United Kingdom

General  

England is the biggest component country of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with its inhabitants comprising almost the 83% of the total population of the UK. England shares borders with Wales to the west and the highlands of Scotland to the north. It is surrounded by the North Sea, Irish Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and English Channel. During your trip to England you will encounter one of world’s most dominant and far-reaching centres of cultural development. In particular, the capital of the country, namely London, is a true Metropolis with great political and economic impact on global affairs. Moreover, there is such a strong multicultural atmosphere in London that influences the lifestyle and culture of all the westernized world. Hotels in London host thousands of visitors every year, a fact that contributes to the already multinational character of the city. You can visit this fantastic destination all year long and immerse yourself in the era of knights and great kings. 

History

Before the Roman invasion in Britain, local Celtic tribes were living in the area and had deployed trade relationships with the Romans, who at that time had already conquered Gaul (Today’s France). However, Romans decided to gain total control of Britain and leaded by Julius Caesar sent their first army in Kent. Roman forces were first beaten by the local Celtic King Cunobelinus, but later on they managed to conquer the whole country. Tribes that succeeded the Romans after the fall of their empire in England were the Angles from Northern Germany (the word England originates in their name), the Saxons (440-650 AD), the Vikings (800 AD) and the Normans that came from French Normandy 1000 years ago. The presence of Normans was the reason for the 100 years of war between England and France (1337-1453). The end of this period meant the commence of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) that saw England emerge as the leading naval and commercial power of the Western world. From 1713 to 1815 England was continuously at war with French as both nations fought for world domination. However, the coming 18th century preordained the beginning of the Industrial Revolution that originated in England and spread all over the Western world. A new era for mankind had begun. Today England is one of the world’s richest countries and one of the most dominant centers of cultural development.

Art and Culture 

England has greatly influenced Western civilization by all means, a fact that is also depicted in European culture and art. The country of William Shakespeare (1564– 1616) has an immense presence in many forms of art such as theatre, music and of course traditional arts such as painting and sculpture. Great artists with international influence and significant impact on the later impressionists include among others John Constable (1776–1837) and Joseph Turner (1775–1851) who delivered some of the most important British paintings of the late 18th century and early 19th century. Nowadays, the Young British Artists movement includes a number of visual artists, which have arguably been characterized as the most prominent art group since Pre-Raphaelites. Tourists that visit England can admire such pieces of art in many galleries such as The National Gallery of London, and The Tate Gallery. Of course, there are also plenty of museums with classical exhibitions from all over the world such as The British Museum that accommodates sculptures and monuments dated from the ancient Greek times and The Victoria and Albert Museum with collections that vary from History, Periods & Styles to Ceramics and Photography.

Gastronomy

English start their day with a very rich breakfast that usually entails bacon, sausages, eggs, bread and of course, the typical English tea. Lunch on the other hand in quite light and could be either a sandwich or a soup. Dinner is the main meal of the day and it is usually a three courses menu entailing a starter, the main dish and some dessert. English food follows a long tradition of basic ingredients. It is based on a variety of meats such as lamb, pork, beef, chicken and fish, usually accompanied by potatoes and other vegetables. The most common snack is fish and chips that can be found all over the country in small restaurants and street Cantinas. Other famous dishes include the trifle and roast dinners; Bubble and Squeak; Spotted Dick and Toast-in-the-Hole. The traditional pies such as the Cornish pastry comprise unique delicacies, served after dinner or coffee. English prefer sweet puddings in all their dishes. Puddings like the Yorkshire pudding and the Black pudding are used during the starter and the main course as well. For diversity seekers, there are many international restaurants, varying from Greek and Italian to Chinese and Indian.

Places to visit

London is a place that you do not want to miss once in the UK. A trip to London is actually a visit to one of the most exceptional and historical cities in the world. With a metropolitan area of 12 to 14 million people, London accommodates a great variety of cultures, lifestyles, flavors, colors, tastes and characteristics that can only be met in few other cities of the world. More than that, London combines brilliantly its modern lifestyle depicted in its trendy bars, restaurants, night clubs, shopping centers and markets with a remarkable history and civilization. Some places every tourist should visit in London include the Tower Bridge, named after its two impressive towers; the splendid St. Paul’s Cathedral dated from 604 AD; the palace of Buckingham; the famous 106-meter-high Clock Tower of Big Ben, which is one of London’s best–known landmarks and Westminster Abbey, an architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th century. The British Museum and The National Gallery host unique exhibitions and art pieces from all over the world and should be also among your first choices. However, it is suggested that you reserve your hotel in London quite in advance, as it is too difficult to find vacant rooms and apartments.

There are many beautiful cities in England worthy visiting. Most of them preserve their traditional characteristics combined with a vivid and modern lifestyle. Typical example is Manchester. The often-called capital of the north is the second largest urban zone in the UK and one of the most populated in Europe. Manchester is a centre of arts, media and higher education. It is a place with much diversity, considered as one of the most tourist parts of the country. You should book a weekend hotel in Manchester and attend a football match of Manchester United, the team symbol of the city. Another beautiful city you have to visit is Cambridge. The city is best known for the University of Cambridge but it also attracts visitors due to its beautiful center and splendid architecture. Moreover, a number of cozy small towns and villages that surround the city offer the option for some relaxed moments in the countryside.  Hotels in Cambridge have a very authentic style and follow a long architectural tradition.   

Bristol is another appealing destination. It is a centre of culture and education and is famous for its University. The city has a vivid student life and hosts plenty bars and restaurants, making your stay cheerful. Thus, reserving a hotel in Bristol would be a perfect choice as many art events and entertainment possibilities take place there all year long. Liverpool, is another city worthy visiting. Famous for its port and local football team, it is a very vivid part of the UK. People have a very extrovert and friendly temperament, making certain that your stay in Liverpool will be comfortable and fun. The hotels in Liverpool are another reason for a relaxed and comfortable stay. York is also a suggested destination. It is the traditional country town of Yorkshire and home to University of York. Its vivid lifestyle will surprise you. Hotels in York, especially those that lie in the very heart of the town, have a unique British atmosphere and beautiful architecture. Other interesting cities are Birmingham, Reading  and Canterbury, all with traditional style and splendid buildings. Finally, it is recommended that you book a hotel in Oxford, as it is a wonderful city, famous for its University and student life.