London itself is unique in its beauty and the number of sights the city has to offer. Among the concrete jungle you can find a lot of interesting and unusual things, plunge into the ideal world of the measured life of conservative Englishmen, feel one of the most ancient cultures and get a lot of new impressions. But outside the city there is something to see. And many residents of the English capital love to spend the weekend in unusual places that are highly recommended to visit for many tourists who, by chance, ended up in these parts. We will tell you where to go from London for one day on your own

Oxford

The most popular destination is Oxford. To get acquainted with this interesting place with a rich culture and ancient history, you will have to spend about an hour choosing Paddington Station as the starting point of the route. Many have heard of Oxford University, whose diplomas are considered the most powerful argument of an accomplished specialist. And not only on the island.

It is this educational institution that is so desirable for every Briton. But tourists do not come here for lectures. They are interested in interesting architecture, the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else. Everywhere you can trace the English style and traditions of the glorious state. And in spring, landscapes are generously decorated with colorful combinations of all the colors of the rainbow, which appear in the form of original flower inflorescences.

Almost all residents move around the town on foot. And for this, all conditions are created here. Walking along the flower alley or in the luxurious shade of the emerald square, you can take a break from the bustle of the city and everyday troubles. Here, modern life is intertwined, which is actively supported by students, and the best achievements of centuries-old culture and architecture. In addition, it is this small town that boasts beautiful landscapes that are best viewed from a bird's eye view. And for this, a huge assortment of balloons is at the service of any tourist, which in the month of May almost completely cover the sky with their number.

If you find yourself in Oxford, be sure to visit the Covered Market. You can never leave this place without a souvenir. A lot of shops and shops, confectionery and hat boutiques will not leave anyone indifferent. There are also museums that will appeal to art lovers. For example, Ashmola keeps the works of the best artists and sculptors of past centuries, including da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo. Or the Christ Church Gallery, in the halls of which more than three hundred grandiose paintings and many times more sketches have found their home.

Cambridge

No less popular in terms of tourism is Cambridge, which can be reached in about the same time as Oxford. Local landscapes are generously decorated with a rich variety of daffodils, which are considered a kind of symbol of this glorious place. If you ask the locals where the first thing to do is to go on a tour, most will point in the direction of King's College Chapel without the slightest delay. This real masterpiece of historical architecture is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.

There are also interesting museums in Cambridge, which we strongly recommend to visit for all guests of the campus. Do you want to plunge into the long history of our planet? Then welcome to the unique rooms of the Sedgwick Museum, which contain the best exhibits from the world of insects and rare minerals that were found in different historical eras. It will be no less interesting to get acquainted with the exhibits of the Museum of Nationalities, which contains household items of people who inhabited these parts at different times.

Дувр

At a similar distance from the British capital, there is another attractive town for the weekend. We are talking about the port settlement of Dover, in which the famous English Channel originates. By the way, it is in Dover that the oldest castle in the whole of Great Britain is located, which attracts a huge number of tourists and historians. He is about two thousand years old and you can get inside for some 17 pounds. Don't forget to visit the alabaster cliffs, which offer a phenomenal view of the strait.

Visitors are offered a 6-kilometer walk, during which you can enjoy the marvelous landscapes of rare nature. Well, if your budget allows, you can take a wonderful trip on one of the boats. Archaeologists claim that the first settlement in these parts arose in the Stone Age, and the surroundings of modern Dover have long been at the crossroads of nomadic tribes. Even today, archaeologists find dishes and household items of the primitive British.

Canterbury

The historical path of the city (2 millennia long) has preserved many architectural sights, the first buildings of Christians. In one of the most ancient cities in England, it is offered to look at the ruins of Roman buildings, the Norman castle, the Cathedral of the XII century, frozen over the ancient streets of the city and preserving the spirit of the Middle Ages. Inside the Cathedral are the burial places of Henry IV, Jeanne of Navarre, a gilded statue of the Black Prince (son of Edward III).

They are kept in the chapel of the Trinity, located behind the altar of the Cathedral. Not far from the Cathedral are the ruins of the abbey of St. Augustine the Apostle. He converted more than 10 thousand people to Christianity (among them King Ethelbert). Before the appearance of the abbey, he lived in the oldest church in England, St. Martin. Now it hosts marriage ceremonies by local (and not only) residents, as well as farewell to dead people.

