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All the close members of the monarch in England make up the royal family. The name officially used by the entire royal family is Windsor, and the royalty reside in a number of palaces- both private and official.

These residences include the Buckingham Palace, St James Palace, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court.

Having been born April of 1926, Queen Elizabeth the Queen of England is currently 87 years old. Her reign has lasted for over 61 years, the second longest reign in the monarch.

She heads the armed forces, serves as the supreme Governor of the Church of England, and is also the leader of the commonwealth Nations. She reigns over commonwealth countries including

• The United Kingdom
  

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• New Zealand
• Australia
• Pakistan
• Ceylon
• South Africa

The Queen also presides over ceremonial activities, such as opening of hospitals and other institutions. She in addition acts as an advisor to the prime minister, ratifies foreign treaties, commands the army and the police, and grants royal assent.

She deals with prominent persons such as high commissioners and ambassadors all year round, and often welcomes them into her palace.

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In theory, she has control over so many entities and she holds so much power, though in real sense, she rarely practices these duties, they serve more as formalities.

The queen can be found at any of her official castles, the Buckingham place as well as the Windsor castles. However, there are other castles which she inherited from her father and they are spread throughout the England an the UK.

Visits to the palace

The official residences are public, thus anyone who wishes to visit can do so. Visitors can get a guided tour around the official residence, and the visit can be scheduled privately or through the official website.

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People can visit the palace as a group, a family, or even as a school, as long as they pay an admission fee in advance in order to obtain the tickets. The charges for admission vary with age as well as the areas the visitors world like to tour; however children under 5 gain free entry.

All visitors have to be accompanied by a guide. The visits are scheduled during summer, and tours last between 1 to 2 hours. One can get to see the royal family during events and functions held by the family.

The events held by the royal family are always a great fascination since it’s a combination of glamour and tradition. The events are mostly ceremonial and symbolic of the British traditions that have been in place for decades.

More information can be found on the official website: www.royal.gov.uk

Camden

Each year, over 10 million people visit the shops and markets in Camden Town. If you are looking to escape the standard high street stores and go more vintage, then Camden is for you.

Rokit is the most famous name in the vintage world and its Camden store is the best. Although, it’s not just shops that Camden has to offer.

Camden Town has four main markets, including Camden Lock Market and Stables Market. Products available on the numerous stalls there include antiques, clothing and leather goods, such as belts.
And also various restaurants where you can take a break from shopping.

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They are positively bustling with shoppers and are open all year round. If the notorious British weather isn’t behaving, then indoor markets can provide shelter.

Carnaby Street

On the other end of the shopping spectrum is Carnaby Street. Here you will find more designer fashion, including a number of independent boutiques who will sell more unique clothing that you won’t find on the high street.

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Vintage clothing is also available, from stores including Lucy In Disguise and Peekaboo Vintage.

There are lots of brand names too, such as Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Levi’s and The North Face. As well as clothing for the whole family, you can also shop for your home in Carnaby Street, from stores like Things British, Liberty and Muji.

Read more on their homepage: www.carnaby.co.uk

Oxford Circus

Probably the most famous and central shopping area of London is Oxford Circus. Here you will find all of the high street shops that you could ever need. Many flagship stores are located here, including Topshop and Nike.

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A flagship store is the biggest store that company has to offer, so you will encounter your best shopping experience there. Of course the most famous shop in Oxford Circus is Selfridges. It’s the second largest store in the UK (after Harrods) and is world-renowned.

A number of famous brands live under the roof of Selfridges. They include Versace, Mulberry and Swarovski. You will find practically anything in the vast department store, from electrical products to toys.

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The Lake District is England’s largest national park; it covers approximately 2,292 square kilometres. The Lake District is found in Cumbria in the North West of England, it is famed for lakes, glens, valleys, mountains and villages, but it is most famous for its lakes, with over 90 various types of waterway, including lakes, tarns and waters. There are a number of lakes that are more famous than the others with approximately ten being most noted.

Noted lakes of the Lake District
The most famous lake in the district is probably Windermere, which is also the longest and the other most popular ten, probably being:

• Bassenthwaithe Lake
• Coniston Water
• Derwent Water
• Elterwater
• Esthwaite
• Grasmere
• Loweswater
• Rydal Water
• Thirlmere
• Ullswater

As well as lakes the Lake District also contains some of England’s highest mountains, including the highest Scafell Pike at 978 metres (3210 feet) high and Scafell at 964 metres (3162 feet).

Famous People
The Lake District is associated with many famous people including John Ruskin, William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, and Donald Campbell, who unfortunately died on Conniston Water.

