World Travellers

As you may already have gathered from reading the opening paragraph of this article, what follows might be looked upon by some as a plea for tourists to visit more of the country. Indeed, this is certainly the suggestion that is being proposed.

The reason for encouraging wider exploration is not just for the benefit of the local Tourist Boards - it’s because missing out on the rest of the country means missing out on so many great experiences.

Let’s begin with some simple facts that may come as a surprise. At the time of writing, the UK as a whole has 27 UNESCO World Heritage sites - just 4 of these are located in London. If you limit your visit to the capital then you are missing out on so much history and cultural diversity.

From Hadrian’s Wall (named after the Roman Emperor) in the north to the Jurassic coastline in the south, there is plenty to see in this varied country.

A trip to the west country can include visiting the Roman spa town of Bath, where you can bathe in the local waters, just as the Romans would have done almost 2000 years ago. England is a country that brings history to life.

Stonehenge is less than two hours from London and yet is missed by so many visitors to the UK. By staying in the capital, so much is missed.

Even closer still is Windsor, with its royal castle and parks. One of the finest castles in the country and one of the most famous in the world has hosted some splendid events throughout the ages, including royal weddings.

For those with an interest in food and drink, no visit to England would be complete without taking in one of the country’s famous country pubs. Without straying far, you can find yourself in a beautiful pub that may well be centuries old.

Although London is undoubtedly the finest location in the country for shopping addicts, a number of other locations offer great shopping experiences, from Southampton in the south to Newcastle in the north.

Next time you plan a trip to England, by all means spend plenty of time in the capital. London has lots to offer, from galleries to theatres, from history to some of the most amazing modern architecture. Don’t, however, restrict yourself to that city’s charms.

Be sure to spend some time looking at what is available in the rest of the country - you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

By: Keith Barrett

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