England attractions

Set near Cornwall’s northern coast, Newquay Zoo offers a wildlife experience that’s perfect for families. Home to over 130 species, including red pandas, penguins, meerkats, and lemurs, the zoo blends conservation efforts with interactive exhibits. Visitors can spot colorful creatures in tropical habitats, attend talks, and watch feeding sessions too, making it a must for animal lovers exploring Cornwall.

One of the UK’s most historically significant botanical gardens, this Birmingham destination has remained intact for nearly 100 years. Spanning 15 acres (6 hectares) and home to more than 10,000 plants spread across a range of micro-climates, the Grade II*-listed landmark is one of the city’s loveliest green spaces, ideal for family outings and contemplative solo walks alike.

Gatwick Airport (LGW) is one of six international airports to serve the city of London and is second in size only to Heathrow Airport. A major transport hub, London Gatwick has two terminals and welcomes more than 40 million passengers every year, accommodating flights to and from some 200 global destinations.

Housed in a grand 18th-century building in London's financial center, the Bank of England Museum explores the past, present, and future of money and Britain's economy. Exhibits include tubes containing half a million pounds of granulated money, a gallery of banknotes, screens showing short films, and swords and costumes worn by officers in the Bank Volunteer Corps.

Located in the heart of Manchester, the Royal Exchange Theatre features a unique 360-degree performance space—one of the largest in the UK—creating an intimate atmosphere for audience members to feel closer to the action. Known for commissioning and producing original, innovative theater, a host of world-renowned actors have tread its boards, including Helen Mirren, Hugh Grant, and Kate Winslet.

Striking from the outside and packed with treasures on the inside, the Holburne Museum is housed in a Grade I-listed Georgian building that was originally a hotel and also a filming location in Bridgerton. Art lovers come here to admire its collection of over 9,000 works, showcasing 18th-century British portraiture, alongside an impressive array of fine and decorative art.

One of London’s most playful entertainment venues, Swingers Crazy Golf invites visitors to play mini-golf (or crazy golf, as it’s known in the UK) in style. Housed in a sprawling venue that’s based on the glamour of a 1920’s British seaside resort, there are several 9-hole courses, as well as a carnival area with vintage games, street food options, and a terrace area to relax in between rounds with a cocktail.

One of the major theaters in London’s West End, the Palace Theatre has been welcoming visitors since 1891. Originally the Royal English Opera House, the theater has expanded its repertoire over time and hosted many notable plays and musicals, including Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Spamalot. Most recently, it’s been known for being home to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

The oldest, longest, and most complete urban fortifications in the UK, Chester’s City Walls date back more than 2,000 years to when Chester was a Roman outpost. Today, the City Walls remain one of the most popular attractions in town, offering a scenic walking circuit around the city and a chance to immerse yourself in Chester’s rich history.

Commissioned by King Charles II in the 1700s, The Long Walk stretches almost 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Windsor Castle to Windsor Great Park. Lined with chestnut trees and visited by grazing deer, the avenue offers stunning views of the castle and the Copper Horse statue of King George III. It’s also a popular destination for families, joggers, and history enthusiasts.

It’s got some stiff competition, but Dorset’s Weymouth Beach might just be England’s best beach—it’s won several awards, at least. The long arc of sand flanked by elegant Georgian facades along the seafront make Weymouth Beach both a naturally beautiful and culturally interesting place. A favorite of King George III in the late 18th century, it’s still a summertime hotspot.

Visitors flock to this Edwardian-era distillery in Kennington to sample award-winning gin made with a 19th-century recipe—but you don’t have to be a gin lover to enjoy a tour. Exploring the Beefeater Gin Distillery is also an opportunity to learn the history of gin in London, while on a campus that features everything from original Victorian pot stills to rooms overflowing with fragrant fresh botanicals, tasting rooms, and “secret” bars.

A little piece of history in the center of town, Chester Castle was founded by William the Conqueror back in 1070, as a motte-and-bailey fortress. While it might not be the grand Norman castle it once was, the site’s Agricola Tower and some ruins remain, offering visitors a glimpse of Chester’s past.

Dating back to the early 20th century, the Victoria Palace Theatre is a staple of London’s theater scene. Over the years it’s played host to a variety of hit shows, ranging from Billy Elliot The Musical to Grease. Until at least 2025, the theater is home to the award-winning musical Hamilton.

Among Coventry's best-known landmarks, Coventry Cathedral is a fine mix of old and new architecture. While much of the original medieval cathedral was destroyed by Nazi bombs during World War II, parts of it remain, along with a New Cathedral that operates as a house of worship to this day.