Beatrix Potter is famed for her writing and although not from the area, she had a very strong connection to the Lake District, and eventually married a farmer from the area. Beatrix was also a great scientific artist and spent much of her time in the Lake District drawing and cataloguing items of flora and fauna. Beatrix Potter so loved the area she wanted to leave a legacy after she died. Potter bought a number of farms and land in the area and left it in the hands of the National Trust, the farms are currently let out to local farmers to encourage farming and commerce in the area.

The Lake District National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty and deserves to be visited. There are numerous types of accommodation within and around the park and there are plenty of activities to try. Because of the landscape and terrain there are numerous opportunities for water sports, hiking, climbing, camping and bird watching amongst others. Visit the national trust website for more info on great days out http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

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When it comes to tourist destinations, the city of Manchester is proving to be a very popular one. Manchester can now count itself as one of the best and most visited cities in Europe. Along with London and Liverpool, Manchester is a great place to visit for a weekend break in England. This great city has so much to offer a tourist and it is easy to see why it attracts so many visitors every year, from all over the world. Whether your looking for a romantic break or a weekend of partying, Manchester will cater to your every need. One thing is for sure, your weekend will be packed with things to do. Lets just say, you won’t be bored in this city.

Attractions

Do you want to have a weekend with your friends that you will never forget? Manchester has something for everyone. If your a football or soccer fan then Manchester may be the holy grail for you. The city is home to one, if not the, most well known and well supported teams and football stadiums in the world, Old Trafford. Old Trafford is where Manchester United call home.It is in this world renowned stadium that Manchester United play and train for their matches. Visiting this iconic stadium is one of the most demanded things to do and see in Manchester. For more info check Man united’s website http://www.manutd.com/Splash-Page.aspx

Want something less sporty? Manchester is home to some of the most vastly different and amazing museums in all of England. Some of these museums includes; National Football Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, The Manchester Museum and the Imperial War Museum. As you can see, Manchester has many museums of varying topics of interest. You are sure to find one that you will be fascinated by.

Nights out

After all your sightseeing and museum visiting, you will want to let your hair down. Manchester has some of the most fun and engaging clubs in Europe, this makes Manchester one of the nightclub capitals of England. Manchester has a large student population so be ready to party if that’s what you want to do. Not a great dancer? Don’t worry as Manchester has some great restaurants, bars and pubs for a more low key night out.

A weekend trip to Manchester is enough time to see this great city and not get bored. Once you experience Manchester, you will want to return.

Yorkshire – A Heart of Green

Yorkshire is not only an old county full of cultural treasures; it is also the largest county in England and has parts of it which are considered by many to be the greenest in the country. There is an immense amount of unsullied countryside, especially in the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales.

A brief history of Yorkshire

Anja-Semling / pixelio.de

A Yorkshire retreat is always a joy for any history buff because of all the historical influences and peoples that lived there. From Celtic tribes to Roman armies, through the invasions of the Angles, the Vikings and the Normans, Yorkshire is a dream for anyone who is even slightly interested in historical and cultural relics. During the Middle Ages, Yorkshire was also the famous home of the white rose, which was the royal symbol of the House of York and representative of one side of the world-famous Wars of the Roses. If you love history be sure to check out the interactive Jorvik centre http://www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/

Cultural attractions in Yorkshire

A Yorkshire retreat is also a good solution for a vacation for anyone interested in culture and arts. Yorkshire is one of the only places in the country where you can see the unique and famous Long Sword Dance, which is a traditional medieval dance. Yorkshire has its own songs, festivals and other events and any traveller in the area will quickly find wonderful cuisine as well as some of the best ale and cider in the country in the local pubs.

Any trip to Yorkshire would also not be complete without sampling some of the local delicacies, such as the traditional Yorkshire pudding, curd tarts with rosewater, sweet ginger cakes with oatmeal, the pristine world-famous Wensleydale cheese and of course the little known fact that ginger beer, which has become so popular elsewhere in the world, is part and parcel of Yorkshire’s fabulous heritage.

Sports and entertainment

A Yorkshire retreat should also not be without a trip to the famous Sheffield Football Club, as well as taking some time to see a local rugby, cricket or horse racing event. Another treat for history and sport buffs is that Yorkshire is also the home of the famous historical Knurr and Spell game, which was extremely popular in the area in the 1700s and 1800s.

So why not come and visit Yorkshire on your next holiday?

Brighton

Carlo Schrodt / pixelio.de

A tremendous coastal getaway in England is Brighton. Brighton is situated at the very south of the country and looks out over the English Channel. With a population of just under 160,000 you can guarantee you will find something here for everyone.

