Things to see and do England

Discover the Newquay coast in a different way! Newquay Riding Stables offers treks and horseback rides to enjoy Cornish nature. Rides are suitable for all levels, lasting from one to two hours. You'll follow bridle paths and country lanes, cross rivers and gallop along Newquay's sublime beaches. An unforgettable experience, accompanied by an expert guide for your safety. For the little ones, pony rides and lessons are available.

These magnificent market halls date back to the ^14th century. More than just a place to shop, it's a real monument to be visited, as it's one of London's oldest markets. In the ^19th century, the stone building was replaced by a magnificent arcaded structure combining wrought iron and glass, giving a unique atmosphere to the market, which is now spacious and bright. Stroll through the aisles and stores and take a break in one of the charming little cafés. For the curious, the market was the setting for the first Harry Potter film.

Located in a charming and quiet cobbled street, Merton College was founded in 1264 by Walter de Merton, former Chancellor of England and later Bishop of Rochester. It is one of Oxford's oldest and most important colleges with its medieval buildings and 13th century chapel overlooking nature and the Thames. J.R.R.R. Tolkien was a professor here. Sociologist Theodor Adorno and poet T.S. Eliot also went through Merton College. To discover, a chapel, superb gardens and the library, one of the oldest still in operation.

This is the oldest church in La City and the only one in the city with traces of Saxon architecture (the church was founded in 675). A Roman pavement was even discovered there, proof of activity on the site 2,000 years ago. If the Great Fire of 1666 began just a few hundred metres from the site, the church was miraculously saved. Very damaged by the Blitz bombardments, it had to be rebuilt, but the brick tower, the outer walls and the Saxon porch are still standing.

At the end of a small alley lies London's oldest church, celebrating its 900th anniversary in 2023! Built in 1123 by Henry ^I, son of William the Conqueror, it survived the Great Fire of 1666, the bombs of the First World War and the Blitz of the Second. Renowned as the most beautiful church of the Norman era, its architecture is sublime. To enter, cross a half-timbered enclosure: the original façade. For the record, scenes from the films Shakespeare in Love and Four Weddings and a Funeral were filmed here.

Here's a chance to relive the district's glorious literary past, with a visit to the home of the great Romantic poet John Keats, whose life was as short (25 years) as it was productive. It was in this house that he spent his last two years and, despite the tuberculosis that weakened him, wrote his most famous verses. Here you can discover an important collection of manuscripts, books and annotated letters, not forgetting the engagement ring that Fanny, his bride, continued to wear until her death.

To make the most of your day at the other end of the island, The Needles, Wight's iconic site with its incredible panorama of three large chalk islets, is also home to numerous attractions for the whole family. You can take the chairlifts to get one of the best views of The Needles and stroll along the beach, or take a boat trip to visit the site. There's also an amusement park with rides, a golf course, a 4D cinema, a candy factory, stores, restaurants and cafés.

Would you like to discover even more about the south of England after reading your Petit Futé? England's tourist office offers you the chance to discover every facet of the country, according to the region and your desires: a Christmas break, a romantic getaway, a family vacation, a weekend at the beach or in the English countryside... It's all here! You'll even find the latest travel trends, seasonal activities and a guide to the film locations of your favorite movies and TV series.

How about a walking tour of Canterbury with a local guide? For 1h30, you'll discover the narrow streets of this medieval city and all its secrets. You'll pass some of the most beautiful monuments for which Canterbury is famous, and you'll even have access to the forecourt of the impressive cathedral. Don't hesitate to ask your guide any questions - they're experts! An original tour, led (in English) by enthusiasts. Cantebury Walking Tour also offers themed tours: Canterbury tales, gardens, the Tudors...

Follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria as you discover the Queen's and Prince Albert's favorite vacation spots across the Isle of Wight from Osborne House.

Osborne House, East Cowes, Queen Victoria's vacation home.

Carisbrooke Castle, Newport, residence of Princess Beatrice, the Queen's daughter, from 1912.

St Mildred's Church, East Cowes, Queen Victoria's place of prayer.

Prince Consort Building, Ryde, formerly the Queen's private yacht club.

