This fully updated new edition features illuminating text written by expert, local writers alongside over 250 brand new and inspiring full-colour photographs that will bring England's diverse people and places to life, at the turn of a page. The top attractions are highlighted in a dedicated, illustrated feature enabling you to plan your trip priorities and ensuring you see the very best England has to offer, from the striking landscape of the Lake District to the historical Tower of London. A brand new 'Editor's Choice' section features exclusive recommendations on many unique English travel experiences, including the finest stately homes, the loveliest gardens and the top attractions for families. An in-depth 'Places' section covers the entire country, from the bright lights of London to the vast wilderness of Northumbria. All the principal sites are conveniently cross-referenced by number to accompanying full-colour maps throughout the guide to enable instant orientation and easy navigation at a glance. You will also find a fascinating exploration of the country's long and intriguing history, from conquest and conflict, civil war and industrial revolution to modern times and the end of empire, alongside attractive, colour-coded features covering everything from country pubs to West Country Writers. In this guide you will also find detailed floor plans for some of England's most infamous cathedrals and other top sites, also a useful map of the London Underground. A comprehensive 'Travel Tips' section provides essential practical information, covering transport, accommodation for all budgets, eating out, the arts, shopping and much more, along with useful contact telephone numbers to help you book activities in advance. The unique combination of insightful exploration alongside practical advice means that this guide truly is a pleasure to read before, during and after your visit.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Best of England; This England; The English Character. History: Decisive Dates; Conquest and Conflict; From Elizabeth to Empire; Modern Times. Features: Theatre; Painting the Landscape; Food and Drink; Walking in England. Insights: Mini Features: Country Pubs; How Parliament Works; Capital Shopping; The Great Palace of Blenheim; Canterbury Cathedral; Literary Friends; We Do Like To Be Beside the Seaside; West Country Writers; The Magnificent Minister; The Brontes of Haworth; Wildlife on Moor and Dale; St Cuthbert. Photo Features: Stately Homes; The English Season; The English Garden; Howzat!. Places: Central London; The City and Southwark; West London; Day Trips Along the River; The Thames Valley; Oxford; The Cotswolds; Shakespeare Country; Cambridge; East Anglia; Canterbury and the Southeast; Brighton and the Downs; Hampshire; Wiltshire and Dorset; Bath; The West Country; Hereford and the Welsh Borders; Derby to the East Coast; The Peak District; The Northwest; The Lake District; York; Yorkshire; Northumbria. Travel Tips: Transport; Accomodation; Eating Out; Activities; A-Z: Practical Information; Further Reading. Maps: England; Central London; Chelsea and Kensington; River Thames; Thames Valley; Oxford; The Cotswalds and Shakespeare Country; Stratford-upon-Avon; Cambridge; East Anglia; The Southeast; Brighton; Hampshire, Wiltshire & Dorset; Bath; Exeter; The West Country; Hereford and the Welsh Borders; Derby to the East Coast; The Peak District; Buxton; The Northwest; The Lake District; York; Yorkshire and Northumbria; Durham; Hadrian's Wall; Floor Plans; Inside front cover: England; Inside back cover: London & London Underground.