Choose from 322 Fun Things to Do in England
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HMS Belfast
The World War II warship HMS Belfast, moored on the south bank of the Thames, is an iconic symbol of British history. Discover interactive displays and preserved spaces across the vessel’s nine decks and learn about life on the naval ship, as well as its role in D-Day, the Arctic Convoys, and the Battle of North Cape.
The Basics
The ship has become a fixture of the Thames landscape, with river cruises offering premier views of the vessel. For a closer look, skip the lines with a prebooked ticket, leaving plenty of time to explore the ship’s quarters, including the engine rooms, sick bays, and flag deck. Some city passes offer access to HMS Belfast along with other top city attractions, while flexible hop-on hop-off tours allow time to explore at your own pace.
Things to Know Before You Go
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HMS Belfast is a must-see for visitors interested in Britain’s naval history and has plenty to entertain families.
- Some tours include entrance fees as part of the package; otherwise, there is a charge to enter.
- Deck areas are accessible for wheelchairs, with lift access from the gangway. Below deck is inaccessible due to the preserved nature of the ship.
- Free handheld audio guides are available for all visitors.
How to Get There
The ship is moored on the south bank of the Thames, just a few minutes’ walk from London Bridge station. It is also easily accessed by river boat, with London Bridge City Pier next door.
When to Get There
HMS Belfast is open daily throughout the year, except Christmas. The ship is popular with school trips, but you can miss the crowds with a morning or later afternoon visit. Admire panoramic views of the city from the flag deck, with winter offering a particularly festive vista.
Imperial War Museum
HMS Belfast is operated by Imperial War Museum, a museum group with five branches, two in London. The IWM London, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from HMS Belfast, houses a Holocaust Exhibition as well as a number of war artifacts from across the century, while the underground Churchill War Rooms on King Charles Street provide insight into wartime London.
Address: The Queens Walk, Tooley Street, London SE1 2JH, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Fairfax House
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.
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.
Address: Castlegate, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9RN, England
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12:30pm-4pm. Mondays guided tours 11am-2pm
Admission: Adult: £6; Senior/Student: £5
From $ 25
Harrods
Built by Charles Henry Harrod in 1834 and now owned by Qatar Holdings, Harrods is London’s largest and most iconic department store. With 330 different departments spread over seven floors, it’s a top choice for shoppers, selling everything from luxury souvenirs and gourmet British foods to renowned designer brands and stylish homewares.
The Basics
A popular tourist attraction, Harrods often gets included as part of London sightseeing tours. For more time to explore, opt to visit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour or book a VIP experience with an independent shopping tour and your own private driver. While you’re there, take a ride on the opulent Egyptian Escalator, pay a visit to the Princess Diana memorial, or indulge in a decadent afternoon tea at The Georgian.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Customer services include personal shopping, a wellness clinic, and bespoke tailoring.
- Large bags, rucksacks, and umbrellas must be left at the store’s Left Luggage desk.
- ATMs, free Wi-Fi, and a range of bars, restaurants, and tea rooms are available on-site.
- Harrods is fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Harrods is located on Brompton Road in the upmarket Knightsbridge neighborhood of West London, a short walk from the designer shops of Sloane Street. To get there by tube, take the Piccadilly line to Knightsbridge station.
When to Get There
Harrods is open daily all year round. Weekday mornings tend to be quietest, and while it can get busy during weekends and school holidays, that’s when to go to enjoy in-store events, pop-up shops, and celebrity appearances. During the festive season, the store hosts a spectacular Santa's Grotto and some of London’s most impressive window displays.
Shopping at Harrods
The sprawling department store lives up to its motto: “Omnia Omnibus Ubique—All Things For All People, Everywhere.” In addition to clothing, jewelry, accessories, and cosmetics by designers such as Dolce and Gabbana, Burberry, Balenciaga, Chanel, and Estée Lauder, Harrods also has a specialized range of tea, luxury accessories, cosmetics, furniture, books, and its own line of souvenirs.
