Things to see and do England

Let us take you on a half-day tour of Stonehenge, one of England's most mysterious sites. Comfortably seated in your purple minibus, you'll be able to observe the splendid surrounding countryside while enjoying the commentary of your driver and guide, who will be delighted to pass on his knowledge of the area and answer any questions you may have. The tour lasts a total of 4 hours, from pick-up to return to the city. The meeting point is in front of the Abbey Hotel in the center of Bath.

Over 8 500 British secret Agents worked here during the Second World War, including one Ian Fleming, who drew his inspiration for writing his James Bond. You can discover a bomb reconstitution, the machine used to decrypt encrypted messages, and several exhibitions and museums on war, toys or computers (among others).

A museum dedicated to the history of aviation and the Royal Air Force, featuring over a hundred aircraft, seaplanes, helicopters... An impressive collection housed in the various hangars of a former airfield. Among other things, you can admire a reconstruction of the Blériot XI. There are also exhibitions of photographs, uniforms and films... In short, there's enough to keep you busy all afternoon. Don't miss the Battle of Britain Hall.

In the nearby market town of Wilton, Wilton House is an elegant noble residence that has belonged to the Earls of Pembroke for over 400 years. Enlarged and embellished over the years, it is an example of highly refined architecture and its interiors are of rare beauty. It is best known for its seven state rooms. The site also boasts some of England's first known formal gardens, with grottoes and water features, and has been the location for several films, including Barry Lindon and Pride and Prejudice.

A center of government since the Middle Ages and dating back to the ^15th century, Guildhall Great Hall has played an important role in royal history. Many state trials have also taken place here, including that of Lady Jane in 1553. The imposing medieval hall, adorned with stained glass windows, pays tribute to national heroes such as Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill. Built in 1411, the building survived the Great Fire of London and is the only medieval stone structure dating from this period. It houses a gallery and bookshop.

Soar high to see Brighton and the beautiful south coast as you glide up to 138 metres in a futuristic-looking glass capsule. Designed by Marks Barfield Architects, creators of the London Eye, the tower can accommodate up to 175 visitors. A visualization map is available, a multilingual application can be downloaded and the Sky Bar, nestled in the centre of the gondola, serves drinks throughout the flight. Free exhibition on the construction of the tower and souvenir shop. A must-see during a stay in Brighton!

At the intersection of 5 miles and Banbury Road is the small cemetery of Wolvercote, in the suburbs of Oxford, opened in 1894. This is where the tomb of the famous author of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings is located. J.R.R. Tolkien (Beren) and his wife Edith (Luthien) lie under a modest grave. The author had returned to Oxford to live after his wife's death. A detour to make for Middle-earth fans wanting to pay tribute to him. It is also the only Oxford cemetery with a section dedicated to people of the Catholic faith.

Owned by the National Trust, this rich property has a park of over 1,000 hectares and a lovely palladian house. With its Chippendale furniture and its very aesthetic decoration, it is a place that will delight lovers of history and architecture.

This museum covers five centuries of communication history and presents a collection of over 60,000 objects. Ideal to get an idea of the rich British postal heritage. In addition to the exhibition, a miniature train will take you on a 15-minute journey through abandoned underground tunnels: a fun, educational and interactive experience that will interest young and old alike. For those who want to know more, guided tours of the city and its postal history are also available.

An iconic landmark, this architecturally attractive building was opened in 1925. It belongs to the University of Bristol and houses the university's law and earth sciences departments. It is here that the university's prestigious graduation ceremonies are held. Visits are rare but well worth the detour. You can see the great hall, the Council Chamber and the libraries, all of which are very interesting. From the top of the 78-metre tower, the view is superb - not to be missed!

Appreciated for its beautiful architecture and red brickwork, the Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park is one of the city's best-known landmarks. It was built in 1897 to commemorate the voyage of John Cabot, the Italian navigator in the service of England, between Bristol and North America four hundred years earlier. The park, with its water-lily pond, is a pleasant place to stroll. You can then climb to the top of the tower, free of charge, for beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. But beware: the stairs are very steep!

