England is an amazing country to visit that offers a diverse range of experiences to travelers seeking different types of vacations. One reason why people may choose to visit England is to enjoy the culture of this country. Even people who live in England do not tire of the wide variety of cultural venues there are to enjoy. If you are planning a trip with a focus on culture, then you should consider the following destinations.
London
Without a doubt, the country’s capital is a location to include in your itinerary as this is a city rich in culture and history. It is also home to many of England’s most popular and top-rated tourist attractions. In fact, there are almost too many venues to visit. Some of these include Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, the Palace of Westminster, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Westminster Abbey, and Maritime Greenwich. If you have a limited budget for your trip, then you may enjoy some of the free attractions in the city. Places you can visit for free include the Victoria and Albert Museum, The National Gallery and Tate Modern.
Liverpool
Liverpool boasts more galleries and museums than anywhere else in the country, making it one of the top cultural destinations in the UK. All seven national museums in the city are free, so spending time touring these is a great option for those on a budget. Liverpool’s Waterfront is part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is here that you will find many of the best cultural venues. Music plays an important role in the history and culture of Liverpool and a highlight of any visit here are the attractions dedicated to The Beatles, or the ‘Fab Four’ as they are fondly referred to in the city. Another interesting landmark is the Anglican Cathedral. Although construction of this place of worship began in the 12th century, the structure was not completed until 1978.
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Not only is Stratford-Upon-Avon one of the most visually pleasing cities in England; it is also a destination with an interesting history and this is reflected in the cultural attractions in the city. Stratford-Upon-Avon is well-known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare and this is often the focus of visitors to the city. Ann Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s Birthplace and The Royal Shakespeare Company and Theatres are just a few of the ways you can learn more about Britain’s most famous writer. However, Stratford-upon-Avon has a lot more to offer in terms of absorbing yourself in culture. Just a few of the attractions you might like to visit include The Bear Pit Theatre, Hall’s Croft, Harvard House, Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park, Stratford Artshouse, and Holy Trinity Church. A boat or canal tour is a great way to get around the city and view beautiful Tudor houses.
Newcastle-Upon-Thyne
If you are visiting the north-east of England, then Newcastle and Gateshead are where you will find some of the top cultural attractions in this region. Highlights include The Angel of the North statue, Great North Museum, the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Seven Stories and The Sage Gateshead. In addition to these venues, a walk around the area will allow you to appreciate the different architecture in the area that is representative of different periods in the history of Newcastle and Gateshead.
Portsmouth
As an island nation, the navy has played a vital role in defending the shores of England and the rest of the United Kingdom. Anyone who is interested in maritime history should spend some time in Portsmouth as this is a city where many monumental events have taken place and it is also home to the Royal Navy. Some of the major cultural attractions here include the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Warrior, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. If your interest in the navy is limited, there are many other attractions and events you may enjoy. These include the Guildhall, Southsea Castle, and the Spinnaker Tower.
There are many more destinations you can visit as part of your overall experience. In fact, each city in England has something unique and interesting to offer for people who are interested in culture.