Address: 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL, England
Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 9pm, Sun 11:30am - 6pm
Admission: Free
From $ 27
Historic Dockyard
Fans of British TV will probably recognize Chatham's Historic Dockyard from shows like Mr Selfridge, Sherlock Holmes and Call the Midwife, and the vast naval complex is equally impressive both on and off screen. The 80-acre site is now an award-winning maritime attraction, including museums, restored vessels and exhibitions, and offers a fascinating
insight into British naval history.
The star attractions of the dockyard are a series of three historic warships, the Victorian-era HMS Gannett, the WWII destroyer HMS Cavalier; and the cold war submarine HMS Cavalier, and visitors can get a glimpse into life at sea as they explore on-board. Additional highlights include the historic Ropery and Smithery; a collection of RNLI lifeboats; the aptly named BIG Space, which showcases the largest of the dockyard’s artifacts; and a series of exhibitions focusing on the dockyard’s history, its use by the Royal Navy and its role in WWII.
Practical Info
The Historic Dockyard is located on the east bank of the River Medway in central Chatham and is open daily from 10am to 4pm in winter or 6pm in summer. Adult admission is £24.
Address: Church Lane, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TE, England
Hours: Daily 10am-4pm (winter) or 6pm (summer)
Admission: Adult £24, Child £14
From $ 32
Hampton Court Palace
The famous former residence of the infamous King Henry VIII, Hampton Court is one of the king’s two remaining palaces and one of the grandest castles in England, having once been planned to rival the Palace of Versailles in France. Today, visitors can explore the castle interior, which showcases two architectural styles (the Tudor palace of Henry VIII and the baroque palace of William III), stroll through its massive hedge maze, see the historic tennis court, and view the largest grape vine in the world. Don’t miss the State Apartments’ royal bedrooms and galleries, the Tudor kitchens, Chapel Royal, or the medieval Great Hall, which has been in continuous use for more than 450 years.
The Basics
The Hampton Court Palace is commonly visited from London either independently or as part of a royal palaces tour and paired with a stop at Windsor Castle. Book priority entrance tickets to skip the line and spend more time exploring the grounds, or, for more context, choose a guided historical tour that walks you through the palace and formal gardens. Bike tours of the Hampton Court Palace grounds are another popular options.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Helpful red-coated guides can be found all over the grounds offering interesting information about the castle (while making sure you keep your hands off the valuable furnishings).
- Book an advance ticket with timed entry to avoid lines.
- Free Wi-Fi access is available.
- Much of the palace is wheelchair accessible, and disabled visitors may bring a caregiver free of charge.
- Hampton Court Palace entry is included in the London Pass.
How to Get There
Hampton Court Palace is set in the royal borough of Richmond upon Thames, on the River Thames and a short distance from London in the town of Surrey. It’s accessible by public transport—Hampton Court Station is a 30-minute train ride away from Waterloo Station in central London. From the train station, it’s a short walk across the Hampton Court Bridge over the River Thames to the palace.
When to Get There
The palace is open daily from 10am to 4:30pm, with extended hours until 6pm in summer. Arriving earlier in the day or taking a private tour will help you avoid crowds.
Royal Palaces of England
For a glimpse at royal life and customs in settings truly fit for royalty, go beyond Hampton Court and visit the royal residences at Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace in London, as well as nearby Windsor Castle.
Address: East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU, England
Hours: Daily 10am–6pm (until 4:30pm in winter)
Admission: £15.90 (adults)
From $ 13
Hill Top Farm
Beatrix Potter’s love affair with the English Lake District is practically as famous as her children’s tales. Her numerous and extensive holidays in the bucolic North West England region included stays at the Hill Top Farm, which she bought in 1905. The celebrated author spent as much time as she could in her beloved house, where she found inspiration in the farm and neighboring villages. She even used the exterior of Hill Top Farm as the setting of some of her original tales such as The Tale of Samuel Whiskers.