Notable places to visit within Brighton include its famous Pier, the Royal Pavilion and its two energetic and vibrant Universities.

Brighton also have a very “green” ethos about it as was shown in 2010 when Britain’s first Green MP was elected.

Blackpool

If you are looking for fun and exhilirating excitement then Blackpool will undoubtedly be the best coastal getaway for your to visit in England.

Packed with things to do including the Pleasure Beach, the tower and the Blackpool Illuminations you will simply be blown away by what it has to offer.

One thing to keep in mind is that this may not be the best destination for you if you are looking for a quiet break as it does have a very lively nightlife and can get quite noisy.

Scarborough

Scarborough is a beautiful seaside resort which attracts tourists from all over Britain and abroad. With crystal clear sands and bright blue waters, when the sun is shining (which it often is in summer) you can have the perfect holiday here.

Make sure to try out the Fish and Chips here as they have a famous reputation and are simply delicious.

Bournemouth

Another English coastal resort right at the very south of England this one is perfect if you want a nice relaxing holiday.

In 2007 it was found to be the happiest place in the whole of the UK and you will be able to soak up the friendly atmosphere from the moment you arrive here.

Torquay

If you are looking for the quintessential English coastal getaway then this is perfect for you. Ice creams, golden beaches and beautiful views await you. Agatha Christie wrote many of her books here, which may be of interest to you if you like crime novels.

If you are looking for a pleasurable English coastal getaway then any of these five will be perfect for you. Make sure to pack your sunscreen! Check out Enjoy England for more info

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In this small article we will outline what are generally considered to be the national foods of english people. It is true that England has been influenced increasingly from abroad (especially from the United States of America). However there remain a number of dishes that are quintessentially English.

The main part of the article will refer to general dishes. There will also be two very small sections that follow… for Breakfast and Christmas.

Gerneral Dished

Arguably the most famous British meal equates to fish and chips (from the chippie). The chip shop became popular in the 1860s and remains popular right up to the present day. The most popular fish meals are cod and haddock which is deep fried in flour batter. Most English people then pour salt and vinegar over them and eat them straight out of the newspaper which they are wrapped in. English (and British people in general) have also embraced American style take-aways. So for example, Macdonalds competes with the chip shop and is just as familiar to Brits. Burger King and Subway are also popular.

In restaurants, Chicken Tikka Masala is the most popular dish in England.
Pubs and bars usually serve meals and are also popular eating out venues for many English people.

Other popular english dishes (that are eaten at home) include Steak and Kidney Pie, Baked Beans on Toast, The Sunday Roast, Bangers (i.e., Sausages) and Mash, Cornish Pasty, Yorkshire Pudding, trifle, Bubble & Squeak, Toad-in-the-hole, and Sandwiches. Sandwiches with crisp, chocolate, and an apple or orange is a popular pack-lunch for children.

Breakfast

The traditional full english breakfast is known to virtually all english men and women. It typically equates to bacon, fried egg, sausage, baked beans, toast or fried bread, maybe with mushrooms. A cup of tea, or coffee or orange juice will accompany the meal.

Christmas

Turkey is the most famous part of the english Christmas Dinner. Other foods in the meal that are common are sprouts, roast potatoes, parsnips, stuffing, all covered in gravy. Sweet foods for desert (or for later) include Yule log, Christmas cake and mince pies.

Please check also these sites, they offer more information about traditional english food:

• http://andyskitchen.co.uk/blogs////blog1.php/reviews/book-reviews/book-of-british-food-good
• http://www.british-study.com/blog/2009/09/how-to-survive-the-british-food/
• http://lukehoney.typepad.com/the_greasy_spoon/2012/07/polpo.html
• http://howtobeagourmand.com/national-food-holidays/
• http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/food.html

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England is steeped in history and filled with varied cultures making it a fantastic place to live and to visit, but which are the top five cities and why would you go there?

The Most Popular Cities in UK

• London, founded by the Romans the capitol of England is the most visited city in the world and is diverse in both people and culture.
• Manchester is known for its culture, science, engineering and sporting connections. It saw the world’s first railway station and was the place scientists first split the atom.
• Birmingham. Famous for industry and engineering it is today the second largest centre of higher learning in England.
• Liverpool gave birth to The Beatles and as a major British port is famous for its docks and has the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in the country.
• Leeds dominated the production of wool and has a variety of natural landmarks and is famous for its numerous walking trails.

Things to do and see

Manchester has ample nightlife such as the famous Canal Street, centre to Manchester’s gay community. The Manchester Arena is the busiest pop venue in the world and The Beetham Tower is one of the tallest buildings outside of London. For current events in Birmingham please visit the toursim site.

