My first visit to London was a disappointment. When I first visited London, I booked a hotel for 5 nights—five! I had so many plans, so many dreams. In reality, I was ready to leave after day 1. Where was the charm? the historical architecture? the beauty? All I got were CROWDS, basic modern cityscapes, …
Alnwick Castle in northern England makes for a great day trip from Edinburgh Scotland. I know because I did it TWICE. Yes, I traveled to Alnwick and back to Edinburgh in a day in both autumn and spring to see it in different seasons (because it’s just that incredible). Alnwick not only has a medieval …
Visiting Chatsworth House (Pride and Prejudice‘s Pemberley) is a must for any Jane Austen fan. Touring the house and grounds transports you to Regency times; and it’s so easy to put yourself in an Austen novel as you walk through the gardens or up the grand staircases. I kept thinking of the word “magical” to …
York is a fascinating blend of medieval and modern. The city has a very deep and rich history that goes back thousands of years. Romans settled here before Vikings took over and then later the Normans. Even while visiting York for just one day, you’ll sense the rich history all around you. The first time …
One of the first things you should do after deciding to visit Bath is to book your table for Bath afternoon tea at the Pump Room. It’s a truly exquisite experience and, in my opinion, the best afternoon tea in Bath and perhaps even in London. The Pump Room is in the heart of Bath, …
The Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides lead FREE walking tours daily in Bath. I joined the free walking tour on my first visit to Bath, and it was a great introduction to the city. Here’s my complete guide to this free Bath walking tour so you know what to expect. Learn about Bath’s …
Do you have the option of doing a 10-hour layover, 12-hour layover, or even 14-hour layover in London? If so, and you’re wondering if it’s feasible to leave Heathrow Airport to explore London on a layover, the answer is YES … with some caveats. I explored London during a long 10-hour layover so I have …
For fans of Jane Austen, visiting the Jane Austen House Museum in Chawton is the number one thing you should do while in England. It is like a pilgrimage, returning to the place where Jane Austen wrote and edited her famous books. I am a huge Jane Austen fan, so it felt incredibly special to …
Windsor Castle is a great day trip from London, and for us it turned out to be one of the best castles we visited in the United Kingdom. Windsor Castle is the castle to visit in the UK. It’s where the reigning monarchs live; it’s where the English royal family has lived for centuries; it’s …
Highclere Castle is a beautiful estate that was made famous from the popular show Downton Abbey. I’m a huge Downton Abbey fan and have watched every season multiple times, so I had to visit Highclere Castle on my first trip to London. It’s a bit out of the way for London visitors, so if you’re …
