England Travel Guide - Wrong Turn Again

England & Wales

Travel Guide

Welcome to England, a land of enchantment, where misty mountains rise above shimmering lakes, and rocky coastlines give way to tranquil beaches. Here, you can trek the rugged terrain and sweeping vistas of the Lake District, stroll the stunning Jurassic Coast’s carved cliffs, coves, and beaches, and transport yourself to a timeless era amid the Cotswolds’ rolling hills and honey-colored villages.

As you venture into Wales, discover the jugged coastline of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, home to towering cliffs and secluded bays teeming with wildlife and wildflowers. Further along, the serene Gower Peninsula offers golden sands and majestic sea views at Rhossili Bay, while Snowdonia’s craggy peaks like Snowdon and Tryfan meet the clouds, and rivers and waterfalls carve through the valleys.

Destinations

Bucket List Experiences

Cotswolds

The Cotswolds

Embark on a road trip to the Cotswolds, a magical land boasting well-manicured fields and ancient woodlands that are crisscrossed by an extensive network of long-distance trails.
Meanwhile, its charming villages are a delightful maze of narrow cobbled streets that are lined with honey-colored stone cottages topped with thatched roofs. Among the best of these chocolate box villages are The Slaughters, Castle Combe, Bourton-On-The-Water, and Bibury, each one a jewel in the crown of this enchanting region.

Pembrokeshire Coast

Pembrokeshire Coast

Immerse yourself in the untamed allure of the Pembrokeshire Coast, a breathtaking expanse of rugged coves, pounding waves, and picturesque moors nestled in the UK's "wild west.”.
Embark on the epic 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path, leading you over kissing gates and windy clifftops, through enchanting smugglers' coves, and past towering sea stacks. And when the sun begins to set, indulge in the freshest seafood and locally brewed beer in one of the charming coastal villages.

Jurassic Coast

Jurassic Coast

Journey back in time, some 185 million years ago, as you explore the wild Jurassic Coast. Begin your adventure by hunting for fossils at Lyme Regis and Charmouth's shingle beach, then follow the mighty 18-mile Chesil Beach to the southernmost tip and admire the lighthouse at Portland Bill.
Marvel at the famous Durdle Door, a 200ft-tall limestone arch spanning two remote beaches, best viewed from the cliff path above Lulworth Cove, and explore the geological wonders of Old Harry Rocks.

Gower Peninsula

Gower Peninsula

Prepare to be swept away by the stunning beauty of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales.
Take a leisurely stroll along Rhossili Bay Beach, an awe-inspiring three-mile stretch of golden sand, hugged by soaring 200-meter-high sea cliffs, or venture over to the captivating Worm's Head, a promontory disconnected from the mainland during low tide.
Don't miss out on the Blue Pool, a natural rock pool on the beach, and the picturesque Three Cliffs Bay.

Lake District

Lake District

A Unesco World Heritage Site in recognition of its unique hill-farming culture, Lake District has been bewitching adventurers since the Romantic poets flocked to its shores in the 19th century.
With its soaring peaks, razor-edge valleys, and glittering waters, this craggy paradise is the spiritual home of English hiking. Explore England's highest mountains, including the mighty Scafell Pike, and bask in the glory of some of the country's most iconic lakes, such as Windermere and Ullswater.

Snowdonia

Snowdonia

If you are a hiking aficionado, you are in for a treat in Snowdonia. Whether you scale the towering heights of Mount Snowdon via the dramatic Llanberis Path or explore the hiking paths around Cadair Idris, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of lakes and valleys.
Soak in the tranquility of Llyn Ogwen and Llyn Mwyngil lakes, or bask in the sun at the golden sand beaches of Harlech and Aberdyfi, where historic castles await.

Stonehedge

Stonehedge

Shrouded in mystery and allure, Stonehenge is one of England's most iconic ancient sites. For over 5000 years, this ring of boulders has fascinated people, yet its true purpose remains unknown. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, book a tour and walk around the inner ring instead of simply gazing from behind the perimeter fence.
If time permits, consider visiting the nearby Avebury Stone Circle, the world's largest stone circle, where you can even touch the stones.

Getting Around England & Wales

By Bus: Buses are the most affordable way to travel around England and Wales with consistent fares even when booking a few days before departure. However, booking a week ahead can secure super cheap tickets, including for long-distance journeys. The leading bus companies are National Express and Megabus, providing a vast range of daily coach services that connect most cities and towns throughout the country.

