Complete England Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Planning a trip to England? Start with London for royal landmarks, world-class museums, historic pubs, markets, theater, and iconic sights; visit Bath for Roman history and Georgian architecture; explore York for medieval streets and Viking history; and head to Liverpool for music, football, and maritime heritage.
This England travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about UK entry requirements, currency, transportation, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, and local travel tips.
Visiting England for the first time? London is the natural starting point, but England is easy to explore by train. Add Bath, York, Cambridge, Liverpool, Brighton, or Canterbury to experience a completely different side of the country.
England offers much more than London. Medieval cities, seaside towns, castles, cathedrals, countryside, historic universities, traditional pubs, and villages are all within a relatively compact country, making it easy to combine several destinations in one trip.
England Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to England? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: London
Currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
Official Language: English
Emergency Number: 999 or 112
Driving: Drive on the left
Power Outlets: Type G, 230V, 50Hz
Best Time to Visit: May–June and September for generally pleasant sightseeing weather; December for Christmas lights and seasonal festivities
Popular First-Time Destinations: London, Bath, York, Liverpool, Cambridge, and the Cotswolds
Getting Around England: Trains connect major cities, while buses and coaches provide additional options; London has an extensive Underground, bus, rail, and Elizabeth line network
Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens traveling for tourism generally need a valid passport and UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling
Best Known For: Royal history, castles, stately homes, historic cities, Shakespeare, the Beatles, football, pubs, afternoon tea, and countryside
Don’t Miss: London, a historic castle or palace, a traditional pub, afternoon tea, an English cathedral, and at least one destination outside the capital
First-time England travel tip: Don’t rent a car automatically. Trains are convenient for many city-to-city itineraries, while a rental car can be more useful for exploring rural areas and smaller villages.
Best Places to Visit in England
England is packed with historic cities, royal landmarks, medieval streets, seaside towns, famous universities, and beautiful countryside. London is the natural starting point for many first-time visitors, but some of England’s most memorable experiences are found outside the capital. Here are some of the best places to visit in England.
London: Best for First-Time Visitors, Iconic Landmarks and Museums
30 million people visit London England every year. London is well known for its iconic red phone booths, double-decker buses, black cabs, pubs, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Beatles, famous bridges, free museums, Harry Potter, amazing street art, afternoon tea, fish and chips, and all things Royal. Plan to spend 3-4 days exploring this amazing city.
READ 100 Things to Do in London, a Bucket List City
READ How to Spend Christmas in London
Liverpool: Best for the Beatles, Music and Football
Liverpool is full of history. This city mixes neoclassical and Georgian architecture seamlessly, has traditional English pubs, and the perfect amount of grit with sprinkles of gorgeous beer gardens for cocktails. It is a European cultural hub with many parks, outdoor spaces, and World Heritage Sites. The city is famous for bringing us the Beatles, having two Premier Football Leagues, and being the home of the famous Grand National horse race.
READ Top Things to Do in Liverpool England
READ Must See Beatles Attractions in Liverpool England
Cambridge: Best for Historic Universities and Punting
Cambridge University is a collection of 31 colleges scattered around the River Cam; Newton, Darwin, Bateson, and Watson were all educated here. You will find colleges to explore, punting, and amazing Chelsea buns.
READ Top Things to Do in Cambridge England
Bath: Best for Roman History and Georgian Architecture
Bath England feels as if you walked into a BBC movie set. Bath is full of honey-colored Georgian architecture, and has a Roman Bath, mineral water, gardens, Jane Austin, and famous buns.
READ Top Things to Do in Bath England
Brighton: Best for a Classic English Seaside Escape
Brighton is a fun seaside town on the English Channel two hours from London’s Victoria Station. You will find a pier arcade, vintage shopping, street art, beach huts, and rock candy. Be sure to visit Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters’ white chalk cliffs.
READ Top Things to Do in Brighton England
READ England’s White Cliffs, Beachy Head, and Seven Sisters
Canterbury: Best for Cathedral History and Medieval Charm
Canterbury has a famous Cathedral with a controversial history resulting in murder and is home to the very popular Canterbury Tales. Canterbury is a World Heritage Site with gardens lining a slow river perfect for punting, terraces for tea, and timber-framed shops to wander.
READ Top Things to Do in Canterbury England
York: Best for Medieval England and Viking History
York is the most haunted city in Europe according to the Ghost Research Center. You will find a Gothic cathedral, the oldest medieval street in the world, Yorkshire pudding, Viking history, walkable city walls, the birthplace of the Kit Kat bar, Betty’s Tea House, and 365 pubs (one for every day of the year).
READ Top Things to Do in York England
Scarborough: Best for a Traditional English Seaside Town
England is a resort town on the Yorkshire coast and the perfect day trip from York England. Scarborough is known for its castle, beach boxes, fish and chips, donkey rides on the beach, a promenade of arcades and penny slots, and a museum of vintage fair items
READ Top Things to Do in Scarborough England
England Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
Where is England
England is located in the United Kingdom with a population of 56 million. At 50,301 mi², the country is similar in size to the state of Louisiana. England is bordered by Wales, Scotland, the Irish Sea, the Celtic Sea, the North Sea, and the English Channel. London is the capital and largest city in England. The population of London is approximately 9 million.
What Language Is Spoken in England?
