Welcome to Essentially England

The country of England boasts stunning landscapes, more than 5000 years of history, top hotels and restaurants, a thriving art scene and modern buzzing cities. But England also has a quirky, unexpected side. It has castles and ruins galore, unusual buildings, glorious parks and gardens, traditional festivals and events, quirky customs, and truly wonderful regional food.

We're here to bring you ideas for sights to see, places to visit, activities to try, and wonderful food you really must try - whether you live here, visit on business, or plan your very first England holiday.

We've organised the content into sections to make exploring easy, so just scroll down.

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Travel, Sleep, and Eat Your Way Around England

Image of the clock tower of Big Ben at the Houses of Parliament in London © Essentially England© Essentially England

England Travel Tips

From thoughts about the weather, what to pack and how to get around, our travel tips section will help you plan your visit.

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Line of Parked Coaches by Tramino via Getty Images | canva.com© Tramino | Getty Images | canva.com

Escorted England Tours

Escorted Tours are a great way to see the best England sites whether mobility is an issue or you love company while exploring

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Hotel Sign by BrianAJackson Getty Images canva.com© BrianAJackson | Getty Images | canva.com

England Hotels

From a grand five star hotel to a cosy guest house high up on the moors, you're assured of a warm welcome wherever you visit.

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england holiday cottages 500sq© Essentially England

Holiday Cottages

Renting a holiday cottage is a wonderful way to explore one of England's counties - and they come in all shapes and styles from quaint to modern.

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The Prince Regent© Essentially England

Glamping

Glamping - ie. a camping holiday with a touch of luxury - is a recent trend the English have embraced with relish. Explore shepherds huts, tree houses, horse boxes, and yurts

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Plate of Oysters by marilyna Getty Images canva.com© marilyna | Getty Images | canva.com

English Food

From the basics to the classics - high tea, anyone? - and from quirky food festivals to regional dishes, this section of the site explores English food from a variety of angles.

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Steak Pie by Andy Vernum1 Getty Images canva.com

Traditional English Recipes

Exploring English food is a joy, whether you do it with boots on the ground right here, or from a distance.

From fish & chips by the seaside, steak and ale pie in cosy pub, Lancashire Hotpot after a bracing winter walk, or a long, leisurely afternoon tea on the green... this section of the site will make your mouth water and tickle your appetite.

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Explore England's Counties

Image of Warkworth Castle in Northumberland © essentially-england.com© Essentially England

Northumberland

Tucked away at England's northern tip, Northumberland offers miles of unspoilt sandy beaches, walking for all abilities, and more castles and ruins than you can count.

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Classic Norfolk Windpump © essentially-england.com© Essentially England

Norfolk

A beloved holiday location for many, Norfolk has huge skies, beaches, marshes, miles of inland waterways... and absolutely fabulous food!

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The famous House in the Clouds in Suffolk © essentially-england.com© Essentially England

Suffolk

Norfolk's southern neighbour is another foodie paradise. It's also a great place for bird watchers, artists, nature enthusiasts, and people who love to be out in boats.

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HP Kent© Essentially England

Kent

From the White Cliffs of Dover, to oysters at Whitstable, and Sissinghurst's famous garden to the mysterious Weald - Kent is a wonderful county to explore.

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HP Northamptonshire© Essentially England

Northamptonshire

Often overlooked, land-locked Northamptonshire boasts miles of canals and towpaths, an excess of pretty little villages, and many small market towns.

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HP Shropshire© Essentially England

Shropshire

At one end of Shropshire lies the home of England's Industrial Revolution, at the other a foodie paradise. In between is glorious countryside great for walking.

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HP Devon© Essentially England

Devon

Famous for its picturesque coastline and dramatic tor-topped moors, a mecca for walkers, climbers, and sailors - Devon is one of England's prime holiday destinations.

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HP Wiltshire© Essentially England

Wiltshire

Prehistoric stone circles, white horses, steam trains, locks, quaint villages and endless open spaces - Wiltshire is a glorious ancient county worth exploring.

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HP Gloucestershire© Essentially England

Gloucestershire

From the fashionable spa town of Cheltenham to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and its quaint, picturesque villages, Gloucestershire offers something for everyone.

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Toot by the Beach© Essentially England

Ideas for Days Out

If you love history, traditional food and the slightly unusual, then this part of the site is your passport to some truly wonderful things to do in England.

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english history 600sq© Essentially England

English History

Whether you prefer the Tudors or prehistoric stone circles,  want to explore Norman castles or Saxon fortresses - you've come to the right place.

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Rye Collage© Essentially England

Holiday Ideas

This section of the site offers ideas and suggestions for your England holidays, for short and long escorted tours, weekend breaks, cruises, walks and themed vacations.

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Turn your visit into that one special memory by sharing my love for this country's quirky side. So go where your whimsy takes you and do things you've never attempted before:

  • Stay in a lighthouse or drive a steam train.
  • Follow the invading Romans across the country.
  • Solve an ancient murder.
  • Join a shin kicking contest.
  • Walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters from books or films.
  • Eat your way around the country if your waistline can handle it.

Or just sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Come with an open mind and discover the unexpected.
We will be here to welcome you!