When Henry Ford visited the Cotswolds in the early 20th century, he was so infatuated by one row of old stone cottages, he attempted to have it shipped back to the USA. In this little pocket of the English countryside, Ford found a bucolic England that still exists, here and in places like the Lake District, whose long-fingered lakes rest at the bottom of glacially carved valleys.
Our specialists are well-acquainted with this version of England, but they can also help you explore its many other faces. These include the modern cityscape of London, a capital forced to redefine itself after the Blitz of World War II, where royal palaces are only a stone’s throw from millennial architecture and contemporary art galleries. They can tailor-make your vacation to take in England’s multi-layered history, from the mysterious Neolithic monoliths of Stonehenge and Avebury, to Roman ramparts and Georgian Bath.
Suggested tours for England
These tours give you a starting point for what your vacation to England could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
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Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit England, including information about climate, events and festivals.
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Useful information for planning your vacation in England
What language is spoken in England?
English is spoken in England. Regional accents can be quite strong and sometimes difficult to understand, but most people will be willing to help you out by speaking more clearly if you’re struggling. Certain words or phrases also differ but you’ll soon get used to it.
What's the currency of the England?
The currency used in England is the pound sterling (GBP). ATMs can be found in all towns and cities and accept all major credit and debit cards. However, you may find that you don’t need much cash as contactless payment is available almost everywhere.
What food and drink should I try in England?
English food is more varied and sophisticated than ever before with artisan food producers and seasonal menus bringing the best of local ingredients to the table. Cream teas featuring scones, clotted cream, and jam are popular, as is afternoon tea, an elaborate affair with dainty sandwiches and cakes. A Sunday roast dinner with Yorkshire puddings (puffed batter bakes) is served in most pubs, and you’ll find fish and chips everywhere.
You’ll see artisan cheeses for sale across the country, plenty of fish and seafood around the coast, and in places, small smokeries preparing fish, meat, and cheese. Look out for local farmers’ markets, they’re a great place to meet food producers and try regional products.
Beer, ale, and cider are staple drinks, and the rise of artisan brewers means you’ll find regional variations wherever you go. England also has a growing number of wineries, especially in the south and southeast.
How much should I tip in the England?
In English restaurants, it’s normal to tip about 12-15% but check the total to see if service charges have already been added. Tour guides and drivers will also appreciate a tip, but this is at your discretion.
Where can I find the latest travel advice for the England?
For the latest travel advice for England, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the State Department website.
What can I experience in England?
For a small country, England packs a lot in and you can expect to experience everything from prehistoric stone circles to cutting-edge art and design. You can visit royal palaces and country mansions, villages where medieval cottages flank babbling brooks, and cosmopolitan cities with world-class museums and edgy nightlife.
For example, you could explore London on a Mini Cooper tour, visit Roman forts and ancient abbeys, take tea at Beatrix Potter’s cottage, or watch a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe. The studious quads and hushed lanes of Oxford and Cambridge cradle centuries of history, the majestic hills of the Lake District offer glorious walking, and local life brims with energy at London’s premier food market. Whatever your interests, you’ll find England has much to offer from the literary and historical to nature, art, and adventure.
Where can I stay in England?
England has a great range of places to stay, and you can choose anything from romantic castle escapes to stylish urban hideaways. In London, stay in a Regency-era townhouse with chic modern interiors or an art-filled hotel near the West End. In Liverpool, you can bed down in the Beatles-themed Hard Day’s Night Hotel, while in Bath, No. 15 sits on one of the genteel city’s most fashionable Georgian streets.
In more rural areas, expect large country manors, comfortable cottages, and tranquil retreats. In the scenic Cotswolds you can stay in a 17th-century manor set in landscaped gardens, and in the Lake District, a country pub with its own smokehouse and microbrewery. Just take a look at our collection of places to stay in England to get some ideas.
Where should I go in England?
England offers great diversity and whether you choose to visit London, Liverpool, Oxford, or Cambridge, you’ll be able to pair urban delights with more rural charms. Visit world-class museums, trendy art galleries, and bustling markets in London, follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, or delve into Roman, medieval, Georgian, and Victorian history in York. Rolling hills, striking churches, and exceptionally pretty villages await in The Cotswolds, while the inky lakes and misty mountains of the Lake District were beloved by the Romantic poets.
How long does it take to fly to the England from the US?
The flight time from New York City to London is around seven hours. From Dallas, it will take around nine hours, and from Los Angeles ten and a half hours.
What's the time zone in England?
The time zone in England is UTC+1 hour. Daylight Savings Time is observed from late-March to late-October.
What's the best way of getting around in England?
The best ways to get around England are by car and train. We can arrange a private driver to take you between destinations which gives you the freedom to travel when and where you wish. The rail network covers most of the country and is straightforward to use and can be a good alternative especially when going between larger cities.
What are the essential tips for using the British train system?
The British train system runs to all corners of England. You can book tickets online in advance, but it’s a good idea to travel outside peak hours to make the most of reduced fares.
It may be worth considering buying a rail card, which gives you a further discount on prices, if you plan to travel everywhere by train. You can also buy tickets at the train station for last-minute travel. Otherwise, you’ll collect your tickets from one of the machines in the station, but in large cities be sure to check which station your train departs from as there can be more than one. Once you find your platform, check displays again as there can be trains going to several different destinations just minutes apart.
Most trains have a basic food service but taking your own food and drinks is often preferable.
Do I need a visa to visit England, and what do I need to check with my passport?
Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for England. Enter where you’re traveling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.
Do I need vaccinations to visit England?
Your doctor is best placed to offer immunization advice for England. You can also check the recommended vaccinations by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. It’s also a good idea to check you’re up to date on any vaccinations that are recommended at home.
England in pictures
Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Stratford
Bridge of Sighs, Oxford
Castle Combe in the Cotswolds
London guards
Red deer stag
Roman Baths in Bath
The Lake District
York Minster
Our expert guides to traveling in England
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to England. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate England at its best.
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How to experience London like a local ![Portobello, London]()
How to experience London like a local
How to experience London like a local
Take some time to go a little deeper and discover the London that locals love with Audley specialist Andea. Experience vibrant nightlife, historic parks and unusual vantage points to get a new perspective on this dynamic and complex city.
Read this guide -
Uncover ancient Britain beyond Stonehenge ![Roman Baths, Bath]()
Uncover ancient Britain beyond Stonehenge
Uncover ancient Britain beyond Stonehenge
Stonehenge is the most popular prehistoric site in Britain, but it’s not the country’s only ancient attraction. Discover the limits of Roman power at Hadrian’s Wall, a Stone Age barrow near Avebury and Bronze Age cairns featured in Outlander.
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Historic England: exploring London, Oxford and Bath ![Big Ben and Whitehall, London]()
Historic England: exploring London, Oxford and Bath
Historic England: exploring London, Oxford and Bath
Audley UK and Ireland specialist Elizabeth explains why she’s gripped by England’s history — especially its royal history. She recommends her preferred places of interest for a historic tour of England, from palaces and cathedrals to sites in Oxford and Bath.
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Food highlights of the UK & Ireland ![Afternoon Tea]()
Food highlights of the UK & Ireland
Food highlights of the UK & Ireland
The cuisine in the UK and Ireland suffers from an unfair reputation. Specialist Jackie talks about her fondest food memories, including a whimsical afternoon tea in London, foraging in the Irish countryside, and a picnic with smoked salmon in Scotland.
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