|
Travel To England
- A Setting Sun, A Dawning Era by Frank Johnson
The sun may have set on the
English Empire of history books, but by no means is England's worldly cultural
influence waning. The cosmopolitan hot-spots of sophisticated London and
avant-garde Manchester speak to the global future while the Roman remnants
in Bath and Celtic heritage at Stonehenge stand as monumental tributes
to a time past but not forgotten.
Experience England - Culinary
Intrigue The Brits may not traditionally be known, or even praised, for
their gastronomic heritage; however, England has recently experienced a
culinary renaissance of sorts and can proudly boast 14 of the world's top
50 restaurants. Erase thoughts of porridge and stodge - the British dining
experience has abandoned its starchy past and embarked on a journey through
multicultural and international cuisine, particularly in the South. England's
colonial history comes forth in London's exquisite choice of Indian restaurants.
Despite this new food wave, make sure not to pass on the Yorkshire pudding
and Beef Wellington when traveling through the North, which offers exceptional
renditions of more traditional dishes.
From London to Land's End
Upon arrival in the English region of this massive island, it is important
to include travel outside of London for the full British experience. England's
most southwestern tip of Cornwall is home to the legendary sea-cliffs below
Penzance and the dramatic peninsula of Land's End where a 25 mile trail
will take you along some of the most beautiful stretches of ocean. Cornwall
is also known for its architectural landmarks, including Cotehele, a most
impressive Tudor mansion and museum along the river Tamar. Travel northeast
to encounter ancient towns nestled in the picturesque countryside of The
Cotswolds. This region is extremely popular for a glimpse into the idyllic
English lifestyle with its 14th century stone and thatched roof cottages
and cobblestone alleys. Keep in mind that the southern regions are heavily
traveled in the months of July and August by locals and foreigners alike
due to the warmer weather.
Farther north, the ancient
spa town of Bath is famous for the 2000 year-old Roman bathhouses, which
are still open to the public, in addition to Saxon ruins and the history
of local Christianity told by the Heritage Vaults. Shakespeare buffs should
not miss Stratford-upon-Avon, his home town located in the Midlands. Shakespeare
and his family are buried at the Holy Trinity Church in the heart of town.
While visiting the most northern regions, travel through York to see Europe's
largest Gothic cathedral, York Minster, and walk along the immaculately
preserved medieval street of The Shambles. Even more enchanting are the
still-standing city walls that enclose a magical mix of history and modernity
in a city that was once the Danish capital of Viking England.
A Region of Global Heritage
Aside from England's ancient history, no other nation has had such a hand
in human progress in the modern era. At one time the English Empire encompassed
stretches of the globe from Australia and India to Canada and America.
England helped push the world stage into Industrial Revolution; the Midlands
are home to the world's first industrial cities. The land of Chaucer, Shakespeare
and Dickens, Saxons, Celts and Normans, is an intriguing and essential
journey for anyone interested in the formation of contemporary global culture.
About the Author
Discount
airfare to England
|
