The whims of the weather, the red buses, left-hand drive and the pound sterling forge this so British identity, reinforced since the famous Brexit. Close to our shores and yet so confusing, England is the largest region in Britain. From London's extravagance to Bath's neoclassicism, Petit Futé offers you its selection of the unmistakable English. Let's go! Let's go!
Bournemouth, the English Monaco
At only 2:15 a. m. in London, Bournemouth was elected best seaside city in the United Kingdom. As time permits, its long white sandy beach attracts many English but also many students since the city is home to a renowned university. Enjoy a visit to Swanage and Corfe Castle, its castle in the middle of the hills. Notice to freshwater sailors: the boat crossing often takes place on a very turbulent sea!
Canterbury, city-cathedral
One hour from London, in the heart of Kent, Canterbury has a charming medieval city centre. A major centre of English tourism, it is visited above all for its imposing cathedral, the seat of the Anglican church and the cradle of English Christianity. Built between 1070 and 1503, its history is marked by the assassination of Thomas Beckett, archbishop who had spoken out against the king's authority. Since that day, it has been an important place of pilgrimage.
York, medieval beauty
Kilometers of ramparts, monumental Gothic cathedral - the largest in Northern Europe… Welcome to York, a medieval jewel! The street of shambles, lined with timeless buildings and picturesque cupboards, is considered the oldest shopping street on the continent: certain references date from 1086. Just two hours from London train, York is a city with a human size that is animated by cultural events and student evenings. A beautiful alternative to the capital of the capital!
Rye, a charming village
Located on the southern coast of England, in Sussex, Rye was once part of the Cinque Ports. These five ports, which were actually eight, enjoyed many privileges and housed a medieval war fleet. As if frozen in time, Rye is a medieval pearl perched on its hill. Fortified in the 11th century, it houses the most beautiful street in England according to the Telegraph: Mermaid Street.
Lake District Dreamlike
In northwest England, on the outskirts of Scotland, Lake District has been the source of inspiration for many artists - Wordsmouth, Smouthey or Colleridge, for example - better known as lakists. With its forty lakes and green landscapes, Lake District is the largest national park in England. A paradise for hikers, it welcomes many visitors who come to discover, in all seasons, the splendour of the lakes of Ullswater or Grasmere and the tranquility of Buttermere or Crummock Water.
Hadrian's wall, a 70 mile relic
Built in 122 by Emperor Hadrian to delimit the Roman Empire and protect it from the Barbarians, Hadrian's Wall is now one of England's main sites of interest. Built over 110 km, on the borders of Scotland, it is a delight for hikers who discover a timeless testimony to Roman military strategies in a green, typically English setting. Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stonehenge, a timeless city
For more than 5,000 years, a remarkable megalithic site has stood on Salisbury Plain: Stonehenge. It has fascinated archaeologists and visitors for thousands of years. What is he hiding behind this circle of giant stones? It was long thought to represent the cycle of the seasons, but recent discoveries of human bones now lead us to believe that it is a prehistoric burial site. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge is one of the most beautiful megalithic representations in the world.
Oxford, City of Knowledge
For more than 800 years, Oxford has been the university city par excellence: every year the best English students flock to it. Its university is the oldest in the country and although it is difficult to define its date of creation, there are traces of education dating back to the 11th century! Christchurch is both Oxford Cathedral and one of the largest buildings on campus. For the little story, it was here that a professor of mathematical logic named Lewis Carroll found the inspiration for the famous story of Alice in Wonderland... Mythical!
Bath, thermal elegance
In the southwest of England, Bath is one of the oldest cities in the country. Founded about 2,000 years ago by the Romans who had been seduced by its natural thermal springs, it was restructured in the 18th century in the Palladian style. Its small squares, narrow streets, 15th century abbey and of course its warm thermal baths give Bath a special atmosphere that has earned it its UNESCO World Heritage status.
London, the capital of all possibilities
London is one of Europe's most exhilarating cities. In constant motion, it is at the forefront in all areas: from the arts to fashion and business. Eldorado of young people from all over the world, it is a joyful melting pot where it is not uncommon to see gentlemen from the City and punk with ears pierced in the same districts, all under the protective eye of this very dear queen! A fascinating megalopolis, with changing atmospheres from Camden Town to Portobello Road.
