ENGLAND
England is a country offering an overwhelming variety of sights and experiences:
• Heritage, castles and historic buildings
• Some of the most famous museums, libraries and galleries
• Stunning parks, gardens and picturesque places
• Memorable restaurants, pubs, cocktail bars and places for eating out and shopping
• An immense choice of performing and visual arts, literature, bookshops, theatres
• A scenic variety of rugged mountains, hills, moors, lakes, forests, meadows, pastures and waterways, creating the opportunity for walking, hiking, water sports, cycling, cruising the inland waterways, and other outdoor activities.
INTRODUCTION
Being one of the world’s most visited countries, with its capital, London, sometimes referred to as the Capital of the World touring England is like moving through different millennia, from prehistory up to the present. It forms part of the largest of two relative medium sized islands as well as a number of small islands called the United Kingdom. Therefore, England is a small country, only about 50 340 sq km large, comprising 9 different governmental regions, 39 historical counties, but also different touristy areas, encompassing more than one county like the Cotswold, or the Lake District.
ACCESSIBILITY
England can be accessed by way of all modes of travel:
• By air to one of its six international airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, City, Stansted, Southend) serving London, as well as a number of other international airports like Newcastle, Blackpool, Manchester or Norwich.
• By sea: Cruisers from all over the world and ferries from neighbouring countries regularly dock in the many ports of England.
• By car and rail: Since the completion of the Channel Tunnel between England and France in 1994, vehicles, passengers and freight are commuted swiftly between the adjoining countries.
WHEN TO GO
It depends on what the visitor wants to see and experience:
• The main touristy season is during the summer months from June to September. The warm days with their long evenings, the colourful countryside and blooming gardens call to be admired. Unfortunately this is also holiday time for the Brits, with crowded touristy sites.
• During October and November autumn arrives, with its variety of shades of brown, yellow or orange leaves.
• Winter from December to February, with sometimes extremely cold, and wet spells
• The best chance of experiencing fine weather is during the spring months of March to May, but some touristy sites might still be closed at the onset of the season.
GETTING AROUND
• By air: All the regions and larger cities are linked with a well connected network of domestic airports.
• By train: England boasts a vast network of railroads throughout the country. Discount passes are available
• By bus: An extensive and dependable network between hundreds of stations across the country makes travelling easy.
• By car: The well-maintained freeways and winding lanes offer the tourist not only easy transport, but also the opportunity to enjoy the many scenic areas and routes at one’s own pace. Driving is on the left of the road.
• By bicycle: One of the most rewarding ways of travelling the country is pedaling the many well-posted routes.
• Canal boats are a leisurely way of discovering this beautiful country.
TOP SIGHTS/EXPERIENCES – DON’T MISS
London:
• Introductory glimpses: The London Eye, for a breathtaking perspective of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Hop-on-Hop-off buses for an overall view of the city
• Museums: The British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum
• Historical buildings: The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace
• Pub crawling, as well as a night at the theatre.
Elsewhere:
• Stonehenge, one of the world’s most famous prehistoric sites.
• The Cotswold, a region of exceptional natural beauty, with its hills, green pastures and romantic villages
• The Lake District and a boat trip on Windermere, the country’s largest lake.
• Cathedrals: Salisbury Cathedral, and the Minster at York
• Castles: Warwick Castle, Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace
MEETING THE REAL PEOPLE
• The Chelsea Flower Show, one of the world’s most famous, for a week during May.
• The Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, offering music, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, and theatre in June at Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset, South-West England.
• For those seeking for more classical shows/performances, the City of London Festival in various venues during June and July. Extensive programmes of music, like large orchestral to intimate chamber performances, films, visual arts, etc.
• The British Grand Prix, during July at Silverton in Northamptonshire.
Manie Wolvaardt