Of course, no trip to England is complete without a visit to its capital city. London features many famous museums, such as the British Museum, Tate Modern Art Museum and the National Gallery, as well as many historical points of interest, such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Oxford Street and Covent Garden are a must stop for shoppers.
The city of Oxford, located in the southeast region of England, is perhaps best-known as the home of Oxford University. Christ College is another famous and beautiful university, and its Great Hall was the inspiration for Hogwarts Castle in the Harry Potter series. For dining and beverages, visitors should stop at the Grand Cafe (the first coffeehouse in England), the Parsonage bar (a favorite of Oscar Wilde's) and the Eagle & Child Pub (frequented by "Lord of the Rings" author J.R.R Tolkien). Shopping stops include the Covered Market and High Street.
Bath, the home of Jane Austen, is in the southwest part of the country and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The most famous attraction, as suggested by the city's name, are the ancient Roman baths, which have remained intact since ancient times. The Thermae Bath Spa uses the same mineral springs as these ancient baths. Other attractions include the Jane Austen Center, the Bath Abbey and the Theatre Royal.
Bristol was named one of the top 10 cities to visit in the world, as listed in the London Times article "The Top 10 Cities to Visit in 2009." Located 90 minutes from London, Bristol is known as the capital of southwest England. Attractions include the Cabot Circus shopping center, the Bristol Zoo and the Cabot Tower. Bristol is a harbor town, and a sightseeing trip with the Bristol Ferryboat Company is a great way to see the city.
Liverpool is a popular city to visit and offers a combination of culture and a trendy city life. The Liverpool Cathedral is the largest in the United Kingdom, and a visit to the city must include a trip to Albert Dock, which features several waterfront restaurants and bars, as well as the Tate Art Museum, Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Beatles Story museum.