The north coast of Cornwall is splendid, and home to some of England's finest coastal scenery. From west to east, you can admire the beauty of this coastline by walking along the sea from the road. If the beaches here are divine and pearly white, it's largely because they're often completely covered at high tide. The vistas change with the day, and you're just as likely to contemplate stretches of fine sand arched by cliffs, as granite rocks dropping sheer into the capricious Atlantic.

Gwithian Towans Beach: an immense white-sand beach fringed by dunes, a place full of charm and grandeur, popular with surfers.

Godrevy Point: its pretty cliffs provide unobstructed views of the surrounding area, and the attraction of this point also lies in the small island opposite it, with its lighthouse: Godrevy Lighthouse.

Portreath: a tiny, recessed village, typical of Cornwall, with a pretty beach at the foot of the green cliffs.

Hell's Mouth: between Gwithian and Portreath, this spot is easy to access from the road, with parking available at the Hells Mouth Kitchen and Bar. The photogenic cliffs are high above the water, and the area is of great beauty.

St Agnes and Wheal Coates: the cliffs south of St Agnes are among the most impressive in the region. Very high and covered with heather, you can admire the picturesque remains of old small stone mines on the Wheal Coates side. The superb beaches of Chapel Porth and Porthowan Beach, popular with surfers, stretch as far as the eye can see below. A short walk from the Porthowan parking lot to Trevaunance Cove is the perfect way to enjoy a Cornish postcard. If you simply wish to take a look at the ruins of Wheal Coates, a National Trust parking lot on Beacon Drive makes the site easily accessible on foot. For a bit of height, Beacon Hill is nearby.

The coastline between St Agnes and Perranporth is one of the steepest in the area and makes for a superb walk between the two towns. The view of the beach from the heights around YHA Perranporth is breathtaking.

Bedruthan Steps: the Bedruthan Steps could be straight out of an Australian or New Zealand postcard. At low tide, when they're no longer being rocked by the waves, these breathtaking masses of rock sit enthroned on a pristine beach, at the foot of the cliffs and facing the open sea. It's one of the most dazzling sights you'll ever see!

The villages of Mawgan Porth, Porthcothan, Harlyn, Trevone and New Polzeath are all very characteristic of the region.

Trevrose Head: visible from Newquay, this majestic headland juts out into the Atlantic and offers some stunning scenery, with its lighthouse and towering cliffs.

Stepper Point and Pentire Point: facing each other on either side of the mouth of the River Camel, these two charming, easy-to-reach points offer sweeping panoramas.

Port Quinn and Port Isaac: these adjoining Cornish villages are well worth a photo stop.

Between Boscastle and Bude: the cliffs in the area of Crackington Haven and Millook Haven are absolutely breathtaking, displaying an original and more complex geology than in the rest of the county.

This amusement park in Lappa Valley takes you aboard a dozen small steam trains. There's also mini-golf, canoeing, forest walks, a children's trampoline and a challenging maze. The site is set in an area of unspoilt nature, with interesting flora and fauna. Above all, it's an excursion for families with young children. Parking, toilets and café on site.

It's a welcome change from the pleasures of sea, beach and hiking. Spread over 5 hectares on the edge of Newquay, you can come here to meet species from all over the world, such as lions, toucans, meerkats, snakes, penguins and many others. You can even watch the animals feeding. Reduced rates are available for online bookings, and attractive prices are available for families. It's an enjoyable family outing that's a welcome change from cultural visits.

The Jurassic Coast is Dorset's greatest asset. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this enchanting coastline stretches for over 150 kilometers from Studland Bay, near Poole, to Exmouth in Devon. Its landscapes are of rare beauty, and its name derives from its very special nature. No less than 185 million years of geological history have shaped this coastline, where numerous dinosaur fossils have been found. The best way to discover the region is to get behind the wheel and embark on a road trip along the sea, which can be completed in a single day. Here are the main sites of interest, from east to west:

Corfe Castle: this picture-postcard medieval village is on the way to the coast from Poole. It's well worth stopping for a photo or to visit the impressive ruins of its hilltop castle (www.nationaltrust.org.uk).

