5 Best Cultural and Historical Places in England to Visit
Are you planning on visiting the UK and looking for interesting historical places in England to visit while you are there?
England is a country rich in history and culture. If you’re looking to explore some of the most fascinating historical and cultural sites, you’re in for a treat!
In this post, we’ll share some of our favourite places in England with a rich history and unique culture.
Whether you’re interested in the ancient Roman ruins at Hadrian’s Wall or the stunning mediaeval architecture of Winchester Cathedral, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest!
Please Note: All prices are quoted in the local currency – £ (Pound Sterling). To easily convert prices to your currency, we use xe Currency Converter.
DISCLAIMER: This article contains affiliate links and Exit45 Travels are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.
“Heaven take thy soul, and England keep my bones!”
– William Shakespeare –
5 Best Cultural and Historical Places in England to Visit
Eyam, Peak District
Eyam is a small village located in the Peak District of England. The town is best known for its tragic history when the bubonic plague struck it in 1665. The plague arrived in Eyam via a flea-infested bundle of cloth from London and quickly spread through the village.
To prevent the further spread of the disease, the villagers took the drastic measure of quarantining themselves. Over 14 months, the plague ran its course and claimed the lives of 260 villagers. Only 83 people survived out of a population of 350.
Despite its tragic history, Eyam has become a popular tourist destination recently. Visitors come to learn about the village’s brave response to the plague and enjoy the Peak District’s stunning scenery. Eyam is a reminder of the human capacity for resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
How to Get There?
To get to Eyam, you can take a train from London to Sheffield and catch a bus from Sheffield to Eyam.
The journey takes around three hours in total. Alternatively, you can drive from London, which takes about two and a half hours. Once you arrive in Eyam, there are plenty of car parks for visitors.
Cost of Entrance, What to See, and What to Do
There is no cost of entrance to Eyam. However, several tourist attractions may charge an entrance fee.
These include the Plague Village Museum, which tells the story of the village’s response to the plague, and the Eyam Hall Gardens, a series of beautiful gardens near the village centre.
There are also several walking and hiking trails in the area, which are perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery of the Peak District.
If you’re looking for something a little different, Eyam is also home to some ghost walks, which take place in the evenings.
These walks are led by local guides who share stories of the village’s history and its more ghostly residents!
Liverpool
Liverpool is a historic city located in North West England. It was one of the most important ports in the world during the 18th and 19th centuries and played a crucial role in the development of the British Empire.
Today, Liverpool is a thriving metropolis with a population of over 2.3 million people.
The city is home to world-famous attractions, including the Albert Dock, the Museum of Liverpool, Crosby Beach, and The Beatles Story. Liverpool is also a major hub for culture and the arts, with a vibrant music scene and a wealth of museums, galleries, and theatres.
There is something for everyone in this vibrant city, making it an ideal destination for tourists and residents alike.
How to Get There?
To get to Liverpool, you can fly to John Lennon Airport, located just outside the city centre. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from other major UK cities such as London, Manchester, or Birmingham.
Once you’re in Liverpool, there are plenty of public transport options to help you get around, including an extensive bus network and two main railway stations.
Cost of Entrance, What to See, and What to Do
The cost of entrance depends on the attractions you wish to visit. For example, a ticket to the Museum of Liverpool costs £10 for adults, while a ticket to the Beatles Story costs £17.50 for adults.
Some of the most popular things to see and do in Liverpool include exploring the Albert Dock, visiting the iconic Liver Building, taking a cruise on the River Mersey, and going for a walk or cycling along the Liverpool Canal.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for a longer holiday, Liverpool is sure to have something to suit your interests.
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Stratford Upon Avon is a beautiful market town and a delight to walk around. On a sunny day, the river glimmers, ice cream, and entertainers are easy to find, and the bandstand’s music drifts along the pathways.
Take the chain ferry, operational since 1937, across the river, and you stumble into theatre central. If you are lucky, you may spot Dame Judy Dench or David Tenant wandering around.
Stratford has many theatres owing to being Shakespeare’s stomping ground. It is worth going if you can get tickets, but if not, it is still worth enjoying a free exhibition in the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Wandering around the town, you can’t help but feel like you are stepping back in time. The half-timbered buildings, the narrow streets, and the general atmosphere all contribute to this feeling. It is easy to see why so many people flock to Stratford Upon Avon yearly.
How to Get There?
Stratford Upon Avon is located in Warwickshire, England. The nearest airport is Birmingham Airport, about a 45-minute drive from the town centre.
