Things to Do in England

Blackfriars Bridge is the busiest of the four bridges located in central London. It crosses the River Thames bringing both road and foot traffic from one side to the other. The bridge has been updated several times, but the current bridge is 923 feet long, 105 feet wide, and has five wrought iron arches. Stone carvings decorate the piers of the bridge. On the east side the carvings show marine life and seabirds, and on the west side the carvings depict freshwater birds. This reflects the tidal turning point in the river. Most river boat tours along the River Thames will sail underneath the Blackfriars Bridge along with Millennium Bridge, Southwark Bridge, and London Bridge.

In 1982 the bridge gained international notoriety when the body of Roberto Calvi, a former chairman of Italy's largest private bank, was found hanging from one of the arches of the bridge. Five bricks were attached to his body, and around $14,000 in three different currencies was found in his pockets. It was concluded that he was murdered by the mafia. 

The most exclusive shopping street in London, Bond Street is where you’ll find flagship stores for brands like Burberry and Bvlgari, Dior and Louis Vuitton. Officially split up into two streets that run between Oxford Street and Piccadilly in London’s West End, the southern section, known as Old Bond Street, was built in the 1680s under the command of Sir Thomas Bond, while the longer northern section, New Bond Street, was built 40 years later. 

Since its inception, Bond Street has been the playground of London society’s most stylish and influential people, and former residents include Admiral Horatio Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton. Today, Bond Street continues to be one of the most expensive strips of real estate in the world, and the Georgian and Victorian townhouses are famously home to Aspreys of London — jewelers to the royal family — and the capital’s most upscale art galleries and high-end antique stores which cluster round Sotheby’s auction house and the Fine Art Society towards the south end.

On New Bond Street, a particularly popular statue is Lawrence Holofcener’s “Allies,” where a life-sized Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt look deep in conversation on a park bench. Put up in 1995 in order to commemorate a half century since WWII’s end — if you slip between the statesmen for a selfie, you won't be the only one. 

Encompassing three different venues – the Concert Hall, Corn Exchange and Pavilion Theatre – under one roof, the Brighton Dome is Brighton’s number 1 destination for the arts. Housed in an elegant Grade I-listed building at the center of the Royal Pavilion Estate, the stylish venue is linked via underground tunnels to the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum, and boasts a fascinating history, once serving as a Royal stables and WWI hospital. 

The award-winning venues host hundreds of shows, concerts and workshops each year, with events including music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual arts and film. The top ticket is the legendary Brighton Festival, renowned as one of England’s leading multi-arts festivals and held over three weeks each May. As well as the trio of venues, the Dome is also home to the Brighton Dome Café-bar and Studio Theatre Bar, both of which are open to the public.

Brixton Market is comprised of three covered market arcades called Brixton Village, Market Row, and Reliance Arcade. The area is at the heart of Brixton’s multicultural food scene. Influenced by the waves of immigrants to the area from the West Indies starting after WWII, the markets reflect the Brixton’s strong Afro-Caribbean history and culture. A commerce hub for the city, they’ve flourished as a cultural center and dining destination for people all over London.

With well over 100 independent traders, cafes, and restaurants, the bustling markets are spread out over a warren of indoor stalls, shops, and cafes serving all manner of culinary treats hailing from all over the world, with everything from gourmet burgers to Caribbean cuisine. A variety of tradespeople sell everything from hand-woven baskets to wooden spoons, jewelry, and vintage clothing in Market Row. The arcades are included on a number of private walking, culinary, and heritage tours of the area.

The markets are easily reached by tube, bus and train. Turn right out of Brixton tube station, then take the first right down Atlantic Road. The Brixton Station Road overground stop exits almost directly into the market. A number of buses also service the market. There are bike racks in the courtyard of Brixton Village and a parking lot on Brixton Station Road.

Brixton Market arcades are open year-round, seven days a week. The markets are covered, so you can visit in bad weather, and they offer different goods depending on the season. 

The first Saturday of the month brings the “bread and flea” market selling freshly baked cakes and antiques. On the second Saturday, the makers market offers handmade crafts and art. The third Saturday is the retro and vintage market, with racks of clothes and shoes. The fourth (and fifth) Saturdays see all of the traders reconvene for the Brix Mix market. And on Sundays it’s the farmer’s turn, selling organic veggies, local honey, artisan chocolate, cheese, and more.