As a major and longtime supporter of the National Trust, it was natural for Potter to bequest the six-room farmhouse and its flourishing grounds to the organization upon her death, with the condition that it be kept exactly as she left it, including china, furniture and decorative items. It has since been open to the public, with over 1.5 million visitors hailing from around the world since 1946.
The traditional cottage was built in the early 17th century. It is now the most famous literary shrine in the Lake District and offers an immersive, time-capsule type of look at how Beatrix Potter led her creative life within its walls.
Practical Info
The farmhouse is located near Sawrey, which can be accessed in less than two hours from Liverpool and Manchester via the M6, the A590 and B5285. A timed ticket system is in operation in order to avoid overcrowding, and tickets cannot be booked in advance. Visitors should consider visiting early in the morning to secure tickets, as they sell out frequently.
Address: Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Ambleside, England
Admission: Adult: £10, Child: £5, Family: £25
From $ 65
Handel House Museum
Devoted to the life and times of one of London’s most legendary composers, the Handel House Museum is a must for fans of classical music. Housed in the grand Georgian town house where George Frideric Handel lived from 1723 to 1759, the museum has been restored in period style, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of the great Baroque composer.
Visitors can learn about Handel’s rise to prominence, from his early life in Germany to composing for the British Royal family; admire an eclectic collection of instruments, Handel portraits, manuscripts, and personal effects; and discover the origins of masterpieces such as 'Messiah', 'Zadok the Priest', and 'Music for the Royal Fireworks', all composed at the house.
The museum also serves as a live music venue, regularly hosting concerts, lectures and other music-themed activities.
Practical Info
The Handel House Museum is located in Mayfair, central London, and is open from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm. Adult admission is £10.
Did You Know? Brook Street’s musical heritage doesn’t end with Handel. The flat across the street at 23 Brook Street recently opened as a museum devoted to its former resident – music icon Jimi Hendrix.
Address: 25 Brook St, Mayfair, London, United Kingdom W1K 4HB, England
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-6pm
Admission: Adult £10, Child £5
From $ 13
Old Royal Naval College
The grand focal point of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Royal Naval College (ORNC) is an impressive architectural feat, stretching along the banks of the River Thames. Originally designed as a Royal Naval Hospital, the ORNC was the work of legendary architect Sir Christopher Wren (whose other masterpieces include St Paul’s Cathedral) and was built on the site of the Greenwich Palace, the birthplace of Henry VIII.
The magnificent classical buildings, with their twin domes, striking colonnaded façade and vast lawns now serve as the dramatic centerpiece of Greenwich and offer a fascinating introduction to the neighborhood for visitors. Highlights of a visit include the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre, where exhibitions are devoted to the ORNC and Greenwich’s maritime heritage; Sir James Thornhill’s spectacular Painted Hall; and the neo-classical style Chapel of St Peter and St Paul. Throughout the year, the ORNC also hosts a number of music performances, exhibitions, workshops and special events.
Practical Info
The Old Royal Naval College is located on the south bank of the River Thames in Greenwich, South London, a short walk from the Cutty Sark. The venue is open daily from 10am and 5pm and is free to enter, although ticket costs may apply for exhibitions, performances and workshops. Free 45-minute guided walking tours are held from Mon to Fri at 1.30pm and 3pm, or Sat and Sun at 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 3pm.
Address: King William Walk, London SE10 9NN, England
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm
From $ 18
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
As Europe’s largest airport, London Heathrow (LHR) serves more than 70 million air travel passengers annually. It’s the UK’s busiest airport, serving as the gateway to London for most of the world and offering currency exchange facilities, accommodation, luggage storage, and VIP lounges.
The Basics
There are many airport transfer services in and out of Heathrow, whether you’re headed into London or elsewhere in the UK. Direct transfers, both private and shared, are available to Southampton Port, Oxford, Bristol, Cambridge, or straight to your London hotel. Options depend on your available time and preferred level privacy. Book transfers in advance to ensure on-time pickup.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The enormous airport can seem overwhelming to first-time visitors, so leave plenty of time to check in and pass through security or collect your luggage.
