England attractions

A neo-Gothic masterpiece, Highclere Castle is best known for doubling as Downton Abbey in the TV series of the same name. The turreted, sandstone mansion was created by Sir Charles Barry, the architect behind London's Houses of Parliament. The current owners of the castle welcome the public to explore the lavishly decorated interior and the sprawling grounds at certain times of year—prebooking is essential.

Once a Tudor palace, Somerset House was redesigned by Sir William Chambers in 1776 as part of the city’s infrastructural improvements. Today, it’s a creative and cultural hub that hosts shows, events, and exhibitions year-round, as well as featuring cafés, restaurants, and a winter ice rink in its courtyard. Stop by for drinks in the riverside bar, browsing its art galleries, or attending music events or film screenings.

The 12th-century Leeds Castle is among Europe’s best-preserved medieval landmarks. Sitting in the heart of Kent—confusingly, nowhere near Leeds in Yorkshire—the castle and its grounds span 500 acres (202 hectares), and feature a regal moat and green parkland. Dating back to Norman times, the castle is thought to have been built as a look-at-me home, to flaunt the wealth of its owner, but its elegance captured the eyes of British royalty, who successively owned it until around the 16th century.

Cutty Sark is a 19th-century tea clipper that was once among the fastest ships of its time and is now permanently docked in Greenwich. Visitors can step aboard to explore interactive exhibits, meet costumed actors, and learn what life was like for the crew as they sailed between Britain, China, and beyond. With its dramatic rigging and fascinating history, Cutty Sark offers a special glimpse into Britain’s maritime past.

Founded by Henry VIII in 1546, Trinity College is the largest Cambridge University college and the alma mater of many British Prime Ministers, Royal Family members, and Nobel Prize winners. Here, visitors can explore the 17th-century Great Court, Trinity College Clock, and Wren Library among other buildings, as well as attend public lectures and rent punts for use along the River Cam.

One of Oxford’s oldest colleges, Balliol College dates back to the 13th century, although the precise date is disputed. The architecture of this rambling college is predominantly from the 19th century, though parts of the Front Quadrangle are as old as the 15th century. It takes its name from its founder, John de Balliol.

Set on High Street in the heart of town, graduates-only All Souls College is Oxford’s most elitist institution. Only the university’s best and brightest are invited to sit the entrance exam, and just two are accepted as fellows each year. Fifteenth-century architecture mingles with Hawksmoor and Wren detailings for pure tranquility.

The junction of High Street, Cornmarket Street, Queen Street, and St. Aldgate’s, Carfax is a major meeting point in the heart of Oxford. The lofty St. Martin’s Tower (Carfax Tower), which offers some of the best views of the “city of dreaming spires,” sits at the intersection.

Madame Tussauds may have branches around the globe, but its London wax museum is the birthplace of it all, with a history dating back to the early 19th century. The ever-expanding collection of wax figures features everyone from Hollywood movie stars, pop icons, and Olympians to politicians, historic figures, and British royal family members. But waxworks are just the start, as it’s also home to the Spirit of London ride and a 4D Marvel experience.

Immortalized in the 1999 romantic comedy movie of the same name, Notting Hill is a lively West London neighborhood that’s a paradise for shoppers and foodies. Famous for its rainbow-hued houses, the eclectic Portobello Road Market, and the annual Notting Hill Carnival, there’s never a dull moment visiting this area. Notting Hill offers a special blend of culture, shopping, and dining, whether exploring high-end boutiques, enjoying brunch alfresco, or browsing antique stores.

A museum dedicated to one of Britain’s best-loved authors, the Jane Austen Centre in Bath is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the life and work of the 18th-century writer. Housed in an authentic period property, with actors in costume bringing the museum to life, the center immerses visitors in the days of the Regency era.

Built in 1066 by William the Conqueror above the striking White Cliffs of Dover, the 11th century Dover Castle is the largest castle in England. Climb the Great Tower, marvel at the oldest surviving Roman lighthouse in the country, and stop by Saint Mary in Castro church, then tour the castle’s hidden wartime tunnels.

Founded in 1441 by Henry VI, King’s College is one of the most prestigious and perhaps the best-known of the Cambridge colleges. Notable alumni include writer Zadie Smith and mathematician Alan Turing; however, it’s the grounds and buildings which are of most interest to visitors. Here, explore landscaped gardens, stroll along the River Cam, and admire the 15th-century Gothic King’s College Chapel.

Built to celebrate British victories over Napoleon, the ornate Wellington Arch—topped by the largest bronze sculpture in Europe—served as London’s smallest police station before being taken over by English Heritage and opened to the public. Exhibitions document its construction, while an open-air viewing gallery offers views over Hyde Park and the King’s backyard (aka, Buckingham Palace gardens).

