Tourism in England
Tourism plays a significant part in the economic life of England.
Many English have travel abroad, which takes money out of the country. However, many other people come to England as tourists, and this is economically beneficial. There is significant economic benefit from American and Australian tourists, as well as other tourists from European countries.
Cultural and heritage tourism
England's tourist industry is principally "cultural" and "heritage" based, and many tourists are attracted to England because of its history, particularly in London (see Tourism in London).
Heritage Cities in England
- Bath: A spa, famous for its Regency architecture and crescents, and also for its Roman baths.
- Brighton: Brighton is a seaside resort which includes two piers, West Pier (now derelict) and Brighton Pier, and also has the Royal Pavilion.
- Bristol: Brunel's Clifton suspension bridge is a famous landmark (so they say), and the ship, the SS Great Britain is another of Brunel's famous constructions, which is now in dry dock in Bristol.
- Cambridge: A famous university town.
- Canterbury: Renowned for its cathedral.
- Dover: A major port with access to the continent. Also well known for its white cliffs, and to a lesser extent for its castle, Dover Castle.
- Haworth: where the Brontë Sisters lived, is very popular with Japanese tourists, as Wuthering Heights has a cult following in Japan.
- Oxford : now a busy commercial town, which also has a famous university.
- Nottingham : The city and Nottingham Castle are famed worldwide for their links with the legend of Robin Hood. Sherwood Forest is nearby.
- Portsmouth: Portsmouth is a naval dockyard, and has some famous ships on display, including the Mary Rose, and HMS Victory.
- Salisbury: Salisbury cathedral is well known, and has the tallest spire in the country. Nearby is the pre-historic site of Stonehenge, which is administered by English Heritage.
- Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare's birthplace is usually the most visited place in Stratford
- Wells: best known for Wells Cathedral
- York: Famous for York Minster.
Other places in England are also of historical interest, but may not feature so significantly for foreign tourists. Many foreign tourists also visit Scotland and Wales – see tourism in Scotland and tourism in Wales.
Domestic tourists, and foreign tourists who have specific interests in art, music, history etc, also visit the following:
- Birmingham: A major city, with an orchestra, major exhibition venues (NEC, ICC) and art galleries. Of historical interest for its significant role in the industrial revolution. Also the childhood home and inspiration of Tolkien
- Hadrian's Wall: The Roman wall built by order of the Emperor Hadrian.
- Hereford: A cathedral city, famous for the chained library in the cathedral, and the Mappa Mundi
- Ironbridge: The cradle of the industrial revolution and the site for the legendary Iron bridge.
- Liverpool: A major port, with two cathedrals, an orchestra and art galleries.
- Manchester: A major city, with an orchestra and art galleries, and many Victorian buildings. Also well known for the Manchester Ship Canal. Home of Manchester United F.C, world famous football club.
- Leeds: A base to explore the historic county of Yorkshire. It is popular for shopping, nightlife and intellectual institutions such as museums.
Ecotourism
England also has some unique natural environments, and has a significant Ecotourism industry:
- Eden Project in Cornwall.
- The Lake District, a national park with hills and lakes, including Windermere, the largest lake in England.
- The Peak District, a national park in Derbyshire.
- Dartmoor and Exmoor, national parks in Devon.
- The New Forest, a rural forest park in Hampshire.
- The Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site in Dorset and Devon
- The National Forest, covering parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
- Center Parcs, a number of rural holiday parks.
- Plus various National Nature Reserves, Heritage Coasts and other protected areas.
See also
- Enjoy England
- Institute of Tourist Guiding
- Tourism in Scotland
- Tourism in Wales
- Tourism in the United Kingdom
External links
- English Tourist Board
- www.pagemost.com, Interactive Google maps showing local places and attractions, complete with Flickr photographs. Search by UK place name or postcode.
- TheLeisureGuide, Tourist Attractions around England.