The national language of England is English. Welsh, Irish, Cornish, and Scottish Gaelic are also recognized. The country is multicultural and it is estimated you may hear over 300 languages.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Visit England?
According to Project Visa, US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 90 days in a 6 month period.
What Currency Does England Use?
The currency in England is the pound (or sterling). US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Don’t be fooled by ‘0 commission’ money exchangers because the ‘service fee’ is high. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can You Use Credit Cards and ATMs in England?
ATMs are available throughout England. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in England and Google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in England, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. American Express and Discover may be accepted. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in the pound. It is always a good idea to carry some cash.
How Much Does a Trip to England Cost?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in England is $173. Expect to pay $2,426 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When Is the Best Time to Visit England?
The high season in England is July and August, so expect high prices and crowds. The days are long and temperatures rarely rise above 78°F in the summer months. The shoulder season is May, early June, September, and early October. Winter is the low season, prices and crowds drop from November through March. Days are short, cold, and dreary; temperatures rarely drop below 35°F. Expect rain in all seasons. Christmas is a fun time to visit London to see the lights and markets.
When Is the Best Time to Visit England?
It is easy to travel around England. London is an ideal base to explore the country. There is an express train from Heathrow Airport to London. Commuter and high-speed trains are easy ways to take day trips outside the city. Although most will want to ride a double-decker bus and take at least one black taxi, the London Underground is simple to use and the most efficient way to explore the city. All payment for public transportation in London is contactless and you will need an Oyster Card to pay. Car rental, parking, and gas are expensive, consider taking organized day trips to cities that are not well connected, the Cotswolds for example.
How Do You Get Around England?
What Power Adapter Do You Need in England?
The plugs in England are type G. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What Should You Pack for England?
The overall clothing style in England is edgy. The English like vintage clothing and mix prints, patterns, and styles. Skinny jeans, cardigans, tweed, and mid-length tea dresses are common in England. England has a moderately damp climate; be prepared for drizzle and rain at any time.
Is England Safe for Solo Travelers?
As of September 9, 2026, the U.S. State Department lists the United Kingdom at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to terrorism. According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in England is low. There is a medium risk for pickpockets and muggings in London. Stay aware of your surroundings; there is a high risk of terrorist attacks in London. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What Food Should You Try in England?
Traditional English Meals: fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, toad in the hole, beef Wellington
Pub Food and Savory Snacks: bacon butty, Cornish pasty, Scotch egg
Breakfast and Tea: full English breakfast, crumpets, scones and afternoon tea
Desserts: sticky toffee pudding, spotted dick
Sides: Yorkshire pudding
England Travel Guide: Tips for Traveling in England
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Tip 10%-15% if a service charge is not included in the bill.
- If you ask for water, it will be bottled and you will pay for it. Drinks are not served with ice and are not refillable.
- Put your knife and fork in the middle of the plate to indicate you are finished eating.
- Afternoon tea is formal with tea sandwiches; cream tea is light with scones and jam.
- Look right before crossing the street.
- Enter the Tube to the left and ‘Mind the gap” when getting on or off.
- Stand on the right side of the escalators.
- The English wait in line patiently and do not push forward.
- Always hold the door for the person behind you.
- Do not refer to football as soccer.
- There is a lot to see and do in London. Plan your time and pre-book attractions.
- The ground floor is ground level, and the first floor is one level up.
Top Things to See and Do in England
- Watch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace in London.
- Visit the mystical stone circle of Stonehenge.
- Spend the day in the Georgian city of Bath.
- Visit York Minster and the Canterbury Cathedral.
- Go punting on the River Cam and check out the University of Cambridge colleges.
- Explore the picture-perfect Cotswolds towns.
- Take the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour around Liverpool.
- Tour Shakespeare’s home and watch a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Play the penny arcades on Brighton Pier.
- Hike above England’s famous white cliffs at the Seven Sisters.
- Spend a weekend at the seaside town of Scarborough.
- Tour as many castles, palaces, and manors as possible.
Check the England Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Interesting Facts About England
- England, Scotland, and Wales are part of the UK and Great Britain. Northern Ireland is part of the UK but not Great Britain.
- England is 74 times smaller than the US but has about 150% more people than California.
- Heathrow Airport in London is the world’s busiest airport.
- There is not a single point in Britain that is more than 75 miles away from a coastline.
- There are more chickens in England than there are people.
- About 25% of London’s population was born outside of England.
- The Queen is not allowed to enter the House of Commons.
- The Queen owns all of the whales in the water surrounding the UK.
- Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest royal residence in the world still in use.
- Stonehenge is older than the Pyramids.
- Leeds is one of Europe’s rainiest cities.
- London was the first city in the entire world to have an underground subway system.
- Over 80,000 umbrellas are lost on the London Underground every year.
- Big Ben is not the name of the clock tower, but the name of the bell inside it.
- The London Eye is the tallest observation wheel in the world.
- British police do not carry guns except in emergencies.
- You can drive from England to France via an underwater tunnel.
- Champagne was invented in England, not in France.
- The world wide web was invented by an English scientist.
- The sky above Suffolk was the inspiration for the song ‘twinkle twinkle little star.’
- The English consume more tea per capita than anybody else in the world.
- Stephen Hawking, Sir Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin were all English scientists.
- Robin Hood and Christopher Robin are based on real people.
- It is considered treason to place a postage stamp on an envelope upside down.
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