The Facts:
Capital: London
Currency: Pound Sterling
Time Zone: GMT
www.enjoyengland.com
Introduction:
For a small country England has had a pretty big impact on the wider world. It's here the English language can claim its origin, the Industrial Revolution had its birthplace, and English law was conceived, which forms the basis of legal systems in countries the world over. Travelling through England is in part about travelling through this rich complex of history. From Stonehenge to Shakespeare, the Houses of Parliament to the daily pageantry of the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, defining events and places abound. England is comparatively compact which makes the journey all the more easy. You'll quickly see the landscape change from the rugged surf lashed coastlines of Devon and Cornwall to the wild expanse of remote Dartmoor, from quaint thatched cottages in the Cotswolds to a spire studded skyline in university town Oxford. Hills, vales, dales, mountains moors and crags dominate in the national parks of the Peak District and Lake District. To explore you can walk its national network of paths, ride steam trains and trams, take the tube, catch a black cab or just stroll to an English country pub to soak it all up.
Where To Go:
Located in western Europe England is one of the home nations of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population, whilst its mainland territory occupies most of the southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain. England has land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west and elsewhere is bordered by the North Sea, Irish Sea, Celtic Sea, Bristol Channel and English Channel.
What To Eat & Drink:
- A Sunday Roast- roast beef with Yorkshire pudding is a traditional favourite.
- When in Cornwall a traditional Cornish pasty, a pastry case packed with diced beef, sliced potato and onion and then baked. Originally devised for the tin miners to be able to take their lunch underground.
- Indulge in a Cream Tea, which includes, scones, jam and clotted or double cream.
- In the east end of London Pie & mash as well as jellied eels can still be found.
- For cheese try Cheddar, Wensleydale, Lancashire and Stilton.
- If you are in the southwest try cider, an alcoholic drink made from the fermented juice of apples.
- Find a traditional Pub and have a beer. Bitter & lager are the most popular but mild, stout and pale ales are also available.
Unmissable England:
5 things you really should do in England.
1. Get a high
Head to the Lake District, home to England's highest mountains and the inspiration for some of its greatest writers. Visit the homes of William Wordsworth at Grasmere and Beatrix Potter at Hilltop Farm near Hawkshead.
www.golakes.co.uk
www.wordsworth.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatrixpotter
2. Take a seat
Watch the world's most famous classical theatre company take to the stage. See a performance of Shakespeare in his hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
www.rsc.org.uk
www.stratford-upon-avon-co.uk
3. Develop an eye for things
Be dazzled by London's sprawling cityscape on the London Eye. On a clear day you can see around 40km from the top and as far as Windsor Castle.
www.londoneye.com
4. Find the fab four
Visit Liverpool, the home of the Beatles and absorb yourself in Beatlemania.
Head to the city's historic Albert Dock where the 'Beatles Story' museum shows how four young lads from Liverpool were propelled to the dizzy heights of worldwide fame and fortune to become the greatest band of all time.
www.beatlesstory.com
5. Step back in history
Walk Hadrian's Wall, the 1,800-year old barrier built to prevent military raids on Roman Britain by the Pictish tribes (ancient inhabitants of Scotland) to the north. This formidable construction spans most of northern England from west of Carlisle to Newcastle.
www.macsadventure.com/HadriansWall
www.nationaltrail.co.uk/hadrianswall
