Good English cooking is superb and there are some restaurants specializing in old English dishes. In general, the north of the country tends to offer more substantial and traditional food, at more reasonable prices than the south. Every region, however, will have its own specialty; these include roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, game or venison pies, rack of lamb and many fish dishes. Britain is still the home of puddings: apple crumble (slices of cooked apple with sweet crumble); spotted dick (suet pudding with currants and raisins); and syllabub (a Medieval dish consisting
of double cream, white wine and lemon juice). The English cream tea is still served in tea rooms, particularly in south-coast seaside resorts.

It generally consists of scones, jam, butter, clotted or double cream and, of course, tea. There are many regional varieties in baking: the flat pancake-type scones of the North of England and Scotland; Scottish black bun, a fruit cake on a pastry base; Bakewell tart, a pastry base covered with jam, almond filling and topped with icing; and breads of all description. For those who want variety, London and the larger cities offer every type of ethnic food imaginable, Chinese and Indian being particularly popular and good value for money. Cheddar and Stilton are the most famous British cheeses.

Tipping is not compulsory and it is up to the individual whether to pay the 10 to 12 per cent service charge often added automatically to bills. Table service is usual but there are self-service snack bars. Set-price lunches, especially on Sundays, with a choice of about three dishes, are particularly good value, as is pub food.
The British pub is nothing short of a national institution and even the smallest village in the remotest corner of the country will usually have at least one. There are about as many beers in England as there are cheeses in France and the recent revival of real ale has greatly improved the range and qualities of brews available. Look out for the sign ‘Free House’ outside a pub, meaning that beer from more than one brewery will be sold there. (more…)

There has not been a government of England since 1707. England ceased to exist as a sovereign state with its own national government in 1707, when the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland merged to form the Kingdom of Great Britain.

The United Kingdom, which itself replaced the Kingdom of Great Britain following and later merger with the Kingdom of Ireland in 1801, has undergone a series of dramatic innovations in the manner in which its constituent countries are governed, with devolved parliaments, assemblies and governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. England remains under the full jurisdiction, on all matters, of the Parliament of the United Kingdom and Her Majesty’s Government of the United Kingdom. Attempts at devolution to the English regions have been unsuccessful so far, reinforcing the idea that devolution, and more specifically the regionalisation of the country, is not popular amongst the English public.

One part of England, Greater London, has a degree of devolved power, although weaker to that of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with power vested in an elected London Mayor and the London Assembly. Greater London is however a unique region of England, being almost entirely made up of a single city - London.

The country is officially divided into the following in terms of governance.
The 9 English regions,
The modern day local authority areas,
The geographical/ceremonial counties of England.

The Economy of England is the largest of the four economies of the United Kingdom.
England is one of the world’s most highly industrialised countries. Its products include a variety of goods, ranging from sewing needles to earth- moving equipment. It is a leading shipbuilding country and an important producer of textiles and chemical products. Automobiles, locomotives, and aircraft are among England’s other important industrial products.

Since the 1980s the financial services sector has played an increasingly greater role in the English economy and the City of London is amongst the world’s largest financial centres, on a par with New York City and Tokyo. Banks, insurance companies, commodity and futures exchanges are heavily concentrated in the City.

The service sector of the economy as a whole is now the largest sector in England, with manufacturing and primary industries in decline. The only major secondary industry that is growing is the construction industry, fueled by economic growth provided mainly by the growing services, administrative and financial sector.

The British Pound Sterling is the official currency of England and the central bank of the United Kingdom, the Bank of England, is located in London.

Economic history

In medieval times (c. 11th Century-15th Century) the wool trade was the major industry of England and the country exported wool to Europe. Many market towns and ports grew up on the industry. Poor infrastructure hampered the development of large scale industry. This changed when the canals and railways began to be built, in the late 18th Century and early 19th Century.

England became the world’s first industrialised nation, with the industrial revolution taking place in the late 18th Century. This was also the age of British overseas expansion, where England relied upon colonies (such as America, Canada, or Australia) to bring in resources such as cotton and tobacco. English factories then processed the goods and sold them on in both the quickly growing domestic market or abroad. Cities grew and large industrial centres were established, especially in the Midlands and North England.

Heavy industries, such as coal mining, steel production and ship building, declined in England during the second half of the 20th Century and were replaced by service industries and hi-tech industries, such as the computer and pharmacutical industries.

