The Beatrix Potter Experience. Photo courtesy of Silly Little Man via Flickr.

One of England’s most beloved childrens’ authors, Beatrix Potter has been enchanting readers with her animal storybooks since she published her first book in 1901 and those looking to uncover the landscapes that inspired her artistry will find plenty to marvel over in England’s idyllic Lake District. Potter and the Lake District remain inextricably linked – the landscape that inspired many of her drawings owes a great debt to Potter, who purchased vast amounts of land in order to preserve it and bequeathed fourteen farms and 4000 acres of land to the National Trust upon her death.

Follow in Potter’s footsteps as you explore the 17th century Hill Top farm, where the enigmatic writer lived and wrote many of her famous childrens stories. Today, the house and its garden are beautifully preserved in tribute to its former resident, with many of Miss Potter’s belongings, including the desk at which she worked, left undisturbed. The Beatrix Potter Trail also runs around the Hill Top village, a short walking trail that takes in the area where the author once lived.

Next, pay a visit to the Beatrice Potter gallery in nearby Hawkshead where many of Beatrix’s original water color paintings and sketches are on display, with highlights including the original artwork for ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’. You can also visit Wray Castle and Yew Tree Farm, where Potter spent many of her family holidays; spend a night in the Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel formerly owned by Potter; or stock up on Potter souvenirs at the many themed souvenir shops in the local villages.

Another popular family attraction is the World of Beatrix Potter, also in the Lake District, where all 23 of the Potter’s stories are brought to life in a series of indoor installations, galleries and outdoor gardens. Kids will relish the opportunity to meet characters like Jemima Puddle-Duck, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and Peter Rabbit, while the Beatrix Potter Tea Room and The Beatrix Potter Shop offers something for everyone.

Potter fans may also recognize a number of local sights from Potter’s illustrations – look out for Anvil Cottage from ‘The Tale of Samuel Whiskers’, the post box from ‘Peter Rabbit’s Almanac’, the Ginger and Pickles shop from ‘The Tale of Ginger and Pickles’, the Tower Bank Arms from ‘The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck’ and Tom kitten’s gate from ‘The Tale of Tom Kitten.’ Don’t want to miss anything? Take a Beatrix Potter Lakeland tour or a 3 day Beatrix Potter Experience tour for the ultimate guide to all things Beatrix Potter.

- Zoe Smith

Exploring Beatrix Potter’s England from England Things to Do

Blackpool, England. Photo courtesy of westy48 via Flickr.

With miles of dramatic coastline and world-famous seaside resorts, what England lacks in tropical weather, it makes up for in rugged scenery and seafront entertainment. If you’re choosing to hit the beach in the UK, you’ll be in good company, as many cash-strapped Brits are choosing to holiday on home turf and coastal resorts will be putting on plenty of summertime entertainment to keep the masses happy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or dazzling party hub, these are some of England’s best seaside towns.

1. Brighton
The closest seaside resort to London, Brighton is famous for its lively pier, quirky shops and trendy cafés, as well as its lavish Royal Pavilion, once home to King George IV. Get a view from the Brighton Wheel, make yourself dizzy on the amusement rides, stroll along the pebble beach at sunset or explore the town’s many art galleries.

2. Blackpool
One of Britain’s most beloved seaside resort, Blackpool will be crammed with sun-seekers during the summer months, with crowds flocking to view the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations, a sprawl of creative light displays running for 11km along the coast. If action-packed holidays are your thing, Blackpool has plenty to offer – hit the Pleasure Beach amusement park, try your luck at the slot-machine arcades dotted along the three piers, visit the Blackpool Madame Tussaud’s Waxwork museum, or climb the Blackpool Tower for the best view in town.

3. Weymouth
Surging in popularity since its debut as an Olympic sailing host last year, the seaside resort of Weymouth is one of England’s most beautiful destinations, winning over visitors with its wide sandy beach and rugged coastal cliffs that form part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Jurassic Coast. The perfect location for adventurous travelers, Weymouth has made a name for itself as a water sports hot-spot, with kite surfing, water skiing and wind surfing all on offer, as well as rock-climbing, paragliding, hiking and cycling.

