England has always been one of the top international destinations for U.S. travelers, and for good reason. A vacation to England combines the best of city sights and country charm. While London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, with world-class museums, shopping, hotels and cuisine, the English countryside abounds with picturesque villages and pastoral scenery.
Each of the country’s nine regions offers diverse activities for a fun-filled vacation in England. In South West England, for example, you’ll find the enchanting town of Bath with its ancient Roman springs. The South East is home to England’s favorite seaside city, Brighton, with its exotic Royal Pavilion. The Northwest offers the rural splendor of Cumbria and the Lake District. There are numerous historic towns to visit including Chester with its Roman heritage and York where you can explore the history of the Vikings in England at the JORVIK Viking Centre. And of course in London itself there’s a wealth of historic attractions including The Tower of London which welcomes over 2.5million visitors a year. And with the major hub airport of London Heathrow, England is a great starting point for exploring more of Europe.
England, as part of the U.K., is a full member of the European Union. U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter the U.K., and those visiting for less than three months do not need a visa. Currency is the British Pound. England has a temperate climate, but don’t count on endless sunny days during your vacation. While its reputation for rain is overstated, overcast days are frequent. To rent a car in the U.K., you will need a U.S. driver’s license that you’ve held for at least a year. The average minimum age for renting a car is 23 (although it’s 21 for some companies). Remember that driving is on the left-hand side. Distances are measured in miles. For more information on travel to England, visit www.enjoyengland.com, the official website for tourism in England.