Choose from 322 Fun Things to Do in England
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Beatles Story
This Beatles-centric museum is stuffed full of Fab Four memorabilia, from George Harrison’s first guitar to John Lennon’s orange-tinted glasses. Exhibits trace the journey of Liverpool’s hometown heroes and the rise of Beatlemania, and include a full-scale replica of the famous Cavern Club and a walk-in yellow submarine.
The Basics
Visitors can explore the Beatles Story exhibitions with the aid of a free Living History audio guide, which tells of the band’s rise, from their humble beginnings to the height of their dizzying fame. The venue’s Discovery Zone, which features interactive exhibits and a giant piano, is specially geared toward children.
Entrance tickets for the Beatles Story are often included on Beatles-themed tours departing from both from London and Liverpool, along with other Beatles attractions such as Penny Lane, the Cavern Club, and the Magical Mystery Tour bus.
Things to Know Before you Go
- Beatles Story is a must for music lovers and Beatles fans.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the on-site Fab4 Café.
- The Fab4 store sells Beatles merchandise and gifts, including posters, books, and T-shirts.
- The exhibitions are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Beatles Story is situated on Albert Dock, part of the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City UNESCO World Heritage Site. The venue is about a 20-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street train station, and just 5 minutes from Liverpool One Bus Station. C4, C5, and CityLink buses all stop at Albert Dock.
When to Get There
The Beatles Story is busiest on weekend afternoons. The museum is quietest midweek. If you want to avoid the weekend rush, go in early morning (9 or 10am) or late afternoon (4 or 5pm) on Saturday or Sunday.
Beatles Sites in Liverpool
The Beatles Story is just one of many attractions in Liverpool with connections to the Fab Four. Fans may also want to visit the Cavern Club, where the young Beatles played gigs; the Casbah Coffee Club, where The Quarrymen—an early Ringo-free version of the band—played; and Mendips and 20 Forthlin Road, the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Address: Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Adelphi Theatre
Although initially founded in 1806, the Adelphi Theatre opened under its current name in 1819, and quickly made a name for itself, hosting stage adaptations of Charles Dickens' and Walter Scott's works. Today, the historic theatre remains a leading venue in London’s West End theater scene, with a long-list of big-name musicals having graced its stage over the years, most notably My Fair Lady, Evita, Chicago, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
The theatre’s current Grade II listed building dates back to the early 20th-century, and features a grand Art Deco style 1,500-seat auditorium, the inspired design of architect Ernest Schaufelberg. Now part-owned by West End stalwart Andrew Lloyd Webber, the theatre has maintained its popularity into the 21st century, hosting modern hits like Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, The Bodyguard, Made in Dagenham and, most recently, Cyndi Lauper’s Kinky Boots.
The theatre’s current Grade II listed building dates back to the early 20th-century, and features a grand Art Deco style 1,500-seat auditorium, the inspired design of architect Ernest Schaufelberg. Now part-owned by West End stalwart Andrew Lloyd Webber, the theatre has maintained its popularity into the 21st century, hosting modern hits like Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, The Bodyguard, Made in Dagenham and, most recently, Cyndi Lauper’s Kinky Boots.
Practical Info
The Adelphi Theatre is located on The Strand in London’s West End Theater District.
Address: WC2R 0NS, London, England
Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-6PM
Sat-Sun Closed
Admission: £28.50-£96.90
From $ 34
Albert Memorial
With its ornate spires, elaborate friezes and 53-meter-high central cross, the Albert Memorial surely ranks among London’s most impressive monuments, and it’s impossible to miss, standing proud over the south entrance to Kensington Gardens, opposite the equally grand Royal Albert Hall.
Inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1872, the striking memorial is dedicated to her beloved husband, Prince Albert, whose untimely death of typhoid fever in 1861, at just 42 years old, had left her grief-stricken. Devoted not only to Prince Albert, but to all his passions and achievements, the masterful Gothic design is the work of Sir George Gilbert Scott and features a central gilded statue of Albert, holding the catalogue of the 1851 Great Exhibition. Surrounding statues represent the Prince’s main areas of interest - engineering, agriculture, commerce and art, while the intricate frieze at the base of the monument features images of 178 artists, poets and musicians, a further tribute to his love of the arts.
Practical Info
The Albert Memorial is located in Kensington Gardens, London and is free to visit, although interior access is only possible by pre-booked guided tour.
