

England: Castles, Coastlines & Countryside From Land’s End to London
Your Guide to the Land of Castles & Cathedrals
England isn’t just a stop for us; it’s been a base, a journey, and a constant return. We’ve road-tripped from Land’s End to Kent, explored cities like London and Manchester, and wandered through Yorkshire villages, castle ruins, and hidden coastal gems. House sitting gave us local insight. Road trips gave us range. From royal landmarks to tiny market towns, England kept surprising us with its mix of history, charm, and contrast. This guide pulls together our favorite stops, travel tips, and everything we’ve learned from months on the move across the country.
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Interesting Facts
Here Are 15 Interesting Facts about England. Some May Just Surprise You!
1. England Is Home to the World’s Oldest Royal Family Still in Power: The British monarchy dates back over 1,000 years, with King Charles III now at the helm of the House of Windsor.
2. London’s Underground is the Oldest Metro System in the World: The Tube opened in 1863 and now serves over a billion passengers annually.
3. Stonehenge is Older Than the Pyramids: This prehistoric stone circle in Wiltshire was built around 3000 BC — and its purpose still sparks debate.
4. England Has Over 4,000 Castles: From grand royal residences to crumbling ruins, castles are scattered across the English countryside.
5. The English Language Has More Words Than Any Other: With over 170,000 currently used words, English is rich, varied, and constantly evolving.
6. Afternoon Tea Was Invented in England: The tradition began in the 1840s with the Duchess of Bedford — and remains a beloved English ritual.
7. England is the Birthplace of Shakespeare: William Shakespeare, born in Stratford-upon-Avon, remains one of the world’s most influential writers.
8. Football (Soccer) Was Formalized in England: While versions existed elsewhere, the modern rules of football were established in England in 1863.
9. England Has the Shortest Scheduled Flight in the World: The flight between Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands lasts just 2 minutes.
10. The Tower of London Once Housed a Zoo: Lions, bears, and even elephants were kept as royal pets before the menagerie moved to what is now London Zoo.
11. The English Flag is the St. George’s Cross: Often confused with the Union Jack, England’s red cross on a white background is its national flag.
12. Black Cabs Are Tested on “The Knowledge”: London taxi drivers must memorize 25,000 streets and landmarks — a rigorous test that can take years to pass.
13. Big Ben Is Actually the Bell, Not the Tower: The famous clock tower is officially called the Elizabeth Tower. “Big Ben” refers to the bell inside it.
14. England Has a National Dish That’s Not Traditionally English: Chicken Tikka Masala is often considered England’s national dish — a nod to its multicultural roots.
15. The English Countryside Inspired Countless Stories: From the Lake District (Wordsworth) to the Yorkshire Moors (Bronte), England’s landscapes are deeply tied to its literature.
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Travel Essentials
Travel Information for England: Practical Tips & Essentials
General Information About England
POPULATION
England is home to approximately 57 million people (2024), making it the most populous country in the United Kingdom.
CURRENCY
British Pound Sterling (GBP, £) – Shared with the rest of the U.K.
Notes and coins are universally accepted.
CAPITAL
London (9.8million) is the UK’s capital, and is a world-famous hub for finance, fashion, theatre, and royalty.
SPEED / DISTANCES
30 mph in towns, 60 mph on single carriageways, and 70 mph on motorways and dual carriageways.
TIME ZONES
England follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), shifting to British Summer Time (BST) — GMT+1 — from late March to late October.
DRIVING
Drive on the left-hand side. Roads are generally good, but narrow country lanes are common in rural areas. Seat belts are mandatory. Children require appropriate car seats.
ALCOHOL AGE
Alcohol is legal from age 18. A 16–17 may drink beer, wine, or cider with a meal in a licensed venue if accompanied by an adult.
SMOKING AGE
The legal smoking age is also 18, and smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces.
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LONDON, ENGLAND
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