England Trips
- Katherine Rupp
- Sep 4
- 13 min read
Oi! What’s better than a trip to England? Staying there forever is not an option as the answer. Indeed, traveling around the country — and not solely staying in London for a trip — is what truly makes a trip even more fanciful and fascinating.
Whether it’s staying “close” to the home base of London by traveling out west to Bath or down south to Brighton, or you’re feeling more adventurous and travel nearer to Scotland than you thought by heading up to Newcastle, there are many other cities to roam about and soak in the culture.
Although London can always be, as mentioned, the main locale for your trip overseas or to England, the following list is a small snippet of some cities and towns to visit — whether for longer than your stay in London or for a quick cheeky day trip or overnight stay — on your overall trip to England.
One thing to remind yourself of before you embark on your England trip (or trips, rather), is to ensure you have an electronic travel authorization (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom. Information on obtaining an ETA is found on the UK government website.
London
First up is the Big Smoke. Where the royalty resides, where residents mill about pubs on outside ledges with their after-work pints, where millions dream of, where you can easily say during a trip, “I can see myself living here” London.
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How to Get There
From the US, most visitors will be arriving at Heathrow International, to the west of the city center. And while your arrival into England will more than likely be at Heathrow, double check your ticket as a handful of international flights from the United States will arrive at Gatwick, south of the city center.
Transportation
There is an abundance of transportation options available in London. From Transport for London’s (TFL) choices of Underground tube (subway), overground train, bus, ferry, and more, to the National Rail network, allowing you to venture a little further beyond the city center to places like Wimbledon, Reading, Cambridge, or Bletchley Park (for you history nerds out there).
Also, don’t be afraid to WALK everywhere. Once in London after arriving and dropping your luggage off at your hotel or AirBNB, get out and stretch your legs. London is a very walkable city, in addition to being a great city for walking, jumping on a tube or bus to a different part of the city, and then moseying about in another sector of the city.
If you’re not as familiar with traveling in cities you may find it a little overwhelming. Don’t fret, iIt does for everyone! One item to make sure you use, however, regardless of how familiar with London you are (or, frankly, any city), is to use Citymapper. Unlike Google Maps or Apple Maps, it is able to direct you better on how to use public transportation and different walking routes.
Spots to Hit
Drinking and Dining
London is as difficult of a city as many others, such as New York City, Paris, Buenos Aires, or Toronto, to find a place to eat and drink because there are almost too many choices. Because London is one of the most cosmopolitan cities — and diverse cities at that — in the world, it’s not hard to find a restaurant, pub, or bar that will have just what you want, with the type of cuisine you’ve been craving.
Here, though, are a few things to keep in mind:
Time of day: Dining establishments, even some pubs on occasion, can be open at odd or unexpected hours so keep that in mind before you get disappointed after showing up too late or too early.
Cuisine: From Turkish kebabs and doner dishes found in North London to chicken tikka masala at Dishoom or other Indian restaurants spread throughout the capital and a good ol’ British fish and chips (at any reputable pub) to fine dining Mexican dishes at KOL, you can find whatever you desire, so do some research beforehand.
Area: Like any large city, London also has certain areas known for certain types of food or cuisines. Pubs can be found anywhere so if you’d like British food, pop into a pub for a dish of sausage and mash or fish and chips. Other spots might be more focused on foods from China, Turkey, Italy, India, Thai, Argentina, Mexico, Greek, and others. Find those spots, like London’s Chinatown if you want good Chinese food, and start from there.
Touristy places
There are too many places to hit in London, however, if you’re singled in on one or two “big” sightseeing or tourist attractions per day, you’re more likely to not let yourself down. Here are a few that are worthwhile:
National Gallery and Trafalgar Square
Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, and Hyde Park
Notting Hill neighborhood
Camden Town neighborhood
Shoreditch neighborhood
National Maritime Museum and Greenwich Park
Queens Walk and Borough Market
Brighton
Great for a day trip to the beach or just to get away from the city, Brighton and Hove, located on the south coast, welcomes one and all for a fun day out. Looking for a city or town to hit on a trip to London that allows you to get some fresh air? Brighton is the ideal place.