Part of the National Trust, the Birmingham Back to Backs are a collection of 19th-century working people’s houses packed snugly around a courtyard—the last surviving examples of their kind. The houses are designed to feel as if the residents are still living there, with fires smoldering in grates, and other domestic touches evoking bygone times.

Whitechapel Gallery, located in London’s vibrant East End, is a cornerstone of contemporary art in Tower Hamlets. Over the years, it has exhibited works by legends such as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock while also championing emerging local talent. Beyond its galleries, the space draws visitors with dynamic film screenings, thought-provoking events, and a well-curated bookshop.

With more than 30 rides, shows for all ages, and an idyllic setting along the Great Yarmouth coast, Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park is a top destination for a family day out. Home to Wipeout, the region’s biggest rollercoaster, plus plenty to do for less adventurous tots, this landmark amusement park has something for everyone.

A standout venue in London’s West End, the Apollo Victoria Theatre opened in 1930 as a cinema and later transitioned into a live performance venue. Known for its distinctive art deco architecture and capacity of over 2,300, it has hosted a range of major musicals. Past productions include The Sound of Music and Fiddler on the Roof, but it’s now best known as the long-running home of Wicked, which opened here in 2006.

Spectacular from the outside and a premier music venue on the inside, Birmingham Town Hall is a Grade I–listed building in the city center. This historic building was inspired by Roman temples and over the years has hosted musical greats, including Nina Simone and The Beatles. Today, you can see concerts and special events throughout the year.

As London’s third-busiest airport, after Heathrow and Gatwick, London Stansted sees up to 24 million passengers pass through its terminals each year. As well as being a major base for low-cost carrier Ryanair, Stansted serves over 170 destinations all around Europe, as well as select destinations in North Africa, Central America, and the United States.

Built in 1961 and in service for 30 years, this English Heritage property represents a chilling reminder of the UK’s Cold War history. Today, visitors can go inside the semi-subterranean structure to learn more about the living quarters and control rooms that were designed to keep around 60 people alive in the event of a nuclear tragedy.

An iconic London street known for its world-class tailoring, Savile Row is the capital's premier spot for sartorial elegance. The shop windows of this affluent Mayfair Road are filled with exquisite suits, coats, robes, jackets, and shoes; many of the businesses on the street have been in operation since the early 1800s.

Just downriver of Bath’s storied Pulteney Bridge is the Pulteney Weir: one of the most notable features of the River Avon, which runs through the UNESCO-listed city. A weir—a barrier built to control water flow and prevent flooding—has stood on-site here since 1603. Today’s version, with its iconic V-shaped cascades, was constructed in the 1970s.

The stunning coastline of Beachy Head is famous for having some of the UK's tallest chalk sea cliffs. Renowned for its red and white lighthouse, this natural landmark comprises the Seven Sisters cliffs and offers views of the English Channel. It's a loved spot for hiking and has appeared in movies and TV shows, such as Harry Potter, James Bond, and Luther.

Long the heart of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community, the Gay Village is a place of revelry, celebration, and remembrance. Situated around Canal Street, which is home to a wealth of late-night spots, the Village is a popular nightlife destination, while landmarks like the Alan Turing Memorial and Beacon of Hope (an HIV and AIDS memorial) are worth visiting as well.

Set in the formerly industrial neighborhood of Bermondsey, Maltby Street Market is a little off the typical tourist trail, and offers a more relaxed alternative to Borough Market. This lesser-known gem is popular with locals and features around 30 food and drink vendors. Expect everything from dumplings and tacos to vegan baked goods and cheese toasties, plus creative global street food fusions. It’s a worthwhile detour for food lovers keen to taste their way around London.

Across the Avon River from the heart of Bath (via Pulteney Bridge), Great Pulteney Street is among Bath's longest and widest roads. Like many of the city's fine examples of Georgian architecture, the street and the stately homes that flank it were commissioned in the late 18th century.

Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Hardraw Force Waterfall is often said to be England’s highest single-drop waterfall, coming in at around 100 feet (30 meters) high. It’s a beautiful sight within a natural amphitheater, and the short walk there is made all the more worthwhile as one of the access paths takes you through the grounds of the Green Dragon Inn.

Dating back to the 17th century, Frogmore House in Windsor is a Grade I-listed Crown Estate property. It has served as a temporary residence for British royals, including Queen Charlotte, Prince Albert, and Queen Victoria. Notably, it was the reception venue for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. Today, visitors explore its opulent rooms and gardens and learn about its royal connections.