Address: Kensington Gardens, London, United Kingdom W2 2UH, England
From $ 21
Alton Towers
Long holding the title of the UK's most popular theme park, Alton Towers has been the go-to destination for thrill-seekers since it opened its gates back in 1980. Today, the enormous park is most famous for its white-knuckle roller coasters, including the Nemesis, TH13TEEN, The Smiler and the brand-new virtual reality ride, Galactica. It' not just for daredevils, though—the 10 themed zones include plenty of family friendly rides including favorites like the Runaway Train and the River Rapids, plus a SkyRide cable car, a 4D Ice Age experience and the CBeebies Land, with rides aimed at preschoolers.
The Alton Towers resort is also home to two hotels; an 'enchanted village' with luxury treehouses and woodland lodges; a luxurious spa and a range of cafés and restaurants, including the recently opened Rollercoaster Restaurant, where the food is delivered via a 2-loop roller-coaster track. That’s not all: there’s also the Alton Towers Waterpark; the Treetop Quest high ropes park; an Extraordinary Golf course and several themed gift shops.
Practical Info
Alton Towers is located in central England, 45 miles (72km) north of Birmingham and is open from March to November. Entrance times vary, but the park typically opens at 10am and closes between 4 and 6pm. Tickets are £51.60 for adults, £45.60 for children.
Address: Farley Lane, Alton, West Midlands ST10 4DB, England
Hours: March to November, entrance times vary.
Admission: Adult: £51.60 Child: £45.60
From $ 51
Baker Street
Running from Regent’s Park at the north end all the way to Oxford Street at the south end, Baker Street is one of Marylebone’s main thoroughfares, but for fans of Sherlock Holmes, it’s much more than just a shopping destination! Immortalized by author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as the home of fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, Baker Street has now become one of the most famous addresses in London literature.
Fans should make a beeline for 221b Baker Street, the detective’s fictional home – a grand Georgian townhouse, which now houses the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Next door, you can shop for souvenirs in the official Sherlock Holmes gift shop, then pose for photos with the nearby Sherlock Holmes Statue.
Practical Info
Baker Street is located in Marylebone in central London, just south of Regent’s Park. The closest tube station is Baker Street on the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines.
Address: Baker Street, London, England
From $ 26
Apsley House (Wellington Museum)
Apsley House has long been thought of as the grandest address in London. The Georgian building hasn’t changed much since 1815, when its inhabitant—the 1st Duke of Wellington—led British troops to victory against Napoleon at Waterloo. Today the house holds the Wellington Collection, known for its paintings, sculpture, porcelain, and silver.
The Basics
Built in 1778, the Apsley House—known locally as Number One London—was originally home to Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington. Today the stately mansion, which is open to the public, is sumptuously decorated with palatial, gilded interiors. Its impressive Wellington Collection includes nearly 3,000 Spanish, Dutch, and Flemish paintings and sculptures by well-known artists such as Goya, Velázquez, Van Dyck, and Pieter Bruegel, as well as other pieces of fine art.
Entrance to the museum is included on some art-themed and comprehensive London tours. Holders of the Overseas Visitors Pass receive reduced admission, as do children aged 5 to 17 years.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Apsley House is ideal for art, design, and history enthusiasts.
- Group tours are available for parties of 11 or more.
- Multimedia touchscreen guides, included with admission, are available in English, German, Spanish, and British Sign Language.
- The on-site shop offers myriad items related to the First Duke of Wellington, art, architecture, and the Battle of Waterloo.
- Limited, free parking is available on-site for disabled visitors and must be arranged in advance.
- The museum is not wheelchair accessible, as there are five steps to the front door (no ramp) and no accessible bathrooms. Once inside, there is an elevator with eight steps down to it.
How to Get There
Apsley House is located in the southeast section of Hyde Park. Parking near the park is limited, so it’s recommended to use public transport. Many buses stop near Hyde Park, and the Piccadilly line’s Hyde Park Corner tube station is about a 1-minute walk from the museum.
When to Get There
Apsley House is open year-round; check the website for current opening hours. In London’s warmer spring and summer months, you can take advantage of Hyde Park’s many picnic spots before or after a museum visit.