Newport Minster, Newport, rebuilt at Queen Victoria's request, featuring a marble sculpture of her daughter, Princess Elizabeth.

Fort Victoria Country Park, Yarmouth, created to protect Portsmouth from French invasion.

Shanklin Chine, in Shanklin, opened to the public in 1817, one of the favorite haunts of the young Princess Victoria, who first visited the site with her mother in 1833 at the age of 14.

Ventnor Botanic Garden, in St Lawrence, where a former hospital stood during the Victorian era.

Farringford, Freshwater Bay, a former retreat for a group of Victorian writers, artists and intellectuals, including the poet Lord Tennyson. He was a regular guest at Osbourne House.

Egypt Point, West Cowes, Queen Victoria's favorite panoramic viewpoint.

Northwood House, West Cowes, venue for high society balls and parties attended by Queen Victoria.

Other attractions includeThe Royal Hotel, Blackgang Chine and, of course, The Needles.

The most beautiful view of the Royal Naval College is on the other side of the Thames: you can admire the view of the buildings. The first part, the oldest, was built by John Webb, Inigo Jones' nephew and assistant, in the 1660s at the request of Charles II, who wanted a new palace. The project was abandoned due to financial obstacles and it was King William III and his wife who transformed the site into a hospital for wounded sailors. The construction of the building was entrusted to Christopher Wren and completed by Hawksmoor and then by Vanbrugh.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust looks after five buildings associated with William Shakespeare and his family (Shakespeare's Birthplace, New Place & Nash's House, Hall's Croft (temporarily closed), Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Harden's House). The first three are located in the city center, while the other two are a little out of the way. You can buy a combined ticket for all five houses online, at a more attractive price.

This lovely 500-year-old farm cottage, surrounded by flowers and greenery, was Anne Hathaway's home until her marriage to William Shakespeare. The period furnishings, including Anne Hathaway's bed, provide a change of scenery, and the flower-filled gardens are ideal for pleasant strolls. Orchard, English garden and aromatic plants... It's a truly charming and picturesque place, not to be missed. You'll discover the history of the place and the 13 generations of the family who lived there. The visit takes 2 hours.

Hampstead Heath is one of London's must-see parks, although it's not as well known as Regent's Park or Hyde Park. The huge 320-hectare park is located in one of the city's most exclusive districts, which is also worth a visit for its small village feel. It's one of our favorite parks. There are small lakes to swim in on sunny days, vast expanses of grass ideal for picnics, and breathtaking views of central London and the City below. A true countryside interlude in the capital.

It is a true college of excellence where princes William and Harry attended school. With its traditions, imposing buildings and students in costume, Eton College is the most prestigious of the public schools (as its name does not indicate, a private school), founded in 1440 by Henri VI. It is one of four schools in England reserved exclusively for boys. Very expensive, of course. A few steps from Windsor Castle, it is a must-see visit and the second most important attraction in the Windsor area.

Commissioned in 1692 by King Charles II, this beautiful building was built by Christopher Wren and was used to rescue veterans wounded during the war. This mission is still relevant today. The museum traces the history of these residents from the 17th century to the present day. The entrance hall is dedicated to the Duke of Wellington and features articles about George Jones and the Battle of Waterloo (1820). He also has a contemporary painting of Queen Elizabeth II by Andrew Festing (1998). It is here that the Chelsea Flower Show is held every May.

This church, which dates back to the 12th century, was founded by the Benedictine Order. They wanted a parish church where they could gather in peace and quiet, far from the hustle and bustle of Westminster Abbey. In 1614, after being rebuilt in a late Gothic style by Robert Stowel, it officially became the parish church of Westminster Palace. It is therefore available to parliamentarians and is also used for concerts and commemorations. Churchill even married Clementine Hozier there in 1908.

The Oxfordshire Museum's permanent collection traces the history of the town and surrounding area, as well as its period crafts. This is a great visit to make with children, who are sure to appreciate the museum's practicality. It's also a good stop-off point for understanding the area before exploring it further, or if you're heading to the Cotswolds afterwards. The museum is housed in a historic mansion, Fletcher's House, and is divided into 10 galleries on a variety of subjects, from local history to art and archaeology.