Old Harry Rocks: at the eastern tip of Studland, this stunning chalk geological formation features stacks and huge white rocks jutting out of the water. It might remind you of Australia's Great Ocean Road, but this is England.

Lulworth Cove: this small, almost perfectly circular natural bay is an idyllic place of rare beauty, and one of the finest examples of its kind in Europe. Right next door, on the western flank, is Stair Hole, another cove with rocks from elsewhere.

Durdle Door: not far from Lulworth Cove, this poetically-named site is a splendid arch cut into the cliff. On its eastern side, St Oswald's Bay and Man o'War are delightful beaches.

Bat's Head and White Nothe: to the west of Durdle Door, Bat's Head and White Nothe are two enormous points of white rock from which you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. There is no road to get there, but the South West Path provides access.

Chesil Beach: just beyond Weymouth, Chesil Beach is an interminable 19-kilometre long beach. A lagoon separates most of it from the coast, and it can be admired from Portland, Abbotsbury and West Bexington.

West Bay: made famous by the Broadchurch detective series, which uses it as a backdrop, this small community boasts a typical harbour and superb East Cliffs, set like a wall against the sea.

Golden Cap: 10 kilometers before Lyme Regis, Golden Cap forms a 191-metre-high rocky promontory facing the sea. It's particularly visible from Seatown, where a path provides a 40-minute walk.

Lyme Regis: the charming little village of Lyme Regis is very picturesque, and Lyme Bay is famous for its many shells and fossils.

South West Coast Path: if you'd like to explore the Jurassic Coast on foot, the South West Coast Path (www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk) is a 1,014-kilometer long-distance footpath between Minehead (Somerset) and Poole (Dorset). It covers the whole of the South West Peninsula, well beyond the Jurassic Coast, but you're free to do only the sections that interest you.

Accommodation: there are plenty of campsites and B&Bs. The national youth hostel association YHA (www.yha.org.uk) also has several addresses along the coast (YHA Swanage, YHA Lulworth Cove, YHA Litton Cheney and YHA Beer).

Further information: www.jurassiccoast.org

The new photography exhibition and sales gallery, founded by art historian and art dealer Dr James Hyman, opened its doors in January 2023. Spanning six spaces, the center aims to support and promote the photographic art of artists working in the UK through events and exhibitions. The Centre for British Photography also provides access to the world-renowned Hyman Collection for a particularly enriching artistic journey.

Most feminist tours of London focus on the figures of royalty, or the suffragette movement, who are most visible in public space. Women of London is a walking tour agency that lets you meet other women who have made history. we offer 5 different tours, all guided by women. It's an experience that once again reveals the contrast between women's historical heritage and the lack of visibility and recognition they receive.

St Nicholas Priory is a historic building originally built in the 11th century as a Benedictine monastery, but over the centuries, it has been used for a variety of purposes, including a merchant's house, a workhouse, and a museum. Today, the priory is open to the public as a museum and offers visitors a unique insight into the life and history of Exeter. The museum's collections include a wide range of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the town's rich history, from the Roman occupation to the present day. Consult website for events.

An Anglo-Jamaican, Mary Seacole (1805-1881) was a nurse by vocation. Although she is best known for having traveled the Caribbean, treating the most destitute populations, she is most famous and respected for her commitment to the Crimean War. After being refused a place on a team of white nurses organized by Florence Nightingale, she decided to join the Crimean front on her own initiative during the war of 1854. It was a decision that precipitated her impoverishment, forcing her to stay in the Crimea longer than she had planned. Although she was a contemporary of nurse Florence Nightingale, and just as famous as the latter in her day, Mary Seacole has been forgotten by history. Her story, which nonetheless commands respect, is a crying illustration of the importance of the intersectionality of struggles. In London, it wasn't until 2016 and the erection of this statue in the gardens of St. Thomas's Hospital that a black woman was represented in public space. In front of Westminster Palace, Mary Seacole is shown walking into the wind, right fist clenched, medicine bag on her back, in a posture combining power and humility. The statue is 4.9 m high and made of bronze. On her back is a large bronze disk, symbolizing the land on which Mary Seacole had set up her treatment center in the Crimea.