Today England is one of Europe’s wealthiest nations and is the wealthiest of the four nations that make up the UK (GDP per capita).

Economic sectors

Agriculture and fishing

Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanised, and efficient by European standards, producing about 60% of food needs with only 1% of the labour force. It contributes around 2% of GDP. Around two thirds of production is devoted to livestock, one third to arable crops. Agriculture is heavily subsidised by the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy and it is not known how large a sector it would be if the market was unregulated. The GDP from the farming sector is argued by some to be a small return on the subsidies given but is argued by others that subsidy boosts security. And therefore is justified in the same way defence spending is.

The main crops that are grown are wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits and vegetables. The livestock that is raised is cattle and sheep. In the drier east, farmers raise wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, and sugar beets. Apples are grown in the west. Cornwall and the nearby Isles of Scilly, that have the mildest climate and longest growing season in England, raise winter vegetables, fruits, and flowers for the London Market.

England is one of the world’s leading fishing nations. Its fleets bring home fish of every kind, ranging from sole to herring. Kingston upon Hull, Grimsby, Fleetwood, Great Yarmouth, and Lowestoft are among the coastal towns that have large fishing industries.

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. Tourists are not obliged to obtain a visa for stays of up to six months in the United Kingdom or to enter Gibraltar. Those wishing to remain longer than one month in Gibraltar should regularize their stay with Gibraltar immigration authorities.

Further information on entry requirements may be obtained from the British Embassy at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008. Inquiries may also be directed to British consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

DUAL NATIONALITY: U.S. citizens who are also citizens of the United Kingdom or any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens. They are not entitled to U.S. visas or to travel to the U.S. on the visa waiver program. U.S. citizens who attempt to travel to the U.S. from the United Kingdom on foreign passports risk being denied boarding pending acquisition of a valid U.S. passport.

SAFETY/SECURITY: The United Kingdom is stable and modern. Political demonstrations are well policed and, except at times in Northern Ireland, generally orderly. There is a history of terrorist violence related to the political situation in Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom). Numerous such incidents have occurred throughout England and Northern Ireland. Although the main paramilitary groups are observing a cease-fire, there continue to be acts of violence by dissident groups. U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, but some have been injured when caught up in disturbances.

In recent years there has been widespread civil unrest throughout Northern Ireland during the summer marching season (April to August). As a result, American citizens traveling in Northern Ireland have experienced delays and disruption. Some degree of civil unrest may continue for the foreseeable future.

Bomb attacks targeting minority groups occurred in London during the Spring of 1999. Americans were not singled out, but the incidents occurred in public areas frequented by residents and visitors alike.

CRIME INFORMATION: The United Kingdom and Gibraltar benefit from generally low crime rates, and incidents of violent crime are rare. However, incidents of pickpocketing and theft of unattended bags in urban areas are common. Pickpockets are especially active at sites frequented by tourists, including restaurants, historic sites, buses, trains and the London Underground (subway). Thieves often target unattended cars parked at tourist sites.

American visitors should take steps to ensure the safety of their U.S. passports. Visitors in the United Kingdom are not expected to produce identity documents for police authorities and thus may secure their passports in hotel safes or residences. In Northern Ireland, however, passports or other photographic I.D. should be carried at all times. Throughout the U.K., ATM’s, most of which have access to systems widely used in the U.S., are readily accessible. Therefore only those needing to cash travelers checks would need to carry their passport with them.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: While good medical services are widely available, free care under the National Health System is allowed only to U.K. residents. Tourists and short-term visitors can expect charges roughly comparable to those assessed in the U.S. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning the United Kingdom is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
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Woollen and woven goods such as Harris Tweeds are famous. Printed cottons and silks are to be found, as well as fashionable ready-made clothes. China and porcelain Wedgwood, Crown Derby, Royal Doulton and Royal Worcester are good buys, as are luxury food and chocolates. Antiques are to be found all over the country. In London, Charing Cross Road is famous for bookshops, and there are several street markets: Petticoat Lane for clothes and Bermondsey for antiques, to name just two. Tax-Free Shopping: Many shops throughout the country now operate a tax-free shopping scheme for overseas visitors.