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How to Get There
Most people will arrive in Brighton by train, but if you do end up renting a car in England, it’s an easy 2 hour drive (give or take 15 minutes). By train, you are able to leave London’s city center and make it to the heart of Brighton and Hove in less than 2 hours.
Transportation
You’ll likely walk a fair bit in the Brighton and Hove area. From the main train station, it’s an easy 20 minute walk south. Don’t want to waste time walking? There’s a fairly extensive bus system which will help you get around.
Spots to Hit
Drinking and Dining
Didn’t get enough Dishoom during your romp about London? Head over to the Dishoom Permit Room just 2 blocks from the seafront. There are other spots such as Burnt Orange or CinCin Italian Bar & Kitchen if you’d want seasonal fare that makes you want to stay for hours, whereas you have the same type of welcoming pub environment on the south coast like you would in London.
Touristy places
The main reason for visiting Brighton will be for its access to the beach. Brighton Beach and the Brighton Palace Pier are the top destinations for Brits and tourists alike coming to the area. Not in Brighton for getting Vitamin D? Brighton and Hove boasts of many museums and attractions like the Royal Pavilion and Garden, the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, or the aquarium at Sea Life Brighton.
Bath
The original relaxation destination, Bath after the Roman Baths in the center of the city, is an attraction on its own. Outside of the spa and retreat experiences that are often had for visitors of the city, there are a bunch of historic and cultural adventures to undertake in the UNESCO World Heritage status city.
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How to Get There
Similar to Brighton and Hove on the south coast, Bath is a smaller city that is not accessible by an international (from the US) flight. You’ll likely be required to fly into another city such as London or Cardiff, Wales.
Although it sounds tricky, getting to Bath is not that difficult — just another great day trip option or a long weekend spot to hit — and doing it by traveling via train, bus, or car. If traveling by train, it takes an hour and a half by the Great Western Railway to Bath Spa station. Driving or taking the bus? It’ll be another hour tacked on with about a 2.5 or 3 hour trip, one way.
Transportation
As any person who is capable of walking, this town is as good as any to walk. The city center is quaint and small enough to become acquainted with it quickly by walking, while you are able to venture out via other means of transportation than just walking.
The area’s transportation network, that also includes Bristol, is called Travel West and features a large number of bus routes to hit the spots you’d like to see but don’t prefer walking to. If you want to bike in the area, that’s also an option, with many of the locales you’ll see along the way having picturesque views and historical markers that you’ll jump off and on your bike all day.
Spots to Hit
Drinking and Dining
From cafes and restaurants to bars and clubs, Bath has it all. What’s more, if you’re looking for more out of your tipple and are seeking out some more adventure from your drinking experience, there is a variety of options for breweries, as well as vineyards just outside of town, in addition to distilleries. The Visit Bath tourism board has a terrific rundown of breweries, vineyards, and distillery spots to check out.
For your eating experience, there are many great restaurants, cafes, and pubs that showcase delicious worldwide fare. From The Elder, which dates back to 1700, to a more modern seafood restaurant at The Scallop Shell, to ordering lots of small plates with friends and family at Ole Tapas, there’s something for everyone.
Touristy places
Although touristy, it’s difficult to really say Bath is a tourist destination as it’s more of a spa destination, in and of itself. Despite that, there are plenty of places to see and things to do, spa or not.
A favorite for visitors is to simply walk along the paths and streets in and directly outside of the city center and soak up as much culture as possible. In town, however, you’ll find great attractions ranging from history to museums. Want to spend time at a museum? A few options include the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, The Jane Austen Centre, The Museum of Bath at Work, and The Holburne Museum.
