A vacation in England can be filled with some of the most interesting sights anywhere in the world. The rich and illustrious history makes it the ideal destination for a family vacation with many attractions to suit all tastes. But with so much to see in England it can often be difficult to devise an itinerary. It is hoped the following information will make the decision making process a little easier for all.
One of the most interesting sighs in England is Hadrian’s Wall, situated in the north of the country it is a fascinating example of Roman military might and engineering. Roman soldiers once patrolled the wall that stretches from the east to the west coast, its construction a means of limiting the raiding activities of Pictish tribes in the north. Today the wall is a sublime tourist destination that allows those on vacation to see the rugged beauty of Northumberland whilst also discovering what life was like at the physical boundaries of the Roman Empire. There are numerous archaeological sites along the length of the Wall that give visitors an indication of military life in ancient times. It is advisable to get the hiking gear on to make the most of walking this fascinating and educational World Heritage Site.
For those with a penchant for nature a great idea for a vacation is to visit one of the most beautiful and stunning areas in all of England. The Lake District has long been visited for its wondrous mountains or fells. In literature it was the inspiration for greats such as William Wordsworth for its striking scenery and rugged nature. Today visitors come from far and wide to walk amongst the fells and to ascend Scafell Pike, the tallest mountain in England. The lakes that give the area its name are truly magical, whether your vacation includes touring Coniston Water or Derwent Water you are sure to return relaxed and rejuvenated.
England is a land of castles ranging from the imposing Windsor and Warwick to smaller keeps dotted around the countryside. A fascinating castle to visit is Tintagel in Cornwall, more for its mythical connections than its impressiveness. Today the remains are popular with tourists because of the work of Geoffrey of Monmouth, who placed it as the home of Uther Pendragon, who in later decades became the mythical King Arthur. Subsequently the Tintagel site has been proposed as the location of Camelot and the home of the Knights of the Round Table. While the site has certainly seen activity since the Roman period whether it was the home of Arthur is still a matter of debate; whatever the historical conjecture though, it remains as a brilliant tourist destination in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
If in Cornwall there is another tourist attraction that is perfect for families and those not inclined to delve into the depths of history. For those with a love of nature this is a perfect vacation idea; the Eden Project. The project is a complex structure of bio-domes that allow the visitor to go from a rainforest climate to a Mediterranean one in a matter of minutes. The plant species at the project include banana trees, bamboo to cacti and rubber trees meaning that the visitor is bombarded with biodiversity at every turn. With an educational facility on site all are given a better understanding of environmental issues and the importance of nature to the world, as a day out it is unrivalled for enjoyment and relaxation.
Hopefully this article has given those heading on vacation in England an idea of some of the wondrous attractions on offer. This is in no way an all encompassing list but instead highlights some personal favourites; with such a wide range of sights it is guaranteed that a vacation in England will be enjoyable, educational and relaxing.
Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks at some of the most popular England vacation ideas for families and other tourists.