A wild stretch of grassy peaks, oak woodlands and rolling sheep pastures hugging the banks of the River Derwent, the rugged beauty of Borrowdale Valley is undeniable and its central location at the heart of the Lake District makes it a prime through-route for hikers. Linked by the Honistor Path to Buttermere Valley in the West and Derwent Water and Keswick in the north, the scenic valley passes through the villages of Seatoller, Borrowdale and Rosthwaite, and lies en-route to the famous peak of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.

It’s Borrowdale unique landscape, sculpted by ancient glaciers, that is its biggest draw, and natural highlights include the narrow ravine known as the Jaws of Borrowdale, the nine-meter-tall Bowder Stone, the Lodore Waterfall and the vast woodlands, which host an impressively diverse ecosystem and a large variety of birds. 

At the heart of London’s historic Docklands, the waterfront district of Canary Wharf has transformed itself into a financial powerhouse in recent years, becoming, along with the City of London nearby, one of the capital’s most important business centers. The modern district is now home to the world or European headquarters of some of the biggest names in banking and media, and it certainly looks the part, with its gleaming skyscrapers and glass-fronted high-rises, including the 235-meter-tall One Canada Square, the tallest building in the UK until the arrival of The Shard. 

 

It’s not all about work in Canary Wharf though – the revitalized docks now serve as an urban playground for the city’s most affluent residents, with a suitably elegant selection of bars and restaurants, and a thriving shopping district. Additional highlights include the unique Traffic Light Tree, an installation artwork by Pierre Vivant; the Centaur, a modern sculpture by Igor Mitoraj; and the Museum of the London Docklands.

Casting off its reputation as one of London’s most notorious neighborhoods, Brixton has grabbed the spotlight in recent years, transforming itself into one of South London’s coolest postcodes.  Brixton’s youthful vibe and multi-cultural mix of residents are its strongest assets and its high population of African and Caribbean residents has given rise to an excellent selection of African, Indian and Asian restaurants.  

Stroll down Electric Avenue, Brixton’s main shopping street (and famously immortalized in Eddy Grant’s 1980’s hit single of the same name) and you’ll find an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, hip bars, contemporary art galleries and pop-up restaurants. Alternatively, Brixton Village arcade is crammed with ethnic restaurants; the lively Brixton Market is held daily; and a number of farmer’s markets, flea markets and handicrafts markets are held throughout the year. Additional highlights of Brixton include the neighborhood’s colorful murals and graffiti art, and a vibrant nightlife and live music scene, including famous venues like Brixton Academy and The Windmill.

The main research library of the University of Oxford and one of the oldest of its kind in Europe, the Bodleian Library is also one of the UK’s five "copyright libraries," famously housing a copy of every book printed in Great Britain—a collection that spans more than 11 million works. Founded by Sir Thomas Bodley in 1602, the Bodleian Library, or "the Bod" as it’s known to students, is actually a complex of libraries and reading rooms located in the heart of Oxford, including the domed Radcliffe Camera, the vaulted Divinity Room, the Duke Humphrey's Library and the Old and New Bodleian Libraries.

With its towering shelves of prized books and manuscripts, exploring the Bodleian libraries is a rare treat for book lovers, with everything from early manuscripts, biblical texts and ancient maps to rare literary editions, Oriental manuscripts and a large collection of original J.R.R Tolkien works. But don’t expect to get your hands on one of the books—much of the historic library is off-bounds for non-scholars, except by guided tour, and no one is allowed to remove the books from the library—even King Charles I was famously refused permission to borrow a book in 1645.

With ancient woodlands, windswept heathlands, and freshwater lakes hemmed in by grassy sea cliffs and sandy beaches, Brownsea Island crams a startling variety of scenery into its small landmass. The mostly uninhabited island, which is run by the National Trust, is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour.

The most popular way to explore Brownsea Island is on a day trip from Poole—it’s a short ferry ride from the mainland. Alternatively, a sightseeing cruise around Poole Harbour affords spectacular views of Brownsea Island, as well as the surrounding islands and mainland attractions such as the Sandbanks, Old Harry Rocks, Corfe Castle, and the Purbeck Hills.