The store will provide a form that should be completed at the time of purchase. Upon arrival at Customs, present the goods and the forms (within three months) to the Customs Officer, who will stamp the vouchers certifying that the goods are being exported, and that you will be entitled to a refund of Value Added Tax (VAT). For further information, contact the British Tourist Office which will be able to supply details.

Shopping hours

In major cities, Mon-Sat 0900-1730; in London’s West End and other large shopping centers, shops stay open to 2000. Many local shops stay open to 1900 or 2000 and some even later; many of these are open on Sunday morning or all day. Larger shops will open Sun 1000-1600. Some towns and areas of cities may have early closing one day a week, usually Wednesday or Thursday.

The climate is temperate with warm wet summers and cool wet winters. Weather varies from day to day and throughout the country as a whole. The west coast and mountainous areas receive the most rain; the east coast, particularly in the north, is colder and windier. The southeast is sunnier than the north with less rain and a climate approaching the continental. The southwest has the mildest climate overall.

Required clothing
European according to season, plus rainwear.

Walking

Although England has a high population density, it contains some beautiful and unspoilt countryside, which is ideal for walkers. As a rule, the highest ground is in the north and west of the country, while the east and south tend to be flatter. Just south of the Scottish border is Northumberland National Park, featuring moorland and beaches. The Pennines (’the backbone of England’) stretch for 429km (268 miles) from Kirk Yetholm just over the Scottish border to Edale in Derbyshire, separating Yorkshire in the east from its ancient rival, Lancashire , and from Cumbria
in the west. A long-distance footpath, the Pennine Way, runs along this range. Relatively demanding, owing to the continual ascents and descents, it is nevertheless very popular.

In the northwest, just below Carlisle, lies the spectacular Lake District, with England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike (978m/3207ft), while Yorkshire contains two national parks, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. The Peak District National Park lies to the south of the Pennines. Gentler hills and farmland are to be found in the ‘home counties’, the area in the south of England to the west of London. The ‘west country’ (Cornwall, Devon and Somerset) by contrast, features higher land, moorland, cliffs and a rocky shoreline. The South West Coast Path (978km/613 miles) runs around the coast from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point near Poole in Dorset. Further information about these areas can be found in the Where to Go section.

Boating

England is threaded with canals and rivers, and there are many lakes and other waterways. Because canals connect urban centers, hiring a canal boat is a good way of visiting towns while still enjoying the countryside. A number of tour operators specialize in hiring out boats; for a list of these, contact the English Tourism Council (see General Info section). Yachts and cabin cruisers can also be hired, and facilities abound in popular sailing areas such as the Norfolk Broads.

Cycling

Cyclists are very well catered for in England, and there are many designated cycling routes. Some of these pass through towns and villages and some go through wilder regions. All are signposted and well-maintained, and bicycles can be hired all over the country. A list of cycling routes is available from the Tourism Council. East Anglia, its flat terrain sprinkled with picturesque villages, is a good cycling destination.

Spectator sports

English sporting events are often characterized by their traditional atmosphere and valued as much for the social opportunities which accompany them as for the sporting action. Many of the most famous events are patronized by the Royal family, and a certain style of dress is de rigeur. The main horse races attract a huge following and include Aintree, Ascot (famous for the extravagant hats worn by women on Ladies’ Day) and the Grand National (the nation’s premier event, prompting bets worth millions of pounds). Many English people are passionate about racing, and there are race courses all over the country. The world-famous tennis tournament, Wimbledon, takes place in London SW19 in late June and early July. Tickets must be purchased well in advance if good seats are required, while a ballot is held for tickets for the days of the finals.
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England ’s eventful history and scenic diversity render it one of the world’s most popular visitor destinations. Although only united as a single nation little over 1000 years ago, its origins go back to the dawn of civilization, and the variety of interest it offers reflects this.

From prehistoric Stonehenge to 21st-century attractions like London’s Millennium Eye, its inhabitants have (and do) contributed much to the appeal of the UK’s largest constituent country. This is not restricted to a material legacy, either - England’s cultural mix is rich, thanks to the many invaders, settlers and immigrants who have arrived on her shores through the millennia. Countless others around the globe share aspects of customs, language and history with the English themselves.