It is the most famous criminal court in the country where the greatest trials take place, such as that of Oscar Wilde in 1895. The Old Bailey was built on the site of the former Newgate prison, one of the most terrible of its time. On the roof, with a sword in one hand and a balance in the other, the allegorical statue of Justice looks towards the Place de Grève, where the executions took place in the past. If major high-profile trials take place during your stay, you will need to get up early. Several guided tours are organized.

The British Library collects every text published in England. It has 325 km of shelving and can hold no fewer than 12 million books. Permanent exhibition rooms showcase historical documents such as the Magna Carta and the Gutenberg Bible, as well as literary documents such as the complete works of Shakespeare, dating from 1623, and the handwritten and illustrated copy ofAlice in Wonderland that Lewis Carroll gave to Alice Liddell, the little girl who inspired him to write the book. But also texts by the Beatles.

This church was built after an act in 1711, which advocated the creation of new churches in London. St Mary-Le-Strand, and others were, at that time, called "Queen Anne's Churches", because the queen showed a keen interest in their construction. James Gibbs, the architect, draws on the mannerist inspirations of 16th and 17th century Italian churches. The western part has a semi-circular porch that recalls Santa Maria della Pace in Rome. Inside, the imposing vault recalls that of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence.

The Tootbus company, part of the RATP group, organizes classic sightseeing tours in several capital cities. In London, take advantage of various hop-on/hop-off tours ranging from two hours to two days. Choose from "Discover London" (1 day), "London Essentials" (1-2 days with cruise), "Kids Tour" (45 minutes), "London Express" (45 minutes), and the two tours that take you to discover Windsor. New: 1-hour, 40-minute or 50-minute audio-guided walking tours!

In addition to the many options for getting around by bike, London offers a unique experience for rollerblading and strolling enthusiasts with the famous London Friday Night Skate & Sunday Stroll event. Inspired by the roller-skating tours famous in Paris, this event offers similar activities for skate enthusiasts and lovers of urban discovery. Rides are organized every Sunday from Serpentine Road, Hyde Park, and are free of charge.

In the small residential area of Smith Square, the church of the same name is considered one of the masterpieces of Baroque architecture in England. It is one of the strategic places for concerts, which take place at noon and in the evening. Built in 1728, it was copiously destroyed during the Second World War. It was then restored to serve as a concert venue. Renowned artists and performers perform there. A restaurant is located in the crypt. The surroundings are dotted with small typical Georgian houses.

This is the collection of American sociologist and writer Eric Estorick. This tiny museum with its immaculate white walls features 6 rooms of modern Italian art, mainly ^20th-century Futurist works by Giacomo Balla, Umberto Boccioni, Gino Severini... as well as a painting by Modigliani or De Chirico. Two rooms are devoted to temporary exhibitions. A café, store and small garden complete the visit. What's more, the temporary exhibitions offer visitors a constantly evolving artistic experience.

This is the only house you'll be able to visit in this neighborhood, which is home to many examples of modernist architecture, and was designed by architect Ernö Goldfinger in 1939 for himself and his family. At the time, the area attracted many artists, including architects, who had their homes built in an avant-garde style. The tour takes in the interior, which has been left untouched and houses a fine collection of modern art, including works by Henry Moore, Bridget Riley and Max Ernst.

Discover the former priory of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, with its ^12th-century crypt, church and Tudor-style portal. The mission of the Knights of St. John, like that of the Knights Templar, was to defend the Holy Land. Returning from the Crusades, the order was granted permission to establish its priory in the City, and was given extensive property holdings in what was then the suburb of Clerkenwell. Today's St John's Gate dates from 1504.

This unique museum is dedicated to fans, their history and manufacture. Housed in two Georgian-style mansions built in 1721, it features 3,500 pieces from the 4 corners of the globe, some of them priceless. Most of the fans, however, date from the ^18th and ^19th centuries, when they were widely used. Frequent temporary exhibitions punctuate the life of this adorable little museum: the fan as an advertising object since the ^19th century, fans from European royal courts, the Art Deco style, etc.

