Choose from 322 Fun Things to Do in England
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 322 listings.
Dorney Court
Dorney Court is one of England's finest Tudor manor houses where generations of the Palmer family have lived for nearly 500 years. The manor house is located among landscaped gardens and parks, and flocks of sheep graze in the nearby fields. Inside the house, visitors can admire portraits that represent each of the 13 generations of the Palmer family dating back several centuries and tell the history of this home. The rooms are filled with traditional oak furniture, four poster beds, lacquer cabinets, carved paneling, silks, and tapestries. Much of the furniture dates from the Restoration since Dorney Court was looted by by Cromwellian forces.
Visitors can explore the Great Hall, kitchens, cellars, passageways, living quarters, and courtyards which provide a view of a typical medieval house. Since this is still a living home, some sections have been updated as recently as the 1970s, and the home continues to evolve. Dorney Court has been open to the public since 1981, and a great deal of work has gone into restoring and preserving the home and property.
Practical Info
Dorney Court is located 26 miles from central London in the village of Dorney on Court Lane. Opening hours are 1:30pm to 5pm on Sunday and Monday May Bank Holidays and throughout the month of August. Group tours are available by appointment only during other times of the year. General admission is 8 pounds.
Address: Dorney Court, Dorney Lane, Windsor, United Kingdom SL4 6QP, England
Admission: 8 pounds
From $ 32
Fleet Street
Making a name for itself in the 16th-century as the center of London’s printing and publishing industry, it seemed fitting that Fleet Street would be the birthplace of London’s first daily newspaper, the Daily Courant in 1702, and the street quickly became the de facto home of the British Press. Dozens of the country’s major newspaper offices and publishing headquarters once resided on Fleet Street, including Reuters, The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Express and the Metro, and although few remain, ‘Fleet Street’ is still used by Londoners to reference the city’s press.
Fleet Street’s most notorious former resident, however, is the fictional Sweeney Todd, the ‘Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ and the villainous star of several musical productions and films, including Tim Burton’s 2007 hit. If you believe the tales, the murderous Todd owned a barber’s shop at no. 186, where his victims were killed, then baked into pies by his neighbor Mrs. Lovett and eaten by unsuspecting customers.
Practical Info
Fleet Street is located in the City of London, a short walk from BlackFriar’s Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Address: Fleet Street, London, England
From $ 18
Covent Garden
In the heart of London’s West End, Covent Garden is one of the city’s most popular dining and entertainment hubs. Home to the Royal Opera House; several top theaters, including the Lyceum and the Donmar Warehouse; world-class restaurants; and many major brand-name stores, most travelers to London plan to explore this area while visiting.
The Basics
Covent Garden’s original purpose was as a convent garden, where Westminster Abbey monks would grow fruit and vegetables, some 500 years ago. In the 17th century, architect Inigo Jones built St. Paul’s Church (not to be confused with the cathedral) and the Covent Garden Piazza and the area started to take shape. In the streets around the market came theaters, coffee houses, and restaurants, turning the area into a nightlife hotspot.
The market arcades, built in the 1830s, were home to fruit, vegetable, and flower sellers. The original market was moved out of the city in the 1970s, and the arcades were redeveloped into stores and cafes. Nowadays, the piazza is famous for lively street performers, while the surrounding streets—Floral Street, Neal Street, Long Acre, and Mercer Street—offer some of the best shopping in London. Guided walking, bike, and taxi tours visit the area on a regular basis. It's also a stop on hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Covent Garden is wheelchair accessible.
- For same-day theater tickets, visit the TKTS booth on Leicester Square.
- St. Paul’s Church is known as “The Actor’s Church” for the area’s many theaters.
- The churchyard has benches for visitors to sit and rest.
- Covent Garden’s seven main streets converge at the Seven Dials sundial.
How to Get There
Covent Garden is located in the center of West End, London. The nearest subway (tube) station is Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line. Leicester Square station is also a short walk away. The area is walkable from many other points in Central London and is a popular stop on historic walking and bike tours of the city. Hop-on hop-off buses also stop here.
When to Get There
Covent Garden is a public piazza and is open all day. The Apple Market stalls are open from 10am–6pm. Nearby stores, restaurants, and theaters, including the Royal Opera House, have their own separate opening times—check before visiting.
London’s Chinatown
A few streets away from Covent Garden, bordered by Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road is London’s Chinatown, filled with colorful shops and restaurants serving authentic East Asian cuisine. One of the city’s most popular destinations for cheap eats, the area is always buzzing with both locals and tourists.
