February 2025
History, Adventure and Charming Villages Await Outside London
American Airlines recently announced they are bringing back their daily nonstop service to London starting March 29. This service, in addition to British Airways’ daily service, means travelers once again have more options when it comes to traveling between Phoenix and London.
Last March, we published this article about things to do in London. Perhaps you are looking to explore more than London on your next trip. Here are a few vacation ideas for a fun UK getaway.
If you’ve been on the flight between Phoenix and London, you may have caught a glimpse of Windsor Castle. The royal residence is quite a sight to see from above and in person. History lovers will enjoy seeing the state apartments filled with royal treasures. Visitors can also see St. George’s Chapel, which is the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II and other monarchs as well as the semi-state rooms open seasonally, and the Changing of the Guard on select days. Additionally, the town of Windsor itself is picturesque with charming streets, shops and restaurants. Visitors can also explore the historic Eton College and the Windsor Great Park. Getting to Windsor is easy from London via train. It’s about a 30–60-minute ride between the two cities.
Are you a Shakespeare lover? You’ll find Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, a 2-2.5-hour train ride from London. While there, you’ll also be able to explore the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, see Shakespeare’s final resting place in the Holy Trinity Church, see a lovely, thatched roof house where his wife Anne Hathaway grew up, and take a scenic boat ride on the River Avon. The historic town center also has many local cafes, gorgeous buildings, and shops to explore.
If visions of the English countryside are on your mind, you won’t want to miss a journey to the Cotswolds. The area known for its rolling hills and picturesque cottages, features quaint villages like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bibury. In fact, Bibury is often referred to as the prettiest village in England. Its Arlington Row is famous. Many other villages have waterways and bridges, historic churches, and charming architecture. To explore the villages, a car is recommended, giving you the freedom to explore historic towns, the countryside, and enjoy tea in various tea rooms throughout the region. It’s about a 2-2.5-hour drive from London.
The Lake District is another beautiful part of England. It’s known for rugged mountains, glacial lakes and picturesque villages. Did you know Cumbria is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The region offers great hiking with sunning views. Lake Windermere is ideal for boat rides. The Lake District is accessible by car or train. Trains take 3-plus hours, but the area is well-worth an extended visit.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site worth visiting is Bath. It’s well-known for its natural hot springs, Roman history and Georgian architecture. Don’t miss the Royal Crescent, an iconic row of Georgian townhouses or the Bath Abbey which is a Gothic church in the center of the city. The Roman Baths offer an interesting museum while the Thermae Bath Spa gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs. Bath is about 1.5 hours from London by train.
There are many more places to visit in England including Oxford, Cambridge, Cornwall, York and more. To get more vacation inspiration, visit https://www.visitbritain.com/en.