- Showers and children’s play areas are available at each terminal.
- The airport offers an abundance of bars, restaurants, and tax-free shops, plus free Wi-Fi and charging stations.
How to Get There
Heathrow Airport is located 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of central London and is connected by public transport, taxi, and private transfer to the city. Public transport to the terminals runs from 5am and 11:45pm. The Heathrow Express (20 minutes) and Heathrow Connect (30 minutes) trains depart from and arrive to London Paddington. Other options include the London Underground (Piccadilly Line, about 50 minutes from central London) and the night bus (about 90 minutes from Trafalgar Square). Private drivers and direct London airport transfers are the best bet for anyone wanting to avoid public transit.
When to Get There
As Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, you’ll want to ensure enough time ahead of your scheduled departure. It’s a good idea to arrive at least three hours in advance for an international departure.
Benefits of Private Airport Transfers at Heathrow
Delays are unfortunately common at such a massive airport, but booking an airport transfer reduces some of the worry you’d otherwise have about a late arrival. When you book online and share your flight information, drivers typically track your flight. They also reduce travel stress by helping with luggage and offering the potential for hotel pickup or drop-off.
Address: Greater London TW6, United Kingdom, England
From $ 17
Prince Edward Theatre
The Price Edward Theatre originally opened in London in 1930, but was soon reimagined as a cabaret restaurant known as the London Casino. After periods of hosting pantomines and then functioning as a cinema, the theater reopened in 1978 with a performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Evita. It was completely refurbished in 1992, when the stage was enlarged, the auditorium was renovated and redecorated and new side boxes were added.
The outside of the Prince Edward Theatre is notable for its design in the style of an Italian palace. Inside, visitors will find arched doorways and a large circular foyer decorated in an art deco style. The stage trails only that of the Drury Lane and Covent Garden theaters in size and the auditorium holds more than 1600. Aladdin is currently playing at the theater, while past shows have included Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Jersey Boys and Miss Saigon.
Practical Info
To reach the Prince Edward Theatre, take the Tube to either Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road. Alternatively, more than a dozen bus routes run near the theater, including numbers 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 159 and 453.
Address: 28 Old Compton Street, London, England
Hours: Box office is open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Admission: Ticket prices vary
From $ 80
Hampstead Heath
Often losing out to the grandeur of London’s Royal Parks, Hampstead Heath remains the underdog of the city’s tourist attractions, but Londoners flock to enjoy the park’s unkempt charms.
The park encompasses 791 acres of natural countryside, stretching from Hampstead to Highgate in North London and provides a change to the manicured gardens and pristine flowerbeds of the inner city. Here, kite flyers add a splash of color to the vast grasslands, dog walkers weave among shaded woodlands and the windswept meadows have provided the backdrop to films like Notting Hill, as well as inspiring C.S.Lewis’ famous novel ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’. The most famous spot on the heath is the iconic Parliament Hill, where the incredible panoramic view from the summit is renowned as one of the capital’s best lookouts. The view takes in the entire London skyline, with the Thames River, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and Buckingham Palace all visible.
A number of walks run through the Heath and one of the most popular is the walk between Parliament Fields Hill and North London’s other famed peak, Primrose Hill. Make sure you stop along the way at the grand Kenwood House with its beautiful 18th-century gardens and the renowned Highgate Cemetery, where Karl Marx is famously buried. The park’s public swimming pools also draw in the masses, with the three ponds crammed with sun-seekers in the summer months and hosting freezing-cold swim-a-thons in the winter months.
The park encompasses 791 acres of natural countryside, stretching from Hampstead to Highgate in North London and provides a change to the manicured gardens and pristine flowerbeds of the inner city. Here, kite flyers add a splash of color to the vast grasslands, dog walkers weave among shaded woodlands and the windswept meadows have provided the backdrop to films like Notting Hill, as well as inspiring C.S.Lewis’ famous novel ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’. The most famous spot on the heath is the iconic Parliament Hill, where the incredible panoramic view from the summit is renowned as one of the capital’s best lookouts. The view takes in the entire London skyline, with the Thames River, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and Buckingham Palace all visible.