Perched on the banks of the Avon River, the 11th-century Warwick Castle is considered to be one of England’s most magnificent castles. Founded by William the Conqueror, the ancestral palace is a stunning testament to British medieval architecture. But while its exterior might suggest a serious historical attraction, this castle boasts fun exhibits and live-action entertainment that make for an immersive, family-friendly experience.

Packed with cultural hotspots and boasting a laid-back atmosphere, London’s South Bank district is a must-visit for anyone curious about London life. Locals and visitors alike stroll the riverbank for striking views of Westminster, Big Ben, and other city landmarks. You can take in those views from the sky here, as well, aboard the enormous London Eye observation wheel. Or, pop into the museums, galleries, theaters, and pubs for which the area is famous.

St. Katharine Docks is the only marina in central London. A commercial dock and part of the Port of London during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area is now lined with homes, restaurants, offices, and stores. A walk along the docks provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle and the opportunity to admire the boats and enjoy the local pubs and restaurants.

Having never been widened to accommodate cars, The Shambles has retained its picturesque medieval form. Timber-framed Tudor buildings host tea rooms, taverns, and souvenir shops, and project out at the upper levels—a medieval building technique used to create extra living space.

Fans of Harry Potter will be familiar with Platform 9 3/4. The fictional platform is located at the real King’s Cross train station in London, between platforms 9 and 10. In the books and movies, it’s where characters board the Hogwarts Express by running directly at what appears to be a solid wall barrier. The exact spot is commemorated by half a luggage trolley and a sign, which makes it a popular photo stop.

Board the Golden Hinde for a chance to step into naval history. Moored at the edge of the River Thames, this replica ship brings to life the wooden galleon that took Sir Francis Drake around the world between 1577 and 1580—sails, rigging, and all. Stride a gun deck lined with cannons, learn about life on board a 16th-century ship, and hear about the age of exploration.

The Victorian-era Royal Opera House (ROH) hosts performances by two of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious companies: the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera. Attending a performance is the best way to experience this historical building, although non-ticket holders can book tables at its restaurant, café, or rooftop terrace, or join a behind-the-scenes tour.

Made up of Camden Lock, Stables Market, and Hawley Wharf, the area known as Camden Market is undoubtedly the UK’s most famous collection of street vendors. In continuous operation since the 1970s, the market draws crowds of visitors who come to shop the huge variety of stalls, eat, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. A life-sized statue of Amy Winehouse celebrates the market’s musical heritage.

Home to fishmongers and produce vendors, quirky hat specialists and trendy sandwich shops, Oxford Covered Market is both a bustling retail hub and a destination for food lovers. The market has operated continuously since its founding in 1774, and today it hosts more than 50 independent shops.

Discover a symbol of Liverpool and gain insight into the city’s history with a visit to the National Heritage-listed Liverpool Cathedral. As the largest religious building in Britain, the Anglican cathedral boasts neo-Gothic architecture, distinctive artwork, and a 328-feet (100-meter) tower that provides sweeping views across River Mersey.

Spanning the River Cam, this wooden footbridge is often attributed to Isaac Newton, who—as the story goes—designed it in such a way that no bolts were needed to keep it in place. In reality, the bridge was built more than 20 years after Newton’s death, and is held together by bolts, though it is still recognized as an engineering marvel.

Famous as the stage where the Beatles made their debut in 1961, Liverpool’s Cavern Club has become a place of legend, hosting not only the Fab Four, but the Who, the Kinks, the Rolling Stones, Queen, Elton John, and many more household names. The influential club remains one of Liverpool’s top live music venues to this day.

The Clink gets its name from a prison that operated there from the 12th to the 18th century. During its 600 years of operation, the prison gained a reputation for its poor conditions, notorious inmates, and frequent rebellions. Today, the museum offers interactive exhibits that reveal the harsh realities of crime and punishment in medieval London, including archaeological artefacts, torture devices, and tales of former inmates.

Hailed as the most impressive work of medieval architecture and Gothic design in Britain, Kings College Chapel now ranks as the most-visited attraction in Cambridge. The church is famous for its Gothic facade and elaborate stained glass windows, and for the fact that the foundation stone was laid by Henry VI himself in the 15th century.

Since it opened in 1707, Fortnum & Mason has been one of London’s best-known department stores. Set on Piccadilly Street, it’s a must-see for visitors who want to peruse luxury goods, enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea, and buy British souvenirs. Another claim to fame is that Fortnum invented the Scotch egg, a classic snack featuring a boiled egg encased in sausage meat and breadcrumbs, so it’s the best place to try this local favorite.

Inspiring the 1967 Beatles’ song Strawberry Fields Forever, Strawberry Field in the Liverpool suburb of Woolton functioned as a Salvation Army children’s home from 1936 to 2005. As a boy, Lennon would sneak in to play, and enjoyed watching the band at the annual garden party. These experiences would go on to inform his later songwriting.