2. Stonehenge
Stonehenge, just 10 mi north of Salisbury on
Salisbury Plain, is Britain's most famous ancient
monument, and one of its most popular tourist
attractions (the site is so popular visitors need to
purchase a timed ticket in advance to guarantee
entry).
Covering 8 sq mi, the "hanging stones" were placed
here from 3000-1500 BC. The Bronze Age stone
circles visible today were in use until the Roman era,
when they were destroyed to prevent cults like the
Druids from influencing the population.
3. Tower of London
Prison, palace, treasure vault, observatory, and
menagerie - the Tower of London has done it all.
Widely considered the most important building
in England, there's enough to see and do at this
World Heritage Site to keep visitors busy for
hours. The centerpiece is the White Tower. Built
in 1078 by William the Conqueror, it's home to
amazing exhibits such as Line of Kings, the
world's oldest visitor attraction (1652) with its
remarkable displays of royal armor.
4. Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle has served as the summer residence of
British Royals since William the Conqueror built the first
fortress here in 1078. The largest inhabited castle in the
world, Windsor Castle is built around two spectacular
courtyards, and entrance fees include admission to the State
Apartments (closed when The Queen's at home, so check
whether the royal flag's flying). Also of note is the wonderful
Great Park, a magnificent 6 mi-long park that most North
American visitors will already have seen from the air as they
fly into Heathrow. And, of course, no visit to a royal palace
would be complete without witnessing the Changing the
Guard in the Castle Precincts.
5. Canterbury Cathedral
Located in the heart of the historic city that bears its name,
Canterbury Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is
home to the Archbishop of Canterbury and is the cradle of
English Christianity. It all started when St Augustine
converted the pagan Anglo Saxons here in 597 when he
became the first bishop. But there's much more to this
beautiful medieval city than its cathedral. Canterbury is also
a popular cultural and entertainment destination with great
shopping, galleries and cafés, as well as attractions such
as those focused on Chaucer's medieval England and the
city's Roman past.
6. Cambridge University
The old-world charm of Cambridge is a huge
draw for visitors to England, and is an excellent
(and easy) day-trip from London. Well-known for
its university - as famous as its counterpart in
Oxford - Cambridge boasts the country's largest
collection of preserved historic buildings, much
of it clustered around Cambridge University's 31
colleges. In addition to its vibrant shopping and
dining, Cambridge hosts many excellent cultural
events, including the 800-year-old Midsummer
Fair and the famous Cambridge Folk Festival.
