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Country within the United Kingdom
Photo: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
England is the largest and, with 55 million inhabitants, by far the most populous of the United Kingdom's constituent countries. A 'green and pleasant land', England is known for its dramatic scenery of countryside, rolling hills, green fields, ancient woodland, and rugged coastline. Historic stately manor houses and elegant landscape gardens are dotted around the country. From urban bustle to rural idylls via spectacular coastline and dramatic natural scenery, England has an incredible variety of landscapes and attractions to experience. The country's rich landscape has witnessed periods of great change and evolution. Its countryside and landscapes inspired some of the very best writers and poets. Its heritage is reflected in its architecture, museums, galleries and monuments. England's rich music and art scene is universally renowned. Historical sites and cultural attractions abound here, whilst modern architecture and exciting technological innovations litter England's largest cities, many of which have seen successive programmes of regeneration, from world-leading industrial centres that drove the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, into creative and cultural hubs in the 20th and 21st century. A diverse and culturally-rich country, with immigrants from the world over, visitors to England can seldom help being entranced by its charm, character, and unique culture.
A vast and diverse metropolitan region that is one of the most-visited cities in the world, it is a global capital of fashion and culture.
The area around and south of London, including the territory along the English Channel. Known for its diverse landscape, stunning countryside, which includes coastal areas, rolling hills, and fertile plains. The region is characterised by historic towns, vibrant cities, and important economic centres. South East England also features notable landmarks such as Windsor Castle, the South Downs National Park, and the historic university city of Oxford. Its combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes it an attractive part of England.
The often-rugged peninsula extending southwest into the Atlantic and adjoining counties. Known for its stunning coastline, rugged moorlands, and historic towns. The area is famous for its picturesque countryside, sandy beaches, and maritime heritage, making it a popular destination for tourism. Key attractions include the rugged cliffs of Cornwall, the Jurassic Coast, Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks, and historic cities like Exeter and Bath. The West Country has a strong cultural identity, with distinctive traditions, cuisine such as cream teas and seafood, and a history rooted in fishing, agriculture, and maritime trade.
A rural region characterised by its flat landscapes, wetlands, fertile farmland, and historic towns, with notable cities like Cambridge and Norwich. The region is known for its rich agricultural heritage, scenic coastlines along the North Sea, and its historic University of Cambridge. The East of England combines rural beauty with vibrant urban centres.
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English Heritage has an especially wide-ranging remit and manages more than 400 significant buildings and monuments in England. They also maintain a register of thousands of "listed" buildings, those considered of most importance to the historic and cultural heritage of the country.
Manages the National Heritage List for England, which includes over 400,000 listed buildings, monuments, great houses, and other sites.
National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty
The National Trust manages over 350 properties and over 950sq miles of land. Many of the country's manor houses are under the trust's ownership and management.
By road
Since England is on an island, it is not possible to drive directly into England from outside Great Britain.
By plane
Most people flying to England from outside Europe are likely to land in London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester.
By train
Eurostar operates regular high-speed trains to London (St Pancras International), Ebbsfleet and Ashford through the Channel Tunnel from Amsterdam (Centraal), Avignon (TGV), Brussels (Zuid-Midi),…
By boat
With so much coastline and so many ports, England has extensive shipping links with many countries worldwide.
By bus
Several companies offer London-Paris (via the Chunnel) international service, including British Megabus or German Flixbus.
By train
England is universally covered by an extensive railway network.
By bus and tram
England is covered by a wide bus network. Buses are numerous, frequent and reliable in cities and towns.
By car
England has an extensive road network. The quality of the roads is typically high, although it may decline in rural regions.
By taxi
There are taxi firms everywhere (many are by booking only—find the phone number of the local company and phone ahead).
By bicycle
Cycling has experienced a renaissance, thanks to advancements in cycling infrastructure and the establishment of expansive cycle lanes in major cities and towns across England.
On foot
English cities and towns are pedestrian friendly, and England also has several long-distance hiking trails.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Nottingham, Leicestershire · International · EMA
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the largest metropolitan area in Western Europe, capital of the United Kingdom, and a global centre of finance, fashion, art and culture
England's second largest city in the country's heartland; former "Workshop of the World" and birthplace of heavy metal, with lovely canals, fine food and green spaces
Regency seaside resort and university town with quirky shopping, good eating, rich culture and eclectic gay nightlife
vibrant music scene, lovely historic buildings and an attractive waterfront, with many festivals to enjoy in the summer
The "home of the Beatles" is a booming cosmopolitan city famous for its vibrant nightlife, magnificent waterfront, superb architecture, and footie-mad populace.
the north's cultural, sporting, entertainment, shopping and media hub is often viewed as Birmingham's main rival to second-city status
seriously good nightlife and "Geordie" inhabitants warm enough to offset the north-eastern chill
the "Queen of the Midlands" is home to Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle
ancient capital of Yorkshire, with Roman, Viking and Medieval architecture
the Romans built this 87-mile wall to protect their province of Britannia from northern raiders.
scenic archipelago of tiny islands off the south western coast of Cornwall.
glorious mountains, lakes and woodlands; the land of Wordsworth.
one of the few remnants of the great oak and hornbeam woodland that once covered southern England.
with heather-clad hills, woodlands, impressive sea cliffs and secluded beaches, this area is one of the true English gems.
rugged moors and hills in the north, secluded dales and limestone escarpments in the south.
the gentle rolling chalk downs of southern England, which culminate at the coast in massive white cliffs.
the iconic Neolithic and Bronze Age monument; as mysterious as it is famous.
charming, picture postcard villages set in some of the finest landscapes anywhere in Britain.
Articles and travel topics about England and United Kingdom.
Travel tipsCut London travel costs with contactless transit capping, avoid airport rail traps, and explore renowned national museums completely free of charge.
6 min read
Nature & adventureMaster driving single-track roads in the Scottish Highlands and Skye. Navigate passing places, explore Glencoe and the Quiraing, and manage summer midges.
6 min read
ItinerariesLeave London behind on easy direct train day trips. Discover Roman baths in Bath, honey-stone colleges in Oxford, and the royal castle in Windsor.
6 min read
InspirationFive small towns where you can unpack for a few days, walk everywhere, and hear yourself think, all reachable without a car.
7 min read
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