English Travels Beyond London

English Travels Beyond London

London is one of the most cosmopolitan European cities every traveler should see, however, there is so much more to Jolly Old England than its historic capital.

There is a vast amount of beauty in the United Kingdom outside of foggy Londontown and we’ve just provided the tip of the iceberg with these three outstanding counties and a few unique spots in them.

Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire is adjacent to London, but in a different realm entirely. This stunning county is known for its historic estates; glorious countryside, and gardens; exquisite St. Albans Cathedral; and affluent, aristocratic families.

If you or your children are among the millions of Harry Potter fans, you might want to spend some time at Warner Bros. Studio to experience the making of the now beloved film series. Hertfordshire is the place to be when looking for magical castles, Roman ruins, sculpture gardens, and luxury boutiques.

Up, up and away

It so happens that while soaking up the majesty and history of this area, you can also master a new skill. Learning to fly a helicopter is the epitome of cool and Elstree Helicopters offers a Zero to Hero course that will have you flying solo in no time – in 25 hours, to be exact. You’ll cover all exercises required to prepare you for flight including take offs and landings, transitions, circuits and emergencies. Training and tuition is tailored to suit you!

The Cotswolds

Encompassing the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Wiltshire, the Cotswolds is one of the UK’s most visited and romanticized regions.

You will find yourself among winding bridleways; patchworks of amber-colored villages; lush, green farmland; charming cottages; cozy pubs; and a legion of antique shops. Few places marry upscale sophistication with rural tranquility as well at the Cotswolds and it is a definite itinerary-worthy destination.

Burford

There are many idyllic villages in the Cotswolds that look like they belong in a fairytale storybook. However, Burford is one of the most iconic villages, where you can almost smell the history – a plummeting High Street dotted with time-worn cottages with gables that lean and criss-crossed windows. Many of these elderly buildings have had new life breathed into them with tea rooms, independent shops, restaurants and pubs. You will be able to find just the ideal thing to mark your trip – perhaps a silk quilt or vintage armchairs. There are many antique shops, galleries and stylish boutiques. Stay for the day and experience high tea as they were known to do in days long past.

Cornwall

England’s rugged southwestern tip is home to the historic county of Cornwall. If you have never had a seaside holiday in England before, you’re in for a treat. Cornwall – the land of myths and legends – is teeming with quaint hamlets, rugged rocks and the kind of beaches you never want to leave. This gorgeous part of the country is often overlooked by travelers who are missing so much by not venturing into this seaside domain. It’s honestly just too beautiful to miss.

Part of what makes Cornwall so special is that it’s not just a summer destination. The weather is usually mild and you will be surprised to see Palm trees thriving in various places.

St. Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s Mount is perched on a tidal island 400 meters off the coast of Cornwall. Look closely, and you might spot the ghost of the legendary King Arthur who is said to have been born in Cornwall.

Stories of seafarers being lured to their deaths by a mermaid, ghosts roaming the grounds and giants living in caves are among the legends locals tell. Explore the sloping subtropical gardens, vast lawns and harbor village. This extraordinary place – shaped and weathered over centuries, is truly magical.

Get cast away on an uninhabited Scilly isle

The Isles of Scilly are 28 miles west of the end of mainland Cornwall – an exquisite archipelago of five inhabited islands. White sand beaches, azure seas, a mild microclimate and a slower pace of life make them one of Cornwall’s most appealing places.

Fleets of boat trips fan out from the main island, St Mary’s, to the other four inhabited isles: Tresco, Scilly, Bryher and St. Agnes. Each island is richly rewarding to explore. Be a real adventurer and arrange to be dropped on uninhabited Sampson isle. This eerie outcrop, with its twin hills and sweeping beaches, was home to a handful of farmers and fishermen until the mid-1800s.

There is a reason England is called the green and pleasant land. It might be time for you to really see why!