England

England has some of the most varied natural and historical attractions in the world. From stunning scenery to history that is thousands of years old, as well as a wide variety of man made attractions including some amazing theme parks, there is truly something for everyone in England .

The north western county of Cumbria offers a rich mixture of landscapes, from the marshes to high peaks, rugged fells to quiet valleys, breathtaking sea views to shimmering lakes and majestic mountains of the splendid Lake District . Great cathedrals, ruins of castles and monasteries and chocolate box villages adorn picturesque countryside. To the east lies Northumberland which is set in some of the wildest, most solitary and yet starkly beautiful countryside in northern England . It has a coastline of quite breathtaking beauty and splendour, dominated by a series of brooding medieval castles. The county is steeped in centuries of history with evidence of Stone Age and Iron Age man digging hill-top forts. To protect his possessions in England the Roman emperor Hadrian constructed his dramatic Wall to control entry to his most northern province from Scotland , a land which Rome never managed to breach. In stark contrast the region accommodated some great men of God, St Aidan, St Cuthbert, St Godric and The Venerable Bede amongst them, who represented the more thoughtful and spiritual side of the times.

 Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England  Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland, England   Oxford, Oxfordshire, England   Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury, Kent, England

Moving southwards and the brilliance of England's natural beauty continues. The high rocky crags of the Peak District rise from rugged moorlands of heather and peat that are intercut by lushly pastured and wooded dales. Tucked in amongst this vastness are many attractive stone hamlets and villages. An outdoor adventure at all levels is to be had here. The great university counties of Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire not only offer the visitor great natural treasures but also the opportunity to experience two of the most oldest and prestigious universities in the world. The southern counties diverge into more natural variety. From the fens and sandy beaches of the counties of East Anglia, Norfolk and Suffolk to the hop fields of Kent and undulating countryside of Sussex, England's scenery changes but certainly does not disappoint. Beauty is abound.

Red Double-Decker London Bus, London, England   Buckingham Palace, London, England   'Big Ben', Parliament Square, London, England

To the south east lie Devon and Cornwall. In scenery Cornwall is as varied as England itself. Cornwall is host to grand harbours, stunning castles, old smuggler's coves, mysterious moors, beautiful beaches, great surfing, Arthurian legends as well as a mild, sub-tropical climate which has led to the region being referred to as the 'English Riviera'. Devon is a large rambling county that also offers great scenic beauty, long sandy beaches, rocky coves, daunting cliffs, sparkling estuaries, picturesque fishing villages, old-world harbours, and the beautiful National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor. 

Doone Valley, Lorna Doone, Devon, England   Tintagel Castle, Tintagel, Cornwall, England  

Moving back eastwards one encounters the equally beautiful county of Somerset with its stunning countryside as well as historic gems such as the Roman city of Bath and Wiltshire, which continues with both scenic beauty and historic interest with such unrivalled monuments as Stonehenge.

Eventually one arrives in London. A city with a history of 2000 years, London is unrivalled for its history, great castles, stately homes, palaces, themes parks, museums and shops. The restaurants are world famous and the parks are incredible. And as if that isn't enough it will host the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012

England is certainly a place to behold. This is only a sample of what it has to offer. What a time to visit!