Rick Steves - Rick Steves Best of England

Including EDINBURGH

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 appealing towns 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. 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. Across the northern border, Edinburgh is too convenient to pass upadding a wee bit of Scotland and the trill of bagpipes to your trip.

When there are interesting sights or towns near my top destinations, I cover these briefly (as Near sights), to help you fill out a free day or a longer stay.

Beyond the major destinations, Ill 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: the historic college town of Oxford, majestic Blenheim Palace, Shakespeares hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, rejuvenated Liverpool, small Durham with its big cathedral, and ancient Hadrians Wall.

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 trendsetting city forging 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

The pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard entertains onlookers.

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