England’s heritage, and therefore her appeal as a destination, is many faceted and deeply rooted, ranging from the literary genius of Shakespeare to ‘everyday’ pageantry in the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

The variety and contrast in the nation’s countryside is enormous, too, and is often a source of surprise to many visitors venturing beyond the cities for the first time - as is the vast range of visitor attractions, resorts and sights to see and enjoy.
This guide comprises five regional sections, with another highlighting seven of the most popular destinations outside London. These are Bath, Cambridge, The Cotswolds, the Lake District, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and York. The London section covers the capital, while the Southeast includes counties surrounding it, plus East Anglia. The South and Southwest encompasses the remainder of southern England and two sections cover the rest of the country; the Midlands and the North of England.

Consult the central website for England’s tourist boards (website: www.official-touristboards.co.uk) for further information. Many historic properties and other attractions are administered by the National Trust (tel: (0870) 458 4000; fax: (020) 8466 6824; e-mail: enquiries@thenationaltrust.org.uk; website: www.thenationaltrust.org.uk) and English Heritage (tel: (0870) 333 1181; fax: (01793) 414 926; e-mail: customers@english-heritage.org.uk; website: www.english-heritage.org.uk). The Association of National Park Authorities (website: www.anpa.gov.uk) gives an overview of the 11 National Parks in England (and Wales).

Top Seven Destinations

Outside London, there are seven places known worldwide as prime attractions. Each has a different appeal, and each lies in a different part of the country - cross-references to the appropriate regional section appear in each entry.

Bath

Bath first came to prominence as ‘Aquae Sulis’ in Roman times. It was a fashionable spa resort nearly 2000 years ago, and rediscovered its ancient glories in the 18th century. Much of its beauty dates from the latter period, fine Georgian sandstone architecture dominating the modern cityscape. The original Roman Baths and Pump Rooms, though, remain open to visitors. Bath’s 500-year-old Abbey, built on the site of a Saxon monastery, stands above the Heritage Vaults, which tell the story of 1600 years of Christianity in the area. Architectural highlights include John Wood’s Royal Crescent, a remarkable curving Georgian terrace, and Pulteney Bridge, lined with shops and built by Robert Adam in the late 18th century.

Cambridge

Home of England’s second-oldest university, dating from the early 13th century. The individual colleges are the prime attractions of interest in the city, including the oldest, Peterhouse (1284), 16th-century Trinity College, and King’s College, whose chapel is regarded as one of Europe’s finest late-medieval structures. Other attractions include the Fitzwilliam Museum, the University’s Museum of Archaeology and Museum of Zoology, and The Backs, an area of parkland along the River Cam behind the colleges, where punting is a popular activity. The American War Cemetery at Madingley is close to the city, while the Imperial War Museum Duxford aviation section lies a short way south of Cambridge. Also near Cambridge is Grantchester, home of World War I poet Rupert Brooke.

The Cotswolds

Covering some 2000 sq km (800 sq miles), primarily in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, this area is famed for its picturesque villages and beautiful rolling hills. Highlights among the villages include Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh, part of whose attraction is the distinctive honey-colored local stone used in their construction. Attractions include England’s second-largest parish church, Tewkesbury Abbey, Jacobean stately home Chastleton House, Chedworth Roman Villa near Cheltenham and imposing Sudeley Castle at Winchcombe. The Cotswold Wildlife Park at Burford, itself another very attractive town, is a popular family outing.

The Lake District

England’s best-known national park occupies a huge swathe of Cumbria and, as its name suggests, there are many large bodies of water. But mountains also feature in this spectacular landscape, among them England’s highest, the 978m- (3208 ft-) tall Scafell Pike. Visitors flock to the lakes for walking and other outdoor activities, and to trace the roots of literary figures such as Beatrix Potter, Arthur Ransome and William Wordsworth. Wordsworth’s former home, Dove Cottage at Grasmere, is open to visitors - his tomb is in the nearby churchyard. A good starting point is the National Park Visitor Center at Brockhole, while the World of Beatrix Potter at Bowness-on-Windermere draws people from all over the world. The restored Victorian Steam Yacht Gondola plies Coniston Water offering pleasure trips.