Walk along the ancient streets of the ancient (Belgian) settlement, admire the view of the residential buildings of the Tudor period. It is proposed to see the sights of the city while walking along the streets of North Holmes Road, St. Martins Lane. Visit the Royal Museum (Art Gallery) at the corner of High Street in St. Peter's Street and other places in the most beautiful city of the South – East of England. It is proposed to come to the city by train, car.

Stonehenge

The mystical structure is considered the most famous archaeological site in the world. Structures made of semi-finished stone blocks (large sizes), standing in a circle, are found in different parts of the world (they are called cromlech from crom – circle and lech – stone). Stonehenge is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and consists of 30 stones standing in a circle. Their average height is about 4 m, width 2.1 m. The weight of each stone reaches 25 tons.

Above is a stone lintel in the form of a ring, assembled using the “groove to groove” method. The arc of the outer ring and 13 stones have been preserved. Within the circles were five stones (triliths) forming a horseshoe. Two of them have been preserved and one restored in the 20th century. The construction had two concentric circles and an altar in their center. The time of creation, the purpose of the appearance of Stonehenge has many versions: a place for sacred rites, a primitive astrological observatory, a burial place.

According to the customs of the Druids, it is forbidden to approach the monument closer than 15 m (this requirement is met when visiting tourists). Stonehenge is located in the town of Salisbury near London. It is proposed to come here by train from Waterloo Station (then 40 minutes by bus) or by rented car.

Greenwich

One of the popular tourist destinations is the city of Greenwich. Now it is a prestigious area. There was a small settlement on the outskirts of the capital of Great Britain, which became the “sea gate” of the country. Now there are no majestic ships here, but various water sports competitions are held on the water area near the city.

In a typical English town, many interesting architectural buildings have been preserved. The main attractions of Greenwich include: a pedestrian tunnel under the River Thames. National Maritime Museum, clipper ship (Sark “Cutty Sark”), which delivered Indian tea to the country. Naval hospital, located in a building that served as a palace for Charles II. A special place in the list of city attractions is occupied by the Royal Meteorological and Astronomical Observatory, established in 1674.

The zero meridian (the starting point of the parallels connecting the poles of the earth) passes through its center. The worldwide recognition of this place happened in October 1884. Now the building houses the Museum of Astronomical and Navigational Devices. Arriving in the area is easy by metro or water bus.

Windsor

In this city, houses, streets are imbued with the atmosphere of ancient England. Windsor City Hall, built in 1687, dominates the Old City Centre. Its architecture reminds of important events that took place here and became important historical milestones (for example, the marriage ceremony of the son of Elizabeth II Charles with Camilla Parker Bowles).

As a permanent guardian of power, Windsor Castle rises above the city. Its medieval appearance, created during the life of Henry IV, has been preserved after the reconstruction in 1992. The castle is the property of the kings of England. During the tour (access to tourists is possible during the absence of members of the royal dynasty in the castle), it is proposed to see the public reception room, the royal chambers, a gallery of the works of great painters.

Stratford-upon-Avon

A small trading city appeared during medieval England. It is known all over the world as the birthplace of the famous William Shakespeare. The best acting forces in the country stage his immortal productions in three theaters belonging to the Royal Shakespeare Society. On the bank of the river stands a massive red theater building. He started working in 1952.

Among the preserved monuments of the small historical center of the city (above the River Avon) rises the building of a golden-gray church. It contains the ashes of Shakespeare, his wife, daughter, son-in-law. The Shakespeare Museum operates in the city on Henley Street. According to legend, he was born and raised in this house. Nearby is a classical school founded by King Edward VI.

