A guide to top destinations outside of London
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A guide to top destinations outside of London
There are so many things to see in London that it’s easy to fill your days walking the streets and visiting its world-famous landmarks and attractions.
However, if you want to discover the 'real' Britain, see how the locals live and get a taste of authentic British culture, then venturing further afield to some of the country's other must-see destinations is the way to go.
Windsor
This quaint riverside town is steeped in centuries of royal tradition and heritage. Famous for its links to the British crown, it's also home to Windsor Castle, the 900-year-old ancestral home of the British monarchy and the largest occupied castle worldwide.
Enjoy a traditional English cream tea in one of the town's many tea rooms, walk for miles through the stunning scenery of the Great Park, or laze by the river and try some real English ale. Your options for an idyllic day out here are limitless.
Stonehenge
Built more than 5,000 years ago on the windswept Salisbury Plain in southwest England, this enigmatic Neolithic Monument continues to provoke and stir opinion and is a must-see for anyone looking to take a day trip from London. Uncover the mystery behind its construction and discover who built it and why plus answers to many more thought-provoking questions.
Bath
The stunning honey-coloured stone buildings and glorious Georgian architecture are just one of the reasons this beautiful city is the only one in the UK that is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you plan to visit Bath, don't forget to visit its ancient Roman Baths, one of the most important Roman sites in all of Europe, built on top of Britain's only natural thermal hot spring in the 1st century AD.
Oxford & Cambridge
The rivalry that exists between these two historic university towns goes back centuries. Fortunately, they are two equally beautiful destinations, and whichever you choose to visit, you’ll have a fantastic time. If you’re looking to explore history and heritage, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge houses one of the largest collections of artwork, manuscripts and historical artefacts in the world.
If it’s a sneak peek into a world-famous university that you’re after, a tour of the University of Oxford is the best way to explore the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Don’t forget - both cities offer the classic punting experience along their beautiful rivers.
Liverpool
Home of The Beatles and more Grade II listed buildings than any other city in the UK outside of London, this Northern city has shaken off its industrial shackles to become one of the country's most vibrant and dynamic cities.
Once regarded as 'The Second City of The British Empire', explore the history of this former imperial powerhouse and important maritime mercantile city in the museums located along its UNESCO-listed waterfront.
The Lake District
The soaring mountains, stunning vistas and tranquil lakes of England's largest National Park are widely regarded to have provided the backdrop and inspiration for the fictional world of Beatrix Potter and inspired the famous poet laureate, William Wordsworth.
Visit one of the area's many picturesque market towns, full of charm and character, and explore the warren of alleys, higgledy-piggledy roads and medieval market squares for a glimpse into typical English village life.
Canterbury
Not only is this historic city home to one of Britain's best Christmas markets, it is also the location of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey. Its iconic cathedral is often described as 'England in stone' as its history is intrinsically linked to that of England itself.
Canterbury was one of the select five 'Magna Carta' towns that played a prominent role in the formulation and dissemination of the Magna Carta - one of the most important documents in history. Issued by King John of England, it established the principle that everyone, even the king himself, is subject to the law and guaranteed the rights of individuals, including the right to justice and a fair trial.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Explore the magical behind-the-scenes world of the most popular wizard film series on a fantastic Harry Potter Studio Tour where the movies were filmed. Step onto famous sets from films such as The Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest, and discover how the fantasy world of J.K. Rowling was brought to life for the big screen using special effects, props and more.
Leeds Castle
Reputed to be the 'loveliest castle in the world', this 12th-century castle set in 500 acres of parkland has been the private property of no fewer than six of England's medieval queens and is one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. Get lost in its yew tree maze, go punting on the castle moat or explore one of the many beautiful landscaped gardens.
Blenheim Palace
Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the private residence of the Duke of Marlborough, explore more than 300 years of history - the only non-royal country house in England to hold the title of 'palace'.
It is so magnificent that the King of England at the time, George III, said enviously, 'we have nothing to equal this'. At the same time, there's also a story that Hitler ordered the Luftwaffe to spare Blenheim as he intended to occupy it himself when he invaded Britain.
The Cotswolds
Another unremittingly beautiful corner of England, the Cotswolds region is famous for thatched-roof cottages, sweeping panoramic views and charming English towns and quaint villages nestled in its hills built from the same honey-coloured stone.
It's also the gateway to other destinations on this list, including Bath and Oxford. The British Royal Family have been in love with the Cotswolds for centuries, and many members live there today, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Stratford-upon-Avon
This medieval market town is undoubtedly most famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the most renowned playwright and dramatist in the English language. Travel deep into Shakespeare's country on a day tour from London to see where Shakespeare was born and raised and feel inspired as you walk the same cobbled streets as he once did in the 16th century.