4. Scarborough
Famously immortalized in the Simon and Garfunkel song ‘Scarborough Fair’, the Yorkshire town of Scarborough is one of England’s most historic resorts, first gaining popularity in Georgian times. Take in the views from the towering Scarborough Castle, visit the exquisite Sun Court Enclosure where the legendary seaside orchestra plays daily concerts throughout the summer, hire a rowing boat, or simply relax on one of the many sandy beaches.

5. Newquay
One of the most popular resorts along the famous Cornish coast, Newquay boasts 11 sandy beaches set against a backdrop of towering cliffs and rocky coves. A popular spot for both family holidays and student get-togethers, Newquay is also renowned as the surf capital of Britain and making it the perfect place to learn to surf or kiteboard.

- Zoe Smith

England’s Best Seaside Towns from England Things to Do

Hiking in England’s Lake District National Park. Photo courtesy of Shawn Hargreaves via Flickr.

With excellent marked trails and camping facilities, and the Countryside Rights of Way Act allowing walkers to walk freely on over 2.1 million acres of land, England belies its small size with an incredible variety of hiking opportunities.

The UK’s renowned National Parks provide the backdrop to most excursions, with the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District and the Lake District’s high mountain passes drawing thousands of hikers. Further north the windswept Yorkshire Moors and the misty marshlands of the Yorkshire Dales offer hikers the chance to explore ‘Bronte County’, made famous by the legendary sisters, and in the south the lush woodlands and open plains of the New Forest, Exmoor and Dartmouth National Parks offer a network of trails that snake through paddocks of free-roaming native ponies.

The country also offers fifteen National Trails, specially preserved and well signposted long-distance hiking routes that criss-cross the country’s finest landscapes. The Pennine Way was the first of the National Trails, marked out in 1965, and remains hugely popular – a 430km trek running through the Pennine Hills, over the historic Hadrian’s Wall and all the way to the Scottish border. Other popular routes include the historic South Downs Way, tracing the path of Bronze Age traders and Romans through the Hampshire countryside; the 250km North Downs Way from Surrey to Dover, taking in the iconic White Cliffs of Dover; and the 185-mile Thames Path which runs all the way from Gloucestershire into central London.

That’s not all – the Forestry Commission maintains a vast network of woodland trails perfect for short walks and day hikes, and the Rambler’s Association offer mapped routes for hiking trails all around the UK. Finally, the best thing about hiking in such a small country is that wherever you end up you’ll never be too far from the nearest village so there’s no excuse for not getting off the beaten track. Pick up a map, pack your compass and test out your orienteering skills in the British Countryside.

- Zoe Smith

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Hiking Trails in England from England Things to Do

Bath, England.

With its roots dating back to 1948, England’s Bath International Music festival, or Bath Music Festival, is one of the city’s biggest events held each spring in the historic town. Showcasing a range of musical styles including orchestral, contemporary jazz, folk, world, roots and electronica, there’s something for all tastes and plenty of free events staged throughout the city.

Bath has a long and illustrious history of music, attracting audiences since Elizabethan times thanks to the city’s famous choristers, and the Bath Music festival has cemented its reputation as a musical hub. Renowned for featuring a range of virtuoso musicians, the festival has previously showcased such diverse performers as the London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis, Brian Eno and the famous collaboration between Yehudi Menuhin and Ravi Shankar.

The festival stretches over 12 days and takes over many of the city’s principal music venues, including the Guildhall, Bath Abbey and the Assembly Rooms. 2013 sees pianist Joanna MacGregor step down as Artistic director after a 7-year run, with composer Alasdair Nicolson, famous for his work with the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, stepping up to take her place. MacGregor’s vision, based on the theme ‘Mystics, Magic, Myths and Monsters’ includes a much-anticipated series of concerts and events, with the many performers including Seth Lakeman, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Matthew Sharp and the Sacconi Quartet.

- Zoe Smith

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Bath Music Festival from England Things to Do

Jersey. Photo courtesy of aaron.bihari via Flickr.

