England

(A tourist guide! Skip to the end of the page for links to photos.)

There can't be a country in the world with scenery, history and culture that is more impressive than England's. That isn't meant to imply that I think we are better than anyone else, but I would claim that we're as good as anyone else. I'm proud to be English. These days, I'm afraid, that's not a very English attitude!

So, do you fancy a visit?

I don't want to put you off but the first thing to understand is that we don't really seem to like tourists! Oh, we're friendly enough but we won't go out of our way to attract visitors like some places do. You won't find cheap accommodation of a high standard, although what you will find is adequate, comfortable and distinctly homely. If you want a good hotel in a city expect to pay for it.

The English weather is rather unfairly maligned in my opinion but you certainly can't depend on it, nor predict it much in advance. Early summer is often the best time of year but it has been known to snow in June! :) If you want to walk then take a risk and come in autumn. The colours of the heather on the moors of Derbyshire and Yorkshire can be truly breathtaking at that time.

If you want towns and buildings obviously you will want to see London, but I wouldn't spend too much time there. See Westminster Abbey, St Paul's and The Tower but don't miss the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum in Kensington. My favourite however has to be Hampton Court Palace.

Oxford is another city not to miss. I know that you think that you have to go to Stratford because Shakespeare was born there and it is nice - if you can move for the other tourists. Warwick, close to Stratford, is just as interesting and has an intact medieval castle. Stamford in Lincolnshire is charming as is Truro in Cornwall. If you want to see some of our older history go to York (and don't miss the Jorvik Centre). If you want houses then Chatsworth House (Derbyshire) is every bit as impressive as Versailles. Blenheim Palace near Oxford is wonderful too but lesser know places I have to recommend are Haddon Hall near Bakewell in Derbyshire with its fairly near neighbour Hardwick Hall. To be honest there are so many places that you are spoilt for choice.

For countryside go to North Yorkshire, the Peak District of Derbyshire, the Lake District or Devon and Cornwall (but Lands End isn't really worth the crowds).

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