Cotswolds span over 800 square miles and stretch across some of the most scenic counties in England, including Worcestershire, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire.

Much of the region’s charm lies in its postcard-worthy towns and villages like Tetbury, Castle Combe, and Chipping Norton. But it’s also recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty thanks to its rare limestone meadows and ancient beech woodlands. The Cotswolds are ideal for exploring on foot—one of the best ways to do so is by hiking the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile trail offering spectacular views over the Vale of Evesham and the Severn Valley.

Chester Zoo is located just north of Chester city center, in the suburb of Upton. After London, it’s the most visited attraction in England—and one of the top family-friendly day trips in the country.

Spanning over 300 acres, the zoo is home to more than 11,000 animals from 400 different species. But it’s not just for animal lovers—the beautifully landscaped gardens have won multiple awards.

Hop on the zoo’s monorail to explore major highlights like the penguin enclosure, Europe’s largest tropical house, and Chimpanzee Island. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to spend an entire day at Chester Zoo.

This small but beautiful city of Bath in Somerset has more sights to offer than you could visit in a single day. The ancient Roman baths (2000 years old) built around hot springs are the most famous, but the Georgian honey-colored townhouses are also worth seeing.

Around 500 city buildings are of architectural or historical significance, which is why the entire city has been declared a World Heritage Site. Bath is an ideal base for exploring some of England's most attractive landscapes, including the Mendip Hills, the Avon Valley and numerous other attractions in Somerset.

The unique Eden Project is a collection of unparalleled artificial habitats with an impressive collection of plants from around the world. Located in a disused quarry, this spectacular botanical garden complex in Cornwall is made up of enormous domes that look more like giant igloo-shaped greenhouses.

Each of these impressive (and futuristic-looking) buildings is home to thousands of different plant species native to Mediterranean and tropical regions. The Eden Project hosts numerous art and music events throughout the year, as well as adventure activities such as ziplines and giant swings alongside the impressive plant life. The perfect place for a family day out.

The second most significant church in England, the stunning York Minster, rises from the heart of historic York. It's surrounded by medieval guildhalls, charming shops, timber-framed buildings, and centuries-old churches.

York’s cobbled streets are full of charm and encircled by nearly 3 miles of medieval city walls, which you can walk for panoramic views of the city and countryside. The city also makes an excellent base for exploring northeastern England—especially the wild beauty of the North York Moors and the scenic landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.

If you only have time for one royal attraction, check out Windsor Castle. The castle, which is only 40 minutes by train from London, serves as one of the official residences of the royal family and regularly opens its doors to visitors.

Its history dates back to the 11th century, when the triumphant William The Conqueror had a fortress built on the site. Highlights of a visit to Windsor Castle include the castle chapel, the state apartments and the magnificent gallery with its valuable paintings.

Palace, observatory, prison, treasury and menagerie (zoo): The Tower of London is a top attraction. It is considered the most important building in England and there is a lot to see in this World Heritage Site, which extends over 18 hectares.

The White Tower is the centerpiece of this Thames-side fortress. Built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it houses impressive exhibits such as the "Line of Kings", an impressive collection of royal armor. Other highlights include the Crown Jewels, the traditional "Yeoman Warder" tours and the Royal Mint.

Canterbury Cathedral lies at the heart of the historic city of the same name: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, it is considered the birthplace of English Christianity. Excellent guided tours of the cathedral are available, and for a truly unforgettable experience, book an overnight stay at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge.

But the beautiful medieval city has so much more to offer: Canterbury boasts a rich cultural and entertainment offering, with great cafés, galleries and shopping, as well as attractions related to Geoffrey Chaucer's medieval England and the city's Roman past.

As English as afternoon tea: The Beatles are omnipresent in Liverpool. Located in the north-east, the city offers music fans many opportunities to visit the sights and attractions associated with the 'Fab Four'. At the top of your list should be The Beatles Story Museum. This place has enough exhibits to keep the biggest fans busy for hours.

In Liverpool, also visit the famous Cavern Club and the other places the Beatles sang about, such as Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane. Other must-dos include themed walking tours and guided tours and a visit to the former homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

The British Museum has one of the finest collections of antiquities in the world, with more than 13 million artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Babylonia, Assyria, China, Europe and the Roman Empire. Among the most notable ancient artifacts are the famous "Rosetta Stone" and the "Elgin Marbles" (marble sculptures and fragments) from the Parthenon in Athens.

But there are many more unique exhibits that make this museum one of the best places to visit in London. These include the largest ancient Egyptian collection outside of Cairo, and the spectacular fourth-century Mildenhall Treasure, a silver treasure unearthed in Suffolk.

Stonehenge is Europe’s most iconic prehistoric monument, located about 10 miles north of Salisbury. Start your visit at the modern visitor center, where interactive exhibits set the scene and explain how these massive stone blocks—known as megaliths—were raised between 3000 and 1500 BC.

After walking through the designated viewpoints among the towering stones, explore authentic replicas of Neolithic houses and see the tools people used over 4,000 years ago.

The National Gallery amazes with one of the most extensive collections of paintings in the world. The collections in this museum show an almost complete cross-section of European painting from 1260 to 1920.

Highlights include works by Italian artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello and Michelangelo. Works by Vermeer, Dürer and Rembrandt can be seen in the Dutch and German galleries. French works of art include those by Monet (including the Water Lily Pond), Cezanne and Manet. As admission is free, a visit to the National Gallery in London is a must. Guided tours and lunchtime talks are also offered free of charge and are highly recommended.

If you want to experience an unforgettable family day out - a trip that offers an exciting insight into the Middle Ages - then there's nothing better than a visit to Warwick Castle. This impressive fortress on the River Avon in the beautiful town of Warwick has shaped the region's landscape for more than 900 years.

Today it serves as a backdrop for medieval events, from jousting tournaments to concerts and fairs. Warwick is also an ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds and nearby towns. For example, visit Stratford-upon-Avon, known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

The largest national park in England is the Lake District: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is covered in glacial erosion and offers impressive views and numerous opportunities for climbing and hiking. Many famous English writers have lived in the Lake District, including Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

You will be amazed by the beautiful scenery and the 12 largest lakes to be seen here. Another highlight of the Lake District is Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. A boat trip on Lake Windermere and Ullswater also offers beautiful views of the region.

The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site stretches for about 95 miles along the English Channel between East Devon and Dorset, offering a fascinating look into Earth's geological history.

Take a journey through time as you explore dramatic rock formations that represent three major geologic periods—Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous—covering 185 million years. Fossils are scattered along the coastline, giving visitors a chance to connect with the planet’s ancient past. Throughout the region, you’ll also find museums and visitor centers that offer deeper insight into this remarkable natural landscape.