Wellington Arch
Located in Hyde Park, across the street from Apsley House, Wellington Arch was originally built as an entrance to Buckingham Palace. It later became a victory arch commemorating Britain’s victory against Napoleon. Visitors are treated to spectacular panoramic London views from the arch’s balconies, and there is a permanent museum on the ground level. The arch, which is open most days (check the website for hours), has an elevator and is wheelchair accessible.
Address: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA, England
From $ 90
Anfield Stadium
Anfield Stadium, home turf for Liverpool Football Club, is hallowed ground for fans of the Reds. The 54,000-capacity venue not only hosts matches, but also contains the Liverpool FC Story, a museum chronicling the club’s history, and the Steven Gerrard Collection, comprising memorabilia relating to the former captain.
The Basics
To explore inside Anfield Stadium, you can either purchase a match ticket or join an LFC stadium tour. Tickets are typically in high demand, particularly for important Champions League and FA Cup matches. Often the best option is to book a tour package, which may include additional extras such as a prematch buffet or halftime refreshments.
To go behind the scenes, take a self-guided Anfield Stadium tour. With the aid of a multimedia audio handset, tour the press room and the Kop, climb to the highest level of the main stand, peek behind the doors of the home and away teams’ dressing rooms, and walk through the players’ tunnel. Admission to the interactive Liverpool FC Story museum and the Steven Gerrard Collection is included.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Anfield Stadium is an absolute must for Liverpool FC fans.
- Self-guided tours are at your own pace; allow 1.5 to 2 hours to explore.
- Luggage and large bags are not permitted inside the stadium.
- Wheelchair spaces are available at the stadium but cannot be accommodated with all ticket packages, so check ahead. Most of the tour is wheelchair accessible, though the manager’s dugout has stepped access only.
How to Get There
Anfield Stadium is situated on Anfield Road in Liverpool. To get there from the city center, take the 26 from Liverpool One Bus Station, 17 from Queen Square Bus Station, or the 917 from St. Johns Lane. On match days, beginning three hours prior to kickoff, the 917 express bus service runs from St. Johns Lane to Anfield every 10 minutes.
When to Get There
If you want to see Anfield at its busiest and buzziest, go on a match day. If you want space and time to explore without crowds, opt for a midweek morning tour. Shorter 45-minute tours, led by tour guides, are available on match days up to four hours before kickoff, but do not include access to the dressing rooms or press room.
This Is Anfield Sign
Of all the features of the stadium, few are as well known to English football fans as the This Is Anfield sign. Hung above a set of stairs leading to the pitch, the sign was intended to intimidate visiting teams. Up until recently, it was tradition for Liverpool players to touch the sign as they came out onto the pitch.
Address: Shankly Gates, 40 Anfield Road, Liverpool L4 0TH, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 26
Balliol College
Balliol College is the oldest continuously operated college in the University of Oxford and was created around 1263. The oldest parts of the college include the north and west sides of the front quadrangle and the medieval hall. The Balliol Library holds a collection of medieval manuscripts that are considered to be the finest and largest private collection to survive in England from the Middle Ages. You can still visit the medieval reading rooms, and the library's collection includes many other early printed books, medieval manuscripts, and rare books.
The Chapel is the third one that has been on this site. It was built in the mid 1800s but contains stained glass windows from the 16th and 17th centuries. At the entrance to the Chapel there are war memorials honoring Balliol members who died in World War I and II. Visitors to the college can also explore the gardens that accent the historical and modern buildings as well as the theater and concert hall.
Practical Info
Balliol College is located on Broad Street in Oxford, England. Visiting hours are 10am to 5pm or until dusk, whichever is earlier. The fee is 2 pounds.
Address: Oxford, United Kingdom OX1 3BJ, England
Admission: 2 pounds
From $ 65
Beatrix Potter Gallery
For over a hundred years, characters like Jemima Puddle-Duck, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and Peter Rabbit have made an indelible impression on children in Britain and beyond. Their creator, author Beatrix Potter, is intimately connected with the Lake District and this charming, compact gallery celebrates that bond with a display of original drawings showing the genesis of her books, which she wrote and illustrated herself.
The Beatrix Potter Gallery is housed in a 17th century building which was once the office of Potter’s solicitor husband, William Heelis, and is situated in the town of Hawkshead. Exhibits also tell the life story of Potter herself and her commitment to conserving the natural beauty of the Lake District.
