Choose from 322 Fun Things to Do in England
Beatrix Potter Gallery
For over a hundred years, characters like Jemima Puddle-Duck, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and Peter Rabbit have made an indelible impression on children in Britain and beyond. Their creator, author Beatrix Potter, is intimately connected with the Lake District and this charming, compact gallery celebrates that bond with a display of original drawings showing the genesis of her books, which she wrote and illustrated herself.
The Beatrix Potter Gallery is housed in a 17th century building which was once the office of Potter’s solicitor husband, William Heelis, and is situated in the town of Hawkshead. Exhibits also tell the life story of Potter herself and her commitment to conserving the natural beauty of the Lake District.
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The village of Hawkshead is a picturesque 20-minute drive away from the town of Windermere. Once there, allow time to walk around this quaint market village, where the winding streets are closed to traffic. Apart from the Beatrix Potter Gallery, highlights include the Quaker Meeting House, known as the “Birthplace of Quakerism”, and the Old Grammar School once attended by poet William Wordsworth.
Fortnum & Mason
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.
East End
Castle Howard
- Castle Howard is the perfect destination for history buffs, architecture lovers, and garden enthusiasts.
- The grounds host a number of cafés and restaurants, including the elegant Fitzroy Restaurant and the Boathouse Café.
- On sunny summer days, you can embark on a boat tour of the Great Lake.
- The castle hosts a number of temporary exhibitions, plus a series of talks and other special events.
- Most of the house and grounds are accessible to wheelchair users. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow at the ticket office or house entrance.
Golden Hinde
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Buttermere Valley
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Cenotaph
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Buckingham Palace
- The palace is a must for history buffs and royal enthusiasts.
- Pair a stop at Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Guard ceremony and afternoon tea for a quintessential London experience.
- Tours of the palace interior are only available in summer from late June to late September, while the queen is on holiday in Scotland.
- If the Royal Standard flag is flying atop the palace, it means the queen is in residence; otherwise, the Union Jack flag is flown.
Beatles Story
- Beatles Story is a must for music lovers and Beatles fans.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the on-site Fab4 Café.
- The Fab4 store sells Beatles merchandise and gifts, including posters, books, and T-shirts.
- The exhibitions are wheelchair accessible.
Castlerigg Stone Circle
There are numerous neolithic stone circles in the Lake District and nearby areas, the most popular being at Castlerigg. This more-or-less round grouping of 38 boulders, with a rectangle of 10 more joining the inner edge of the circle, dates back some 5000 years, making it even older than Stonehenge. And like Stonehenge, the arrangement of Castlerigg Stone Circle is clearly linked to movements of the sun and moon, although the original ceremonial purpose of the stones is lost in time.
The stones themselves are impressive; add the majestic backdrop of Skiddaw, Blencathra and other mountains and you can see why this site has drawn admirers for millennia. An ideal spot to contemplate the mysteries of the past amidst the serenity of nature.
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The stone circle lies on the edge of Keswick and makes a pleasant walk from the town center.
Glastonbury
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Brownsea Island
- The weather on Brownsea Island can be wet and windy even in summer, so wear layers and bring a raincoat.
- Getting around the island is only possible on foot—vehicles and bikes are not permitted on the ferries.
- The Brownsea Island Visitor Centre, a short walk from the ferry port, has restrooms, a café, and a shop.
- Wheelchair-accessible ferries are available, and you can rent all-terrain wheelchairs on the island.
Cutty Sark
- The Cutty Sark is a must for history buffs, maritime enthusiasts, and families.
- A café can be found on the vessel’s lower ground deck.
- Cutty Sark is wheelchair friendly with step-free access available via King William Walk and Greenwich Pier, and lifts providing access to all levels. Some parts of the main deck are not accessible.
Downing Street
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Cavern Club
- Entrance to the club is free during the day, but some evenings and shows are ticketed.
- Children under the age of 18 are allowed in until 8pm. The legal drinking age in the UK is 18.
- For ticketed events, it’s a good idea to book in advance.
- The Cavern Club and Cavern Live Lounge are both wheelchair accessible.
Crummock Water
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Ashmolean Museum
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ArcelorMittal Orbit
- The ArcelorMittal Orbit is a must for thrill-seekers and those who appreciate elevated views.
- Entrance to the Orbit is reduced for children; check the website for all concession prices.
- There are a number of cafés and restaurants within walking distance from the Orbit.
- The Orbit is accessible and offer wheelchairs to borrow on a first-come first-served basis.