Palace of Westminster, England
A terrific place to start is in London proper, where you will find a wonderful mix of history, tradition, and the many luxuries of modern life in a bustling city. Think about visiting some of the places most often frequented by tourists, such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The Tower of London, Hyde Park, the London Zoo, Buckingham Palace, and the like. These are all incredible landmarks and destinations, well worth visiting with fresh eyes and a relaxed frame of mind.
Castles are of course a huge draw in England, ranging from the very ornate that are still in use to the very ancient that are crumbling away from the ravages of time. Windsor Castle is a perhaps the most famous castle in all of England and an easy day trip from London. Watch the changing of the guard, or view some of the magnificent paintings, furniture, and exquisite ceiling designs throughout the public areas of the castle. You can even tour the royal apartments at Windsor Castle when the Queen is not residing at the castle. Other very popular castles include Hever Castle and Gardens, Thornbury Castle, Hatfield House, and Woburn Abbey. You can even arrange to stay overnight in some castles, a truly unique experience that is not to be missed.
Stonehenge, England
If you are interested in all things ancient, venture out to Stonehenge and see this amazing circle of stones thought to have been put in place thousands of years ago. It is most noteworthy for the huge stones, requiring supreme genius to move into place, and the positioning of the stones with an eye toward astronomy and the movement of stars. You can tour Stonehenge nearly every day of the year, but most who have been there strongly recommend you go at sunrise or sunset for the most magnificent experience.
Are you ready to get back into the modern world? Spend a day or two shopping in London, one of the world's leading shopping districts. Regent Street, Oxford Street and Knightsbridge Street should definitely be part of any shopping plan, right along with visits to the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods. For the children in the family (or the adults who are still children at heart) spend a day at Alton Towers, a unique mansion originally built in the 19th century. It is an elaborate place with just a touch of the bizarre, all surrounded by a huge array of rides and other fun activities.
Windsor Castle, England
When you're ready for a relaxing stroll through some amazing scenery, head to the Lake District. This is a stretch of English countryside that is among the most beautiful in the country. There you will find many choices of walking trails, lush greenery, and even a few pubs along the way for when you really need to sit and rest a bit. This series of lakes is something anyone can enjoy, whether visiting for the first time or the hundredth time.
Another great way to enjoy an English holiday is to take in some of the world-renowned arts and culture found in London. If you love music, catch a performance of the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic, or the Royal Philharmonic. You can also enjoy a stage play at one of the many fine theatres in and around London.
Of course, no holiday in England would be complete without mentioning the wonderful pubs to be found practically around every corner. There are over 4,500 of them in London alone, so the most difficult decision you'll have to make is which ones to visit. Many of these pubs are rich with history and local flavour, so drop in for a bite to eat and a pint or two; you'll be very glad you did!
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