Practical Info
The village of Hawkshead is a picturesque 20-minute drive away from the town of Windermere. Once there, allow time to walk around this quaint market village, where the winding streets are closed to traffic. Apart from the Beatrix Potter Gallery, highlights include the Quaker Meeting House, known as the “Birthplace of Quakerism”, and the Old Grammar School once attended by poet William Wordsworth.
Address: Main Street, Hawkshead LA22 0NS, England
Hours: Closed Fridays, hours change seasonally
Admission: Adults: £4.40
From $ 65
Albert Dock
Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, formerly an important industrial center, is now home to popular attractions including Tate Liverpool, Merseyside Maritime Museum, and The Beatles Story. Explore its cobbled paths to gain insight into the city’s heritage, marvel at its architecture, or simply unwind in one of the dock’s many bars or restaurants.
The Basics
Albert Dock received its Royal title in 2018 in recognition of its maritime history. The former warehouses are now home to attractions such as The Beatles Story, where many Beatles tours visit as part of a comprehensive itinerary. City sightseeing tours also typically stop here, including hop-on hop-off services and bike tours. Learn more about the quay’s history at the Merseyside Maritime or International Slavery Museums, or discover the stand-up scene at Liverpool’s Comedy Central.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring a coat and an umbrella in winter, as the waterfront can be cold and wet.
- As one of the UK’s most visited multi-use attractions outside of London, the Royal Albert Dock is a must-see for any visitor.
- Royal Albert Dock is wheelchair accessible, and guide dogs are welcome in all venues. The Colonnades and all museums have accessible toilets.
- The nearest cash machines on Gower Street charge for withdrawal, so it’s worth getting your cash beforehand.
How to Get There
Royal Albert Dock is 20 minutes’ walk from central Liverpool. The nearest station is James Street, served directly from Lime Street. The C4, C5, and Citlink buses also stop here. The dock also has a safe and secure car park, which charges an hourly fee.
When to Get There
Come rain or shine, there is always something to see on the quay. The museums close in the evening, though bars and restaurants remain open until late. Summer brings festivals and open air performances to the dock, while winter offers Christmas markets and festive decoration.
Significance of the Dock
At its opening in 1846, the Albert Dock was considered a revolutionary architectural feat. It was the first warehouse in Britain to be fireproof (meaning that it had no wooden parts). Made from brick, stone, and cast iron, the structure was also home to some of the first hydraulic cranes, used to move heavy cargo from the Far East. In its heyday of the early 19th century, 40% of world goods flowed through its ports.
Address: Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD, England
From $ 21
Aldwych Theatre
Since opening its doors in 1905 in the heart of London’s West End theater district, the historic Aldwych Theatre has hosted some of the city’s most compelling plays and musicals, including recent hits such as Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down the Wind, Fame, and Dirty Dancing.
Built in 1905 to the design of architect W.G.R. Sprague, the grand Baroque theatre is now a Grade II listed building, with a 1,200-seat auditorium spread over three levels. The theatre made its mark on London’s West End in the 1960s and 70s, when it became the temporary home of the Royal Shakespeare Company and staged various RSC productions including The Wars of the Roses, The Greeks, and Nicholas Nickleby. Most recently, it’s been the London home of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
Practical Info
Aldwych Theatre is located on Aldwych Street in London’s West End theater district, just a short stroll from Covent Garden.
Did You Know? The first London production of Tennessee William’s classic ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ was directed at the Aldwych Theatre by Laurence Oliver in 1949, starring Vivien Leigh as Blanche DuBois.
Address: 49 Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF, England
Hours: Daily depending on show times
Admission: Show ticket prices vary
From $ 117
All England Lawn Tennis Club
Ranking among England’s most renowned and extravagant sporting venues, the All England Lawn Tennis Club is best known for hosting the prestigious Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the world’s oldest tennis tournament. The star event draws up to 500,000 spectators to the venue each summer and is famously attended by the Queen and the royal family, but even if you don’t snag tickets for the championships, you can still explore the impressive 42-acre grounds and visit the onsite Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, which are open all year round.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club is open to the public by guided tour, offering the chance to see the iconic Centre Court and No.1 Court, peek into the Press Interview Room and Millennium Building, and admire the views from the Picnic Terraces and Water Gardens, before discovering the history of the sport at the interactive museum.
Practical Info
The All England Lawn Tennis Club is located in Wimbledon, southwest London. The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is open daily from 10am-5pm and adult admission is £12.