Oxford

Known as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’, Oxford grew around England’s oldest university, whose origins lie in the 11th century. Among 36 colleges in the city center are Christ Church, which has an excellent Art Gallery, Trinity College and Balliol. ‘The Oxford Story’ presents a multimedia introduction to the city, with the help of a ‘dark ride’ through 800 years of history. St Martin’s Church’s Carfax Tower affords good views of the cityscape. Other major attractions include the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, the University Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Bodleian Library. There is a wide range of themed guided walking tours available.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Once home to William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Stratford draws visitors in their millions. Attractions associated with the Bard include Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, former home of his wife, Mary Arden’s House, home of the playwright’s mother, and Holy Trinity Church, where he and his family lie buried. The Royal Shakespeare Theater, venue for regular RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) performances, stands on the riverbank. Non-Shakespearean diversions in town include Europe’s largest Butterfly Farm and the unusual Teddy Bear Museum.

York

Northern England’s most visited city contains a plethora of attractions. Foremost is the massive York Minster, northern Europe’s biggest Gothic cathedral. The City Wall still almost completely surrounds the central area, and The Shambles is one of the world’s best-preserved medieval streets. York’s past as Danish capital of Viking England is explored at the recently refurbished Jorvik Viking Center, while its more recent status as a railway center is celebrated at the National Railway Museum. The extensive Castle Museum deals with all aspects of history, including York’s associations with chocolate making and Dick Turpin, the notorious 18th-century highwayman. The Yorkshire Museum and City Art Gallery are also major attractions. Historic buildings, such as timbered St William’s College and 14th-century Merchant Venturers’ Hall, abound. Walking tours and sightseeing boat trips on the River Ouse are available year round.

London

London Tourist Board and Convention Bureau London has no obvious center, because it grew out of two formerly distinct cities. The City of London was the site of the original Roman settlement and, later, commercial and trading center. Meanwhile, Westminster became the seat of government after transfer of England’s administrative capital from Winchester in the 11th century. Over the centuries, they fused, and engulfed surrounding villages and hamlets. Not until ‘Green Belt’ legislation of the 1950s did expansion slow. Today, 33 London boroughs and the City of London cover an area of nearly 385 sq km (148 sq miles), but contain a great deal of open parkland, common land and even woods. A wide range of guided walking, bus and car tours is available in London. For further details, contact the Tourist Board.

Central London

Roughly bounded by the Underground Circle Line, this area includes the West End, Westminster and the City. The West End contains many of the principal theaters, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, hotels and nightclubs, as well as the best-known shopping areas, like Oxford, Regent and Bond Street, as well as Covent Garden.
Places of interest include Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, the buildings of the Horse Guards and Downing Street in Whitehall, and the Tate Britain gallery on Millbank. The London Theater Museum is in Russell Street.

The Royal Opera House, home of both Royal Ballet and Royal Opera, is in Covent Garden. Backstage tours are available. The London Transport Museum is also in this area, whose former fruit and vegetable market is now filled with cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops.

Rock Circus, by Piccadilly Circus, brings the story of rock and pop music to life. The Courtauld Institute paintings are on display at Somerset House (which formerly housed records of births, marriages and deaths).

A short distance to the north is Baker Street, location of Madame Tussauds, and the adjacent London Planetarium. The Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street contains a representation of the fictional detective’s apartment.

Further west, in Kensington and Chelsea, are several other famous shopping streets (King’s Road, Knightsbridge - site of Harrods - and Portobello Road, with its antiques market). Three of London’s largest museums (the Victoria and Albert, Science and Natural History), and the Royal Albert Hall, home of the summer Promenade Concerts, are also here. The British National Army Museum is in Chelsea’s Royal Hospital Road.
Central London also contains four parks: Hyde Park (by far the largest), St James’ Park, Green Park and, slightly further north, Regent’s Park, location of London Zoo.

City of London

The City, with a resident population of less than 5000, is, during the day, the workplace of over 500,000 people. It covers just 259 hectares (1 sq mile), hence its nickname of the ‘Square Mile’.

Its best-known building is Wren’s St Paul’s Cathedral, completed in 1711. The Museum of London, near St Paul’s, tells the story of London from prehistoric times to the present day. On permanent display is the famous Lord Mayor of London’s coach, which carries the Lord Mayor through the City streets during the annual Lord Mayor’s Show. Close to the City is the Tower of London, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Near here is Tower Hill Pageant, which tells London’s history in relation to the River Thames. The Bank of England, the Stock Exchange, Lloyd’s of London (the world’s leading insurance market), Mansion House (official residence of the Lord Mayor) and the Central Criminal Court (’The Old Bailey’) all stand within the City boundaries.