Address: Covent Garden Market, London WC2, England
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Brick Lane
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.
The Basics
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.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Brick Lane is a must for street-art fans, foodies, vintage lovers, and urban-culture enthusiasts.
- Come hungry as Brick Lane has tons of restaurants, food stalls, and cafés you’re going to want to try.
- Brick Lane is wheelchair accessible, and some—though not all—restaurants and bars here offer step-free access.
How to Get There
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.
When to Get There
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.
The Markets of Brick Lane
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.
Address: England
From $ 16
Brixton Market
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.
The Basics
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.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The markets are open everyday from 8am to 11:30pm (with the exception of a 6pm closing time on Mondays).
- There are weekly rotating themed markets on Saturdays, and a farmer’s market on Sundays.
- On Fridays the markets offer street food, crafts and vintage finds.
How to Get There
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.
When to Get There
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.
Saturday Markets
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.
Address: Electric Ave, London SW9 8JX, England
From $ 58
British Museum
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.
The Basics
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.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no admission fee for the British Museum, although donations are welcome.
- Visitors are required to pass security checks to enter, and large bags and suitcases are prohibited.
- On-site facilities include museum shops, cafés, and restaurants.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum.
- Audio guides are offered in several languages.
- The British Museum is fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
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.
When to Get There
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.
Highlights of the British Museum
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.
Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, England
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5:30pm
Admission: Free
From $ 9
Florence Nightingale Museum
A heroine of the Crimean War, a pioneer of social reform, and the founder of modern nursing – Florence Nightingale is one of the most talked about women in British history. The story of the legendary ‘Lady with the Lamp’ is the focus of the Florence Nightingale Museum, where a series of interactive exhibitions chronicle her life, from her privileged beginnings, to her work as a nurse in the Crimean War, to her role in reforming midwifery and nursing around the world.
Housed in London’s St Thomas’ Hospital - home to the Nightingale Training School of Nursing and Midwifery - the museum showcases almost 3,000 artifacts, including photographs, films, maps, medical equipment, and personal effects. Among the many treasures, highlights include Nightingale’s pet owl Athena, her medicine chest used in the Crimean War, and a rare Crimean Register of Nurses.
Practical Info
The Florence Nightingale Museum is located in St Thomas' Hospital, opposite the Palace of Westminster on London’s South Bank. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and adult admission is £7.50. Admission is free with the London Pass.
Address: 2 Lambeth Palace Rd., Labmeth, London SE1 7EW, England
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult £7.50, Child £3.80
From $ 10
Fitzwilliam Museum
The principal museum of the University of Cambridge, the Fitzwilliam Museum was founded in 1816 to house the art collection of the 7th Viscount FitzWilliam and it remains the city’s most impressive collection of art and antiquities.
More than half a millions works make up the mind-boggling permanent collection, with items dating back as early as 2500 BC and ranging from Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman artifacts to medieval coins and Renaissance sculptures, to 21st-century art. Highlights include works by Titian, Rubens, Van Dyck, Monet, Renoir, Picasso and Cézanne; an extensive collection of Turner paintings; and a remarkable exhibition of Oriental art. Rarities include a series of printed books and illuminated manuscripts, a huge collection of Elizabethan music manuscripts and bas-reliefs excavated from ancient Persepolis.
Alongside the permanent exhibitions, the Fitzwilliam Museum hosts a number of major exhibitions, special events and workshops throughout the year, as well as an on-site café and museum shop.
Practical Info
The Fitzwilliam Museum is located on Trumpington Street in central Cambridge, close to Downing College, and is open Tues-Sat from 10am-5pm and Sun from 12-5pm. Admission is free.
Address: Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1RB, England
Hours: Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 12-5pm, Mon: Closed.
From $ 21
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Overview
Gatwick Airport is one of six international airports to serve the city of London and is second in size only to Heathrow Airport. A major transport hub, London Gatwick has two terminals and welcomes more than 40 million passengers every year, accommodating flights to and from some 200 global destinations.
The Basics
Avoid the stress of getting to and from the airport by prebooking a Gatwick transfer. Private and shared airport transfer services include pickup at arrivals and drop-off at Central London hotels, or at cruise ports, such as Southampton Cruise Port and Dover Cruise Port.