The famous writer studied there. It is interesting to look at a unique old building: a house with a protruding upper floor. Shakespeare's daughter lived there with her husband, a doctor. Now it offers to see the exposition of medical instruments of the past. The city has a railroad. High-speed trains (Marilbon Station) are on the way for about 2.5 hours. By car on the M40 highway, a distance of about 165 km takes approximately 2 hours.

baht

The city is the country's famous thermal resort (translated as “bath”). The beneficial effect of earthly sources was known even to the Celts. Bath owes its rapid growth to the Romans, who did not build fortresses and prisons in it, but created a place for recreation and entertainment. Gradually, next to the unique bath complex on the banks of the River Avon, a city grew up that received a second wind during the reign of Queen Anne. It was considered the informal capital of England during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The main attractions of Bath are “Circus”, “Royal Crescent”. The image of the Colosseum is embodied in the image of the “Circus” (a large square surrounded by three curved buildings). The facades of buildings are decorated with ornaments and columns. Sculptural elements in the form of cones located on the edge of the roof. It is proposed to go to the “Royal Crescent” along one of the streets starting from the square. This is a chain of 30 houses.

They form a living arc of a crescent moon in the form of a natural amphitheater and create a feeling of unusual spaciousness. All houses are different and make up a real architectural bouquet of the most unusual street in England. In the old town, the Gothic church of Saints Peter and Paul (one building from the famous “Abbey”) has been preserved. In 1963, the Reception Hall (1771) was restored. Now it houses the Costume Museum. The distance to the city is 171 km. You can come by train, bus or car.

Siford

The main seaport of medieval England was destroyed more than once, was burned by the French between 1350 and 1550. There are many legends about the life of the population of the city. They were often called “cormorants” for their special love of attacking ships in the bay. They say that they created false harbors on the surrounding rocks and lured ships aground.

Rocks created by nature from snow-white limestone still attract tourists from all over the planet. Flickering white against the background of blue water, they are visible from afar and attract attention. “Seven sisters” is called a unique natural monument, preserved landscape. Unfortunately, the waters gradually erode the limestone. Large blocks formed 150 million years ago are falling down. Some sheer walls are eroded gradually and complement the beach area.

It is located in a nature reserve, it is impossible to come here by car. It is more convenient to look at a beautiful (and at the same time frightening) place is offered along with excursions or play golf on the field next to a steep cliff. Moreover, the small, ancient town is located at a short distance from London and is connected with it by rail.

Arundel Castle

On a hill nearby, with a small Arundel year, rises a building of impressive size. The appearance of the castle is associated with the victory of William the Conqueror in the battle of Hasting. He solemnly gave lands to his close associates. The main condition of the gift was the requirement to erect powerful fortresses, walls, and invincible castles. Roger Montgomery (the future Earl of Arundel and William's closest friend) received a gift of land from the county of Sussex. The first building of a magnificent castle was a wooden church in 1068.

In subsequent years, other buildings appeared, a stone wall. Gradually, a progressive structure for that time was formed. It was the first country house in England to have elevators, electricity and central heating. Historians say that the garden that surrounded the castle was one of the country's first royal gardens.

For many centuries (and at the present time) the castle has been the private property of the descendants of the Earl of Arundel and the Duke of Norfolk. It is open to tourists from March to November. The construction of the castle was the impetus for the development of the local village and the birth of a trading city. You can come to the city by rail from Victoria station in London. The trip requires a transfer and lasts about 2 hours.

Hiver Castle

40 km away, on the territory of Kent, there is a unique castle, the history of which is connected with the birth of the great Elizabeth I. The first buildings of the castle, a moat along the fortress, a gate with a lattice (after restoration, they can now be seen) appeared here in 1270. The Boleyn family became the next owner of the castle in the 16th century. One of his daughters (Anna) brought him eternal world fame. Anna was distinguished by intelligence, refined manners, and the ability to seduce.

She became the wife of King Henry, gave birth to a daughter (subsequent pregnancies ended in miscarriages and did not fulfill the king's dream of an heir). Here she was executed. Local legends tell of her ghost haunting the castle. For visiting, getting to know the life of Anna, the king, the castle was opened only in 1963. The rooms of the castle are furnished, the walls are decorated with tapestries of the 16th century.

One can see Anna's two true prayer books, a collection of antique weapons in the Assembly Room. It is proposed to walk through the garden, the labyrinth, sit by the lake, admire the chess pieces made of yew, restored according to historical samples. Take part in various interesting events: at a wedding, a conference, celebrate Christmas. The castle can be reached by train from Victoria Station.

