Experience England for your next summer holiday

These days, people tend to holiday abroad, heading off to the Costa del Sol in Spain, the Greek islands or southern France. However, holidaying at home can be just as rewarding, as England has many attractive destinations to explore at a more cost-effective price. If next summer is anything like the last, you can almost be guaranteed of hot sunny weather, too!

Forget about queuing at the airport and all the hassles with your luggage and hand luggage by climbing in the car, or hiring a rental vehicle to take you around instead. Along the way, choose from lovely bed & breakfasts and cheap hotels in the UK for a comfortable stay. The following are three suggested ideas for a holiday at home.

1. The Lake District

Head to Coniston Water and Coniston Village for a pleasant stay or day-trip. The lake is approximately five miles in length and is backed by the famous Old Man of Coniston mountain which towers above the village and lake. Visitors can hire bikes and boats to explore the area, while the village has pubs, restaurants and shops to explore. Visit John Ruskin’s home with its gorgeous gardens and lake views and visit the Ruskin Museum. Ruskin was a leading English art critic during the Victorian era.

The museum has an exhibition on Sir Donald Campbell, who died in 1967 making a world speed record attempt in his speedboat on the lake.

Explore Grasmere village and Grasmere Water, which nestles at the foot of spectacular mountains. Visit the grave of poet Wordsworth in the local churchyard or enjoy beautiful walks in the area. Rowing boats are available in summer on the lake.

2. The Cotswolds of England

Photo by Kumweni/Flickr

The Cotswolds is located in south central England and was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966. The Cotswold Hills run through the area, starting in the upper Thames area, running along the Cotswold Edge escarpment which is above Evesham Vale and the Severn Valley.

Throughout the area, quaint villages and town were built of the natural, golden-coloured Cotswold stone, quarried in the region. Each charming, historical town has its own charms and activities. The Cotswolds traverse several counties, including Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Wiltshire.

Of interest to visit are the stately homes, surrounded by beautiful, manicured gardens. In Burford, Oxfordshire, visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, home to 260 varied species of animals, including elegant giraffes, rhinos, lemurs and lions. Get out on the water at the Cotswold Water Park, south of Cirencester, which covers 150 lakes. This area offers a range of exciting activities including bird watching, nature reserves, water sports, fishing, riding, walking, rally driving, clay pigeon shooting and more.

3. Visit the historic cities of England

Durham in County Durham features a Cathedral and Castle, both perched high on a crag overlooking the River Wear. The city was first established in 995 and it became a major pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. Durham Cathedral is considered to be the finest Romanesque building in Europe. Durham Castle is a Norman castle which has been occupied by University College, Durham since 1840. Tours are available through the cathedral and castle.

Oxford is one of the most beautiful English towns and was originally an Anglo-Saxon settlement which allowed oxen to cross the River Thames. The 12th-century university was built on a grand scale and can rival many of the great universities in Paris. Oxford is a mixture of European architecture, while All Souls boasts Gothic twin towers. The Radcliffe Camera at Oxford University is built in a Baroque style. Many world leaders, princes, artists and Nobel Prize winners received their education in Oxford.

We hope you have enjoyed this brief tour of some of the most beautiful and historic areas of England. Have fun exploring next year!
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