England Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth England travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

With so much to offer travelers of all kinds, it’s no wonder that England is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.

London itself sees around 30 million visitors each year and is high on the bucket list of many travelers. The city features some of England’s top attractions and many iconic sites, including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.

Beyond all the places you’ll likely recognize from The Crown, London is home to some of the top museums in the world.

Art lovers will want to visit both Tate Britain, a bastion of classic art for over 120 years, and Tate Modern, home to some of the most exciting works of modern and contemporary art.

The British Museum also houses legendary antiquities like the Rosetta Stone, several Egyptian mummies, and Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon.

Additionally, London’s nightlife scene has much to offer with plenty of exciting clubs, bars, and music venues to explore throughout the city.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Check out my London city guide for tips on how to make the most of your trip while stretching your budget.

Now, if you’re looking for some fresh air, England has plenty to offer beyond its bustling cities.

The Lake District in northwest England has quickly become a top destination for travelers from all over the world. The area offers idyllic sights and lots of opportunities for outdoor activities like sailing and hiking — and is even home to some of the world’s best hikes, like summiting Scafell Pike, England’s tallest peak!

The Lake District has also long been a retreat for writers. Here you can visit the homes of legendary writers like Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth and get a little inspiration for your next creative project.

Looking for somewhere to stay? Relax in some of these local UK hotels featuring private hot tubs.

One great way to see England is by train. The country’s extensive train system makes it easy to travel between destinations and build your own itinerary.

You can even get a BritRail Pass that gives you access to the entire National Rail network for a set period of time. Whether you want to wander around cities like Manchester and Liverpool or hike England’s Peak District, you can easily find your way around by rail.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to England in the United Kingdom. When planning a trip to Europe, it’s highly recommended to have England on your itinerary!

Note: This ultimate guide to England travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

England Map

Use this England travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

England Travel Itineraries

These guides can help you plan the perfect England travel itinerary!

England Travel Tips

Looking for travel tips for England? These articles can help you plan the perfect trip!

Best England Tours

Explore local culture with a United Kingdom tour guide through these unique excursions:

• Stonehenge and Avebury Small-Group Tour from London
• The Hidden Nature Trail to Tittesworth Reservoir and Beyond from Staffordshire
• Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London
• Magnificent Cotswolds Cycle Tour from Gloucestershire
• Authentic English Village & Countryside Private Tour from Bath
• Secret Food Tour: London Bridge & Borough Market w/ Private Tour Option
• Harry Potter Walking Tour in London
• Lake District Gorge Walking from Cumbria

Renting A Car In England

Need a rental car for your England trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

United Kingdom Train Travel

Getting around England by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! I use this tool for all of my public transportation needs when traveling Europe.

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Wondering if you should buy individual train tickets or get a Eurail Pass?

This guide can help! Additinally, you can use Omio to easily check pricing to see if a Eurail Pass truly makes sense for your trip.

England Hotels

Click here to browse the best England travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

England Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on an England tour. When visiting England — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your England travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

England Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in England.

Q: What are the best day trips from London?

Many of England’s best sites are just a short drive or train ride from London, making the city the perfect hub for any British adventure.

If you’re longing for some fresh sea air, head south to Brighton, one of the country’s best seaside getaways. Lounge on the beach or head to the famous Brighton Pier, a Victorian-style amusement center with tons of classic rides, midway games, and other weird and wonderful attractions (fish pedicures, anyone)?

Beyond the beach, you can check out one of the country’s most exotic palaces, the Royal Pavilion. Walk through the lavish halls where Prince George IV once entertained guests or explore artwork from around the world at the adjacent Brighton Museum.

Of course, you’ll also want to wander around town and duck in and out of the stylish shops, cafes, and bars on the Brighton Lanes.

Looking to journey back in time?

Head to Bath, the historic Roman spa town that’s just an hour and a half train ride away from London. The city has been known for its hot springs for centuries. Take a walk around the Roman Baths and learn how the people of this ancient civilization got their self-care on.

Want to experience the healing waters for yourself?

Make a reservation at one of the city’s many day spas, including the modern Thermae Bath Spa with incredible views of the city.

