Your Alternative Guide to England

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There is much more to England than its illustrious capital. Venturing outside of London’s crowds and into England’s rolling green countryside, up into the industrial Northern cities and out to the jurassic coastlines, will allow you to see the diversity and beauty of the country’s rich heritage. When you’re not exploring the below spots on your Trafalgar Britain tour, make the most of your pre and post departure time based in London with our alternative guide to England.

Get Cultural in Liverpool

CS-VB - liverpool do not use — Visit Britain

Made famous around the world by ‘The Fab Four’, Liverpool has undergone a modern evolution. Becoming synonymous with popular culture after being awarded European City of Culture in 2018, every year the city hosts various art and music events. For example, the month of May sees Liverpool host its annual Liverpool Sound City music festival. With a vibrant culinary and bar scene to explore by night, Liverpool has transformed itself from its industrial past into an edgy metropolis. Take a historic Beatles tour of the city, or explore one of the more modern art or culture installations taking place.

Visit Liverpool on: Britain and Ireland Grandeur

Visit the Romans’ Version of a ‘Wellness Retreat’ in Bath

Wellness travel may be a relatively modern concept, but the Romans were onto something, even way back then. Boasting the only thermal hot springs that you can bathe in in the whole of Britain (not to be confused with the traditional Roman baths), Bath has long been a tourist attraction. Set amongst the rolling English hills, the city is lined with beautiful Georgian buildings, housing independent gin bars, restaurants and retail stores.

Visit Bath on: Britain and Ireland Panorama

Go Punting in Cambridge

For an easy day-trip out of London, take a short train-ride up to Cambridge where you can visit the world-famous University, responsible for educating the likes of Stephen Hawking, Sir David Attenborough and Charles Darwin. Weather permitting, spend the afternoon punting along the River Cam for a quintessentially English day out.

Discover the Historic City of York

The ancient walled city of York harks back to a Roman era, but with strong Viking influences in its past. History-buffs will revel in York’s periodic stories and admire the Roman city walls and 800-year-old Minster, while foodies can enjoy York’s booming restaurant scene, with York’s Food and Drink festival taking place in September.

Visit York on: Real Britain

Enjoy Lunch on a Cornish Farmstead

In the very South Western point of England, Cornwall has its own unique identity. Home to England’s longest coastline, Cornwall’s laid-back, rural way of life is far removed from the buzz of the inner cities. After a day of exploring the dramatic Cornish coastline of smugglers coves and fishing villages, stop for an exclusive Be My Guest lunch in a family farmstead. Learn about the 18th-Century farm heritage over a local meal and friendly ‘Cornish’ hospitality.

Visit Cornwall on: Best of Devon and Cornwall

Visit the Resting Place of King Arthur and Guinevere

Surprisingly, Glastonbury Festival is not responsible for making this area of England legendary. Since Medieval times, Glastonbury Abbey has been a popular religious site, attracting visitors from far and wide because of myths, legends and historical links. It’s said that King Arthur and Guinevere were buried at this site, and the ancient abbey is one of the longest standing Christian sites in England. Visit this tranquil abbey on your trip around Somerset (which, includes an exclusive Be My Guest lunch) and England’s West Country.

Visit Somerset on: Best of Britain

Wave to the Royals at Windsor Castle

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England has many famous castles and palaces to explore, but following the two recent Royal Weddings held here, Windsor Castle has taken its spot in the limelight. As one of the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castles, take a walk around the surrounding grounds, hire a boat on the River Thames or explore the English pubs and restaurants in the pretty town.

Visit Windsor on: Delights of London and Paris

Get Artsy in Bristol

Famous for the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Balloon Fiesta and Banksy, the bohemian, easy-going city of Bristol was voted the best place to live in Britain in 2017 – and it’s easy to see why. With streets full of independent businesses, colorful houses, quirky street art and leafy green parks, Bristol has a very relaxed vibe compared to England’s other main cities. With two major universities housed here, the city is awash with arts and culture, but the city also houses Brunel’s SS Great Britain, a 19th Century steamship.

Visit Bristol on: Amazing Britain

Feeling inspired? Book your trip to England with Trafalgar today and discover many more alternative destinations away from the bright lights and busy streets of London.

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