Things to Do in England

An imposing fortress looming above the famous White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle is not only one of England’s largest and oldest medieval castles, but one of its most strategically important, standing guard over the narrowest point of the English Channel and the first line of defense against mainland Europe.

Although built by William the Conqueror in 1066, Dover Castle actually has a much longer legacy, preceded by an Anglo-Saxon fort and a Roman lighthouse, and seeing battle several times throughout its reign.  Visitors can climb the 12th-century Great Tower, walk the battlements, view the ruins of the ancient Roman lighthouse, and even explore the warren of secret wartime tunnels that burrow beneath the castle. There’s also the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment Museum and a series of exhibitions, where you’ll discover life in the royal court of King Henry II, learn about how the castle was used as a hospital during WWII and relive the horrors of the Siege of 1216.

Founded by Henry VI and boasting a history dating back almost six centuries, Eton College is one of England’s oldest and most prestigious public schools (actually an exclusive fee-paying independent school) and one of only 4 remaining single-sex boy’s boarding schools in the UK. It’s also undeniably the most famous, with former scholars (traditionally nicknamed ‘Old Etonians’) including 19 British Prime Ministers, among them Winston Churchill and David Cameron; members of the British Royal Family, including Prince William and Prince Harry; writers like George Orwell and Ian Fleming; London Mayor Boris Johnson; and actors like Eddie Redmayne, Damian Lewis and Hugh Laurie.

It’s even made its mark on pop culture – fictional characters like Lord Grantham from Downton Abbey, Captain Hook and James Bond (who was expelled!) were described as having attended Eton and the college itself has served as a backdrop to films like Shakespeare in Love, Mansfield Park and My Week With Marilyn.

Today the boarding school has around 1,300 students, aged between 13 and 18, all of whom wear the iconic uniform of a black tailcoat, white tie and pinstriped trousers, and are split into administrative ‘houses’. The historic school is also notable for its architecture, with highlights including the medieval School Yard, the Gothic-style Chapel and the Cloisters Court. Visitors are able to tour the principal buildings and visit the on-site Museum of Eton Life and gift shop.

Regarded as one of England’s most impressive Georgian town houses, Fairfax House dates back to 1762 and takes its name from Charles Gregory, the 9th Viscount Fairfax of Emley, who acquired the property in 1759. After a short-lived incarnation as a gentlemen’s club and cinema, Fairfax House was bought and renovated by the York Civic Trust, reopening in 1984 as a house museum, showcasing a fine collection of period furnishings and antiques.

Today, the museum displays the Noel Terry Collection of Georgian furniture, but it’s the painstakingly restored interiors that earn the most acclaim. Designed by Yorkshire architect John Carr, the house is a masterpiece of Georgian style, adorned with elaborate wrought ironwork, intricate woodcarvings and striking stucco ceilings. Highlights include the exquisite Great Staircase, the grand Venetian Window, furnishings including one of the houses’ original four-poster beds and a selection of 18th Century paintings.

Standing proud on Piccadilly since 1707, Fortnum & Mason, along with the equally famous Harrods, takes the prize for London’s best-known and most iconic department store. Named after its principal proprietors William Fortnum and Hugh Mason, the central London store is now owned by Wittington Investments Ltd, but its namesakes still grace the iconic rooftop clock – with four-foot high mechanical statues of the men themselves whirring into action as the clock chimes each hour.

Belying its early incarnation as a simple grocery store, Fortnum’s soon earned a reputation for selling the highest quality foods and imported delicacies to London’s high society, even supplying food for a number of Victorian era Royal functions. Today, the variety has expanded but the quality remains top notch, with their luxury Christmas and picnic hampers - a renowned tradition dating back to Victorian times – ranging in price from a very reasonable  £35 to a mind-blowing £25,000.

In the last few decades, Fortnum’s has branched out into a number of alternative areas, selling home wares, perfumes, jewelry and accessories, all with a quintessentially English flavor. The spectacular window displays (particularly atmospheric around Christmas time) feature old-fashioned tearooms decorated with fine china and the central atrium is highlighted by a grand volute staircase and domed roof.

There’s plenty to do besides shopping here too. Visit the award-winning wine bar, sample Viennese cakes and strudels at the decadent ice cream parlor or eat in one of the acclaimed restaurants. You can also opt for traditional English Afternoon Tea in the new Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, where you can pick up some of the famous Fortnum & Mason loose-leaf tea to take away with you.