Dr Johnson’s House is close to Fleet Street, former center of London’s newspaper industry. The Monument (to the Great Fire of 1666) and the Royal Exchange are other famous landmarks; a more recent addition is the Barbican Center, which contains a major arts complex - used by the Royal Shakespeare Company and home to the London Symphony Orchestra.

Tower Bridge, although little over 100 years old, is one of the world’s most famous such structures, and it is possible to visit the control room containing the machinery for raising and lowering the central section and to walk along the overhead walkway. Moored on the South Bank close to the bridge is World War II battleship HMS Belfast, also open to visitors.

South of the Thames

Immediately at the southern end of Westminster Bridge stands the former County Hall, now redeveloped to include the London Aquarium, one of Europe’s largest.
The South Bank Arts Center, near Waterloo Station, is among the most famous attractions south of the river. It comprises the Royal National Theater and the Royal Festival Hall.

Nearby is The Old Vic, one of London’s best known theaters. Southwark Cathedral, near London Bridge, is one of the finest Gothic churches in the city. Also in Southwark is an authentic reconstruction of the famous Shakespeare Globe Theater, now open to visitors, and the site of the similar Rose Theater. The brave may also be tempted to visit the ghoulish London Dungeon, which dwells upon less pleasant aspects of the capital’s history.

The redeveloped Bankside Power Station houses the Tate Modern gallery. Its collection includes major works by Monet, Picasso and Warhol, among many others. For lovers of even more contemporary and controversial artwork, the Saatchi Gallery hosts works by modern artists such as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and the Chapman Brothers. Also along the South Bank is the Dali Universe, a celebration and gallery of the surrealist legend’s works. The pedestrianized Millenium Bridge by Norman Foster connects the two riverbanks, beginning outside the Tate Modern gallery and ending across the river near to St Paul’s Cathedral.

By Bankside Quay is Vinopolis City of Wine, while another attraction in the area is the overwhelmingly popular London Eye ferris wheel which, at 137m (450 ft), is the world’s tallest, offering stunning views from its enclosed capsules.

Other attractions near the river include the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth. Portraying the history of 20th-century conflict, its features include the Blitz Experience and a section dedicated to the Holocaust. Lambeth Palace, official home of the Archbishop of Canterbury; the Florence Nightingale Museum, at St Thomas’ Hospital; Battersea Park; and the Design Museum are all in the vicinity.
A short tube ride to the east is Greenwich, with the National Maritime Museum, the clipper Cutty Sark, the Royal Naval College and the Royal Observatory, through which runs the Greenwich Meridian, zero degrees longitude. The Queen’s House, recently restored to its 17th-century glory, is also in Greenwich, as is the Fan Museum, with its collection of over 2000 fans.

At the Woolwich site of the former Royal Arsenal, a new interactive exhibition, Firepower, has opened in the Museum of the Royal Artillery Regiment.
Further south, London attractions include the Crystal Palace National Sports Center and the All England Tennis Club and Lawn Tennis Museum at Wimbledon. Dulwich Village has England’s oldest art gallery, while Brunel’s Engine House at Rotherhithe is site of the world’s first underwater tunnel. Further west are the Botanical Gardens (and palace) at Kew, and Richmond Park, where thousands of deer graze freely.

West London

London’s two major exhibition centers, Earl’s Court and Olympia, stand slightly to the west of the central area. The Boat Show and the Ideal Home Exhibition are among their principal events. Not far away, Whiteley’s of Bayswater is an Edwardian shopping center comprising over 80 shops, restaurants and a multi-screen cinema.
Chiswick House in Chiswick is a superb Italian-style villa. In Fulham, Chelsea Football Club offers tours of its redeveloped Stamford Bridge stadium. Further west are Syon Park in Brentford (which includes a beautiful 16th-century house) and the London Butterfly House; nearby is the Musical Museum, the Living Steam Museum and the Waterman’s Arts Center.

South of Brentford and Chiswick is Hampton Court Palace, former official royal residence before Buckingham Palace, built by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 16th century and added to by Henry VIII, Charles I, Charles II and William III. Other local houses include the Orleans House Gallery, Ham House and Marble Hill House.
Wembley Arena and Conference Center is in northwest London, and the new 90,000-seat Wembley Stadium is scheduled for completion in early 2006. The late August holiday weekend is marked in the Notting Hill area with the famous Carnival.

