Travel Escapes

5 ‘Must-Do’s’ when visiting England

England might not be one of the biggest countries in the world, but within its borders are a dazzlingly rich tapestry, of history, sport and culture, including a number of must do’s’ when holidaying in this “green and pleasant land”.

Fascinators at Aintree Grand National
A trip to the races is a great excuse to get suited and booted when visiting England. The Ladies Day is the perfect opportunity to check out Hats and Fascinators!

Most visitors begin in London and the first step is to find Hotels in London (حجز فنادق في لندن) which suit your budget and preferences. And London doesn’t disappoint. You will find options that you can count, no matter what your budget.

For pageantry and tradition you can’t do better than visiting during the ‘Trooping of the Colour’, the breathtakingly colourful military march that is attended by the Queen and other members of the royal family, and goes from Horseguards Parade all the way down the Mall to Buckingham Palace.

In such a stunning setting with the soldiers in their eye-catching uniforms, horses and carriages, and the Queen in attendance, it’s a great occasion and takes place this year on Saturday 13th June.

Talking of horses and June, in the middle of the month the five day Royal Ascot racing festival takes place in London. Not only is it the world’s premier racing event where the best horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the globe come to compete for hugely prestigious races, but it is also a ‘must do’ for lovers of fashion and those who like to mingle with the stars. It’s important to book ahead if you want to attend one of the days at Royal Ascot (June 16 – 20) and, of course, be sure to buy a new outfit – and a big hat to go with it!

If you’re visiting earlier in the year then the world’s greatest steeplechase, the Aintree Grand National, is another amazing horse racing event at the world famous Liverpool track on April 11. You could combine the visit to Liverpool with a trip to the superb Beatles Museum at Albert Dock, just a short distance away.

There’s nothing quite as traditionally English as the outstanding works of William Shakespeare, and if you don’t get to see one of his plays at London’s Globe Theatre then a trip to the Midlands and the beautiful town of Stratford-on-Avon is a must. This is where ‘The Bard’ lived and worked in the 16th century, where he courted the fair Anne Hathaway and where visitors from around the world come these days to pay homage to the world’s greatest man of letters.

With its beautifully preserved Tudor buildings, boating on the River Avon, and lots of antique shops and quaint gift shops, Stratford is indeed a special place on the map of Britain.

Another ancient British town with a host of visitor attractions worth taking in is the city of York. Originally a Roman city, whose walls bear testament to its long history, it later became a major centre upon the invasion of Britain by the Vikings. The famous Jorvik Centre in York is well worth a try. You will be transported back in time to the 8th century world of the Vikings as you travel through the museum, seeing wonderful archaeological finds and reconstructions of life as it was more than 1200 years ago.

York is also a thriving and attractive city with great shopping opportunities, a bustling market, and stunning buildings, including on The Shambles, an original Tudor street where the houses from both sides of the cobbled street almost meet in the middle!

A Big thanks to Charles Roffey for the fascinating image!