England Tours & Vacations

Summer is stunning in England but is also the most popular time for tourists. To avoid the crowds and enjoy comfortable weather outside of summer, we recommend you visit in spring, from March to May, or in fall, from September to November.

Spring brings warmer days and less rain, perfect for sightseeing, exploring the English countryside, and visiting botanical gardens or historic castles. The weather is cooler in the fall, and there are fewer tourists. During this time, fall foliage covers the Lake District and the Cotswolds, and food festivals showcase seasonal cuisine.

While spring and fall are excellent times, England is a year-round destination. Summer and winter are appealing for their  reasons, whether you wish to enjoy summer’s long daylight hours or visit winter’s Christmas markets.

Regardless of when you can visit, we can help you find the right month for your trip in our guide on the best time to visit England.

From cosmopolitan cities to medieval villages in the countryside and breathtaking natural landscapes, England offers no shortage of exceptional places to explore. Here are a few of our best places to visit in England:

• London: Visit world-famous museums, explore vibrant neighborhoods, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and see landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on a trip to the capital.
• The Cotswolds: Home to golden-stone villages dotting the countryside, the Cotswold is the epitome of a traditional English getaway. You can stroll through picturesque towns, wander immaculate gardens, and shop for artisanal trinkets and treats.
• Lake District: England’s Lake District is a stunning national park famous for its winding lakes, surrounded by lush hills, and home to traditional towns. You can enjoy scenic walks, kayaking, and boating to see the region from all vantage points.

Like a storybook come to life, England’s charms wait behind every corner to reveal the country’s rich cultural tapestry, sweeping natural beauty, and iconic sites.

With ancient castles, quaint villages, lively cities, and stunning landscapes begging to be explored, a trip to England will dazzle when experiencing these top things to do:

• Visit famous monuments and landmarks, from Stonehenge to Big Ben
• Explore England’s royal castles and palaces, from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace
• Wander picturesque countryside villages and towns
• Hike, cycle, or kayak in the countryside to appreciate the natural beauty
• Enjoy the finest British cuisine on gourmet food tours
• Learn about England’s influence on popular culture, from King’s Cross to Abbey Road

London’s cosmopolitan energy is enticing as history and modernity collide. From wandering the cultural boroughs to eating at restaurants owned by celebrity chefs, the following top things to do in London are excellent experiences for your tour:

• Enjoy views of Big Ben and tour the Houses of Parliament
• Walk across Westminster Bridge and visit Westminster Abbey
• Stroll along the Mall ceremonial route to see Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard
• Visit museums detailing Britain’s history, from the Churchill War Rooms to the British Museum
• Browse iconic artwork in London’s famous museums, from the Tate Modern to the National Gallery
• See the city of London from above when taking a ride on the London Eye

For more ideas on how to experience the city on a trip with your kids, explore our guide on the top things to do in London with family.

Outside of London, there are many attractions, landmarks, and historical sites to see on your tours of England. Here are some of our favorites that we recommend you plan to visit:

• Stonehenge, Wiltshire
• The Roman Baths, Bath
• York Minster, York
• Windsor Castle, Berkshire
• Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

England is famous for many reasons, from the Royal Family to its historical castles and palaces and contributions to art and literature to its pop cultural influences. On a trip to England, you can view the residence of the Royal Family and explore the stately ancient fortresses, admire the artworks in famous museums, and learn about the country’s musical influence.

With thousands of castles dotted throughout England, you will have plenty of options from one city or region to the next should you wish to tour any famous and historic palaces and fortresses.

Here are some of our top recommendations for castle tours in England:

• The Tower of London, London
• Windsor Castle, Berkshire
• Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
• Dover Castle, Dover
• Leeds Castle, Kent

With options for short stays or longer trips, our best England itineraries combine experiences in popular cities with unique possibilities for a memorable experience. Below, we share three England tour packages designed by our travel specialists, which you can customize to suit your preferences:

• Our Best of Legendary London One-Week Tour lets you experience the highlights of England’s capital city, from Abbey Road to London Bridge, the National Gallery to the Thames River.
• Our Best of England Tour takes you from London to Stonehenge, across the English countryside to Bath, and beyond to experience the country’s cultural and historical charms.

Our Simply Splendid Southern England Tour will whisk you away to the southern English countryside for a unique and immersive experience in and around the breathtaking landscapes.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to England and inspiration in our England travel guide.