A number of walks run through the Heath and one of the most popular is the walk between Parliament Fields Hill and North London’s other famed peak, Primrose Hill. Make sure you stop along the way at the grand Kenwood House with its beautiful 18th-century gardens and the renowned Highgate Cemetery, where Karl Marx is famously buried. The park’s public swimming pools also draw in the masses, with the three ponds crammed with sun-seekers in the summer months and hosting freezing-cold swim-a-thons in the winter months.
Address: Spaniards Road, London NW3 7JJ, England
From $ 52
Highclere Castle
A neo-Gothic masterpiece, Highclere Castle is best known for doubling as Downton Abbey in the much-loved TV series of the same name. The turreted, sandstone mansion was created by Sir Charles Barry, the architect behind England’s Houses of Parliament. The site upon which it stands has been in the hands of the Carnarvon family since the 17th century, and the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon now welcome the public to explore the lavishly decorated interior, the Egyptian Exhibition, and the 1,000-acre (405-hectare) Capability Brown–designed grounds.
The Basics
Highclere Castle is a popular day trip from London. You can go as part of a group tour by bus, in a small-group tour by minivan, or on a private tour by luxury vehicle or even black cab. Afternoon tea is offered in the castle’s tea rooms in the coach house, though you must book in advance. Some full-day tours from London incorporate stops at other Downton filming locations, such as the charming Cotswolds village of Bampton, which is used to portray Downton in the show. Other tours include non-Downton destinations such as Oxford, home to the esteemed university.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Day trips from London typically last between eight and 11 hours.
- Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothes.
- Most organized tours include guided visits around the house.
- Most areas of the castle—namely the ground floor and the Egyptian Exhibition—are accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Trains from London Paddington station depart approximately every hour and bring passengers to Newbury station, situated about 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of the castle. From Newbury, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride to Highclere Castle. Newbury-bound National Express buses depart from London Victoria.
When to Get There
Highclere Castle is open to the public for about 65 days a year: for two weeks around Easter, during the two May bank holiday weekends, and from early July to early September. Entry is ticketed, with morning and afternoon time slots available. Tickets sell out quickly so be sure to book well in advance. Walk-up tickets are also sold at Highclere; arrive early to ensure you get one.
Special Events at Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle hosts various seasonal events throughout the year including special castle tours, concerts, and parties. During the holiday season, the estate is the setting for festive fairs and carol services. In summer, the castle’s events program includes garden parties, during which guests don period dress and enjoy picnics and Pimm’s on the grounds.
Address: Highclere Park, Newbury, West Berkshire RG20 9RN, Highclere, London, England
Hours: Hours vary by season.
Admission: Varies
From $ 104
Christ Church College
The largest and arguably most renowned of Oxford’s many colleges, the hallowed halls and exquisite cathedral of Christ Church College have a long and illustrious history. Founded by Cardinal Thomas Woolsey in 1524, the grandiose complex includes architectural highlights like Sir Christopher Wren’s Great Tom bell tower and the Great Hall, where King Charles I held court during the English Civil War. Despite being just one of 38 colleges, for many visitors to Oxford, Christ Church is synonymous with Oxford University. Today, the legendary buildings see almost as many tourists as they do students.
Christ Church’s esteemed alumni include philosopher John Locke, Albert Einstein, architects John Ruskin and Sir Christopher Wren and former Prime Minister William Gladstone. But its academic resume isn’t the only string to its bow. The prestigious college has also made its mark in popular culture, starring as the now-iconic Great Hall of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies and housing the world’s largest collection of work by alumnus Lewis Carroll. Incidentally, Carroll's classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was written for Alice Liddell, daughter of the then-Dean of Christ Church.
