5 Best Things You Must Do In England
The United Kingdom holds a wealth of history waiting to be explored. But not everything is set in the past. Having roamed the region for ourselves, we’ve set out the five best things to do while visiting England. Whether it’s your first trip or you’re returning for more, we hope to shed light on a new experience you may not have previously thought of. So, what are you waiting for? Let's dive straight into the best things to do in England.
Coming up in this article:
What Are 5 Best Things to Do in England?
Set Sail on Windermere Lake Cruises
See The Standing Stones of Stonehenge
Bathe in the Wonder of Baths Famous Thermal Waters
Reenact Classic Movie Scenes in Historic Oxford
Walk in Shakespeare's Footprints in Stratford-upon-Avon
Top Four FAQs Before Visiting England
What Are 5 Best Things to Do in England?
Fish and chips, Big Ben, the Royal family… all synonymous with British culture. You’d be forgiven to think these are some of the top things to see on your trip to England. But wait until you see what we have in store. Stepping beyond the capital’s walls unlocks a realm of discovery waiting for you. Pass through county borders and allow your ears to soak in the regional dialects. With some stronger than others, you’ll soon know when you’ve left the south and entered the north. And we can take you there. Ready to begin a small-group tour?
Set Sail on Windermere Lake Cruises
Location: The Lake District, England
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: The Lake District Explorer 3-Day Tour
Aye, aye captain. Beginning our top things to do in England starts with the most famous bodies of water in the land, The Lake District. Set sail and join a cruise of Windermere's lakes, where you can experience a voyage of England's largest lake. Varying between 45 minutes to 3 hours, each boat trip captures your imagination thanks to the many wooded islands and rocky mountain scenery. Once you’ve got your feet back on dry land, tour The lake District and see the region through the eyes of some of England’s best loved writers and poets. With the likes of Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth to name but a few, they were all inspired by things you can do in The Lake District, and we think you will be too.
See The Standing Stones of Stonehenge
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, England
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: Centuries of Stories: Stonehenge & the Cotswolds 1-Day Tour
The tale is still a mystery, yet all the best ones are. No one knows for sure how they got there or what they were used for, but Stonehenge is still one of England’s most visited places to see. Open all year round, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, tour Stonehenge for yourself and marvel in its grandness. We’d love to hear your own theories as to how you think this prehistoric structure came to be. To make your trip to this top attraction even more special, try to time your visit by celebrating the spring equinox or the autumn equinox. Who knows what rituals will be performed to bring in the new beginnings.
Bathe in the Wonder of Baths Famous Thermal Waters
Location: Bath, Somerset, England
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath & the South West Coast 3-Day Tour
Georgian architecture? Check. Historic Roman influences? Check. England’s only thermal springs? Check. Touring Bath should definitely be on your list of things to do while in England. Focusing specifically on the Roman baths (they are famous, after all), ensure you book your time slot to uncover the 2,000 year old history waiting behind the walls. Set with audio guides, which are included in your entry ticket price, you can scan the QR codes at each station to hear more fun facts about the artefacts. Ready to step back into Roman Britain and soak up the history?
Reenact Classic Movie Scenes in Historic Oxford
Location: Oxford, England
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: South Wales, Cotswolds & Oxford 4-Day Tour
Renowned for its high-class teaching and university campus, Oxford is much more than education. Did you know over 40 blockbuster films have been filmed here? Maybe some of your favourites. Harry Potter, Transformers: The Last Knight, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and The Italian Job are just a few names on that list. So why not tour the cobbled lanes of Oxford and reenact some of your favourite scenes. As a fun thing the whole family can enjoy, remember to have your camera at the ready to capture the all important shots.
Walk in Shakespeare's Footprints in Stratford-upon-Avon
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Featured Rabbie’s Tour: Stratford–upon–Avon, Oxford & the Cotswolds 2-Day Tour
“To be, or not to be, that is the question.” If you’re still pondering what else could be on our top five things to do in England list, then look no further. We’re bringing you one of England’s finest playwright and poet, Shakespeare. OK, not quite the man himself, but the next best thing, a tour of Stratford-upon-Avon. Walk in the footprints of William Shakespeare, and who knows, you may be inspired to put pen to paper. But if Shakespeare is not your cup of tea, this region still has plenty to offer. From Tudor architecture, to punting on the River Avon, embark to this West Midlands location to experience unique things to do in England.
Touring England in spring (March / April / May) can be one of the best times to visit this destination. Temperatures begin to increase, daylight stays longer into the evenings, and some of the best things to do in England wake up from winter hibernation. But this isn’t to say you should restrict yourself to only the springtime. The beauty of England is that it flourishes for different reasons all year round. Winter tours allow you to wrap up in your chunky knit sweaters, admiring the warming colours of the landscape around, while summer brings a buzz of energy to the party. Whichever time of year you choose, England will always have a number of top things to see and do.
Is England a Good Destination for Families?
Yes, the whole family can enjoy a trip around England. Entertaining children and adults alike, the UK boasts:
Stretches of refreshing coastlines
Holds centuries of history within its castle walls
Promotes inciting trails to walk or hike
With something sure to tick an interest for the whole family, England makes for the perfect destination to holiday in.
How Many Days is Best to Travel Around England?
While parts of England can be explored in a day, to reap the benefits of this country, we’d advise scheduling at least three days to try and capture the magic. Depending on your departure destination, you could tour for 3 days from Manchester and see Snowdonia, The Lake District, or the Yorkshire Dales. Or if starting in the capital, book a 5 - 10 day tour from London and see the breadth of England in all its glory.
Will it Always Be Raining on a Trip to England?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could control the weather? But unfortunately that's out of our hands. Rain is very common in England, especially out of peak season, but that shouldn’t stop you from experiencing all the best things to do. Our top tip for visiting England? Bring layers and an umbrella! Believe us when we say one minute the sun is shining, and the next the heavens open and a downpour of rain refreshes you.
Escape the Rain and Tour England With Rabbie’s
With a wealth of opportunities to see England in all its glory, make your trip seamless by joining a small-group tour. Driven in a comfortable mini-coach, led by expert driver-guides, open your eyes to the paths less trodden this year. Ensure you’re signed up to our newsletter and never miss out on knowing our new destinations or tour dates.