By Train: Trains can be a bit of a splurge compared to buses but they are exceptionally speedy, and some routes even provide unparalleled views. They typically require booking in advance unless you are prepared to break the bank, while websites like Trainline and National Rail Enquiries can help you snag the best deal among different train companies.

By Car: Driving in the UK is on the left-hand side of the road, and roundabouts are a common feature of the roads. The country also has strict drink-driving laws, with the legal limit being much lower than in some other countries. The speed limits are in miles per hour, while here you can find out if you need an International Driver’s Permit to drive in the UK.

By Bike: There are many dedicated bike trails and cycle routes throughout the country, making it easy to explore on two wheels. If you’re new to cycling or unfamiliar with the area, consider joining a guided bike tour to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

GETTING THERE

Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) are London´s two largest airports serving as a hub for many international airlines, with flights to destinations all over the world. Other major airports can be found in Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Bristol (BRS), and Cardiff (CWL).

When to Visit England & Wales

late May to late September ♡

Get ready to embrace the ever-changing weather of this lively nation, where rain is always a possibility, but that doesn’t stop the fun-loving locals from enjoying themselves. And neither should you!

If you’re looking for the best weather, head to the country during the peak season of June to August. This is festival season and there are huge outdoor events happening all across the country. From legendary music festivals like Glastonbury to major sporting events, the atmosphere is electric with holiday vibes in the air.

For those who love exploring the great outdoors, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons are the perfect time to visit. With fewer crowds and mild weather, it’s a great time for hikes and bike rides in the national parks. And with seasonal sights starting to open up in the spring, you’ll have plenty to see and do.

Though the weather may be wet and cold during the low season of December to February, it’s the perfect time to indulge in some hearty comfort food and enjoy the charm of quaint country pubs. And with Christmas markets and major sights still open, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

England Travel Essentials

NEED TO KNOW

~ Language: English is the official language of England & Wales, while Welsh is a de jure official language in Wales.

~ Currency & ATMs: The British Pound (GBP, £) is the official currency of England. 1 British pound is equivalent to about 1.25 US dollars and 1.15 euros. You can withdraw pounds sterling directly from your account using major credit and debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Maestro at most ATMs in the UK.

~ Tap Water: While tap water in the UK is considered to be one of the safest and cleanest water supplies worldwide, the taste may vary depending on the area, and it may take some time to adjust to the taste.

~ Tipping: Tipping in England is generally discretionary, but in some places, like restaurants, a service charge is included in the bill. If not, leaving a tip of 10-12% of the total bill is customary as tips make up a big part of a waiter’s income. In other situations, such as when taking a taxi or ordering a coffee or a drink, it’s common to round up to the nearest pound or add a small amount as a tip.

~ Plugs: The standard electrical plug is a Type G, which features three rectangular prongs in a triangular formation. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.

What to Eat

From Pint to Pie: British Pub Culture

For a hearty breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the Traditional Full English, dating back to the 13th century and encompassing a feast of bacon, eggs, sausages, beans, toast, and tea. Another morning favorite is Cream Tea, featuring English breakfast tea and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam.

At England’s most southerly point, feast on Cornish Pasties, D-shaped pastry parcels filled with a delicious mix of beef, potato, onion, and swede. These were the preferred lunch of Cornish tin miners in the 18th century, who left the uneaten crusts for the mythical mine-dwelling spirits called ‘knockers’. And at the seaside, savor crispy battered cod or haddock served with deep-fried chips and salt and malt vinegar – a national favorite known as Fish and Chips.

To really get under the skin of the nation, indulge in classic pub fare while enjoying a pint of locally brewed beer. Originally a special treat after Sunday church, the Sunday Roast consists of roasted meat and gravy served with assorted veggies, potatoes, and Yorkshire pudding. Another beloved pub staple, Bangers and Mash is a comfort dish of sausages, fluffy mashed potatoes, garden peas, and more gravy, nicknamed after the sausages’ tendency to burst while cooking, due to low-quality fillers used during WWI.

How much to Budget for England & Wales

Your biggest expanse will likely be accommodation, followed by transportation and food. However, there are many options for budget-friendly food, such as street food markets in many cities and pubs that offer hearty and filling meals at reasonable prices.
Many museums and galleries are free, while activities such as food tours, movie tours, and sightseeing can also add up quickly.