Brownsea Island is only reachable by boat. Regular passenger ferries set sail from Poole Quay or the Sandbanks and take around 20 minutes to reach the island. From Poole, buses and taxis run from Poole train station to Poole Harbour. 

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Brownsea Island is open to the public from March to October and on selected winter weekends, depending on the weather. In peak summer season (July and August), book your ferry tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. 

The Brownsea Island Nature Reserve covers the whole island and offers nature trails and wildlife such rare red squirrels, sika deer, wild peacocks, and birds (avocets, black-tailed godwits, and wildfowl). Additional highlights include the beachfront Brownsea Castle, which dates back to the 16th century; the Brownsea Open-Air Theatre, which hosts performances throughout summer; and electric buggy tours, which traverse all the island’s most scenic viewpoints.

With its three lakes framed by a seemingly expanse of rolling hills and craggy peaks, Buttermere Valley is one of the Lake District’s most striking landscapes, and it’s been a popular spot for walkers and nature enthusiasts since the 18th century. 

The tranquil Buttermere village makes the obvious basecamp, but most visitors come to hike the scenic lakeside trails or scale the surrounding peaks, which include the 851-meter Grasmoor and 806-meter High Stile, as well as Scale Force, England’s highest waterfall. Honister Pass is the main road running through the valley and during the summer months, swimming and rowing are popular activities on the lakes. 

Built in the early 18th century, this stately home is one of Britain’s grandest historical estates. It was gifted by Queen Anne to the Duke of Marlborough, General John Churchill, for his role in defeating the French at the 1704 Battle of Blenheim, and Britain’s beloved wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill was born here in 1874. 

Visitors can choose between two tickets: One provides access to the park and gardens only, while the other grants access to the park, gardens, and palace. The latter includes guided tours of the Palace State Rooms and access to the Untold Story interactive exhibit, which traces the palace’s long history. The Churchill Exhibition explores the life story of the former English prime minister through photographs, letters, and artifacts and is also included with palace admission.

Audio guides are available for a small extra fee, as are special seasonal tours. Visitors can explore the palace independently or go as part of day tours from London, Oxford, or Bournemouth. Day tours typically combine a visit to Blenheim Palace with trips to nearby Cotswolds villages, such as Bampton, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water. 

Blenheim Palace is situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, about a 20-minute drive from Oxford city. To get here, ride the S3 bus from Oxford, or the Oxford Bus Company’s 500 service from Oxford Parkway. 

Blenheim Palace is open all year, and tours take place every day except Sunday, when visitors can explore independently and guides are stationed in most rooms to answer questions. Summer weekends are busiest, so come midweek or outside of peak summer season (June, July, and August) to avoid the crowds. 

While the palace itself is the main attraction, there is just as much to see in the surrounding gardens and park, portions of which were designed by the famous landscaper Lancelot “Capability” Brown. Ride a minitrain to the Pleasure Gardens, where you’ll find a butterfly house, an adventure playground, and the Marlborough Maze, comprised of thousands of yew hedges. Walking trails around the park lead to other sights, such as the Temple of Diana, where Winston Churchill proposed to his wife, and the Grand Cascade waterfall. 

Founded in 1753, the British Museum is London’s largest and most visited museum. Its gigantic permanent collection includes over 8 million historical artifacts, with everything from Egyptian mummies to Roman treasures. Highlights include sculptures from the Parthenon, the Rosetta Stone, and the 12th-century Lewis chessmen.

Allow at least two hours for a British Museum tour, but don’t expect to see everything in one visit—it would take days to explore the entire museum and it’s easy to get lost. With so much to see, visiting with a tour guide is a convenient choice, and a small-group or private guided tour will ensure you maximize your time. 

The British Museum is located on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, in the heart of central London. The museum is easy to reach by bus or tube, and the Tottenham Court Road (Northern Line), Russell Square (Piccadilly Line), and Holborn (Piccadilly and Central lines) underground stations are all less than a 5-minute walk away. 