Private transfers offer more flexibility and comfort—drivers will often track your flight number online, so they’ll know if you’re delayed—and can transport passengers between Gatwick and other London airports, including Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, and London City airports.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Passenger amenities at Gatwick include a chapel and prayer room, currency exchange, and luggage storage facilities.
- Gatwick offers free charging ports and 90-minutes free Wi-Fi.
- Shops and restaurants can be found in both North and South terminals and are open from early morning until about 10pm.
- An inter-terminal shuttle service carries passengers between the two terminals.
How to Get There
Gatwick is situated around 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Central London. London black cab fares can be high; save money by prebooking transfers. The easiest way to get into Central London is to ride the Gatwick Express Train from the station near the Gatwick South Terminal to London Victoria. Trains leave every 15 minutes from approximately 6am until just after 11pm. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
When to Get There
Gatwick is a busy airport and lines can form during peak travel times (i.e., the summer months of June, July, and August, and over the Christmas holiday). Busy periods include weekends (Friday–Monday). Midweek, the busiest times are morning and early to midevening. Arrive three hours in advance for international flights.
Things to See Near Gatwick Airport
If you find yourself in Gatwick for a short layover and don’t want to make the journey into London, you might want to take the short trip to Gatwick Aviation Museum, just a 5- to 10-minute drive from the airport. It houses a collection of British aircraft and displays documenting Gatwick’s history. If you have more time to spare, you may want to journey to the seaside town of Brighton, about a 25- to 45-minute train journey away.
Address: England
From $ 17
Brixton
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.
Practical Info
Brixton is located in Lambeth in South London.
Address: Brixton, Lambeth, South London, England
From $ 58
Cotswolds
Few places encapsulate the beauty of the English countryside like the Cotswolds, with its green rolling hills, grand country estates, and picturesque villages chiseled out of honey-colored stone. A protected “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” it’s the retreat of choice for wealthy Londoners and residents include movie stars and royalty.
The Basics
Most Cotswolds tours run from London, driving along the winding country roads and stopping to explore the historic market towns or enjoy lunch at a traditional pub. Full-day tours often include a stop in the Cotswolds en route to nearby attractions. Options include a tour of historic Bath, Stonehenge, and Shakespeare’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon; a visit to Oxford, Blenheim Palace, and Warwick Castle; or a tour of Highclere Castle, better known as Downton Abbey.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Many Cotswolds tours and attractions are wheelchair accessible; check with your tour operator in advance.
- Some tours include overnight accommodations in local Cotswolds B&Bs or hotels.
- Wear comfortable shoes since most tours include lots of walking.
How to Get There
The Cotswolds is an area of south England, lying mainly in the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, and including the cities of Bath, Cheltenham, and Stroud. Located 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of London or about two hours by road, it is accessible via several highways, as well as by public transport. Buses run from the capital to many of the towns and villages of the Cotswolds, while Cotswold Line trains connect London’s Paddington railway station with Hereford and Worcester.
When to Get There
Summer is the most popular time to visit the Cotswolds, and accommodations can fill up quickly in July and August. Be sure to book ahead. Visiting out of summer means you’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy a more local experience, but outdoor activities such as hiking or bike tours will be dependent on weather conditions. Perhaps the most atmospheric time to visit is over the holiday season, when many of the villages host Christmas Markets and you might get chance to see the countryside covered in snow.
The Cotswolds Villages
The idyllic towns and villages of the Cotswolds each have their own unique character, and visitors can admire the historic buildings, browse the antique shops, or stop for a traditional afternoon tea at a café. The largest town in the Cotswolds is Cheltenham, while Cirencester, Tetbury, and Chipping Campden are among the busiest market towns. In the North Cotswolds, the villages of Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Burford are popular photo stops for visitors, and the village of Bampton is known for its role as Downton Village in Downton Abbey.
Address: England
From $ 69
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
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
Carfax Junction
The meeting point of Oxford’s main throughways, Carfax Junction is the central point of the city and is within walking distance of all the top attractions. The city’s principal streets converge here – the pedestrianized shopping avenues of Cornmarket Street to the north and Queen Street to the west; the High Street to the east, which leads to Radcliffe Square and Magdalen College; and St Aldate's Street, which runs south to the Christ Church College.
Carfax Junction is also renowned for its 23-meter-tall clock tower, the Carfax Tower, which rings its bells each quarter hour and provides a memorable navigational landmark for both locals and visitors. Once part of the 12th-century St Martin's Church that stood on the site, the Carfax Tower now stands alone, and climbing the 99 steps to the rooftop ramparts is rewarded with a panoramic view of Oxford’s “Dreaming Spires.”