A notorious place in London, which was used as a prison between the 12th and 18th centuries. It was under the jurisdiction of the Bishops of Winchester that thieves, prostitutes, killers and bad boys of all kinds were imprisoned here under frightening conditions. Many heretics were also imprisoned, as were Catholics and Protestants who were not in conformity with the religion of the time. The museum tells this story and evokes the various tortures that were inflicted at the time. Sensitive souls, abstain.

This palace was built by Samuel Fortrey in 1631. The building was originally a manor house of moderate proportions, situated opposite the old Kings' Palace. It belonged to the Levett family, who inherited it from King George III. The property remained in the family for a long time, and was rented from time to time to royalty, notably Prince Frederick, Prince of Wales, who was particularly fond of coming to Richmond. George III briefly took up residence here, and had a Gothic palace built. The new palace was still not ready in 1810, and the king's madness forced him to withdraw from public life and leave the palace. His successor did not like the design of the new palace, and had part of the project dismantled and destroyed, moving the staircase, for example, to Buckingham Palace. George III's wife, Queen Charlotte, died at Kew in 1818. Queen Victoria, on her accession to the throne, donated most of the gardens to the nation, retaining only a small summer pavilion for her personal use. The building, restored and reopened in 2006, was used to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday. The history of the building can be retraced inside the palace, which is open to the public. Visit the royal kitchens, unchanged for 200 years, and discover the culinary secrets and gourmet habits of the crowned heads of the ^18th and ^19th centuries... A treat in the heart of sublime Kew Gardens. In April 2020, the 300th anniversary of the death of George III was commemorated here.

The estate dates back to 1309, but the present castle took shape in 1688. Charles Seymour, ^6th Duke of Somerset, decided to rebuild the ancestral home of the Percy family, of which he had become master through marriage. The dominant period is the ^17th century, but successive masters of the estate have each made their own mark. The Turner Room, or "The Red Room", is entirely dedicated to the painter who was a regular visitor to Petworth in the 1830s. At the same time, the North Gallery was built, dedicated to Turner, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Fuseli..

The Inns of Court are professional training institutions for lawyers who come to study here. London has four Inns of Court: Inner Temple (King's Bench Walk), Middle Temple (Middle Temple Lane), Lincoln's Inn (Lincoln's Inn Field) and Gray's Inn (Gray's Inn Road). In addition to their role in the training of lawyers, they also supervise the profession. Each barrister (lawyer) belongs to one of these schools. Barristers wear the traditional white wigs and only they are authorized to defend or prosecute the accused and to plead in court. Since the 13th century, the Inns of Court have strictly controlled admission to the English bar and those who wish to become barristers must still study at one of the four Inns of Court today. The system is actually a kind of patronage, in that it is difficult to become a barrister without a network of good contacts. These venerable and traditionalist institutions are built around a central courtyard, modelled on the Oxford and Cambridge colleges. The Inns of Court are a collection of passages, courtyards and lawns of undeniable charm. Lincoln's Inn is the oldest and certainly the most beautiful with its Tudor-style gate and chapel dating back to 1623. Famous figures such as Thomas More, Oliver Cromwell and Margaret Thatcher studied there. Just next door is Lincoln's Inn Field, London's largest square, built in 1640.

St James Palace is one of the oldest palaces in London. Commissioned by Henry VIII in 1530, it was built in 3 years between 1553 and 1556 in the Tudor style and was built around four courts: Ambassadors' Court, Engine Court, Friary Court and Colour Court. In 1558, it was within the palace that Mary Tudor signed the treaty that returned the city of Calais to France. Henry VIII's children died there, the first in 1536, an illegitimate son of the king, and Marie Tudor whose remains lie in Westminster Abbey with her half-sister. Charles II and James II were both born and baptized in St. James, as were Mary of York (Mary II), Anne of York (Queen Anne) and James Francis Edward Stuart (the Old Suitor). It was the residence of British rulers from 1698, when the Whitehall Palace was destroyed by fire, and remained the royal residence for nearly three centuries, until Queen Victoria's arrival on the throne in 1837. William IV was the last ruler to reside at the Palace of St James. After his death, and until 1939, certain court decisions were still held at the Palais de Saint-James. It is also within the royal chapel that Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. The building still houses members of the royal family, Prince Charles and his sons lived there. The large apartments contain many furnishings and an interesting range of royal portraits from the time of Henry VIII.