Brighton

The provincial settlement became a popular resort after merging with the city of Hov and receiving the status of a “city”. Archaeological excavations confirm its ancient origin. It gained fame in the middle of the 18th century due to the healing properties of the surroundings. Cozy beaches on the coast of the English Channel, warm sea wind, cheerful night discos made it possible to forget about the problems of big, noisy cities. Even King George IV vacationed here.

Before his arrival, the Royal Pavilion was erected. The locals called it the Taj Mahal. Now the luxurious palace is open to the public and is considered a landmark of the town. Palace Square (pier) has become a kind of amusement park and open-air museum. Various attractions, swings, trampolines, cozy cafes are installed here.

Brighton's maritime history includes the oldest aquarium in the world, built in 1872, an area with rare plants, animals from the world of the tropics. Of particular interest is visiting the Globalls club. Here you can play golf in the twilight, surrounded by fluorescent figures of dinosaurs, inhabitants of the jungle. For 1 day it is proposed to visit the observation tower, look at the Church of St. Nicholas, built in 1882, the Clock Tower. Brighton can be reached by train from St Pancras station or by car.

Pepper

The settlement is called a small town or the most beautiful village in the country. She gained popularity among tourists after placing her image on the page of the national passport. And this is no coincidence: beautiful lawns, decorated with numerous flower beds, houses made of dark stone are a typical landscape of the villages of England. Weavers were the main inhabitants of the village. Their houses were built of limestone in the 17th century.

Near them, wool was dried after washing and delivered for felting to other cities. Archaeological research suggests the existence of a Roman villa on this site. In the lists of the land census of 1085-1086, the village is mentioned under the name Becheberie. The great building of Bibury Court, built in the style of Jacobean architecture in 1633, has been preserved on the territory. Marriage ceremonies often take place in the church of St. Mary (its history dates back to the 8th century).

The attraction of the place is the oldest trout farm in England. Since 1902, brown, rainbow trout have been grown on it. The farm is invited to visit during a walk. Catch fish for lunch on your own and try it at a local restaurant. Primordial silence reigns on the streets of Bibury, filled only with the sounds of murmuring water, the rustle of leaves, the singing of birds and the unusual aroma of flowers.

The Koli River, flowing through the village, complements its beauty, creating living scenery that has been repeatedly used in filming. Many artists, poets come here to fill with new forces. The distance to the village is 140 km. You can overcome it by train, car.

Isle of Wight

The largest island in the UK is located in the English Channel. A unique piece of land was formed during the last ice age. As a result of the action of the forces of nature, numerous remains of dinosaurs in Europe were exposed and became available, interesting places appeared. These include the Culver Rocks, Needles, extending far and ending with an ancient lighthouse.

Since 1963, the island has received the status of “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”. The history of life on the Isle of Wight is connected with the power of the Romans. Until now, you can see a well-preserved Roman estate built in the 3rd century. Particular attention is drawn to the floors of the building, made of mosaics, reflecting interesting plot compositions. The island began to belong to the Kingdom from the 5th century and became part of the county of Hampshire. The capital of the island is the city of Newport, which grew up along the banks of the Medina River on the site of an Anglo-Saxon village.

It houses Carisbrook Castle with St. Peter's Chapel (it houses the Historical Museum). The residence of the monarchs of Britain is located in the palace of the city of East Cowes. Since 1921, anyone can see it. The island hosts one of the world's most famous competitions: the Royal Yacht Regatta. It was first held here in 1851. The world's first radio station, created by G. Marconi in 1897, was launched here. The resorts of the island have attracted many famous personalities to rest at all times. It is now proposed to come here by ferry.

Liverpool

A major economic and industrial center of the country received the status of a city in 1880. Its rapid development is associated with shipbuilding, the role of an important seaport. The famous liner Britannia was launched from its moorings, the steamer Titanic was assigned to Liverpool. The ensemble of Albert Dock buildings is one of the main attractions of the city and occupies a worthy place in the UNESCO heritage lists.