As the former home of Jane Austen, Bath is also the perfect getaway for literary fans. Here you can visit the Jane Austen Centre, an entire museum dedicated to the famous author and Regency life.

You can also visit the Assembly Rooms and explore what was once the hub of social life in the Georgian period.

Even if you’re not an academic type, you’ll definitely want to take a ride up to Cambridge, home to one of the world’s top universities. The school and its many colleges are definitely worth exploring for their gorgeous architecture and impressive history.

Beyond the university, the city is home to several museums dedicated to everything from zoology to archaeology to modern art.

One of the best ways to see the city is via a Punt Tour on the River Cam. A punt is a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a punter, who stands at the back of the boat and pushes a large pole off the bottom of the river.

It’s a relaxing way to see the city by water and many punters offer historical commentary along the way.

Q: What is the best month to travel to England?

Spring (late March through early June) and autumn (September through November) are generally the best times to visit England.

The weather is pleasant and dry during these months with temperatures in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit.

The summer months are the most popular time to visit the country so you’ll likely run into crowds at many of the country’s top attractions.

Q: What do I need to know when traveling to England?

One of the most important things to know before traveling to England is that England, Britain, and the United Kingdom three different things.

“England” refers to the country of England while “Britain” refers to the island containing England, Scotland, and Wales. The United Kingdom includes Northern Ireland across the Irish sea. Here you’ll find many great destinations, like Belfast, one of the top places to travel solo in Ireland.

Moreover, the weather is a regular topic of conversation in England as it can change at any minute.

You’ll want to carry an umbrella when you’re out and about and keep an eye on your weather app so that you’re not caught in a passing shower. The constant clouds make any sunny day a major event; you’ll see plenty of locals streaming into the parks on a particularly warm day.

When taking an escalator in England, always stand on the right. The left side of the escalator is generally reserved for those walking up or down the steps and these travelers are generally in a hurry — so they won’t appreciate having their path blocked.

Similarly, never cut a queue in England. People take lines very seriously and barging into a line without waiting is seen as incredibly rude.

Q: How much should I budget for a trip to England?

Your budget for a trip to England will depend on your itinerary.

Things in London are generally more expensive than in the rest of the country, so you’ll want to budget more if you’re planning on visiting the capital city.

The average traveler to England will spend around $162 USD per day on accommodations, transportation, food, entertainment, and other expenses.

Q: How many days do you need for England?

The length of your trip to England will depend on your priorities.

For any trip that goes beyond London, you’ll want to plan for at least 7 days. This should give you a few days to explore London, visit some nearby cities like Bath and Brighton, then head up to the Cotswolds for a taste of the countryside.

For the full English tour — including Yorkshire, the Lake District, and Liverpool — you’ll want to plan for at least 20 days.

Visiting solo? Make sure to add these fun things to do in London alone to your itinerary!

Q: Is England safe to travel?

Overall, England is a pretty safe destination for travelers.

Petty crime and theft do occur and pickpockets tend to target popular tourist areas, train stations, and the London Underground.

Always be aware of your surroundings and keep any valuables close to you and out of view.

If you’re in a pub or cafe, try not to leave your bag slung over the back of your chair as these are easy targets for snatch-and-grab robberies.

Remember, too, that you can always wear pickpocket-proof clothing to avoid pickpockets while not even needing to carry a purse!

Q: How long can a tourist stay in England?

Visitors from many places, like the United States, Canada, and the EU, can stay in the United Kingdom for up to six months without a visa.

Q: Do I need an England travel visa?

Travelers from the United States, Canada, the EU, and several other places do not need a visa to visit England for a period of fewer than six months.

It’s recommended to view your country’s United Kingdom International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the British Consulate General.

Q: What is the cheapest way to travel around England?

The train is typically the easiest and most budget-friendly way to get around England.

You can use a tool like Omio to find great deals on trains, ferries, busses, and flights around the United Kingdom and other destinations around the world.

Q: Where is England?

England is a country that is located within the United Kingdom in Europe. It shares borders with Wales (west), Scotland (north), the Irish Sea (northwest), and the Celtic Sea (southwest).

Q: Are credit cards accepted in England?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around England, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in England?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in England.

Q: What is the local currency in England?

The local currency in England is the British Pound (GPB), which has the symbol £.

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