Address: Church Rd, Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom SW19 5AE, England
Admission: £12
From $ 32
Banqueting House
Built in 1622, London’s Banqueting House was once part of the Palace of Whitehall, which was home to the English monarch for 168 years. The building is the last structure standing of the former complex. It exemplifies the beginnings of neoclassical architecture and boasts a tumultuous history, including the execution of Charles I in 1649.
The Basics
Absorb views of the grand exterior of the Banqueting House on a city walking tour, or book ahead to guarantee entry. Tread in the footsteps of historic ambassadors, such as Pocahontas, as you wander through the undercroft or glimpse Rubens’ iconic ceiling in the Main Hall. Convenient hop-on hop-off buses let you explore Banqueting House and beyond at your own pace, while discounted packages can help you visit several London landmarks in one visit.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visiting is a must for anyone interested in European history, art, or architecture.
- Elevator access to the Main Hall is limited, so wheelchair users should call ahead to make accessibility arrangements.
- Sign language interpreters are available the first Saturday morning of each month.
- Booking ahead is recommended, as the site is sometimes closed for private functions.
- Whitehall is home to a number of top attractions, so sightseeing tours can help you save time and money.
How to Get There
Westminster is ideal for walking excursions, with so many landmarks strewn across a relatively small area. Right in the middle of the action, Banqueting House is located on Whitehall, a 10-minute walk from the Embankment or Westminster Underground stations. Whitehall is also served by several local buses, as well as hop-on hop-off tours.
When to Get There
Banqueting House is open daily year-round, except for Dec. 24–26 and New Year’s Day. It is wise to arrange your visit in advance, as the building is sometimes booked for private functions. Whitehall is impressive at any time of year, but winter’s festive lights lend extra charm to the historic street.
Palaces of London
Banqueting House may be the last vestige of the Palace of Whitehall, but there are plenty more royal residences that are open to visitors in London. Whitehall’s Tudor contemporaries include nearby St. James’s Palace and Hampton Court Palace in Richmond, the site of Queen Jane Seymour’s death in childbirth.
Address: Whitehall, London, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 8
All Souls College
One of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford is All Souls College, though the official name is the Warden and the College of the Souls of All Faithful People Deceased in the University of Oxford. It is primarily a graduate research institution with no undergraduate students. The college's library collection is housed in the Codrington Library building, an impressive building that was completed in 1751 and has been in used ever since. Today the library contains about 185,000 items, of which about one third were published before 1800.
A four story gate tower and two story ranges on either side of the entrance on High Street are mostly the same as they were originally built in the 1440s. Battlements were added in the 16th century, and the windows are from the Victorian period. Once you pass through the gate house, you will see a medieval building where the Warden once lived and now provides individual rooms for Fellows. The Chapel still retains some of its medieval elements along with the addition of renovations from the Victorian and even modern eras.
Practical Info
All Souls College is located on High Street to the north and Radcliffe Square to the west in Oxford, England. Visiting hours are 2pm to 4pm Monday through Friday, closed in August and certain holidays. Admission is free.
Address: Oxford, United Kingdom OX1 4AL, England
From $ 16
Bibury
Bibury is a village in the Cotswolds of England and the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Gloucestershire. It lies along the River Coln, which is a tributary of the River Thames. Visitors can stroll down Arlington Row to admire cottages that were built in the late 1300s as monastic wool stores. In the 17th century, they were covered into the weavers' cottages you see today. Many of the ornate buildings have protection status, and this row of cottages is featured on the inside cover of all United Kingdom passports. It has also been used in television and movie filming, such as Bridget Jones Diary.
Bibury is also rich in natural and wildlife attractions. Rack Isle, which is named for where wool was once hung to dry on racks, is a water meadow that provides an important home for many plants and birds. Here you can see mallards, coots, moorhens, water voles, marsh orchids, flag irises, and marsh marigolds.
Practical Info
Bibury is located 83 miles west of London and 29 miles west of Oxford. It can be reached from Oxford using route A40 and B4425, or by train to Moreton-in-Marsh and then by bus.
Address: Bibury, South East England, UK, England
From $ 110
ArcelorMittal Orbit
The ArcelorMittal Orbit, built for the 2012 London Olympics, has the distinction of being the UK’s tallest sculpture. At 375 feet (114.5 meters) high, it is also possibly the world’s tallest—and longest—tube slide. The observation decks offer visitors stunning views with visibility of up to 20 miles (32 kilometers) on a clear day.