Built under the direction of Prince Albert, it was one of the first enclosed structures made of stone. Now it houses the Merseyside Museum (Marine), the Art Gallery. Shops, restaurants, cafes, stock exchange. The beautiful city, which grew up at the mouth of the Mersey River, has become a popular center of youth culture. This is where a musical phenomenon was born: The Beatles. It is proposed to start a walk around the city from Head Pier, where the symbols of the city are located: the Royal Liver Buildings, the liver bird.

Go to the Catholic Church Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, a neo-Gothic Anglican cathedral (the largest building of this type in the world). See Town Hall. Stroll through one of the city's 40 green spaces, Sefton Park. Taking part in a city tour, it is proposed to listen to the history of the appearance of the old football clubs FC Liverpool, Everton. You can get there by train in just 2 hours.

Manchester

The city is located in the northwest of England. There was a settlement of the Celts, the Roman camp Mancunium around 79 on the banks of the river Irwell. During the Middle Ages, it was a small trading town of artisans. Becoming the textile center of the country, the city grew rapidly. Architectural buildings appeared in it, which have survived to this day, despite the great destruction during the war years.

The city, recreated from the ruins, has become popular with tourists from many countries. During the walks, it is suggested to see the Gothic Manchester Cathedral, the Caspfield area (city park), which is included in the UNESCO heritage lists. The oldest Catholic church of Saint Mary (1794), the neo-Gothic style town hall. Go to the “city within the city” Sapford. Here on the waterfront is the famous Lowry Gallery. The embankment is a good example of the transformation of old buildings of abandoned warehouses into modern architectural forms filled with new life.

The most prestigious University of Manchester operates in a large industrial, financial and cultural center of England, and a large number of museums are open. It houses one of the richest, most popular football clubs in the world, Manchester United, City. Manchester shopping centers (eg Trafford Centre) are called the most diverse in the country. The city is known for its pubs, nightclubs and restaurants. The distance between London and Manchester is proposed to be overcome by train in 2.5 hours, by bus in 5 hours or quickly by plane.

Birmingham

In terms of population and size, this city ranks second after London. It is called the youngest city in Europe (the average age of residents is just over 25 years). Once the city was considered the industrial capital not only of England, but also of the world. The centuries-old history of Birmingham is filled with thousands of discoveries in various scientific fields. Metalworking and jewelry craftsmanship originated here.

On the ancient streets, the childhood of the writer Tolkien, who gave the world the famous work “The Lord of the Rings”, passed. A walk around the city is recommended to start from the central Victoria Square. A statue of the queen, who reigns slightly less than the current Queen Elizabeth, adorns the square. Nearby are the Birmingham Museum, Gallery. Inside, the indescribable beauty of the interior is striking. Interactive expositions will introduce the history of the city.

Among the architectural sights, special attention should be paid to the Church of St. Martin, the largest library in Europe of regional importance, the oldest cinema in England, The Electric, which is currently operating. It offers to watch old retro films, modern blockbusters. The wars did not destroy the building of the interesting Aston Hall mansion. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century.

Birmingham is home to the country's renowned university. King Edward's School of Education is known throughout the world. The famous chime of the Big Bram clock from Chamberlain Square is heard throughout the central part of the city. It is easy to come to the “heart of Great Britain” from anywhere in the country. There are daily trains from London, buses, taxis.

Bristol

The largest settlement in the South-West of England appeared in the year 1000 as a trading port of Avon and Frome. The name of the city means “place by the bridge”. Having established trade with Ireland, it becomes the center of shipbuilding and is one of the four major industrial cities in the country. The convenient location of Bristol allowed it to become a port for ships from North Africa involved in the slave trade. “Live goods” were regularly delivered here.

While exploring the city, it is suggested to see the historic center of the harbor area Harborside. Warehouses, buildings are converted into modern shopping centers, places for cultural entertainment. The embankment is decorated with a large sailboat with colorful flags. This is the Great Britain Steamboat Museum. It is visible above the buildings of the ancient docks. Expositions of an interesting museum are organized in the holds of the first propeller transatlantic liner.

One of the symbols of the city is a suspension bridge, frozen over the gorge of the Avon River. It connects the village with limestone rocks. Cathedral, observatory, Clifton Down cave, many other attractions in the city and its environs. They are visited while traveling from London by train, car.