Great Britain Travel: Finding the Great in Britain
Britain, or Great Britain, is one of the most popular tourist destinations, holding not only the cultural legacy of the United States and Canada but a varied geography, age-old attractions, and unique places to stay. In this guide we'll cover the Web's resources for getting there, getting around, finding accommodation, and discovering other useful information about the Great Britain that will enlighten your vacation experience.
Expand All Guide SectionsGreat Britain Travel Basics
England, a constitutional monarchy headed by Queen Elizabeth II, contains the roots of American culture, so it's no wonder the country is a popular tourist destination. While it may have the stigma of inclement weather, the truth is that England is one of the most beautiful geographies in the world and contains some of the oldest relics of human creativity and experience. In this section are a number of sites that will get you better acquainted with England before your visit
Dulcinea's Insight
- It helps to know England and the United Kingdom by their many names, since some are interchangeable and some are not. Britain or Great Britain refers to the mainland of the United Kingdom, excluding Ireland. Its constituent countries are England, Wales, and Scotland. The British Isles is another name for the United Kingdom, and includes Ireland. But it's important to note that it's a sensitive topic for most Scottish and Welsh citizens, who generally do not like being referred to as British.
- Simple encyclopedic pages on the United Kingdom such as Infoplease can provide background to England, but also take note of the U.K. sections on travel sites and travel blogs like Lonely Planet and TravelPod, which are geared toward prospective travelers and tend to share more personal stories and advice.
- As with any blog, take the information in blogs on sites like RealTravel and TravelPod as the highly subjective opinions they are. Don't let an account of one negative experience sway your opinion of a destination.
- The Web makes newspapers and magazines readily available, so immerse yourself in the journalism of England, such as the Times of London before you go to learn what distinguishes the country. You'll become familiar with notable current events, famous people, important holidays, events, and more.
Dulcinea's Picks
For history, culture, and customs ...
Britain Express
is aimed at travelers to the United Kingdom and primarily focuses on England but also includes Wales and Scotland. The site provides an historical overview of several significant time periods, guides to regions, lengthier guides to major cities and towns, and information on a variety of attractions throughout the country. Take the "Virtual Tour of England" for a region-by-region tour of the country complete with photos and links.
Britannia History
presents a brief history of Britain and the rest of the United Kingdom, along with comprehensive articles that shed light on the evolution of U.K. culture and its current factious but related state. Browse the index and narrow your focus with articles on the United Kingdom's individual countries, such as "The Long Struggle for Identity: The Story of Wales and its People".
BritainUSA
is the Web site of the British Embassy in the United States and is a resource for Americans interested in traveling to the United Kingdom. Particularly useful is the religion page, which explains the diverse beliefs that coexist in the United Kingdom. Also stop by the "UK Customs and Traditions" page for an overview of celebrated holidays in the United Kingdom from the obvious Christmas and St. Patrick's Day to St. George's Day and the Queen's birthday.
Cities and Sightseeing in England
For travel guides ...
England Travel
is a travel site with destination guides to major cities and towns in England. There are sections outlining what the cities are like, how one gets there, what to do, and where to stay and eat. There is also a general guide to England and an introductory page on visas that outlines customs and other arrival protocols.
Rough Guides
, a travel book company, presents a slew of information on worldwide destinations online. Consult the "Introduction to England" section and the page "Getting there," which has very useful information about the best times to travel to England and how to go about booking your flight or package vacation. Next read "From the US and Canada" for online booking tips for flights originating in North America.
The Travel Bookshop
is a U.K.-based online travel bookstore with a great selection of 10 best British travel books as selected by the store staff. These titles demonstrate the variety of options available while on a British vacation; the guides cover topics such as pubs, hotels, bed & breakfasts, and best drives.
The Unofficial Guide to England
, by Stephen Brewer, is described on Amazon as "a complete planner for all of England," including London, Bath, Oxford, the Cotswolds, the Heartland and Welsh border, Cambridge, East Anglia, York, Yorkshire, and the Lake District. It is praised by Amazon users for its breadth and honesty, covering such topics as transportation, affordable shopping, and even places to avoid.
For sightseeing resources ...
VisitBritain
is the official tourist bureau of England and offers suggestions and advice for your vacation, including possible itineraries, special offers, season-specific ideas, and a "Britain's Best Bets" section. With a free sign-up to the site you can access the "Trip Planner" section, where users can save destinations and develop itineraries.
The National Trust
is England's nonprofit protector of monuments, gardens, historic houses, and more. Their Web site has an "Itinerary Ideas" section that connects you to local events, National Trust-sponsored events and locations, and other unique ideas both indoors and out.
Viator
is a global site that sells sightseeing tickets and packages for many tourist destinations in England, including London's Buckingham Palace and Madame Tussauds (the wax museum), the York Dungeon, Warwick Castle, and dozens of other locales. Purchase themed packages that include several stops and accommodation, or simply buy museum tickets. You can also add a London subway Travelcard onto certain tickets.
The 24 Hour Museum
is a comprehensive listing of goings-on in the art world around the United Kingdom. Read exhibition descriptions and reviews, or browse city guides. The interesting "Trails" section offers virtual tours that guide site visitors around the United Kingdom to learn about particular topics, like "From Apothecaries To Florence Nightingale - A Medical Museums Trail" and "Celebrating 100 Years of Peter Rabbit - A Beatrix Potter Trail."
Travel for Kids
has a special section on England with a rundown of interesting kid-friendly destinations as well as Amazon links to dozens of children's books on English topics, both fictional and historical. The site doesn't directly book trips, but it does give parents dozens of destinations to choose from, many of which might be familiar only to U.K. residents.
For bicycle tours ...
Country Lanes
is an award-winning U.K. bike tour company operating day trips, longer excursions, independent trips, and guided tours. Consult their "Tripfinder" section to rate yourself as a cyclist and select the kind of trip you desire. Click on "Destinations" to read about areas the company covers, including the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.
Explore Britain
provides self-guided and guided biking and walking tours in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Tours range on average from three to nine days, prices can be as low as £100, and the company provides luggage transfer, accommodation, maps, and travel guides.
For beach trips ...
The Marine Conservation Society
's (MCS) Good Beach Guide is a comprehensive beach search engine and information portal covering the entire United Kingdom. Look for beaches accompanied by a sailboat symbol-these beaches are recommended by MCS for excellent water quality. The site also includes safety warnings and links to water sports organizations around the United Kingdom.
For Historical Ruins...
ForbesTraveler.com
takes you inside “Britain’s Most Scenic Ruins” with this feature article and stunning photo slide show. Among the impressive selection of crumbling stone structures are Scotland’s Dunnottar Castle, clinging to cliffs high above the North Sea, and the supposedly haunted monastery, Thetford Priory, in Norfolk. Nearby accommodation suggestions are included for each pick.
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