The southernmost islands in the British Isles, England‘s aptly named Channel Islands lie in the English Channel near the French coast and include the bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. As the closest British territory to France, the islands have long been a strategic gateway to continental Europe and remain a fascinating focal point of Britain’s military and naval history, including being the only British territory to be occupied by German troops during WWII.

Easily reachable by ferry from both France and England, the islands now make a popular stopover for cross-channel travelers, with their historic remains and picturesque countryside fueling a thriving tourism industry. Jersey, the largest and southernmost of the islands, is famous for both its native dairy cows and dramatic coastline, a 72km stretch of rugged sea cliffs, historic fishing villages and long, sandy beaches. Neighboring Guernsey has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times with its idyllic countryside offering the perfect backdrop for hiking and cycling excursions, and a number of key historic sites.

The islands are also a popular adventure sports destination with abseiling, canyoning and paragliding all popular activities and the choppy seas and windswept coastline providing the perfect climate for surfing, wakeboarding and blokarting (zooming along the beach in a wind-propelled land yacht).

The smaller and lesser-visited Channel islands include Alderney, the third largest of the islands; the tiny isle of Herm, a popular family beach resort; and car-free Sark, famed as the last feudal society in Europe, all of them reachable by ferry from Guernsey.

- Zoe Smith

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England’s Channel Islands from England Things to Do

The famous White Cliffs of Dover.

The spectacular White Cliffs of Dover are one of England’s most iconic landmarks but there’s more to the southern port town than its towering sea cliffs. With its busy harbor receiving daily ferries from continental Europe, Dover is one of the world’s busiest ports and many travelers choose to spend much longer than a night exploring the coastal city.

Exploring the famous White Cliffs remains one of the most popular pastimes for visitors to Dover, with the wall of chalk rock reaching up to 300 feet in height and running for 10 miles along the coast. Taking a cliff top walk affords expansive views over the Channel, but some of the most dramatic views are available the 13th century Dover Castle, another one of the city’s most popular sights. From the castle a series of hidden tunnels run through the heart of the cliffs, first carved by prisoners held in the dungeons and later used by Winston Churchill as part of his WWII military headquarters. Other key sights include the Battle of Britain Memorial, a national memorial to the aircrew who won the Battle of Britain, and the Western Heights, the vast remains of the ports 18th and 19th century fortifications.

With its rich maritime heritage and bustling harbor, just wandering around Dover is an atmospheric experience. Take a stroll along the sea walk at Samphire Hoe, affording striking views from the foot of the White Cliffs; visit the Dover Museum, home to one of the last remaining Bronze Age boats in Britain; explore the shops and cafés in the picturesque De Bradelei Wharf; or get a view out to sea from the South Foreland Lighthouse.

- Zoe Smith

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Things to Do in Dover from England Things to Do

Chelsea Flower Show, England. Photo courtesy of Karen Roe via Flickr.

England’s largest horticultural extravaganza, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, previously known as the Great Spring Show, is one of the world’s most famous flower shows, drawing in gardening enthusiasts from all over the globe. The annual festival is organized by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and held each May in the grounds of the Chelsea Royal Hospital, where a series of spectacular gardens and floral exhibits are displayed to dramatic effect.

The gardens, including a number of show gardens created by leading artists and garden designers, span over 11 acres with a grand Floral Marquee at its center and are judged for a series of awards throughout the event. Celebrated for their originality, the elaborate gardens are designed to dazzle, with artistic themes, enormous floral installations, ornate sculptures and inspired topiary. Over the years the show stopping creations, often described as ‘Paris fashion week for gardeners’, have included ‘Paradise in Plasticine’ by John May, a garden made entirely of plasticine; Diarmuid Gavin’s ‘Irish Sky Garden’, a floating garden dramatically suspended in the air; and a buzzing honeybee garden by John Chambers.

The Chelsea Flower Show first started in 1913 and has become an important date on the Royal calendar, with a number of Royal family members putting in an appearance and the Queen, the Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society, often opening the show. Each year sees the latest gardening technologies and innovations brought to the worldwide audience, with greenhouse displays of exotic crops, Artisan gardens designed using all natural, eco-friendly materials and creative Urban gardens being some of the most popular exhibits.