North London

North London contains fashionable Hampstead, set on a steep hill. Hampstead Heath is one of the largest expanses of parkland in any big city anywhere in the world. Hampstead itself has narrow twisting streets and numerous cafes, restaurants, wine bars and shops. Places to visit include Burgh House, Kenwood House (a Georgian country house, which contains a fine collection of paintings, set in parkland) and Keats’ House (the poet’s former home, now a museum). To the east, and also on a hill, is Highgate, another attractive former village best known for its cemetery which holds the graves of Karl Marx and George Eliot. In St John’s Wood, visitors can tour Lords’ Cricket Ground. Camden Town is home to a well-known weekend market at Camden Lock - the Jewish Museum is also in this area. Further out of town at Hendon is the Royal Air Force Museum with its collection of historic aircraft.

East London

The East End (Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Mile End and Bow) is in many ways the ‘real’ London, although this part of the capital suffered badly both during the World War II Blitz and at the hands of 1960s urban planners. This is where the Cockneys hail from (it is said that to be a true Cockney, one must be born within earshot of the bells in Bow Church).

Cockney traditions linger here: ‘Pearly Kings and Queens’ make occasional appearances, and there are plenty of ‘pie and mash’ shops still in evidence.
In the heart of the ‘old’ East End, the Whitechapel Art Gallery is a source of local pride. Another major attraction is the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood, a branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Middlesex Street, on the City boundary, is location of Petticoat Lane Market. Within walking distance from Petticoat Lane is the lively and trendy Spitalfields Market which has an excellent organic food and arts and crafts market on Sundays. Today the City is encroaching on the traditional East End areas. But its success has indirectly led to London’s biggest regeneration project - transformation of Docklands from 22 sq km (8.5 sq miles) of dereliction to an important business area and leisure attraction.

Renovated St Katharine’s Dock, close to Tower Bridge, is now an attractive marina surrounded by wine bars and restaurants, and at Wapping there are many old warehouses, the majority of which have been converted into homes and leisure amenities - a process underway throughout East London. The Prospect of Whitby pub on the Wapping foreshore is a tourist attraction in itself. Nearby Tobacco Dock is a large leisure complex with shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Moored at the quayside are two replica 18th-century pirate ships.The whole area has undergone intensive redevelopment along its 88km (55 miles) of waterfront, and the Docklands Light Railway opened in 1987, providing easy access from the City. The Canary Wharf development boasts a 245m- (800ft-) high office tower, Britain’s tallest building. London City Airport provides quick connections to short-haul destinations. Walks along the river and in the former docks areas are rewarding, offering unexpected glimpses of 18th- and 19th-century London.

The new Docklands Museum, which highlights the history of London’s river and port industry and communities, occupies a listed warehouse on West India Quay.
Elsewhere in East London, Lea Valley Park stretches from Hertfordshire to Bromley-by-Bow in the East End and offers extensive recreational facilities. Attractions include the 16th-century Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge in Chingford and the 11th-century Waltham Abbey. Hackney’s Victoria Park is another green space in the heart of urban sprawl. Boat trips are available to the Thames Flood Barrier, situated down-river from Greenwich.

Southeast and East Anglia

South East England Tourist Board . East of England Tourist Board . Southern Tourist Board. Covering the ‘Home Counties’ of Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, and West Sussex, plus the East Anglian counties of Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. The Southeast is England’s most populous, and prosperous, region. Despite the degree of development, though, there is huge variety of rural and heritage attractions, together with many major coastal resorts. Interests range from the traditional seaside attractions of Brighton, Great Yarmouth and Southend-on-Sea to historic cities like Cambridge, Colchester, Norwich and St Albans. The rural charms of ‘Constable Country’, straddling the Suffolk/Essex border, draw many visitors, as do the more urban attractions of Windsor and Dover, with their mighty castles.

Kent

Known as the ‘Garden of England’ for its copious production of fruit, hops and garden produce, Kent is the southeasternmost county in England. Canterbury is the major visitor magnet, retaining much of its Medieval charm. Canterbury Cathedral, where Thomas a Becket was slain in 1170, is also headquarters of the Anglican Church. Nearby, St Martin’s Church is one of the oldest churches in use in the country, having held services since AD 500.