If you’re looking for things to do outside, there are countless parks to choose from for a picnic or even selecting from lots of options for Guided (or Self-Guided) Walks about the town. But the most famous attraction that visitors come to Bath for are the Roman Baths, which are not to be missed.
Manchester
After London and Birmingham, Manchester is the largest populated city in England, and for good reason. Located in the northwest part of England, and boasts being the largest city in the north of England, the city exudes confidence and pride in its culture, food, history, sports, and music.
Looking for a trip up north that’s a great location for a long weekend to get away from the Big Smoke? Keep your eyes peeled on Manchester as an option as there’s loads to do and see.
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How to Get There
Manchester Airport, although won’t be the final destination for your international flight from the US, is likely your arrival destination after a layover in London. Although flying is an option with your layover, it’s often easier for those with the “homebase” in London to train up to Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria.
If you’re training from London on an Avanti West Coast train, a trip can cost as low as around 50 pounds and takes about 2.5 hours, with the train making its way through towns such as Milton Keynes and Stoke. On the other hand, if you’re driving, it’ll take a little less than four hours to make your way from the London area to the city center of Manchester.
Transportation
Once you’re in Manchester, the world is your oyster. However, keep in mind that, unlike Bath or Brighton, you’ll more than likely need to use public transport — unless you want to walk a lot. The Manchester area has a tram network encompassing over 60 miles, with tens of millions of passengers taking journeys on the system throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a tram and it’s not going somewhere you’re looking to head to, there is a wide ranging bus system that may also have stops near where you’re going. Consider the well-run public transport when in Manchester and you won’t go wrong with it.
Spots to Hit
Drinking and Dining
There are far too many restaurants and pubs to name in Manchester but a few publications have tried to do so. Trip Advisor has listed the top restaurants in Manchester for all types of food desires, whereas the Michelin Guide has sorted out the 17 restaurants that have any type of Michelin distinction to its name, whether it’s a star rating (mana and Skof), a Bib Gourmand recommendation, or a notable dining establishment that is worth checking out.
If you’re looking for pubs or bars, there are countless watering holes to duck into to grab a pint or a gin and tonic, regardless if they’re newly opened or spots that have been around for hundreds of years, like The Edinburgh Castle (since 1811).
Touristy places
If you’re a music fan, Manchester is known for its music scene, with the largest act coming out of the area being Oasis, the duo comprising Noel and Liam Gallagher. If you’re wanting to head to a show or try to find the “next” Oasis, head to one of the many music venues scattered throughout Manchester and its surrounding areas.
Not into the music scene but are more of a history and culture buff? You’re in luck as Manchester has great opportunities to roam around the city to photograph and capture fantastic sights. Whether it’s the (free!) Manchester Museum, People’s History Museum, or Manchester Art Gallery, you can easily find yourself there for a good chunk of the day… or all day.
If you’re not too sick of soaking in the history, culture, and architecture of the city, head out on a guided or self-guided tour of Manchester. After all, there are plenty to choose from.
Lastly, if you’re big into sports — especially if you love football (soccer) but aren’t necessarily a supporter of either of the Manchester teams — the National Football Museum is a must! Directly adjacent to Manchester Victoria (train station), you’ll notice the gleaming glass facade right away. If you can’t get enough football with a visit to the Museum, take a trip via a bus or tram ride to either Manchester United’s stadium, Old Trafford, on the southwest side of Manchester, or pop over to the east side to visit Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool
Located on the River Mersey (you’ll often hear people say they’re from Merseyside… which means just that… from the Liverpool area), Liverpool is a city that’s fiercely devoted to being Liverpudlian. As it’s a UNESCO City of Music and home to one of, if not the most famous bands, that called Liverpool home is the reason why many people visit.
Paying homage to The Beatles is one of the most popular reasons to visit the city, as it should be. But there’s more to just celebrating the mop-top boys, as Liverpool’s culture is one of joy and pride.
