Planning a trip and searching for things to do in England? Forget those generic lists repeating the same tourist traps. After living here 15 years – yes, including through those famously dreary winters – I’ve compiled what actually delivers unforgettable experiences. Whether you crave history, landscapes, or hidden pubs, this guide cuts through the noise.
London Essentials: Beyond the Postcard Sights
Sure, see Buckingham Palace. But here’s what most miss: arrive for Changing of the Guard at 10:15 AM sharp (Victoria Memorial viewpoint beats the gates) and skip the £30 State Rooms tour unless obsessed with gilded ceilings. Instead, invest that time and money here:
London’s Underrated Treasures
| Attraction | Address | Opening Hours | Price/Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sir John Soane's Museum | 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP | Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM | Free (book Sat candlelit tour £20) |
| Leadenhall Market | Gracechurch St, EC3V 1LT | Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM | Free (avoid lunch crowds) |
| Dennis Severs' House | 18 Folgate St, E1 6BX | Check site for sessions | £15 (silent night tours essential) |
| Postal Museum Mail Rail | 15-20 Phoenix Pl, WC1X 0DA | Wed-Sun 10:30AM-5PM | £16 (ride the underground train!) |
The Tower of London? Brutally crowded. Go at opening (9AM Tue/Wed least busy) head straight to Crown Jewels before queues snake around. Skip beefeater tours – overheated kids and shuffling crowds ruin it.
London hack: Use Thames Clippers for transport. A single Oyster fare (£4.50) gives better skyline views than £25 tourist boats. Route from Westminster to Greenwich passes Tower Bridge perfectly.
Iconic Day Trips Worth Your Time
Most day trips from London are chaos. Oxford and Cambridge? Jammed with tour groups by 11AM. Instead:
Stonehenge vs. Alternatives
| Option | Transport | Cost | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stonehenge | Train to Salisbury + bus (£45) | £24 entry | Book 8AM slot + shuttle to beat crowds |
| Avebury Stone Circle | Train to Swindon + taxi (£35) | Free (walk among stones!) | Combine with Silbury Hill hike |
| Castlerigg Stone Circle | Train to Penrith (Lake District) | Free | Sunrise/sunset = pure magic |
Honestly? Unless druid spirituality calls you, Avebury delivers more atmosphere without barriers. Save Stonehenge for very off-season weekdays. Did it once in November drizzle – moody and almost alone.
North England Gems They Don’t Tell You About
Most stick to London. Big mistake. The North has soul – and better pies.
Yorkshire Essentials
- York Minster: Book tower climb (£16) for city views. Avoid Sundays (services limit access).
- The Shambles: Go pre-10AM for photos sans crowds. Skip "Harry Potter shops" – overpriced tat.
- York’s Secret Gardens: Find Treasurer’s House (Minster Yard) walled garden – free oasis.
Had my worst meal in Whitby (greasy fish shack near pier). Best? The Magpie Café (14 Pier Road) – expect £25 for haddock & chips but worth it. Book weeks ahead.
Coastal Escapes Without the Crowds
Cornwall’s gorgeous but packed July-August. Alternatives:
Underrated Coastlines
| Destination | Highlights | Best Time | Travel Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northumberland Coast | Bamburgh Castle, Holy Island | May-June | Rent car – poor public transport |
| Norfolk Coast Path | Blakeney seals, Holkham Beach | September | Coasthopper bus connects villages |
| Jurassic Coast (Dorset) | Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove | April/Oct | Hike South West Coast Path sections |
Tried "charming" Cornwall in August once. Stuck in traffic 4 hours from St Ives to Penzance. Never again. Durham’s coastline? Empty beaches even in summer.
Pub Culture: Do It Properly
Finding a great pub is among the top things to do in England. But avoid tourist traps with fake beams and frozen food.
Spot a proper pub: Handwritten ales board, locals at bar, no TVs showing football, pickled eggs on counter. The Eagle in Cambridge (Benet Street) – where DNA was discovered – serves proper ale in historic setting.
My worst pub experience? Paid £18 for a "Yorkshire roast" in London that was reheated mush. Best? The Tan Hill Inn (Yorkshire Dales) – highest pub in Britain with live folk music. Book months ahead for rooms.
Practical England Travel Tips
These matter more than any attraction list:
- Train Tickets: Book 10-12 weeks early on National Rail for cheapest fares. Offpeak saves 60%.
- Weather Reality: Always carry layers. "Summer showers" mean sideways rain. Umbrellas often useless.
- Museum Hack: Major London museums are free but special exhibits cost £15-£25. V&A medieval gallery? Quiet and free.
Common Questions About Things to Do in England
Is the London Pass worth it?
Maybe. Add up your must-see paid attractions first. Pass starts at £84/day. If you’ll visit Tower of London (£33), Westminster Abbey (£27), and one more – yes. Otherwise, no. Doesn’t include transport.
Where to stay beyond London?
York/Bath for history, Manchester for nightlife, Keswick (Lake District) for hiking. Coastal towns get booked a year ahead.
Best way to see the countryside?
Rent a car for villages/corners without trains. But avoid driving in cities – congestion charges and parking nightmares. Trains cover major routes well.
Rainy day alternatives?
National museums (London/Manchester/Liverpool), historic libraries (John Rylands Manchester), covered markets (Leeds Kirkgate), theater matinees.
Can I do England on a budget?
Yes. Use Premier Inn/Travelodge chains (~£60/night), supermarket meal deals (£3-5), free museums, walk cities instead of Tube hopping. Pints cost £4-6 outside London.
Final thought: Forget ticking off "top things to do in England" lists. Pick 2-3 regions deeply. Chat to pub locals. Get lost in a National Trust footpath. That’s where England sparkles.
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