Practical Info
Christ Church College is located just south of Oxford city center, and the college grounds, main hall and cathedral are all open to the public, with first admission at 10:30 a.m. and last admission at 4:15 p.m. (The hall and cathedral are typically closed over lunchtime). Adult admission costs £7 during the winter months and £9 in the summer months. Discounted entry is offered if the hall or cathedral is closed at the time of visiting.
Address: St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP, England
Hours: Opens daily at 10:30 a.m.; last entry at 4:15 p.m.
Admission: £7 in winter; £9 insummer
From $ 16
Holy Trinity Church
With a history dating back more than 1,000 years and a serene setting on the banks of the River Avon, the Holy Trinity Church has long been renowned as one of England’s most beautiful and most visited parish churches. An architectural highlight of Stratford-upon-Avon, the Grade I listed church dates in part from the 13th century and is celebrated for its fine Clopton Chapel, Victorian stained glass windows and series of 26 ornately decorated misericords, as well as a first edition 1611 King James Bible on display.
The lavish interiors are impressive enough, but for most visitors the main draw to the Holy Trinity is its connection with William Shakespeare. The iconic playwright was famously born in Stratford-upon-Avon and was both christened and buried at the church. Visitors can view Shakespeare’s Grave for a small fee, as well as the graves of Anne Hathaway, Dr John Hall and his wife Susanna, and Thomas Nash.
Practical Info
Holy Trinity Church is located on the banks of the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon and is open Mon-Sat from 9.00am – 5.00pm and Sun 12.30pm – 5.00pm. Entrance to the church is free, but donations of £2 are required to visit Shakespeare's grave.
Address: Holy Trinity Church Parish office, Old Town, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BG, England
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9.00am – 5.00pm, Sun: 12.30pm – 5.00pm.
Admission: Free; donations of £2 to visit Shakespeare’s grave.
From $ 19
Chester
The town of Chester in northwest England was established by the Romans in 70AD making it one of the country's oldest towns. It is also one of England's best preserved walled towns with most of its walls still intact. Visitors can walk the ancient city walls to get a better view of the city as well as the largest Roman amphitheater in Britain and the beautiful architecture of the Chester Cathedral. Another historic part of town is the Rows, a series of Victorian half timbered buildings dating back to the 16th century which now hold shopping galleries.
Chester also has the Chester Zoo and the gardens of Tatton. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and venues that host live music events throughout the town. Within the walls, the town is compact, making it easy to explore by foot and enjoy the charm and history. Not too far from Chester, visitors can explore old stately homes, medieval castles, and the mountains of North Wales.
Practical Info
Chester is located 40 miles southwest of Manchester and can be reached using route M56. Alternatively, it is 27 miles south of Liverpool and can be reached from there using route M53. There are plenty of train options from both cities as well.
Address: Chester, North West England, United Kingdom, England
From $ 166
Helmsley
With its stone-brick houses crawling with ivy and cobbled pavements brimming with flowers, the lively market town of Helmsley is among Yorkshire’s prettiest. Located on the cusp of the North York Moors National Park, the historic village makes a popular pit stop for those exploring the park’s natural wonders, with its traditional tearooms and charming pubs welcoming a steady stream of day-trippers.
Helmsley’s top attraction is the imposing ruin of the 12th- century Helmsley Castle, home to the magnificent 5-acre Helmsley Walled Gardens, but additional highlights include the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey; the 300-acre Duncombe Park, famous for its Birds of Prey reserve; the Helmsley Arts Centre; and the Cleveland Way National Trail, which starts close to town.
Practical Info
Helmsley is located in the North York Moors National Park, approximately 25 miles north of York.
Address: Helmsley, North Yorkshire, England
From $ 58
Her Majesty's Theatre
There has been a theater on the site of Her Majesty's since 1705, but this incarnation opened in 1897 as a fine example of Victorian civic architecture. Today, the theater is part of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group of entertainment venues, including six theaters throughout London's razzle-dazzle West End.