 

The museum is open daily, year-round. The quietest time to visit is on a weekday either when the doors open or after 3pm—school groups often visit in the mornings. Morning visitors should plan to visit the most popular exhibits (such as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures) right away, while afternoon visitors might save these until later, when the crowds have left. Friday evenings are also a good time to visit, when there are normally fewer tour groups and families. Look out for special exhibitions, events, and film screenings throughout the year, too. 

For first-time visitors, the most popular exhibits include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures from ancient Greece, the Persian Oxus Treasure, and the Ancient Egypt collection, which houses the Mummy of Katebet. Other must-see artifacts include the Portland Vase, which dates back to the 1st century BC; the Lewis chessmen, a collection of carved chess pieces dating back to the 12th century; and a statue from Easter Island, which is on display in the Living and Dying Gallery.

Opened in 1930, the Cambridge Theatre is one of the younger theaters in London’s West End. Standing on a narrow corner and made of steel and concrete, it provides an early example of a London theater adopting the modern, expressionist style that was popular in Germany in the 1920s. Inside, however, theater-goers will see bronze friezes depicting nude figures in a variety of poses, marble columns and concealed lighting. Red décor replaced the original gold and silver color scheme in the 1950s, while chandeliers and candelabras were added then as well.

The theater seats more than 1200 on three levels and has hosted both plays and musicals over the years, though it functions best as a musical venue due to its size. Matilda the Musical has been playing since 2011.

Graffiti-lined Brick Lane has long been an immigrant neighborhood, having hosted French Huguenot, Irish, Jewish, and—most recently—Bangladeshi communities. The string of curry houses at its southern end specialize in Indian and South Asian cuisine, while farther north, retro clothing shops, cafés, and bars dominate the scene. 

With its rich multicultural heritage and history, Brick Lane is one of east London’s must-sees. The fast pace of change and development here makes it a place worth returning to, even for those who have already explored on prior trips. 

Many London walking tours hone in on Brick Lane, with food tours incorporating tastings of curries, bagels, fish-and-chips, and other local specialties. Brick Lane pub tours frequent the area’s historical Victorian watering holes as well as newer craft beer–focused bars. Other tours focus on the area’s thriving street-art scene and the more unsavory aspects of east London’s past, such as the Jack the Ripper murders. Some walking tours venture into the nearby neighborhoods of Spitalfields and Shoreditch.

Brick Lane is situated in Whitechapel in east London. To get there, take the Tube (District or Hammersmith & City line) to Aldgate East; the south end of Brick Lane is two minutes’ walk away. Alternatively, ride the Overground train to Shoreditch High Street station, which is a 5-minute walk from the north end of Brick Lane.

The best day to visit Brick Lane is on a Sunday, as many of the local markets are hosted on this day. Sundays are typically the busiest day, so if you don’t want to deal with crowds, go midweek instead.

Street vendors are an integral part of life on Brick Lane, and you can’t go far without stumbling across a stall. Browse clothing, crafts, and food at the Sunday Upmarket at the Old Truman Brewery. Petticoat Lane Market, one of London’s oldest markets, takes place every day except Saturday on Middlesex and Wentworth streets, which branch off from Brick Lane. The daily Old Spitalfields Market, housed in a restored Victorian market hall, and the open-air Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays only) are within walking distance of Brick Lane.

Buckingham Palace is one of England's most famous landmarks. Visitors can always view its opulent exterior through the gates, but visits must be timed right to tour the interior. During its summer opening, travelers can peek into the state rooms, see the Throne Room, stroll through the palace gardens, and admire masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt and Canaletto in Queen Victoria's Picture Gallery.

Buckingham Palace is located in central London at the heart of St. James Park. It's a pleasant stroll from London attractions such as Westminster Cathedral and Big Ben and is often included as a stop on city walking tours.

The best time to visit Buckingham Palace is during the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony, when the royal guards change shifts. This takes place daily at 11:30am but can be canceled in bad weather. The palace interior is only open to the public during summer, from late July until the end of September, with tours running daily from 9:30am to 7:30pm (until 6:30pm in September). You'll want to book this coveted experience in advance.

Windsor Castle is the nearest queen's residence to Buckingham, located just outside London. It can be visited on a quick, half-day trip from the city. And although not royal in nature, Westminster Abbey is the resting place of many English monarchs and the site of some royal family weddings (including that of Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge).

