Fodors - Fodors England 2013: with the Best of Wales

London. Not only Britains financial and governmental center but also one of the worlds great cities, London has mammoth museums, posh palaces, double-decker buses, and iconic sights such as Big Ben. Intriguing villagelike neighborhoods from Notting Hill to Bloomsbury call out to be explored. When you need a break, pop into a pub or relax in one of the citys sprawling parks.

The Southeast. This compact green and pleasant region within day-trip distance of London takes in Canterbury and its cathedral, funky seaside Brighton, the appealing towns of Rye and Lewes, Dovers white cliffs, and castles such as Bodiam, Leeds, and Hever. Noted gardens as different as smaller, romantic Sissinghurst and large-scale Wisley add to the mix.

The South. Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire have quintessential English countryside, with gentle hills and green pastures. Explore the stone circles at Stonehenge and Avebury, take in Winchester (Jane Austen country) and Salisbury, and discover Lyme Regis and the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast.

The West Country. Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall are sunnier and warmer than the rest of the country, with sandy beaches. Cornwall has lush gardens and a stunning coast. Of the cities, Bristol is the largest and most vibrant, while Wells and Exeter are attractive and compact. Take in the brooding heaths and moors of Exmoor and Dartmoor, too.

The Thames Valley. Londons commuter belt takes in Windsor, where the Queen spends time, and Eton. Then there are the spires of Oxford and peaceful river towns such as Henley and Marlow; in all of these, you have the opportunity for some relaxing river excursions. Among the stately homes not to be missed are over-the-top Blenheim Palace and Waddesdon Manor.

Bath and the Cotswolds. The grand Georgian town of Bath is one of Englands highlights, with the Roman Baths and golden-stone 18th- and 19th-century architecture. Nearby, pretty as a picture, the Cotswolds region is justly famous for tranquil, stone-built villages, such as Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Tetbury. Notable gardens include those at Hidcote Manor and Sudeley Castle.

Stratford-upon-Avon and the Heart of England. One hundred miles north of London, Stratford-upon-Avon is the place to see Shakespeares birthplace and watch his plays, and Warwickshire has Warwick and Kenilworth castles, too. Nearby Birmingham offers a modern urban experience. You can explore the Industrial Revolution museums of Ironbridge Gorge, Ludlows half-timber buildings, medieval Shrewsbury, and popular Chester with its centuries-old walls.

Lancashire and the Peaks. Liverpool rides the Beatles coattails but, like Manchester, has transformed its warehouses and docks into sleek hotels, restaurants, and shops. Buzzing nightlife and excellent museums are highlights in both cities. The Peak District has great opportunities for walking and stately homes such as Chatsworth and Haddon Hall.

The Lake District. A popular national park, this is a startlingly beautiful area of craggy hills, wild moorland, stone cottages, and glittering silvery lakes. Nature lovers and hikers crowd the area in summer. Among the literary high points are the homes of Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

East Anglia. The biggest lure in this green, flat, low-key region is Cambridge, with its medieval halls of learning. The countryside is dominated by the cathedrals of Ely and Norwich, and by time-warp towns such as Lavenham. Coastal spots from Aldeburgh to Wells-next-the-Sea add a salty flavor.

Yorkshire. This wilder part of England has great appeal for lovers of the outdoors, but ancient walled York is also a center of attention. To Yorks west are the moors and dales that inspired the Bronts, and in east Yorkshire the moors collide with the sea at towns such as Whitby. Leeds is a reviving urban center.

The Northeast. Travelers can walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers along Hadrians Wall in this remote northern region. Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh castles guard the coast; Alnwick Castle has stunning gardens. The small city of Durham is a medieval gem, a contrast to modern Newcastle.

Wales. Clinging to the western edge of England, Wales is green and ruggedly beautiful, with mountains and magnificent coastline. Except for Cardiff and Swansea, this is a rural country, with three national parks. Wales is also known for its castles.

England is the biggest region of the United Kingdom (or U.K.), the nation that also includes Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands (Guernsey and Jersey). Some but not all of these are also part of Great Britain (or just Britain), which is made up of the contiguous regions of England, Scotland, and Wales on the main British isle. Its worth noting that, while England, Scotland, and Wales are all part of Britain and the U.K., Wales and Scotland arent part of England, and vice versa. Get that one wrong at your perilyou havent seen angry until youve seen a Welshman referred to as English.