England - this means, strictly speaking, the entire United Kingdom including Northern Ireland. The island in the Atlantic is rich in many attractions and offers a level of variety that is unparalleled. The British are a stubborn people, but once you have taken them into your heart, you will like them. To get to know Great Britain better, it is advisable to plan exactly what you want to see and where you want to go before your vacation. Should you want to visit the metropolis of London, it is advisable to plan about a week more of time, as the sheer extent of attractions here is simply overwhelming. But Great Britain has more to offer than just the cosmopolitan city of London. Far off the beaten tourist tracks you will find another, original Great Britain, which is very much characterized by its climatic conditions and agriculture. So how about a little trip to tranquil Wales, which was probably the most beautiful and rustic part of the United Kingdom? Or else a side trip to the Scottish Highlands to beautiful Edinburgh? Far away from the large metropolitan areas, you get to know the British and their peculiarities only really. And it is precisely this cultural and regional diversity that makes the island a real experience for young & old.
Did you know?
England is more than just soccer and fish & chips. If you haven't been to the island, here are some facts and figures we've gathered for you
- Although we often say just England, we mean the entire United Kingdom including Northern Ireland
.
- The Queen is still the head of state, but no decision-making power
.
- The highest mountain in the UK is Ben Nevis at 0.8 mile
.
Sights and attractions
.
England has a lot to offer the visitor. We recommend starting the trip a little away from the usual tourist magnets, first of all to get to know the country and its people better. And so you should start your trip in Wales in the South West of England, which is probably one of the most tranquil spots on the island. Here you will find vast green land, the so-called Rolling Hills and endless pastures with flocks of sheep. If you want to experience pure nature, Wales is the right place for you. In this corner of the country there are also numerous castles and fortresses steeped in history, such as the Harlech Castle, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to experience even more nature, head to the Snowdonia National Park. The region in the north of Wales is a popular national park, which is especially known for its breathtaking mountain ranges. To find out how it is to live as a Welshman, the Museum of Welsh Life in the capital Cardiff, is the best starting point. Here you get a comprehensive insight into the history of Wales, from the Celts to the present day. After so much nature, it pulls one then nevertheless again in direction instead. Thank God Cardiff is not far away. The tenth largest city in Great Britain is the cultural and political center of Wales and has a lot to offer besides the Cardiff Castle, which gave the city its name. A little insider tip on our part: if you don't want to go to big Cardiff, you should make a little detour to Abergavenny. This small town, surrounded by two mountains, is Wales as you usually see it only on postcards. Romantic little streets with stores, old brick houses and over all hangs an air of Welsh coziness. Should you stay in the city in late summer, it is worth a visit to theAbergavenny Food Festival on which many regional specialties are presented. From Wales we go to Scotland , more precisely, to Edinburgh. Just like Wales, Scotland is a region that puts a lot of emphasis on its culture. The capital of Scotland is one of the most beautiful cities on the island and charms the visitor with its lively charm. Particularly worth seeing here are the Edinburgh Castle from which you have a great panoramic view over the city, and the National Gallery of Scotland, which houses an extensive collection of contemporary art.
One island, many differences: regional cuisine in England
.
You should definitely try the specialty of the region, the so-called Welsh Cakes. These small dough patties are usually fried, similar to pancakes in fat and then sprinkled with sugar. Inside you can also find raisins, which make the whole thing a delicious little snack in the morning or with coffee. All in all, the Wales region is one of the most culinarily diverse corners of England. Here you can also find delicious, mostly still homemade cheese or sausage. But also otherwise the British cuisine shows itself quite versatile. Who would have thought that the actually from India originating dish Chicken Tikka Massala is now an integral part of the British menu? But also classics like Fish & Chips the well-known Baked Beans or the Yorkshire Pudding should be tried. A food of a slightly different kind is the Scottish national dish Haggis, a kind of conglomerate of different innards of sheep. Haggis may not be to everyone's taste, but the Scots love it and even today major holidays are celebrated with only haggis.
Transportation and public transport
.
Generally, the network of public transport in England is very well developed. In particular, larger cities like Cardiff or Edinburgh have a well-developed system of buses that get you from A to B quickly. In addition, there are regional trains that connect the outlying towns with the city center. Between the cities it is also easy to travel by train. However, to get to know the country best, it is recommended to rent a car (you will get used to the left-hand traffic quite quickly) and drive along the country roads. Even if the travel time is significantly longer, it is worth it. From Germany there are some direct flights to different regions of England. The most important ones are: the London- Heathrow airport, the Manchester airport and the Birmingham airport. Those who prefer to arrive by their own car can also take the ferry from, for example, Calais across the Channel to Dover and continue their journey from there.