Practical Info
Caxfax Junction lies at the meeting point of Cornmarket Street, High Street, St Aldate's Street and Queen Street in Oxford city center. The Carfax Tower is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in summer or until 3 p.m. in winter, and adult admission is £2.50.
Address: Oxford OX1 1ET, England
Hours: Tower: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in summer; until 3 p.m. in winter
Admission: Tower: Adults £2.50
From $ 80
Carnaby Street
Earning renown as an alternative fashion Mecca during the 1960s, Carnaby Street was once the hippest place to shop, home to iconic boutiques like Mary Quant, Lord John, Marion Foale and Sally Tuffin, and frequented by music icons like The Who and the Rolling Stones. In fact, the famous shopping street has become so synonymous with Swinging London that it’s been name-checked in pop hits like The Kinks’ ‘Dedicated Follower of Fashion’ and TV shows like The Simpsons, and even inspired a musical of the same name.
Today, Carnaby Street is decidedly more demure, but the pedestrianized shopping district still retains its left-of-centre attitude, as well as its distinctive yellow arches and two plaques commemorating mod fashion pioneer John Stephen and The Small Faces (outside no.1 and no.52 respectively). Of course, the main reason to visit Carnaby Street is the shops and there are plenty to choose from, including many independent fashion, home and beauty boutiques and British brands like Ben Sherman, Paul Smith and Lyle & Scott. One notable highlight is the small shopping arcade of Kingly Court, home to some London’s most unique young designers, vintage stores and jewelry boutiques, as well as a cluster of cafés and restaurants. Look out for seasonal events too – Carnaby Street is renowned for its pop-up shops, live entertainment and street stalls, making it a colorful place to visit during the summer or Christmas holidays.
Practical Info
Carnaby Street is located in Soho, central London, within a few minutes walking distance of Oxford Street and Regent Street.
Address: Carnaby Street, London, United Kingdom, England
From $ 35
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
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
Coniston Water
The third-largest lake in the English Lake District doesn’t fail to impress; at 5 miles (8 km) long, 184 feet (56 m) deep and half a mile (0.8 km) wide, it has been a favorite of kayak and canoe aficionados for several decades now and continues to entice visitors seeking stunning scenery and a feel for the much-hyped Lake District. Once the main fish source for the monks of Furness Abbey in the 13th century, it is now the home of the elegant, Victorian-era steam yacht Gondola, which sails from one end of the lake to the other between March and November.
Around the lake, there are three main villages, Coniston, Brantwood and Hawkshead, where visitors can sleep, eat, drink and shop as they please. Hawkshead is particularly lovely and easy to explore on foot, featuring charming cobble lanes and the fan-favorite Beatrix Potter Gallery.
Coniston Water has been depicted several times in fiction, with its most famous mention in Arthur Ransome’s novel Swallows and Amazons. The lake also received major international and local press during the 20th century because of the role it played in many water-speed world-record attempts. The record was finally set on August 19, 1939, by Sir Malcom Campbell. His son, Donald, subsequently tried to achieve the mind-boggling 300-miles-per-hour record in 1967 but was tragically killed on the second leg of his attempt. The Ruskin Museum in Brantwood features a complete exhibition on the event.
Bicycles; motor, sailing and rowing boats; canoes; and kayaks are available for hire at Coniston Boating Centre. Trekking is also a popular activity among visitors, as the lake is surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery, including the famed Old Man of Coniston.
Practical Info
Coniston Water is located in the south of Lake District National Park and can be reached from Liverpool and Manchester by car in two hours via the M6, the A590 and the A592.
Address: Lake District, England
From $ 62
Dover Castle
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.
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.
Practical Info
Dover Castle is located by the port of Dover on the southeast coast of England and is open daily, from April-Oct and weekends only from Nov-March. Opening times vary throughout the year and adult admission at the time of writing is £18.
Address: Dover, South East England, England
Hours: Daily Apr-Oct, Weekends Nov-Mar, 9:30AM-6PM
Admission: £18
From $ 119
Brighton Dome
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.
Practical Info
The Brighton Dome is located in central Brighton, close to the Royal Pavilion and is open daily from 10am.
Address: Church Street, Brighton, United Kingdom BN1 1UE, England
Hours: Open daily 10am-late
Admission: Entrance: free; ticket prices for shows and performances vary
From $ 19