London
No superlative is too great when it comes to describing London, the capital of England and the UK. This bustling city is history personified from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace – be sure to watch the Changing of the Guards. Shopping, from Knightsbridge to Carnaby Street, is a must as is riding a red double-decker bus and the “tube,” or subway where one is constantly reminded to “mind the gap.” London is also famous for live theatre; be sure to stop in at local pub for a pint after a performance.
Stonehenge & Avebury
One of the most popular places to visit in England, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument found in Wiltshire. From about 2500BC, Neolithic and Bronze Age man started to bring gigantic stones from Wales and the Marlborough Downs. It was not until 1600BC that Stonehenge came to be completed. A trip to Stonehenge is best combined with a trip to prehistoric Avebury to the north, which has an even bigger stone circle, with fewer restrictions, and far fewer tourists.
York
York is a walled city with a rich heritage located where the River Foss meets the River Ouse. Plenty of exciting sights compete for visitors’ attention as they stroll along the city’s cobblestone streets. One of the city’s landmarks is York Minster. This commanding stone cathedral is filled with remarkable works of art. The medieval Clifford’s Tower, which was built by William the Conqueror and rebuilt by Henry III in the 13th century, is a great vantage point for panoramic views around the city.
Oxford dates back to Saxon England when it was known as Oxenaforda or a place where oxen crossed a river. Today it is known as home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford University, which dates back to the 12th century. This southeastern England town, the county seat for Oxfordshire, also boasts the remains of Norman castles, and the Christ Church Cathedral, a college chapel and cathedral rolled into one building. Because students come from all over the world to study here, Oxford is an ethnically diverse city.
Jurassic Coast
Fossil hunters may want to make a beeline for the Jurassic Coast, a section in southern England that runs roughly from Bournemouth to Exmouth. The rocks date back 185 million years to when the continents were crunching up against each other and then drifting apart. Museums along the way explain each region; Charmouth is the best place to find fossils. Fossil hunters, and all visitors, should take time to walk the beaches or visit the small charming towns along the way. Take care when walking near cliffs since rocks can fall at any time.