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How to Get There
Like Manchester, you’re able to arrive in Liverpool’s airport, the Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with a layover in London. However, if you’re already in London and the south of England, it’s a fairly quick jump up to the northwest by train.
Taking the Avanti West Coast train from central London — leaving out of London’s Euston Station — will get you to Liverpool Lime Street anywhere between 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours. Although you likely wouldn’t want to drive as it is more of a hike than even Manchester, if you’re driving, it’ll be about 4.5 hours.
Transportation
Whether you’re heading around the city center or venturing out a bit further, you’ll want to keep a track on all of the public transport options at hand when in Liverpool. There are bus, rail, ferry, and bike selections available around the city through Mersey Travel.
Your best bet, though, for traveling in the city center is by walking around or via hopping on and off a public bus. As said earlier, just make sure you are utilizing Citymapper (or Google Maps or Apple Maps)!
Spots to Hit
Drinking and Dining
Like other large cities in England or around the world, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly one spot, or a few spots, to say to hit for food and drink. That’s why one good resource is to crowd source from those who live in the area and have the history of frequenting spots; hence, reddit is a great use of research time for Liverpool. The Liverpool subreddit showcases a variety of types of food and price points from those who have been to restaurants in the area.
A few restaurants that have a large amount of recommendations and thumbs up from locals and visitors alike include Queens (for both breakfast and the evening dinner menu), Bacaro (for Spanish tapas-like dishes), or Cowshed, for a really good steakhouse.
Touristy places
Looking for things to do in Liverpool? You won’t have to look far. A favorite of visitors and residents alike is taking a tour of the Royal Liver Building, where you’ll have 360 degree views of Liverpool. What else is there to do besides “Beatles things”, you ask? Plenty!
A few other things to do in Liverpool include:
Mersey Tunnel Tours (if you’re feeling adventurous)
And now for the Beatles. Here are some options to go and see and do:
If you still have time left on your Liverpool trip, especially if you’re a football fan, consider a tour at either Liverpool's Anfield Stadium or Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Newcastle
Overlooking the River Tyne in England’s northeast, Newcastle (also known as “Geordie” territory) blends historic charm with an almost unsettling youthful energy and positivity. Known for its iconic bridges (especially the Tyne Bridge that is a centerpiece of the September’s annual Great North Run), a quayside with all its hustle and bustle, and a legendary nightlife scene, it offers a distinctly northern experience — closer in character to Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland than to London.
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How to Get There
The easiest route from London is by train: the LNER from Kings Cross takes about three hours, with Newcastle’s station conveniently located in the south portion of the city center. Driving takes over five hours, while domestic flights (post-international flights from the US) are also an option… if time is tight.
Transportation
The city center is very walkable, with the Metro and buses connecting key areas like Jesmond, Ouseburn, Gosforth, Heaton, and the coastal towns of Tynemouth and Whitley Bay.
Spots to Hit
Drinking & Dining
Newcastle is famous for its nightlife, from traditional pubs to stylish cocktail and wine bars… and the bars that feature 2-for-1 cocktails until late. Try a pint — or, ahem, pints — of local beer (whether it’s Donzoko or Wylam breweries, those two are great options) or explore the Quayside for riverside drinks and food.
Touristy Places
Highlights include Newcastle Castle for the history buffs, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art or Laing Art Gallery for those who want to soak up some culture, and a stroll along the quayside beneath the Tyne Bridge. Sports fans shouldn’t miss a tour of St. James’ Park, while nature lovers can head to Jesmond Dene or escape to nearby Tynemouth’s beaches for some salty sea air and sweeping views of crashing waves.
(Read more about what to see, eat, and explore in Newcastle in the full blog.)
Regardless of where you visit, whether it is the capital or elsewhere around the country, you’ll certainly discover more of England than you possibly imagined. And if you’ve been to one or a few of these locations before, your next question must be: where to next?
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