The Basics
Built in collaboration with artists Anish Kapoor and Carsten Höller, designer Cecil Balmond, and ArcelorMittal Steel, the Orbit is composed of 2,000 tonnes of tangled red steel twisting up into the sky. Two elevators transport passengers 260 feet (80 meters) up to the indoor observation decks. Those brave enough can then descend the 583-foot-long (178-meter) slide with 12 twists through a transparent tube, culminating in a corkscrew of turns and a final drop into darkness. Alternatively, take the elevators back to the ground level or descend 455 steps accompanied by a soundscape installation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The ArcelorMittal Orbit is a must for thrill-seekers and those who appreciate elevated views.
- Entrance to the Orbit is reduced for children; check the website for all concession prices.
- There are a number of cafés and restaurants within walking distance from the Orbit.
- The Orbit is accessible and offer wheelchairs to borrow on a first-come first-served basis.
How to Get There
The ArcelorMittal Orbit is located in East London, in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Take the tube from central London—it’s about a 10-minute walk from Stratford Station, on the Central and Jubilee lines—or one of various bus lines.
When to Get There
The Orbit is open daily year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. The attraction hosts seasonal events such as evening fireworks viewing throughout the year. Check the website for a schedule and opening hours.
Abseiling
If the world’s longest tunnel slide wasn’t daring enough, the Orbit also offers abseiling (aka rappelling) from 262 feet (79 meters) in the air, making it the UK’s highest free fall. Professional instructors take participants through a thorough safety training and provide all safety gear. Then the adventure begins with a steep descent surrounded by views of London’s famous skyline and landmarks.
Address: ArcelorMittal Orbit, London, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Avebury
Dating from between 2900 and 2600 BC, Avebury is the world’s largest Neolithic stone circle. Originally composed of three stone circles—the largest of which comprised 98 standing stones (though only 27 now remain)—Avebury is truly immense. Though the function of Avebury is not fully understood, it was likely used for pagan ceremonies.
The Basics
The county of Wiltshire is brimming with Neolithic sites. Day tours departing from London, Glastonbury, and Salisbury typically combine visits to Stonehenge, Avebury, Woodhenge, and West Kennet Long Barrow, which are all part of the Stonehenge and Avebury UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other day tours combine a trip to the Avebury site with visits to picturesque English cities, towns, and villages, such as Georgian Bath or medieval Lacock, known for its wood-framed houses and stone cottages.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Avebury is a must for history buffs and anyone with an interest in mysticism.
- Beat the daytime crowds with a guided after-hours tour.
- Part of the henge is accessible by wheelchair, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom can be found on Avebury High Street.
How to Get There
Avebury is situated in Wiltshire in southwest England. If you’re driving, parking is available at the National Trust parking lot, 6 miles (10 miles) west of Marlborough on the A4361. Alternatively, take the train from London Paddington to Swindon, then switch to the Stagecoach route 49 bus to Avebury.
When to Get There
Visitors can walk around the stone circles at any time, though early morning and early evening are when the site is at its most tranquil. As in neighboring Stonehenge, the summer solstice in June is a big event, and the parking lot often fills up early on this day.
History and Highlights of Avebury
Today in Avebury, only 30 original stones remain standing, though pillars mark the places where other stones once stood. It is thought many of the original stones were removed in the Middle Ages by religious zealots who wanted to wipe out evidence of England’s pagan past. Other stones were pilfered in the 18th century and used to build houses in the vicinity, some of which can still be seen across the fields. Some stones to look out for: the huge Swindon Stone, which has never been toppled, and the Barber Surgeon Stone, under which the skeleton of a man was unearthed. The tools he was buried with indicate that he was a barber-cum-surgeon.
Address: West Kennett, Marlborough, Wiltshire, Avebury SN8 1QF, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 64
Abbey Road
Pop pilgrims flock to this black-and-white-striped crosswalk in north London for the ultimate photo opportunity. Day in, day out, Beatles fans can be seen trying to recreate the iconic 1969 Abbey Road album cover at this pedestrian crossing—their movements broadcast to the world via live webcam. Nearby lies Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles recorded many of their hits.
The Basics
Having been at the center of the 1960s British Invasion and the Brit-pop explosion of the 1990s, London is a city steeped in 20th-century rock and pop history. Visitors can tap into Beatlemania during guided tours by bus and black cab. These tours make the rounds of London locales associated with the group, from Abbey Road to the site of their famous 1969 rooftop concert.