Alternatively, you can take a train from London Marylebone station to Stratford-Upon-Avon Parkway, which takes just over two hours.
If you are driving, take the M40 motorway and exit Junction 15.
Cost of Entrance, What to See, and What to Do
The entrance cost to the Royal Shakespeare Company is £15 for adults, £12.50 for concessions, and £7.50 for children under 18.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, The Swan Theatre, and the RSC Museum are in Stratford Upon Avon. If you are interested in learning more about Shakespeare and his works, these are the places to go.
Take a boat ride down the River Avon, explore the town centre, or visit one of the many parks and gardens. Stratford Upon Avon is also home to festivals throughout the year, so there is always something going on.
Hitchin
Hitchin is a historic market town in Hertfordshire, England. It is situated in the county’s north, close to the border with Bedfordshire. The city dated back to the 8th century and was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Today, Hitchin is a thriving community with various shops, pubs, and restaurants.
There are also some historic buildings and monuments in the town, including the Grade I listed Church of St Mary the Virgin.
Hitchin is an ideal base for exploring the countryside, with numerous walks and cycle routes starting from the town centre. There is also a good selection of schools in the town, making it a popular place to live for families.
How to Get There?
Hitchin is located just off the A1(M) motorway and is easily accessible by road from London and the surrounding areas. The nearest airport is Luton Airport, which is around 30 minutes away by car. You can travel from London to Hitchin in the best possible ways.
By train, Hitchin is on the East Coast Main Line, with regular services to London Kings Cross, Peterborough, and Cambridge.
There is also a regular bus service from Hitchin to Luton Airport.
Cost of Entrance, What to See, and What to Do
The cost of entrance to Hitchin is fairly reasonable. For adults, it is £4.50 for a day pass. For children, the price is £2.00.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Hitchin. Among the most popular attractions are the Church of St Mary the Virgin, the Grade I listed building; the Hitchin Museum, located in a 15th Century timber-framed house; and the Hermitage, a 12th Century chapel.
Other popular activities include:
- Exploring the surrounding countryside.
- Going for walks and cycle rides.
- Visiting the many pubs and restaurants in the town.
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is a beautiful, historical place with many great things to see and do. I highly recommend it as a place to visit, especially if you’re interested in British history.
The Palace is fascinating, and the town surrounding it has a lot of character. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants to enjoy, and the people are friendly.
I had a great time exploring Hampton Court Palace and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, educational place to visit.
How to Get There?
Hampton Court Palace is located in Hampton Court, on the border of London and Surrey. The easiest way to get there is by train; the station is just a short walk from the Palace. If you’re driving, there are plenty of parking options.
Cost of Entrance, What to See, and What to Do
The cost of entrance to Hampton Court Palace varies depending on what you want to see and do. A basic ticket, which includes access to the grounds and the central staterooms, costs £16 for adults and £8 for children; if you want to add a guided tour or audio guide, the price increases to £20 and £10, respectively.
Several special events and exhibitions take place throughout the year, which may cost additional.
There is a lot to see at Hampton Court Palace, from the stunning architecture to the beautiful gardens. Some highlights include the Great Hall, Henry VIII’s apartments, and the Chapel Royal.
If you’re interested in history, some museums on-site cover topics such as Tudor life and the Palace’s past residents.
In addition to exploring the Palace and grounds, there are many other activities to enjoy at Hampton Court Palace. If you’re feeling active, you can hire a bike, cycle around the grounds, or take a boat trip down the River Thames.
There are also many shops and cafes on-site and a Maze and outdoor playground for children.
Best Time to Visit England
The best time to visit England for historical places is during the summer months (June, July and August). It is when the weather is at its best, and many events and festivals occur. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, autumn (September, October and November) and spring (March, April and May) are also good times to visit.
Remember that some historical sites, such as castles, may be closed during the winter months.
So, if you’re planning a trip to England to see some of its historical sites, check opening times in advance and plan your visit during the summer months.
<<<Author Bio>>>
Emma Parker Essays deal with her experiences in the United States and other global experiences, among other activities related to travelling and teaching in the world. She shares her adventures on her blog – iTravelinn.com.
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We prefer to travel independently, however, sometimes the best and cheapest way to see the highlights of a city / country is to book a tour or package. For Europe, we always use GetYourGuide and Viator for our tour bookings. If we are only going to be in a city for a day or two and want to make the most of our time there, we book through Big Bus Tours.
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