Best Things to Do in England

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and is one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world. Not only is the majestic building the Queen's residence but it is also the administrative headquarters of the British Monarchy and is used for most official receptions. Visitors can line up outside the palace to watch the daily Changing of the Guard at 11 am in summer (three to four times per week in winter) and you should not miss the chance to join a tour of the opulent State Rooms where you will walk in the footsteps of countless world leaders who have had the privilege of dining with His Majesty. The tour includes viewing several most impressive State Rooms, seeing priceless artworks and antiques, and a brief tour of the palace gardens. You can learn about special exhibitions and book your tour on the website.

The 700-year-old Alnwick Castle is the second-oldest inhabited castle in England, dating back to 1309. While it was originally used as a border defense fortress, successive generations of the Percy family have made extensive alterations and additions to the castle, and the impressive edifice you see today houses a college residential program and is frequently used as a film set. Harry Potter fans are in for a particular treat when they visit Alnwick - the castle was the setting for the first two books in the series, and young visitors can even join in daily Broomstick Training. There are many free entertaining options for visitors, including archery, quests, and period dressing, and history buffs can avail themselves of various castle tours, all included with the price of your ticket. Alnwick Castle is located close to the A1 between Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1NQ, Phone: +44-166-551-1100

Boldly standing guard over the Palace of Westminster, which is home to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower is without doubt the most widely recognized landmark in London. Big Ben is the name given to the 13.7-tonne Great Bell located inside the Great Clock that has faithfully and accurately chimed the hour from the top of the 11-story Elizabeth Tower since 1859. Until recently it was possible to tour the Elizabeth Tower and see the actual bell and its workings, but tours have been suspended until roughly 2020 while restorations are underway; on-line virtual tours are available on the website. Visitors should not miss the chance to take a tour of the Palace of Westminster - tours are held on most Saturdays of the year and also on weekdays during the Parliament Summer Recess.

Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, Phone: +44-20-7219-4272

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

The British Museum deserves to be ranked right at the top of your London must-see list. The imposing Greek Revival-style building will impress both history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. It was completed in 1852 and features a dramatic colonnaded entrance that was intended to prepare visitors for the remarkable historic collection within. The British Museum is home to an extraordinary collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian treasures that trace the history and evolution of mankind from two million years ago to the present, including the famous Rosetta Stone. You can go on several free tours or rent an audio-guide and explore at your own pace, and there are many interesting attractions and trails for children. Entrance is free.

The British Museum, Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, Phone: +44-20-7323-8299

Canterbury Cathedral is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican religion and has been a place of pilgrimage since medieval times. The cathedral is located in the historic walled town of Canterbury in Kent, which is located less than an hour from London. The remarkable building dates back to 597 AD, and as you tour the cathedral you can learn all about 1,400 years of history. You can join a guided tour of the cathedral, hire an audio guide or buy a guidebook at the gift shop and explore in your own time. Some of the highlights of the amazing building are the stained-glass windows, the Great Cloister, St. Gabriel's Chapel, the Quire (which was the first Gothic building built in England) and the Tomb of the Black Prince.

Canterbury Cathedral, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury, CT1 2EH, Phone: +44-122-776-2862

As far back as Roman times there has been some sort of defensive fortress where the present day Carlisle Castle stands on the border of England and Scotland. Your visit to this enduring Norman stronghold will take you on a fascinating journey through the stormy history of England and Scotland. Both historians and architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to interest them on a self-guided tour of the castle, and children can have fun following special trails, dressing up, and exploring inter-active exhibits. Some of the highlights you should not miss include Queen Mary's Tower, where the Scottish Monarch was imprisoned, the Carlisle Castle Exhibition in the old militia store, the Warden's Apartment, and the Prisoner's Carvings.

The Castle, Carlisle CA3 8UR, England, Phone: +44-122-859-1922

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Visitors to Chartwell can get an intimate peek into the life of Sir Winston Churchill, one of Britain's most celebrated leaders, as they tour the beautiful house that was once his home. Much of the house has been preserved just as it was when the Prime Minister and his family lived there, and you can see an extensive display of photographs, personal treasures, antique furnishings, and gifts. Sir Winston was also an avid amateur artist and gardener, and both his old studio and the extensive manicured gardens are open to the public. There is also an area of woodland where you can enjoy walks and trails. You can buy light meals at the on-site café, and picnics are allowed in the meadow.

Chartwell, Mapleton Rd, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS, England, Phone: +44-173-286-8381

Standing guard atop the famous White Cliffs of Dover to protect the shores of Britain, Dover Castle is the largest and probably the oldest castle in England, and it occupies the location of the first Roman fortress built on British soil somewhere around the 1st Century AD. Unlike many other castles that have fallen into ruins, Dover Castle is in pristine condition and is essential viewing for anyone interested in British military history spanning nearly 20 centuries. Your tour of the castle will include the medieval palace of notorious King Henry XIII in the Great Tower, the Secret Wartime Tunnels and Underground Hospital used during World War II, and many exhibits that re-enact medieval life. Dover Castle hosts a full itinerary of events and special exhibitions throughout the year - visit the Events section of their website to find out more.

Dover Castle, Castle Hill, Dover, Kent, CTY16 1HU, England, Phone: +44-130-421-1067

Durham Castle (and Durham Cathedral) is part of the UNESCO Durham World Heritage Site in North East England, where they form one of the greatest monuments to the Norman Conquest of Britain and are thus essential viewing for both history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. The castle is a typical Motte and Bailey castle that has been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years and today houses students of University College, Durham. Your guided tour of the ancient castle will include all the highlights, including the fortifications, the gatehouse, the keep, and the courtyard. If you travel to Durham by train you can catch a local bus right to the entrance of the castle.

Durham Castle, Durham University, Palace Green, Durham City, DH1 3RW, Phone: +44-191-334-2932

At The Eden Project in Cornwall you can spend a few hours or an entire day marveling at how one man's vision turned an exhausted china clay pit into Eden, one of the world's most amazing botanical gardens showcasing plants from all around the world. Imagine the early days of the project when over 200 miles of scaffolding was required to erect enormous artificial biomes that now house extravagant habitats for millions of plant species. You can stroll through the Australian Garden one moment, explore the Mediterranean Biome the next, and then make your way across the Rainforest Canopy Walkway. There is plenty to do for children of all ages, and daredevils can visit the adjacent Hangloose Adventures to try the Zip line, Giant Swing, and more.

Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG, England, Phone: +44-172-681-1911