With a capacity of 1,100 in the main auditorium, Her Majesty's Theatre has been showing the fabulous Phantom of the Opera musical—known for its spectacular stage sets and Lloyd Webber's opera-lite score—since its world premiere in 1986, notching up a record-breaking run of more than 12,000 performances. The show plays to packed audiences nightly.
The theater was given a thorough overhaul in 2014, with many of its paintings cleaned and the stalls re-gilded. The 2.5-hour Phantom of the Opera performance runs Monday through Saturday at 7:30pm, with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2:30pm. A variety of afternoon tea and dinner packages are available.
Practical Info
Haymarket, London SW1Y 4QL. Ticket prices range from £21.50 to £125. Shows Mon–Sat 7:30pm; Thurs & Sat also 2:30pm. There’s underground car parking in Trafalgar Square (£11.50 daily congestion charge applies on weekdays) and the nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus on the Piccadilly or Bakerloo lines.
Address: Haymarket, London SW1Y 4QL, England
Hours: Shows Mon–Sat 7:30pm; Thurs & Sat also 2:30pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 84
Hardknott Roman Fort
Built under Hadrian's rule in the second century, Hardknott Roman Fort (initially named Mediobogdum by the Romans) is a must-do for history buffs who find themselves in the English Lake District. More than just a simple amass of old stones, the archaeological remains are 374 feet (114 meters) long and well-marked, allowing visitors to clearly identify the ancient headquarters building, the commandant’s house and the bath house. The parade ground site still lies beside the fort and is now considered to be the finest surviving example in the Western Empire.
Thanks to its remote location high in the mountains of the Lake District, Hardknott Roman Fort boasts breathtaking panoramas of the national park. On clear days, the view stretches all the way to the Isle of Man and the Irish Sea. What used to be one of the loneliest outposts in the Roman Empire overlooks the River Esk in both upper and lower Eskdale. It was initially built to protect the busy and strategic Hardknott Pass, which was the main link between the coastal fort at Ravenglass and the Roman garrisons at Ambleside and Kendal.
Practical Info
The fort is located in the heart of the Lake District National Park. It can be visited from Liverpool and Manchester by car in two hours via the M6, the A591 and the A593. Visitors should be aware that Hardknott Pass is frequently referred to as one of the most-challenging and steepest drives in the UK, with a gradient of almost 20 degrees and several hairpin bends.
Address: Eskdale, England
From $ 62
Eton College
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.
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.
Practical Info
Eton College is located in Windsor, across the river from Windsor Castle, and is open to the public from March to October by guided tour only.
Address: SL4 6DW, Windsor, South East England, England
Hours: Mar-Oct Guided Tours
From $ 12
Harvard House
With its gabled roof, oak beams and elaborately carved façade, the Harvard House is undeniably attractive, and it’s long been touted as one of Stratford-upon-Avon's most beautiful buildings. The Elizabethan-era town house was built in 1596 by local businessman Thomas Rogers and is now a Grade I listed property, remarkably preserved and decorated in period style.
The Harvard House takes its name from Rogers’ grandson, John Harvard, who went on to found America’s famous Harvard University. Although he never lived in the property, the house is none-the-less an intriguing link between Harvard’s family and William Shakespeare, who lived just down the street.
Today, the house is preserved as a museum and offers a fascinating glimpse into Elizabethan life. Visitors can explore the three floors, where exhibitions chronicle the property’s history and life in Elizabethan and Tudor times, including fun hands-on activities for children.
Practical Info
The Harvard House is located at 26 High Street in central Stratford-upon-Avon and is open daily from 11am to 4pm in winter, and 10am-5pm in summer. Admission passes cost £16.50 for adults or £9.90 for children, and includes entrance to Hall's Croft, Harvard House, Shakespeare's Birthplace and Shakespeare's Grave.
Address: 26 High Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6AU, England
Hours: Nov-March daily 11am-4pm, Mar-Nov daily 10am-5pm.
Admission: Pass for Hall's Croft, Harvard House, Shakespeare's Birthplace & Grave: Adult £16.50, Child £9.90
From $ 28