The show runs for five days, with the first days reserved for RHS members, and culminates in a massive sale of floral arrangements on the final afternoon. Tickets are available by advance booking only so book ahead to join the 157,000 attendees, or tune in to the BBC’s live television coverage of the iconic show.

- Zoe Smith

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Chelsea Flower Show from England Things to Do

Yorkshire Dales, Photo courtesy of Helen Olney via Flickr.

From the eerie wilderness of the Yorkshire moors as brought to life by the Bronte sisters’ novels, to the medieval architecture lining the cobbled streets of York, the northern England county of Yorkshire is one of the best reasons to leave London.

Yorkshire encompasses a large territory of northeastern England, including the South Yorkshire cities of Sheffield and Leeds, but it’s the North Yorkshire region that most visitors most commonly refer to as ‘Yorkshire’. Here, the unofficial capital is the historic city of York; a lively student town celebrated for its extraordinary architecture and still-standing 13th-century defense walls. York’s biggest draw card is the magnificent York Minster Cathedral, one of the largest in the country, with a remarkable gothic façade that dates back to the 8th century.

Yorkshire’s hauntingly beautiful landscapes remain at the top of hiker’s wish lists, having inspired generations of literature, poetry and films, and harboring some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK in its two national parks. The Yorkshire Moors, often affectionately nicknamed ‘Bronte County’ thanks to its famous literary residents, stretches along the northeastern coastline; brooding, heather-smattered moors that remain shrouded in mystique. To the west, the Yorkshire Dales are a paradise for walkers, climbers and cyclists; an expanse of soaring limestone hills, verdant valleys and stone-built villages.

Windswept moorlands are not the only dramatic feature of Yorkshire’s countryside; the county’s rugged North Sea coastline is a sensational stretch of towering sea cliffs, smuggler’s coves and sandy bays. The dynamic seaside resort of Scarborough, subject of the folk song Scarborough Fair (made famous by Simon & Garfunkel); historic Whitby, where Bram Stoker famously wrote his bestseller Dracula; and the fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, all make popular destinations.

Those venturing up north will find much more than a photo-worthy landscape – Yorkshire is renowned for it’s hospitality and the broad-accented northerners are charmingly outspoken and ever welcoming. Take time to explore the villages and you’ll uncover pockets of England untouched by the hassle of city life, where you can sip Yorkshire tea (reputedly some of the country’s best) in a local teahouse and tuck into a hearty roast dinner, complete with regional specialty Yorkshire puddings (delicious savory ‘cakes’ made from oven baked batter) in one of the many traditional pubs.

- Zoe Smith

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The Moors of Yorkshire from England Things to Do

Traditional English Afternoon Tea.

England‘s food has earned itself a reputation for blandness over the years, but with historic recipes dating back to the Victorian times, inventive use of staple ingredients and some notoriously wacky names (think ‘bubble & squeak’ or ‘spotted dick pudding’), traditional English cuisine has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. Here are six of the nation’s most beloved dishes to get you started.

1. Bangers and Mash
Hearty pork sausages (bangers) and creamy mashed potato (mash) make up this classic pub dish, typically served up with meat gravy and a side of greens. Add a twist to the sausages by opting for ‘Toad in the Hole’—sausages baked inside a giant Yorkshire pudding (a savory cake made from oven-baked batter).

2. English Breakfast
Served up everywhere from ‘greasy spoons’ (small, worker’s cafés) to posh restaurants all over England, the country’s traditional breakfast—known as a ‘fry-up’ thanks to its largely fried ingredients—is a huge and hearty plateful that should see you through to dinnertime. Fried eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, sausage and baked beans, all find themselves on the menu, typically served up with fried bread. Look out for additions like hash browns (shredded potato patties) or bubble & squeak (patties of fried cabbage and mashed potato).