Burford is a small town in England along the River Windrush and is often referred to as the Gateway to the Cotswolds. The picturesque town is detailed with a medieval bridge, Tudor and Georgian buildings, and old stone houses. A former meeting place for merchants, the 16th century Tolsey building now houses the Tolsey Museum where visitors can learn about the town's social and industrial history. The town's church is another interesting place to look for signs of Burford's past by way of the memorials charting some of the greatest families that once lived there. 

The town of Burford has in many ways remained unchanged over the centuries. It is a popular place for tourists looking to explore small town beauty and history. However, more modern appeals can be found as well. Burford is an interesting town for shopping and antiques, and there are plenty of restaurants, pubs, and tea shops to choose from. Despite its popularity, you can easily find a tranquil corner of town to enjoy the scenery.

Made up of Camden Lock Market, Camden Stables Market, and Camden Canal Market, the area known as Camden Market is the largest collection of street vendors in the United Kingdom. In continuous operation since the 1970s, the market draws crowds of visitors who come to explore the huge variety of unusual stalls and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

 

Long known as an alternative shopping destination to the chic boutiques of Central London, Camden Market’s 1,000 stalls offer vintage clothing, books, antiques, and much more—there’s even a store dedicated to vintage pianos. You can taste your way through the many different food stalls, pick up an artisanal coffee, browse the clothing booths, or retreat to one of the canalside pubs for a refreshing drink while you watch the action unfold. The fun comes in just soaking up the atmosphere around you.

 

Visitors can choose to wander at will through the different areas of the market or take part in an organized walking tour to learn more about the area’s history and the many colorful characters the market has welcomed over the years.

 

 

Camden Market is best accessed by public transport or taxi, as parking is very limited. The nearest tube station is Camden Town. Chalk Farm and Mornington Crescent stations are also a short walk away. A number of buses from different parts of the city also serve the area.

 

Camden Market is open every day (including bank holidays) from 10am until late, except Christmas Day. The market can get very busy at weekends, especially on Sunday afternoons, so plan to visit on a weekday if you prefer a slower pace. To navigate the market stalls more easily, you can organize a private tour.

 

After your fun market tour, head down to Regent’s Canal for a peaceful stroll through one of London’s most interesting neighborhoods, where elegant terraces line the canalside and narrow bridges take you back to a time when horses were the only form of transport. You can walk as far as Regent’s Park—one of London’s eight Royal Parks—complete with a lake, flower gardens, and tree-lined pathways.

Discover a national symbol and gain insight into England’s history at the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Canterbury Cathedral. Dating back to 597, the site has held religious significance for centuries, drawing pilgrims to the location of Thomas Becket’s murder and visitors interested in its medieval towers, chapels, and stained-glass windows.

The cathedral’s distance from London makes it a prime stop on a tour of the South. Combine your visit with stops at other landmarks, such as Leeds Castle and Dover Cliffs, for a full day’s break from the capital, or take advantage of multi-attraction tours that allow you to explore London and beyond at your own pace. Opt for a guided cathedral tour for intimate insight, or be immersed as you explore the historic grounds independently.

The cathedral is a short walk from both Canterbury West and Canterbury East stations, with direct links to London. The Kent site is easy to access from the channel ports, ideal for Eurostar or ferry travelers. On-site parking is available only via prior arrangement, but the city offers plenty of affordable alternatives, including a park-and-ride service. Many tours from London include round-trip transportation.

Canterbury Cathedral is a sight to behold at any time of year, though December’s carol services certainly add to the magic. Spring and summer bring extended daylight hours and an ideal climate for outdoor exploring. If you’re curious about worship as well as sightseeing, entry to the cathedral is free during service times, making Sunday a popular day to visit.

As the home of the Church of England, Canterbury Cathedral holds a special relationship with English history and culture. The Kingdom of Kent was the first to convert to Christianity under Rome, and Archbishop Thomas Becket’s murder in 1170 solidified the building’s religious and political importance. The cathedral has links to William the Conqueror and the Magna Carta, and was immortalized by the father of English literature, Geoffrey Chaucer, in his famous Canterbury Tales.