One of London's oldest markets, resurrected today to offer fresh, organic and quality products. The stands will whet your appetite with stalls of fish and seafood, cheese, fresh milk, breads and cakes, meat... The market also sells clothes including vintage clothes from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, cosmetics, jewellery... After a morning of shopping, let yourself be tempted by a short break in one of the many bars in the district. Good plan for the mornings, some stands open before 9am.

Separated by a wall and 200 years old, 23 and 25 Brook Street are the homes of two musicians who chose London as their home. Handel House was opened to the public in 2001. The museum is housed in the home of German-born composer Georg Friedrich Handel. Hendrix's space has been restored as it was when he lived there (1968-69). A permanent exhibition presents Hendrix's place in the musical and social world of 1960s London.

Located under the Victorian arches of Brighton station, this museum houses almost 10,000 items related to the world of toys and childhood over more than 4,000^m2. Aimed at toy enthusiasts and younger visitors alike, it features trains dating back to 1860, dioramas and many other objects from Britain, Europe and the USA. It's the ideal activity to do with your children if the weather doesn't allow you to enjoy swimming and the beach.

Inside the museum, you'll find an appreciable variety of collections, from Art Deco and Art Nouveau objects to Spanish, Flemish and English paintings, costumes and archaeological finds. The museum also offers a rich program of temporary exhibitions. To complement the exhibits, interactive screens are installed, attracting the interest of younger visitors.

Built in 1866 by George Aitchison, this sumptuous house is the home and studio of Sir Frederic Leighton, a painter and sculptor at the Royal Academy of which he was president in 1878. One of the most fascinating rooms is the magnificent entrance hall decorated entirely with mosaics in an oriental style, sumptuous! The other rooms feature works by the artist and some of his friends. Temporary exhibitions and guided tours are organized throughout the year, so you can learn more!

Built in 1185 by the Knights Templar, an order of 12th century monk soldiers, on the model of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Temple Church was renovated in 1682 by Christopher Wren and damaged by the bombardments of the Second World War. You may see budding adventurers looking for a papal plot, Temple Church having been made famous in the best-selling Dan Brown Da Vinci Code. It can only be accessed by day, via Fleet St or Tudor St, the enclosure being surrounded by gates. Debates and visits are organised on this theme.

To find out where all the Harry Potter films were shot (short 2-hour version, long one-day version for the biggest fans) or to meet up with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in Notting Hill, opt for one of these tours (the full list is online), which are pretty well done and fun. Choose your tour according to your favorite films: James Bond, Bridget Jones, Da Vinci Code or Sherlock Holmes. There's something for everyone! Unusual guided tours that take a different approach to sightseeing and reveal other facets of London.

Designed by architect James Gibb, built in 1726. The previous church on the site was built outside the town,in the fields, hence its name. Classical music concerts are regularly held here. The church also has its own café, the Café in the Crypt, an unusual place that feels more like a canteen than a café, and whose food is of average quality. We come here more for the original setting. At regular intervals, you'll hear its chimes echoing throughout the neighborhood.

This information center is nestled in the historic heart of London, the City. Here you'll find information on the city in general, and the team can help you book tickets for West End shows and choose your transport tickets. It's the only independent tourist office in the city! You won't want to miss the establishment's distinctive angular architecture, which contrasts with the surrounding buildings. Multilingual service!

This gallery presents works from the Royal Collection. Major themed exhibitions are organized to showcase these collections, which are three times larger than those of the National Gallery... They cover all the arts and all eras. Designed by John Nash, the Queen's Gallery was modelled on the other two conservatories at Buckingham Palace, and adopts the architecture of the Ionic temples, on the south-west corner of the palace overlooking the garden. It was completed in 1831. In 1997, John Simpson & Partners were chosen to extend and modernize the pavilion. The new entrance portico uses the Doric order derived from Greek architecture, as John Nash had done in the quadrangle of Buckingham Palace. On the gallery level, two friezes symbolize the Queen's reign and four panels represent the patron saints of the United Kingdom, created by Scottish sculptor Alexander Stoddart. The expansion of the Queen's Gallery was the most significant addition to Buckingham Palace in 150 years. The project involved stonemasons, wood and plaster carvers, copper and bronze workers, specialist carpenters, blacksmiths, specialist painters and cabinetmakers. The Queen's Gallery was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in May 2002, as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. It hosts a program of temporary exhibitions, featuring masterpieces from the Royal Collection.