3. Fish and Chips
Head to the local ‘chippie’ (chip shop) for the most authentic fish and chips experience, where you’ll get a huge slab of battered fish and thick-cut chips (French fries), typically slathered in salt and vinegar, or served up with a side of hot mushy peas. Non-fish eaters can opt for a ‘Chip Butty’ instead—a buttered bread bun crammed with hot chips and ketchup.

4. Pies & Pasties
The British love affair with pies dates back to medieval times, characterized by the thick, soft pastry and hearty meat-based fillings. Most famous are the Steak & Kidney pie, Cottage pie (minced meat topped with mashed potato) and Shepherd’s Pie (lamb topped with mashed potato), but make sure you try a Cornish Pasty, too—a meat and vegetable pie shaped in a half circle, and hailing from Cornwall.

5. Suet Puddings
If there’s one thing English cuisine excels in, it’s the dessert course—known as ‘pudding’ in England. Bread and butter pudding, Bramley apple crumble and Bakewell tart are all classic British deserts, but most popular are the rich suet puddings, steam-cooked in boiling water and traditionally served with thick, creamy custard. Try Spotted Dick pudding (soft sponge and raisons), Sticky Toffee or Treacle Pudding (oozing with toffee or treacle), Jam Roly-Poly (sponge dripping with hot strawberry jelly) or the festive Christmas pudding (soaked in brandy and dried fruits).

6. Afternoon Tea
No British tradition is as world famous as Afternoon Tea and while the cucumber sandwiches and period-drama pomp might be reserved for special occasions, you won’t have to look far in England for a good cup of tea. Make sure it’s served in a traditional teapot and couple it with freshly baked scones, strawberry jam and rich clotted cream.

- Zoe Smith

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Traditional Foods to Try in England from England Things to Do

Isle of Wight. Photo courtesy of ronsaunders47 via Flickr.

A popular UK holiday destination, the Isle of Wight lies around 6 miles off the south coast of England and is reachable by ferry from the southern ports of Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth. One of the largest of England’s many isles, at 24 miles across, the island first made a name for itself in the Victorian era, becoming a fashionable seaside resort for the upper class. Today, the traditional villages and pristine beaches (celebrated as some of the best in the UK) remain the island’s key attractions and the island’s two major summer festivals—Isle of Wight Festival and Bestival—draw huge crowds to its shores.

Affectionately nicknamed ‘England In Miniature’ for its surprising variety of scenery, the Isle of Wight has plenty of striking vistas, as well as a rich history behind its smugglers’ coves and ancient forts, and some of the most celebrated dinosaur fossil sites in the world. The famous multi-hued sand of Alum Bay is one of the most distinctive sights, with graded vials of sand making popular souvenirs; the dramatically collapsed gorge of Blackgang Chine is home to one of the world’s oldest theme parks; the ‘Needles’ headland fronts the western tip of the island with its iconic rocky peaks; and the Norman Carisbrooke Castle is one of the most visited attractions with its ancient donkey-driven well.

With such a picturesque backdrop and over half of the island designated as an ‘Area of Outstanding Beauty’, it’s no surprise that Isle of Wight travelers spend most of their time outdoors. 500 miles of footpaths and bridleways trace the island, offering a variety of options for hikers and horse riders, and adventure activities like tree climbing and coasteering (navigating the rocky coastline on foot, often including cliff-jumping and swimming) have also taken off, maintaining the island’s reputation for the eco-friendly. Cycling is another popular pastime, with over 200 miles of cycle trails, including the 12-mile circular ‘Sunshine Trail’ that runs through the villages of Sandown, Shanklin, Godshill and Wroxhall and the 13-mile ‘Troll Trail’ starting out in Cowes.

Water sports have taken over the shoreline in recent years, spearheaded by the popularity of Cowes, a major yachting center that hosts the world’s biggest international yachting event, the annual Cowes Week (an event so prestigious it’s even attended by the Royal family). Windsurfing, sailing and paragliding all make good use of the UK’s high winds, but with the most sunshine hours of anywhere in the country, they’ll be plenty of opportunity to simply relax and soak up some rays.

- Zoe Smith

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Isle of Wight from England Things to Do