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1. Visit the Tower of London.

Near the centre of London on the banks of the River Thames, you’ll find one of Britain’ most fantastic array of buildings. Take a tour with a Beefeater, see the crown jewels, and skate in the moat in winter. Across the river, London’s Southbank has a lot to offer – it’s the home of the London Eye as well as dozens of theatres and pubs.

2. Visit Bath.

The Roman city and setting of many of Jane Austen’s novels is one of the prettiest towns in Britain, as well as being a haven for history buffs. You can grab a free audio podcast guide online or just wander around yourself.

3. Head to the seaside.

Although England’s beaches aren’t suitable for swimming for most of the year (they’re just too cold!), going to the seaside is a cultural institution, and there are other things to do beside actually getting in the water. If you’re committed to spending time in the sea, head to Cornwall, where the weather is more favorable and you can hit the waves.

4. Have a Sunday roast washed down with real ale.

Beef is the traditional option, but chicken, pork and occasionally lamb are also on offer. Don’t miss the Yorkshire pudding and lashings of gravy. Make sure you try a locally-sourced “real” ale instead of the normal mass-produced lager.

5. Rest on the Isle of Wight.

Catch the ferry across and spend a few days relaxing near the sea. The Isle of Wight Festival draws thousands every year, or circumnavigate the island on foot on the IOW Coastal Path if that’s more your thing. If it was good enough to feature in a Beatle’s song, it’s good enough for us.

6. Ramble on.

Referencing another great British band, take the time to ramble. The UK is a great place for hiking, especially for longer walks. Walk the full length from Land’s End to John O’Groats in Scotland, or just stick to something smaller like the Pennine Way in Northern England.

7. Experience Stonehenge.

This ancient collection of stones needs no introduction, and is definitely worth a visit. You can see a lot from the road if you’re feeling cheap, but the audio guide is well worth the price if you pay to enter. Arriving early or waiting for a lull in tour-bus traffic gives you a chance to experience it more fully.

8. Shop in Leeds.

Leeds gets a bad rap from almost everyone, but it’s actually a really nice city. Visit the markets, the Corn Exchange and the waterfront area, and do some shopping while you’re at it. There are lovely art-nouveau inspired malls to check out, even if you can’t afford anything in them!

9. Study at Oxford or Cambridge.

These two universities are world-renowned, a qualification from either is held in high esteem. If you can’t quite manage to study there, at least visit the grounds. Both cities are absolutely stunning and offer an excellent day-trip or weekend away from London.

10. Cruise a river or a canal. A cruise down the River Thames is a nice outing on a summer day, but even better is to hire a canal boat and make a week of it. You don’t need a license for boating inland waterways in the UK and accommodation is included in the price!

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