In Short

There is a good reason why England is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Whether you are visiting its thriving city centres or its quaint country villages, there is always plenty of activity and atmosphere.

The city of London offers a world of entertainment, shopping, sightseeing and excitement. Whether you are watching the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, shopping at the world-famous Harrod's department store, or living it up in London's restaurants and pubs, you'll never be bored in this city.

Visitors to England should definitely take the time to visit the English countryside as well, with its charming villages and impressive castles. If you are into bushwalking, or even if you just like soaking up the atmosphere of a traditional English pub, the countryside provides a great contrast to the bustling metropolis of London.

Townships such as Brighton and Bath also make for a terrific excursion. They offer a wealth of history, excellent shopping and plenty of family activities.

Best Time to Visit

On the whole the English climate is mild, and rather wet. The weather is changeable though. It can be rainy one day and sunny the next.

The best time to visit is in summer, which lasts from May to August. Temperatures are usually in the low twenties (degrees celsius) at this time. You will experience daylight until the late hours of the evening.

From November to February England experiences a dark, cold winter. Public transport and indoor venues are invariably well heated though. And temperatures rarely, if ever, fall below zero degrees. This is a nice time of year to cosy up next to an open fire in an English pub.

Things To See & Do

London's Famous Landmarks

You could spend weeks on end sightseeing in London.

Royal watchers will of course want to pay a visit to Buckingham Palace, as well as Princess Diana's former residence, Kensington Palace.

You can have your photo taken in front of the Big Ben clock tower. While you are there, see if you can drop in on the public galleries in the Houses of Parliament. Legal eagles might also want to catch some of the live action taking place at the Old Bailey in London's west, where significant criminal court cases have taken place throughout time.

Of course the Harrod's and Harvey Nichols department stores in Knightsbridge are a landmark unto themselves for shopaholics! And if you are on the shopping trail, don't miss Oxford, Regent and Bond Streets in London's West End.

Bath

Just an hour and a half from London, the town of Bath is a popular tourist destination. Its stylish Georgian architecture and chic boutiques make it a delightful town to visit.

The Roman Baths Museum is the best spot to appreciate the history of the town as you take in the preserved remains of the thermal spring baths which were built many centuries ago. If you want a seriously mind blowing history adventure, it is hard to go past the mysterious ruins of Stonehenge, which is a short distance outside Bath.

Bath's Jane Austen Centre is a must-see for literary fans. The famous author was once a resident of the town, and this is a great place to learn about the era made famous by her classic novels.

And if you feel like being pampered while staying in Bath, you can soak in mineral water, indulge in a massage or try a yoga class at the Thermae Bath Spa, in the beautifully restored surrounds of the Roman baths.

Lake District

If you enjoy walking or cycling through magnificent countryside, the Lake District is sure to please. There is no end of trails snaking through the mountains and lakes of this area. Local towns such as Ambleside, Keswick, Windemere and Bowness make a great base.

Many visitors come to the Lake District to see the countryside that inspired the tales of great writers such as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Children can enjoy the displays and merchandise at The World of Beatrix Potter and grown up Potter fans will appreciate a trip to the author's Hill Top farmhouse.

Oxford and Cambridge

The university towns of Cambridge and Oxford ooze prestige and history. Both of these old universities are made up of a series of colleges; many are open to the public. To take in their architecture and experience the university atmosphere is a stunning experience. Find out which famous names have been educated in these institutions and you won't fail to be impressed.

Cornwall

Although England is hardly a renowned beach destination, Cornwall does offer a seaside retreat in England's sunny southwest. For a visit to the beach, Newquay is a top destination. But it is also worth taking in the charm of the small Cornish fishing villages dotted along the peninsula.

After looking around the town of Cornwall, you can pay a visit to the castle in Tintagel. Legend has it that this was once King Arthur's home, Camelot.

Brighton

A day trip to Brighton is an attractive option, as it's only one hour from London. Families in particular will enjoy all that this town has to offer. With its pebbled beach and old fashioned fun park by the water, there's plenty of activity on offer. The cobble stone streets are charming, and there are fantastic shops and restaurants to keep grown ups happy!

Restaurants & Bars

Restaurants

In England there is a wide range of ethnic cuisine as well as traditional and modern English fare. You can dine in some of the world's finest restaurants, but it is equally worth experiencing a Sunday roast at a traditional English pub.

There are plenty of restaurants in London that will not break your wallet. For a traditional English meal with a gourmet twist, the Sausage and Mash Café in Portobello Lane, Notting Hill, is to die for. For a cheap and delicious bowl of Japanese ramen or noodles, Wagamama in Soho is highly recommended. And for gourmet pizza and salad, make a booking and head to Rocket, either in Putney or St James Lane, West End.

If you have the luxury of booking several months in advance you can sample some of London's most famous restaurants. The Ivy, in Covent Garden, offers expensive cuisine with a modern twist. It's sister restaurant, La Caprice, is just as fancy but it's slightly easier to make a reservation. And Jamie Oliver's Fifteen, in funky Hoxton, is obviously a great tourist attraction for fans of the celebrity chef.

Bars

For a huge range of pubs and bars, head to the suburb called Angel and take your pick!

You'll find a young crowd at the trendy pubs The Westbourne and The Prince and The Bona Parte in Notting Hill. The food at these pubs is also terrific.

For a more sophisticated, mature crowd, The Charlotte Street Hotel in Fitzrovia is wonderful. A number of celebrities have been spotted at this hotel so you never know your luck! Alternatively you can sip cocktails at The Oxo Tower, near London Bridge, which overlooks magnificent views of Big Ben and the city.

Getting Around

Train

To find out about rail travel anywhere in England, call the National Rail Enquiries line on +44 (0)8457 48 49 50. You can travel to numerous destinations around the country, although delays are not unheard of.

You can catch international trains to France and Belgium from London's Waterloo station.

Bus

Coach travel through England is a great way to get around on a budget, while enjoying the scenery of the countryside. There are a number of bus companies to choose from. Some even offer coach trips to Paris for a very reasonable fare.

Always book in advance, particularly for travel during holiday periods and weekends.

Car

Although London is infamous for its traffic jams and petrol is quite pricey, driving around England is still quite a good option. The network of roads is far reaching. Best of all, your Australian licence is valid for the first 12 months you are in England, and you can drive on the left side of the road just like at home.

Ferry

To travel to the islands off the English Coast, such as the Isle of Man, you will be able to catch a ferry from the closest coastal town. You can also ferry all the way to Ireland from the west coast, and to numerous European destinations from the major ports of Dover, Plymouth and Portsmouth.