Steves - Rick Steves Best of England

Climb the dome of St. Pauls Cathedral and marvel at the pageantry of the guards at Buckingham Palace. Strike up a conversation just to hear the Queens English. Ponder an ancient stone circle and wander the windswept hills that inspired Wordsworth. See a Shakespeare play or the latest splashy West End musical. Bite into a scone smothered with clotted cream, sip a cup of tea, and wave your pinky as if its a Union Jack. From some of the most appealing towns youll ever experience to the grandeur of London, England delights.

England is the cultural heart of the United Kingdom and a touchstone for the almost one billion people who speak English. This ever-popular tourist destination has a strange influence and power over us. Regardless of the revolution we had a couple of centuries back, many American travelers feel that they go home when they visit England.

The English people have a worldwide reputation for being cheery, courteous, and well-mannered. When times get tough, they maintain a stiff upper lip (Keep calm and carry on is a now-famous English motto from pre-World War II).

Even as England races forward as a leading global player, it preserves its rich past. This means stone circles, ruined abbeys, cathedrals, castles, and palaces are still yours to explore.

Britannia rulesenjoy it royally.

In this selective book, I recommend Englands top destinations, offering a mix of exciting cities and irresistible villages.

London is one of the grandest cities in the world. The town of Bath has attracted visitors for centuriesback to the time of ancient Rome. Quaint Cotswolds towns offer an endearing contrast to the modern-day world. Literary Stratford spawned Shakespeare, while workaday Liverpool launched the Beatles. The serene Lake Districtcrisscrossed with trails, ridges, and lakeshas enough pubs to keep hikers watered and fed. York, with its colorful old town and ghost walks, is a popular haunt for travelers.

Beyond the major destinations, Ill briefly cover the Best of the Restgreat destinations that dont quite make my top cut, but are worth seeing if you have more time or specific interests: historic Cambridge, stately Oxford, and small Durham with its huge cathedral.

To help you link the top sights, Ive designed a two-week itinerary (see ) with tips to help you tailor it to your interests and time.

This thriving, teeming metropolis packs in all things British with a cosmopolitan flair: royal palaces, soaring churches, world-class museums, captivating theater, and people-friendly parks. Come prepared to celebrate the tradition and fanfare of yesterday while catching the buzz of a city thats trumpeting its future.

THE BEST OF LONDON

Londons many grand parks provide a peaceful respite from the big city.

THE BEST OF LONDON

Plays at Shakespeares Globe attract modern-day Juliets and Romeos.

THE BEST OF LONDON

Spanning the Thames, the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge connects St. Pauls Cathedral and Tate Modern.

THE BEST OF LONDON

Fortunately, the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard never changes.

THE BEST OF LONDON

Its easy to eat well and affordably in cosmopolitan London.

THE BEST OF LONDON

A statue of Churchill overlooks historic Parliament Square.

THE BEST OF LONDON

The London Eye Ferris wheel, a fun addition to the cityscape, offers stunning views to riders.

THE BEST OF LONDON

Street performers give London a lively vibe.

This genteel Georgian showcase city, built around the remains of an ancient Roman bath, hosts an abbey, museums, a spa, walking tours, and graceful architecture that was part of Jane Austens world. Proud locals remind visitors that the town is routinely banned from the Britain in Bloom contest to give other towns a chance to win.

THE BEST OF BATH

Baths glorious abbey takes center stage in town.

THE BEST OF BATH

Jane Austen livedand set two of her novelsin Bath.

THE BEST OF BATH