Birmingham’s cultural landmarks include The Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and The Birmingham Royal Ballet, the Bullring Shopping Centre has the award-winning Selfridges building which is a hotspot for visitors as well as the Millennium Point science and technology centre. Please take a look at the tourism site in Birmingham.

Liverpool’s docks are arguably one of the most impressive waterfronts in the world, The Pier Head being renowned for its unique architectural style. Places to visit include the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Echo Arena which hosted the MTV Europe music awards. Learn more about Liverpool.

Leeds has many museums, halls and cathedrals and notably the tower of Bridgewater Place which can be seen for miles around and is nicknamed The Dalek. Leeds Carnival is held every year and attracts over 100,000 people. Visit the official Leeds site.

London has the Royals, The London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge and this year will host the 2012 Olympic Games. Other than that there is Wimbledon, galleries and museums, many cultural institutions and The London Underground which is the oldest underground rail network in the world. Visit the official London site.

England’s cities offer a diverse range of attractions moreover what are listed here, so visiting our top five cities is definitely something you should do! Furthermore many britisch people abroad wonder how to get there, it depends, where you live and how much money you wish to spend. We would recommend you to choose a bus or train transportation if possible. And if you live far away from UK CheapOair offers Frontier Airlines Flights to England.

Thomas Max Müller_pixelio.de

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Located near to the dinky fishing village of Mevagissey, the beauteous gardens of Heligan were voted by viewers of BBC Gardeners’ World as the ‘Nation’s Favourite Garden”. They are known as ‘Lost’ because after the First World War, lack of maintenance led to the original landscaped gardens becoming completely overgrown and hidden. Today, they have been restored beyond their former glories to a place where nature and colour coalesce, and where pathways meander seamlessly through showcase gardens, statuary, topiary and wildlife exhibits.

The Minack Theatre

The UK weather doesn’t lend itself to year round open-air theatre, so many outdoor productions are in temporary venues. Cornwall’s Minack Theatre however, is a permanent structure and has a show season that runs from May through to September. Constructed in a style reminiscent of the odeons of Ancient Greece and Rome, the Minack Theatre enjoys a dramatic location on the cliffside near Porthcurno. Theatregoers of all tastes are sure to find something to their liking as the Minack’s shows range from Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde and Dickens to operas and sing-along musicals and works by local playwrights.

Lelant

With a plethora of chocolate box villages to call into, each has to make a case for visitors to drop in. Lelant is lucky to be close to the magnetic St. Ives, and indeed the local St. Ives Bay branch railway line stops in Lelant to allow people to use the Park and Ride service to its larger neighbour. Lelant enjoys a pretty location on the estuary of the River Hayle, and on the Atlantic side, there’s a large sandy beach. The largely unused port quays still make for an interesting stroll, and there are traditional cream teas on the menu at the Old Station House. Lelant is also the starting point for the 13 mile coastal walk to St. Michael’s Mount.

So, if you are heading down to Cornwall, by all means have your photograph taken under the signpost at Land’s End, pop into the Eden Project, and enjoy Newquay’s great beaches and vibrant nightlife, but why not drop into some of the lesser visited points on the Cornish tourist trail?

Restaurants in London

There arenumerous cheap restaurants in London where you can frequently eat. There are different restaurants that prepare a variety of dishes or specific meals. You can choose from a variety of eateries such as enclosed cafes, park restaurants, waterside restaurants, coffee houses and public houses. These cafes have been created to suit the varied nutritional requirements of the clienteles.

The traditional London Diet is exceptional.

The meals in London food are no longer traditional or tasty like the good and age-old pie and mash that has been around ever since the 18th Century. In the past, pies were filled using locally caught eels. However, the eels have now been gradually substituted with minced beef. Nowadays, the eels are usually served as either jellied or stewed and the pie and mash are no longer added. The indispensable accompaniment is the green liquor, which is salty and has either chilli vinegar or parley-based ‘gravy’ for additional vigour.

World foods restaurants in London.

They are abundant due to the multicultural population in the city. You will discover over sixty different cuisines, for example, Italian, Spanish, French, Japanese, Belgian, Thai and even English cuisines. The Indian food is particularly widely held in Britain and most people regularly eat at these foods at their resident curry houses.

Vegetarian diets and take aways.

Vegetarian Diets are also offered in some restaurants. This satisfies the nutritive needs of people who do not consume meat. There also the popular take-away cafes for those who want to ear at home. These fish and chip cafes are a great part of the exceptionally British take-away custom. This city has numerous chicken and burger fast-food eateries. You can also get some Chinese and Indian pizza take-aways. Nowadays, pies are also becoming a common take-way meal.