England is the most populous part of the U.K., with 49 million inhabitants. Almost one third of England's people live in the prosperous southeastern part of the country

England Trip

Aug-Sept 2005

The English countryside is most beautiful and inspiring. The Lake District is considered a national park. It covers 900 square miles of diverse scenery. Many literary figures claim birth here: Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth, Coleridge, etc. Drive around the hinterland of Whitby, the largest continuous tract of heather-covered moor land in England and Wales. Stop at the seaside town of Whitby, once the main whaling port of North England, and walk around the ruins of Whitby Abbey. Have a great fish and chips lunch in the port.

Spend some time at magnificent >Castle Howard, set in over 1200 acres of parkland with lawns, fountains, lovely gardens, woods…also the setting for the television series Brideshead Revisited.

Drive through the countryside and view the Cotswold Cottage area for the feeling of yesteryear.

Another must stop is Warwick Castle. Easily spend a day here for there is a schedule of daily events to either view or be a participant. This is a place that children will also enjoy. Walk around the castle grounds and the beautiful gardens. Spend some time inside the castle and do some shopping. Make friends or get a photo with the court jester.

Visit the city of York with its well-preserved medieval city walls and historical treasures ranging from the medieval to Georgian. Its superb Gothic cathedral, The Minster, has a large collection of stained glass. Walk around narrow, winding streets to view ancient timbered houses; it's pedestrians only, cars are banned. Stop to make jolly with a mime and get a photo for a pound. The York walls almost encompass the entire city centre.

Make a stop at Chester to see the best-preserved walled city in England. Walk through the town to see the rows…timbered buildings built on top of Roman ruins.

And of course, this is William Shakespeare's territory, so don't miss his birthplace,Stratford-on-Avon, so picturesque and walkable and the Anne Hathaway House. Don't forget to go to The Globe Theatre in London where his plays are produced.

Nearby, don't miss Bath and the Royal Crescent Apartments and beautiful gardens (former roytitley residence); 80% of Bath homes are owned by the state and rented out. Note the incredible Georgian architecture. Visit the 2000 year-old Roman baths.

And, on your way to London, a must stop is famous Oxford University and Worcester Cathedral and College.

Make sure you visit the pubs for a quick meal and a pint or two of English ale.

London

A city that is exciting and diverse with a wetitleh of history. To really spend time at these places and walk around the city, you need at least four or five days in London. Some highlights not to miss:

Parliament on the Thames River - It is watched over by famous Big Ben, the clock tower

>Trafalgar Square - Commemorates Admiral Lord Nelson's victory against the French. While you are in the area, walk up to Covent Station for browsing, eating and people watching.

Piccadilly Circus - A famous very busy traffic intersection with so much happening

Harrod's Department Store - Expensive…yes, but even if you don't buy anything, experience the store. Have lunch there, if possible.

Buckingham Palace - Tour Queen Elizabeth's official residence. It is only available for tours certain times of the year.

St. James Park - Wander around this beautiful green park surrounded by Westminster, St. James Place and Buckingham Palace

Kensington Palace - Another royal residence that you can tour. Queen Victoria was born here… and more recently home to Diana, Princess of Wales. There is an area with a collection of her dresses, etc. It was also Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon's home.

Hampton Court Palace - Henry VIII was this palace's most famous resident.

Westminster Abbey - England's coronation church and the burial and memorial place of famous past figures. Don't miss Poets' Corner under the blue-stained glass window.

The Tower of London - One of the most interesting sites…a must see! The English crown jewels are housed here. A former residence for kings and queens of England, as well as a fortress. The tower is surrounded by a series of massive defensive walls. The Yeoman Wardens (known as the Beefeaters) act as tourist guides, and they really bring life to the tower's history, including the imprisonment, torture and intrigue of past eras.

The ravens remain house residents. As the legend goes, Charles II was warned that should they ever leave, the monarchy would fall, so their wings have been clipped so they cannot fly away.

Ride the London Eye - The world's tallest observation wheel at 450 feet…a 30 minute slow ride in a glass capsule for spectacular London views.

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