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England is a country full of history and culture, you could never get bored. There are literally hundreds of places to visit and things to see and do, but I’ve picked out a selection of the top things to do in England that I think you should have on your travel bucket list for when you next visit this fascinating country.

17 Things to Do in England

Wander the City of Dreaming Spires

Established in 1096, Oxford is the oldest university in the English speaking world and the second oldest in the world. Visitors are welcome to explore the public areas of the university, including museums, colleges at certain times of year and libraries, you can even enjoy a spot of souvenir shopping.

Spot Wild Ponies in the New Forest

One of England’s National Parks, the New Forest is a wild expanse of moors, forest trails, heathland and ancient woodland. Spend a morning walking or cycling around spotting the wild ponies which roam around the area. Don’t miss Bolderwood’s Deer Sanctuary at the very heart of the New Forest. Round off the day with a visit to Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum and pretty river, a trip to coast at Lymington or to the small village of Brockenhurst, where you’ll find foodie heaven in boutique restaurant with rooms The Pig.

Watch Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Head to Stratford-upon-Avon to see a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on the river’s edge. Stick around to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and the church where he was laid to rest before rowing along the river Avon in a boat named after one of the writer’s famous characters.

Hunt for Fossils on the Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile stretch of super pretty south England coastline famous for its unique geology. Running from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, it became England’s first natural Unesco World Heritage Site in 2001. Don’t miss Lulworth Cove, a breathtakingly blue secluded bay, or its neighbour, the grand, natural limestone arch of Durdle Door.

Marvel at the Eden Project

Head to this stunning eco-park near St Austell, in Cornwall, where you’ll find the largest indoor rainforest in the world. The instantly recognisable tropical biomes are home to jaw-dropping global gardens, bursting with different sights, smells and textures.

Explore the Narrow Streets of York

The city of York boasts a huge cathedral, centuries-old city walls, a castle and a ruined Norman keep. But the best way to soak up the city’s old world vibes is to head to The Shambles, a winding and astonishingly narrow street at the heart of York’s historical quarter. Walking around the charming area is like stepping back in time. Continue the time travel by stopping at Bettys, which has been serving afternoon tea to the city of York since 1936.

Punt Along the River Cam

You probably know of the city of Cambridge because of its world-famous university but there are plenty of other reasons to visit. Its stunning, historic centre, for starters. It might be a city but it’s as rural as they come, with lush meadows, herds of grazing animals and the river Cam at its heart. The best way to see it all? Weave through the middle of the city, spying the backs of the academic colleges, on a classic Cambridge Punt.

Canoe Along the Wye Valley

An open-top Canadian canoe is the perfect way to experience the river in the hot summer months. Moor at Symonds Yat for some food and drink at The Saracen’s Head Inn before walking to Symonds Yat Rock for a spectacular view of the valley and a glimpse of some peregrine falcons nesting in the surrounding cliffs.

Follow the Footsteps of The Beatles

Take a magical mystery tour around the city of Liverpool in north-west England. It’s where the famous foursome first met. Step inside the National Trust-owned homes where John Lennon and Paul McCartney spent their childhoods. Head to The Beatles Story, the world’s largest permanent exhibition devoted to the musical icons and their history. Finish your trip with a visit to the rebuilt Cavern Club, which sits near where The Beatles first started to play in the early ’60s, and live your best psychedelic life.

Visit Beautiful Country Villages

The Cotswolds, which mainly reside in the county of Gloucestershire, are a range of rolling hills that are dotted with small attractive towns and villages. Throughout the Middle Ages, it became a lucrative route for wool traders, and in turn, the entire area prospered. The highest point in the area is Cleeve Hill which stands at 1,083 ft. (330 m), and is just north of the large spa town of Cheltenham.

Go Puffin Spotting on the Farne Islands

In the summer months, more than 150,000 pairs of breeding Puffins descend on the Farne Islands – just off the coast of Northumberland. England’s largest collection of grey seals can also be found here lazing on the rocks. Boat trips are available should you wish to get up close and personal!

Stroll Along London’s South Bank

London’s South Bank is perfect for a splash of arts and culture with its world-beatingcollection of art galleries and theatres congregating along the River Thames.Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern, BFI, National Theatre and, of course, the Southbank Centre will keep you busy for weeks.

Walk Over Tower Bridge

One of the most famous bridges in the world is open to walk over and explore, you can also enjoy the exhibition and monument, and learn all about its history. To view the city from another perspective, you can walk over the glass floor of the exhibition, 42 metres above the River Thames sprawling below you.

Try Oysters in Whitstable

The chic and compact town of Whitstable is one of England’s coolest seaside hangouts and its oysters are to die for. Come July, dozens of stalls open for business and the pebbled beach heaves with foodie fans indulging in freshly-caught European oysters during the week-long Whitstable Oyster Festival.

Ride the Settle-Carlisle Steam Train

A selection of charter companies operate steam tours along the line, allowing you to soak up the scenery in style from the comfort of a vintage carriage. The views alone though are worth the trip at other times when normal services are operating.

Follow in the Footsteps of the Romans

One of the best preserved Roman baths in all of Europe is situated in the stunning city of Bath. Take a tour of this beautiful historic site and see what all the Romans raved about back in the day. The Baths are on the site of the city’s thermal springs and as a result flow with natural hot water (and no, you can’t take a dip.)

Visit Land’s End

Sounding like the climax to an apocalyptic movie, he most southernly point in mainland UK is Lands End. Looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean, you may feel as if you’re at the end of the world – but don’t worry, once you turn around you’ll be back in the stunning Cornish landscape.

What are your favourite things to do in England?

Let me know in the comments.