England is more than simply posh accents and gallons of tea (the English are avid coffee drinkers too!) and features a wealth of incredible historic locations, interesting culture and amazing sights that’ll have you reaching for the camera. While the start of this year has seemingly been a bit turbulent in the country, the people are as welcoming as ever and will always have a smile for their overseas visitors.
If you’ve been thinking of where to visit this year, give England a chance and take a glimpse at what this outwardly small country (with a huge spirit) has to offer in the way of food, fun and festivities.
Nottingham
Once considered the spiritual home of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, Nottingham is a rich location and conveniently placed with plenty of major travel links coming into and out of the city. An excellent place to enjoy a shopping trip, Nottingham features a mix of independent boutique shops and famous high-street brands – perfect for picking up souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family.
Within the city you can enjoy an informative walking tour, learning about the history of the area, how times have changed and it’s long-told tales of Robin Hood, his band of Merry Men and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Also visit the long-winding network of tunnels that lie beneath the city and the Nottingham Castle (closed this year for renovations). Dating back to Anglo Saxon times, the tunnels have seen plenty of use through the centuries and still hold some of the memories of times gone past.
Leicester
Only a stone’s throw away from Nottingham, Leicester is somewhere to take a load off and enjoy a peaceful, easy going break. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the English countryside. Catch a glimpse of the majestic local deer, feed the ducks or rent a rowboat in the glorious Abbey Park or let the kids blow off some steam at the green Watermead Park.
Culture and history are on offer in every part of Leicester and the surrounding areas with plenty of galleries, museums and centres to explore – check out the National Space Centre and see the stars like you never have before! Fancy a day out with a difference? Families will love the Treetop Adventure Golf – two 18-hole courses that’ll have you exploring lush rainforests and ancient temples.
Leeds
If festivities, parades, shows and excitement are top of your list, then Leeds is the place to be. Hosting a huge variety of events and activities, depending on the time of year for your visit you can enjoy summer carnivals or winter light shows. A buzzing, bustling city location, there’s something for everyone in Leeds.
Wander over to Leeds Dock for a slice of culture in the Leeds Royal Armouries Museum, with regularly rotating exhibits and galleries, there is something to amaze every member of the family! When you’ve had your fill of the world’s most important collection of arms, take a stroll to one of leading Indian restaurants in Leeds and enjoy a delicious Lassi overlooking the water.
Birmingham
London may be the capital city, but Birmingham is the culture capital of the UK and one of the greatest mixture of cultures across the entire world. Rather than clashing, these different cultures and heritages have come together to create an unrivalled location where there is something perfect for everyone. Take in the incredible architecture, enjoy a tranquil canal trip and absolutely stop for Sunday brunch in the quaint York’s Café.
Whether you like the hustle and bustle of a working city or prefer to take things at a slower pace, there is a place for you in Birmingham and once you start uncovering everything the city has to offer, you might soon find your new favourite location.
England may have a relatively small footprint in comparison to their English-speaking friends across the pond but there is plenty to see and do while spending time in the country. From delicious treats to learning something new about the history of a quaint English village from your family-managed hotel, there are plenty of surprises to discover and an entirely different world to explore. If you are wondering where to travel in 2020, make sure England features somewhere on your list and treat yourself to a true English holiday.