Remarkable Tour, which offers various tours in the UK, offers a feminist tour of the city of London. "Herstory" looks back at the English capital's feminine and feminist icons, as well as its forgotten figures. Disruptive, anti-conformist, geniuses or women of power, this walking tour testifies to the incommensurability of women's historical heritage and gives real substance to the notion of matrimoine. What's more, the guide is exceptional!

The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum is dedicated to the history of cinema and pre-cinema. The museum was founded in 1994 by the filmmaker Bill Douglas and his friend Peter Jewell, and it is located on the campus of the University of Exeter. The museum contains a vast collection of items related to the history of cinema, including posters, photographs, books, magazines, props, costumes, and equipment. The collection spans the entire history of cinema, from its earliest days to contemporary.

Snaefell is the only mountain on the island and its highest peak, reaching 621 metres. The famous TT road passes at its feet, and its plateau hosts two antennas and a café-restaurant, open during the season. Once at the top, it is said that you can see the seven kingdoms: Man, England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, the sea and the sky. You may not see everything depending on the weather, but what is certain is that the panorama is extraordinary. The green hills of the centre and the agricultural plains of the north are ideal for travelers, lulled by the Irish Sea and dotted with small towns. On the western flank, the deep waters of the Sulby Reservoir reflect the azure and its clouds. There are two ways to get to this small earthly paradise: by electric train or on foot.

Electric train: from April to November, you can leave Douglas at Derby Castle, on the north end of the Promenade, or directly from Laxey. Allow a good hour from the capital, with the connection halfway through. The ride is lovely but perhaps a little chilly on the open wagon, especially if you are chilly and the temperatures are not suitable. Up to Laxey, the rails mainly run along the coast but the most pleasant part comes during the ascent. On the right is the Laxey Valley and its Great Wheel. On the left come the hilly heights of the centre of the island. It is necessary sometimes to stop to let the sheep pass.... When you cross the TT circuit, you will see a special kind of it. It is of course a reproduction of the famous loaghtan, the local, typical species with impressive horns. The train then winds up to the top in a short time. Remember to check the line times on the web or in the tourist office booklets.

By foot: take the electric train to Bungalow Station, stop on the road below, then follow the path. You can also park your car there if you are motorized but there are few spaces! For longer hikes, refer to the Ordnance Survey map to find a starting point and route at your convenience.

A masterpiece of Victorian architecture, this residence, built for the first Lord Armstrong, is the first house in the world to have used hydro-electric power for lighting.

Founded in 2000 by the influential Jay Jopling. White and cubic, of course, White Cube is home to the very best in British contemporary art. Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Gary Hume were all launched here and are regularly exhibited. The collections have expanded to include major international artists in the 5,440 sq. m. space. The gallery comprises three large exhibition spaces, a bookshop and an auditorium. Further address: White Cube Mason's Yard, 25-26 Mason's Yard ✆ +44 207 766 3550

Established in 1994, the famous black cabs know London like the back of their hand. So they're ideally placed to show you around the city. Several tours are available, some in the most touristy areas and others off the beaten track. London by night is also available. Tours around London (Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace) are also available. The advantage: you won't have to wait for the other participants in the group, so the tour is fast and efficient. For a typical London experience...

This magnificent contemporary art gallery is housed in a former furniture factory between Islington and Old Street, on the banks of the Regent's Canal. It is run by Victoria Miro, a famous British art dealer. 6,000 m² are dedicated to new and up-and-coming artists from the London and international scene. The space is impressive and well worth a visit, in addition to the renowned quality of its exhibitions. It's the ideal place to make artistic discoveries. And the gallery even has its own garden!