Founded in 1352 by the bourgeoisie of Cambridge in the heart of the city, it is a fine example of early medieval architecture. It is one of 31 colleges at Cambridge University. Novelist Christopher Marlowe was one of his famous residents, as was navigator Sir Thomas Cavendish and more recently Downtown Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville. Another specific feature is that the college carefully maintains a unique collection of Anglo-Saxon manuscripts. It has one of the smallest numbers of students.

It sounds silly to say that a cemetery is quiet, but that's the main interest of the place, this soothing and restful aspect. With its old Victorian graves, covered with moss and all slightly bent, the place does not lack charm. They only come alive with the presence of numerous squirrels who also enjoy the calm of the surroundings. If some English personalities are buried here, it is however the tombs of anonymous people which present the most interest. A beautiful place for a contemplative and serene moment.

Located in London's cultural heartland, the Southbank Centre, the Hayward Gallery has been presenting exhibitions of contemporary art, mainly painting and sculpture, since it opened in 1968. Internationally acclaimed, the gallery brilliantly serves contemporary art in its entirety, both English and international, highlighting ever more innovative artists through events and exhibitions. Antony Gormley, Bridget Riley, Roy Lichtenstein... Its austere, brutalist concrete architecture is also particularly striking.

The Dulwich Picture Gallery is the oldest picture gallery in England. It was also the first public art gallery in the world, founded in 1811. Today, it hosts some of the UK's biggest exhibitions, including "Rembrant's Light". Its holdings, virtually unchanged since the early ^19th century, were created from a number of private collections. Originally assembled by the dealer Noël Desenfans, it was intended as the basis for the Royal Polish Collection. When Poland was partitioned in 1795, it was purchased by the painter Sir Francis Bourgeois, who donated 371 paintings to the museum. The museum is located in a charming old London suburb built around Alleyn's College of God's Gift, a school founded in 1619 by one of Shakespeare's earliest actors, Edward Alleyn - who made his fortune through his monopoly on bear and bull fighting. The building, the work of renowned architect and collector Sir John Soane (1811), stands opposite Dulwich Park, on the grounds of the famous Dulwich College.

The museum boasts an important collection of Dutch landscape painters, French Baroque canvases and genre paintings. One room is devoted to Gainsborough, but there are also paintings by Rembrandt, Reynolds, Rubens, Reni, Watteau, Murillo, Van Dyck, Lawrence, Canaletto, Piero de Cosimo, Raphael and Tiepolo. Workshops, concerts, readings, lectures and debates are also organized.

England is known for the beauty of its gardens; it seems logical then that a museum should be dedicated to them. Created in 1977, it aims to review the history of gardens and their creation in England and to address differences in style and influence with those of other countries. After a visit to the building to discover this history, the visit continues, of course, in the garden, a faithful reproduction of a 17th century garden, created in honour of John Tradescant, gardener of Charles I, buried here.

The oldest synagogue in Great Britain, it was built in 1701 by Spanish and Portuguese Jews who had fled the Inquisition. Resistance to Jews was still very strong at the time, and the synagogue was therefore built at the back of a courtyard so that it could not be seen from the main street. Virtually unchanged since its construction, it is a poignant historical testimony of one of the refugee communities in the East End. It is based on the model of the Amsterdam synagogue and inspired by the Christopher Wren style.

This gallery is owned by two art societies: the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of Painter Printmakers. It was inaugurated in 1980 by Queen Elizabeth II. Since the beginning of the 20th century, these two companies have been working in the same place and organizing exhibitions that reflect their work and show their reflection and vision on art. They defend the work of beginner and experienced artists around illustration and watercolour. Workshops and other activities are organized, consult the varied program.