At Dover, the main cross-channel port, massive Norman Dover Castle rises above the famous White Cliffs, while the White Cliffs Experience portrays a multimedia interpretation of the town’s importance over the centuries. Rochester is a charming old town with strong Dickensian connections, including Restoration House, thought to be the prototype for Miss Haversham’s home in ‘Great Expectations’.
Tunbridge Wells, in the west of the county, is an elegant 18th-century spa town. Historic highlights in the county include Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and Leeds Castle, said to be the world’s most beautiful.
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The two traditional symbols of England are the St. George’s cross (the English flag) and the Three Lions coat of arms (see above), both derived from the great Norman powers that formed the monarchy - the Cross of Aquitaine and the Lions of Anjou. The three lions were first definitely used by Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) in the late 12th century (although it is also possible that Henry I may have bestowed it on his son Henry before then). Historian Simon Schama has argued that the Three Lions are the true symbol of England because the English throne descended down the Angevin line.

A red cross acted as a symbol for many Crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries. It became associated with St George and England, along with other countries and cities (such as Georgia, Milan and the Republic of Genoa), which claimed him as their patron saint and used his cross as a banner. It remained in national use until 1707, when the Union Jack (more properly known as the Union Flag, except when used at sea) which English and Scottish ships had used at sea since 1606, was adopted for all purposes to unite the whole of Great Britain under a common flag.

The flag of England no longer has much of an official role, but it is widely flown by Church of England properties and at sporting events. (Paradoxically, the latter is a fairly recent development; until the late 20th century, it was commonplace for fans of English teams to wave the Union Flag, rather than the St George’s Cross).

The rose is widely recognised as the national flower of England and is used in a variety of contexts. Predominantly, this is a red rose (which also symbolises Lancashire), such as the badge of the English Rugby Union team. However, a white rose (which also symbolises Yorkshire) or a “Tudor rose” (symbolising the end of the War of the Roses) may also be used on different occasions.

The Three Lions badge performs a similar role for the English national football team and English national cricket team.

As its name suggests, the English language, today spoken by hundreds of millions of people around the world, originated as the language of England, where it remains the principal tongue today (although not officially designated as such). (However, the English language does vary slightly in different places.) An Indo-European language in Anglo-Frisian branch of the Germanic family, it is closely related to Scots and Frisian. As the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms merged into England, “Old English” emerged; some of its literature and poetry has survived.

Used by aristocracy and commoners alike before the Norman Conquest (1066), English was displaced in cultured contexts under the new regime by the Norman French language of the new Anglo-French aristocracy. Its use was confined primarily to the lower social classes while official business was conducted in a mixture of Latin and French. Over the following centuries, however, English gradually came back into fashion among all classes and for all official business except certain traditional ceremonies. (Some survive to this day.) But Middle English, as it had by now become, showed many signs of French influence, both in vocabulary and spelling. During the Renaissance, many words were coined from Latin and Greek origins; and more recent years, Modern English has extended this custom, being always remarkable for its far-flung willingness to incorporate foreign-influenced words.

The law does not recognise any language as being official, but English is the only language used in England for general official business. The other national languages of the UK (Welsh, Irish Gaelic and Scottish Gaelic) are confined to their respective nations, and only Welsh is treated by law as an equal to English (and then only for organisations which do business in Wales).

The only non-Anglic native spoken language in England is the Cornish language, a Celtic language spoken in Cornwall, which became extinct in the 19th century but has been revived and is spoken in various degrees of fluency by around 3,500 people. This has no official status (unlike Welsh) and is not required for official use, but is nonetheless supported by national and local government under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Cornwall County Council has produced a draft strategy to develop these plans. There is, however, no programme as yet for public bodies to actively promote the language. Scots is spoken by some adjacent to the Anglo-Scottish Border.

Most deaf people within England speak British sign language (BSL), a sign language native to Britain. The British Deaf Association estimates that 70,000 people throughout the UK speak BSL as their first or preferred language, but does not give statistics specific to England. Unlike Cornish, BSL is an official language of the UK although most British government departments and hospitals still do not cater for deaf people. The BBC broadcasts several of its programmes with BSL interpreters. (more…)