There is more to England than London!

I’m biased, originating from England though now living in the US, and must say England is a great place filled with history, passion and energy and is much more than just London! London is a great City but it’s not real England, just like New York is not real America. Start any England trip in London, 3 days max, then get away and explore the true England.

Did you know that accents in England change distinctly every 25 miles and where I’m from around the Manchester area every 10 miles?! What does that mean? We are diverse! Here's my recommendations of where to visit and why in England outside of London.

MANCHESTER

My home City, famous for its Music Scene – Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, Stone Roses, Morrissey and Oasis amongst many others. It’s England’s and the UK’s 3^rd largest City behind London and Birmingham. Home of the Industrial Revolution and was once had a huge Textile Industry. Visit the Science & Industry Museum and Imperial War Museum North. If this is not your scene, try fitting in a soccer game at either Manchester Utd or City, you can cut the atmosphere with a knife. Manchester is a passionate and energetic City.

LIVERPOOL

Only 35 miles from Manchester and big local rivals. The locals are known as “Scousers” and see themselves as comedians, the rest of England see them as car thieves. Over the last 15 years, Liverpool has gone through a huge regeneration program and worth a visit. The home of The Beatles. Visit the Cavern Club where they started. If you love golf, there are some great Golf courses close by that have hosted the British Open – Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale, Royal St Anne’s

LAKE DISTRICT – BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE

The Lake District in the North West of England is a beautiful place, surrounded by Lakes, Fells and Mountains and home to the largest mountain in England – Scafell Peak. Bowness-on-Windermere is a great place to explore the Lake District from on the shore of Lake Windermere. You could visit the attractions of Beatrice Potter or jump on the ferry and sail on the lake. I’d highly recommend staying at the Burnside Hotel https://www.burnsidehotel.com/

YORK

Moving down into North Yorkshire, you’ll find York, a Medieval City that has some great English Pubs. Between stopping in and sampling the local beers on Shambles, a 14^th Century street, York Minster is a must see and one of the largest Cathedrals in Europe.

DURHAM

Moving over to the North East of England, close to the larger Cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, Durham is a historian’s dream. Go visit Durham Cathedral or Durham Castle. Word of warning though, you may struggle with their English accent, I do! I would recommend staying at Lumley Castle, 8 miles from Durham, it’s supposedly haunted! I’ve stayed there a few times but not yet seen a ghost though! https://www.lumleycastle.com/

CHESTER

Just had an American friend return from a visit to Chester and loved it. A walled City founded by the Romans in 70 AD, besides being a historian’s delight – Cathedral, City Wall, Roman Amphitheatre and Roman Gardens, it’s a local Shoppers paradise. The downside is that it’s close to Wales, so thank God for the wall!

STRATFORD-UPON- AVON

The home of Shakespeare, do I need to say more? It’s the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the famous English writer. I’d recommend visiting some of the attractions focused on him and use it as a pitstop then move on either down South or up North.

BATH

Only 90mins from London by train, Bath is a delightful City both day and night. Stay at the Royal Hotel & Spa - https://www.royalcrescent.co.uk/ - a perfect location to explore Bath, a City known for it’s Roman baths. Take a dip at the Thermae Spa, the only Thermal Baths in the UK then go and relax at my favorite, The Canary Gin Bar https://www.thebathgincompany.co.uk/the-bath-distillery

ST.IVES

Next stop to get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger Cities, Cornwall is the perfect setting to get away from it all and relax exploring the scenic rugged countryside and coastline, staying in St Ives with its beautiful beaches.

COTSWOLDS

If you’re a fan of British tv shows, then you must have seen the Detective series Midsomer Murders and been enchanted by the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds. Don’t be concerned, it’s not the Murder Capital of England! This is an area to be explored by car or a guided tour. Keep it simple.

BRIGHTON

If you like eccentricity and diversity, then Brighton is the place for you. Self-styled Party Capital of the UK and as a large LGBT community. Located 2 hours from London by car, it’s a City of contrasts from the Royal Pavilion to Brighton Pier.

A final point, which shouldn’t be forgotten, is that the weather is unpredictable all year round so pack accordingly.

If you have any questions or offer advice on this blog or England, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.