This small city farm in the heart of the trendy, alternative district of Hackney offers playful artistic activities and a privileged relationship with nature through direct contact with the animals. You'll find donkeys, pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep and many other surprises. The store sells local produce, eggs from the day's laying, honey... It's an ideal place for a country activity with your children in the heart of London. A little corner of greenery that's good for you!

East London's largest and most beautiful park. Victoria Park is modelled on Regent's Park. It's a romantic park where you can enjoy a stroll. It's also a hotbed of political protest and anti-conformism. The park was a rallying point for radical workers in the 19th^century and a venue for major demonstrations in the punk years. Today, numerous outdoor festivals take place here every summer, including Lovebox, Underage Festival, Paradise Gardens and Field Day.

The magnificent colorful structure housing the UK's largest wholesale meat market was renovated a few years ago after long and heated debate. If you're a meat lover, you'll have to come at around 7am to see the market in full swing: meat, poultry, wholesale game... All in a typical, noisy and bustling atmosphere! Guided tours are available on reservation. There has been a market on the site for over 800 years. Today's market has been extensively modernized. A great local experience.

It's a masterpiece by architect Hawksmoor, a disciple of the great Christopher Wren. Christ Church stands sovereign in a once wretched, outlaw neighborhood. Why such a church in such a nauseating neighborhood? Spitalfields was the Huguenot quarter in the ^18th century, a stronghold of non-Anglican Protestants, and a means for the Crown to assert its religious superiority. Jack London describes it as the haunt of the unfortunate in Le Peuple d'en-bas.

This new immersive attraction from the BBC is based on the BBC Studios Natural History Unit's Seven Worlds TV series. You plunge into the heart of the wilderness world, discovering the history of the universe and other wonders of our planet through huge projections of impressive scale. Each space and projection is set to a text by the famous British writer and naturalist David Attenborough, as well as the music from the series. A breathtaking experience for young and old alike.

Exeter Cathedral is a beautiful medieval cathedral located in the heart of Exeter. It is one of the most impressive and historic buildings in the city and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The cathedral was constructed in the 12th century, and over the years, it has been expanded and improved upon by many different architects and craftsmen. It is famous for its Norman towers, carvings, and stained glass windows. Guided tours will show you around all the historical details that make the cathedral special.

This is the family house of Christopher Lloyd, who devoted his life to the development of his flower gardens. The location is peaceful and seems to be taken out of time. The amateurs will appreciate the places, which each visit allows to maintain.

Climb at the top of Plymouth lighthouse, built on Fn Reef in 1759, then moved (stone stone) at the beginning of the th century to its current site. At the top of the 93 steps, the view of the city and its port is worth a visit. Prone to vertige.

Six beach offices are located on the island, in Cowes, Newport, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Yarmouth. Visit www.islandbreaks.co.uk

Start by fortifying yourself at the legendary The Head of the River pub under Folly Bridge. On the terrace, you can watch the rowing competitions, the pub being the finish line. Then take the riverbank and follow the Isis River to the right. Iffley Lock, with its stone bridge and weeping willow, awaits you at the end of the road. The city now seems far away. Continue the walk to charming Iffley Village. En route, you'll come across the famous Isis Farmhouse, one of those "old-fashioned" pubs that are worth their weight in gold. When you reach the village, turn around and return to civilization along the left bank of the river, along Christ Church Meadows.

A 5-minute concert room from Gyllyngvase Beach, the programming of beautiful musical surprises.

In East Looe, the streets of the city centre lead to a charming sandy beach. It is not dangerous and covered with soft sand, especially attracting families.

The aquarium faces the sea, and is a great place to see sharks, as well as all sorts of colorful fish, octopuses, rays and a host of molluscs. It's not necessarily the most typical activity in the area, but it can be a great activity for the whole family. Don't forget to book your tickets in advance, as you'll benefit from discounts and avoid the wait. You can also join a guided group tour. The aquarium is very spacious, so you'll have no trouble spending the whole day there. Ideal when it's raining.