Alternatively, opt for a broader half- or full-day music history tour that goes to neighborhoods including Soho, Camden, and Notting Hill, and covers sites connected not only with the Beatles but also with other British musical legends, such as the Rolling Stones, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, The Clash, Queen, David Bowie, and Pink Floyd. Most music-themed tours focus on England’s capital, but it is possible to do a music-themed day tour of London and nearby Cambridgeshire.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The recording studios are closed to the public, so visitors can only view the heritage-listed building from outside.
- Graffiti messages paying homage to the Fab Four can be seen scrawled on the wall outside the studio.
- The popular crossing can be very busy, so be careful when stepping out.
How to Get There
Abbey Road is in Saint John’s Wood, north London. To get there, take the tube to Saint John’s Wood (Jubilee line) or Maida Vale (Bakerloo line). Note that the Abbey Road DLR station in West Ham, east London, refers to a different Abbey Road and is nowhere near the crosswalk.
When to Get There
If you want to get a photograph at the crossing, avoid congested weekday rush hours (around 7:30–9:30am, and 4:30–7pm). For those determined to get the perfect shot, try coming at 7am on a Sunday when traffic is quiet.
Tips for Getting the Perfect Photograph at Abbey Road
The Abbey Road zebra crossing is located in a heavily trafficked part of London, which can make getting the perfect shot difficult. Cars won’t hesitate to honk the horn at tourists taking too long to stage their shot. To speed up the process, make sure you have all your equipment set up and ready to go.
Address: London, England
From $ 45
Bicester Village
Bicester Village is a luxury outlet shopping center just outside of London – the perfect destination for anyone looking to shop until they drop! Located midway between London and Birmingham, Bicester Village is hope to more than 30 luxury retailers, as well as cafes and restaurants such as Farmshop and the Villandry Grand Café. Shoppers can enjoy discounts up to 60% off retail price on brands such as MaxMara, Hugo Boss, DKNY and more. While shops do not accept foreign currency, a currency exchange is available that changes more than 40 currencies. The mall also features a children’s play area, free wi-fi, valet parking, worldwide courier service and a hands free shopping service.
Just a 15-minute walk from Bicester Village is the town of Bicester, where visitors can check out St. Edburg’s Church, the Market Square and the pedestrianized Sheep Street.
Practical Info
Located at 50 Pingle Drive in Bicester, Oxfordshire, Bicester Village is about an hour away from London. Visitors can take the train from London Marylebone and get off at Bicester North or Bicester Town stations. Bicester Town is a short walk from the mall, while a shuttle takes passengers from Bicester North. Alternatively, the luxury Shopping Express bus runs daily (except Christmas Day) from five central London locations: the Cumberland Hotel, the Hilton London Kensington Hotel, the Victoria Coach Station, the Millennium Gloucester Hotel and the Royal National Hotel. The bus departs London twice in the morning and returns twice in the early evening and costs 28 pounds roundtrip.
Address: 50 Pingle Drive, Bicester, United Kingdom OX26 6WD, England
From $ 32
Ashmolean Museum
Not only Britain’s oldest public museum but also among the oldest in the world, the Ashmolean is more than just a museum – it’s an internationally renowned institution and one of Oxford’s most visited attractions. Founded in 1683, the esteemed museum is one of four of the University of Oxford, with a focus on art, archaeology and natural history.
Benefiting from a thorough renovation in 2009, the Ashmolean Museum now boasts a 21st-century redesign by award-winning architect Rick Mather, including a rooftop restaurant looking out over the university buildings. Highlights of the huge permanent collection include the world’s biggest collection of Raphael drawings, an array of pre-dynastic Egyptian jewelry and artifacts, manuscript copies of the Old and New Testaments, the Western World’s most important collection of modern Chinese Art and a significant assemblage of British and Western Art. If that’s not enough, there’s also a ceremonial costume worn by Lawrence of Arabia, Guy Fawkes’ lantern, the death mask of Oliver Cromwell and Uccello's iconic The Hunt in the Forest.
Practical Info
The Ashmolean Museum is located in the north of Oxford city center, a short walk from the main shopping streets and university buildings. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
Address: Beaumont St., Oxford OX1 2PH, England
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
From $ 45