Spend at least four or five days experiencing London's many cultural and historical attractions; but don't forget to get out and explore other parts of England including Cornwall and Dorset, the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Yorkshire, and, yes, Cambridge or Oxford.
Brits love to talk about the weather, but don't let the oft-discussed precipitation isolate you to just traveling there in the height of summer. Shoulder-seasons like spring and fall can spell great travel deals, while the winter "off" season means slimmer crowds and lots of festive happenings.
Sixty million people might live here and wild beasts like bears, wolves, and most birds of prey may have gone the way of the dinosaurs, but the British Isles boast a surprising amount of really wild places within its protected landscapes (about 8 percent of the total landmass). The best of the outdoors can be found in Wales, the Lake District, Yorkshire, and Scotland. Permissive public rights of way generally mean you're free to roam through most of the land.
Although a maritime nation, Britain's beaches haven't always been highly regarded for reasons of climate, overcrowding, and/or pollution. That's changed over the last decade or so, with some 138 beaches around the UK achieving Europe's coveted Blue Flag status. Top ideas for water sports include sailing, surfing, scuba diving, and sea kayaking.
History comes to life here, so do your homework before arriving, whether you're a royal watcher, a battlefield buff, or castle-spotter. This way you'll know what you're looking at.
Brits love sport, so go with the locals and catch a game of football (aka, soccer), rugby (aka, the real American football), or cricket (aka, the original baseball).
The High Hills of Freedom outside
Footloose Scots will tell you there's no such thing as trespassing in the Highlands. And no one is more passionate about possessing these craggy, heather-painted mountains than the "compleaters" who summit the Munros—all 284 of them.
Walking Scotland's Highlands & Islands - Inn to Inn English Lakeland Ramblers
from $2995, 8 days
On the north and west of Scotland lie the Highlands - moody mountains, Celtic mists and legends, heather-clad hills and sparkling lochs, and a unique mixture of scenic splendor and profound tranquility.
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Walking in Scotland - Western Lochs and Highlands Walkabout Scotland
from $1300, 7 days
This week long walking holiday features the great variety of scenery found throughout the Southern and Western Highlands, from the tranquil beauty of Loch Lomond to the rugged and stunning peaks of Glencoe.
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England Coast-to-Coast Hike Distant Journeys
from $4295, 16 days
The Coast-to-Coast walk across northern England has become one of its most inspiring long-distance walks. Running the breadth of England from the...
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