This island is a few miles by boat from Ilfracombe and is a 4.45 km² nature reserve. Puffins are the local stars, but there are also fallow deer, ponies and all kinds of birds. It is possible to stay on site.

Women Inspire is an association dedicated to preserving and promoting women's historical heritage. To this end, in addition to educational activities (online resources, conferences...), a number of feminist tours of the capital are organized. Walking tours are fairly long (allow at least 2 hours) and focus on specific localities (West End, Bloomsbury...), giving you a real immersion in London's heritage.

Inspired by the four Shrek films, DreamWorks Tours: Shrek's Adventure! is a journey into the kingdom of Fort Fort Lointain. Here we meet the famous characters embodied by actors such as Shrek, Fiona and Donkey. The tour includes a dozen scenes, followed by a ride in a 4D bus that gives the sensation of flying over London. At the end, you can have your photo taken with characters from DreamWorks films, such as Marty from Madagascar or Po from Kung Fu Panda.

Visiting London in a new way with friends or family, getting to know the big thrill as you speed up, does that inspire you? So don't be shy and board the speedboats offered by this small company since 2006. Boarding takes place on the pier, near the London Eye: sit back and let yourself be entertained by friendly guides who are also actors and who will give you a good overview of the capital through their comments. You will discover more than 20 emblematic monuments. Careful, it's a mess!

Royal Museums Greenwich brings together the following institutions: Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum and Queen's House. It is an essential part of organizing visits to Greenwich's many and unmissable museums. Their office is located within the National Maritime Museum. It is possible to buy a day ticket, a day explorer, which includes otherwise paid tickets to the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory and audio guides, cheaper online. It is also possible to book guided tours.

Let us take you on a half-day tour of Stonehenge, one of England's most mysterious sites. Comfortably seated in your purple minibus, you'll be able to observe the splendid surrounding countryside while enjoying the commentary of your driver and guide, who will be delighted to pass on his knowledge of the area and answer any questions you may have. The tour lasts a total of 4 hours, from pick-up to return to the city. The meeting point is in front of the Abbey Hotel in the center of Bath.

This impressive valley with its jagged coastline is one of Exmoor's most beautiful spots. Less than a mile from Lynton, the Valley of Rocks is famous for its rock formations and strange caves. The formation of this natural site is thought to date back to prehistoric times, with the valley sanding up over the years to form a U-shape. On your walk, you may come across wild goats roaming freely, often quite frighteningly, along the jagged cliffs. Don't forget your camera on this beautiful walk!

On foot from Newquay town center, follow the coast along the natural byways of the South West Coast Path. You'll pass The Huer's Hut, a ^14th-century white stone hut where a "crier" used to sound the alarm about approaching shoals of sardines. The view over Newquay's beaches is magnificent. Continue on to Headland and its belvedere. The scent of the plants and the fresh air along the walk are a real change of scenery. Come at the end of the day to enjoy an incredible sunset.

One of Newquay's largest fishing boats will take you out to meet the marine wildlife. Experience an unforgettable sea safari and hope to spot many dolphins, birds and even the occasional shark! Depending on your chosen experience, you can try your hand at fishing, with all equipment provided by the captain, and snorkeling. And for the brave, the most sensational experience is cage diving among blue sharks!

Discover the flora and fauna of this beautiful coastal nature reserve. Along the paths of the salt marshes, beaches and Camber Castle, you can stop at one of the 5 birdwatching stations and admire the birds in their natural habitat. More than 4,275 species have been recorded in the reserve, over 300 of which are considered rare and endangered in the country. Take a tour of the Discovery Centre to find out more.

Visit South East England invites you to discover all that the South East of England has to offer. If you'd like to delve deeper into your travel plans after reading this Petit Futé, you can delve into the accommodation, dining and activities sections that the region has to offer, according to your type of stay and your desires. You'll also find a complete, up-to-date agenda of all the local events you won't want to miss. The photos posted on social networks will make you dream!