England Travel Guide
England consistently ranks as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. With its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, there’s something for every type of traveler. Most visitors understandably flock to London, with its world-famous attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben. But beyond the capital lies a treasure trove of charming towns, stunning countryside, and unique experiences—often with far fewer crowds.
After living in England back in the late ’80s, we were eager to return and see how much had changed—and stayed the same. We arrived in Portsmouth, fresh off the ferry from Caen, France, ready to dive into nearly three months of exploration. From Portsmouth to Bishop’s Waltham, Derby, Southampton, Andover, Walton-on-Thames, London, Oxford, and Plymouth, we packed in unforgettable experiences.
While we did spend time exploring London (because how can you not?), the primary focus of our trip was to revisit smaller towns across England to see if one of them might be the perfect fit for our future home.
Our journey took us to the quaint village of South Hinksey and the historic university city of Oxford in Oxfordshire, the bustling maritime hubs of Portsmouth and Southampton, and the industrial heritage of Derby. Each location offered its own charm, from serene walks in the countryside to lively cultural scenes, and gave us a deeper appreciation for what England has to offer beyond the bright lights of London.
Along the way, we uncovered budget-friendly stays, quirky tours, and plenty of memorable moments. In our posts, we share what worked, what didn’t, and everything we learned to help you make the most of your trip.
Click the links below to follow our adventures and get inspired for your own journey!
- Best Things to Do in Southampton (Cruise Port & Day Trips)
When we were preparing for our four month stay in England, the city of Southampton kept surprising us. We went in thinking of it mainly as a ferry/cruise port, but the more we dug into it, the more we realized it’s a city with layers – medieval history, Titanic stories, leafy parks, and easy day… - An Itinerary for Oxford England
An Itinerary for Oxford England Itinerary Quick Guide Time Needed: Full day or split across two days (see details below)Total Walking Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles between all locationsCost: Free for all three main museums (donations welcome)Optional Activities: Botanic Garden (£7.20 advance booking) or Oxford CastleTerrain: Mostly flat, urban walking on sidewalksAccessibility: Some tight spaces in… - England Travel Guide
England consistently ranks as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. With its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, there’s something for every type of traveler. Most visitors understandably flock to London, with its world-famous attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Big… - Exploring Andover: A Budget-Friendly Adventure (Hampshire, England)
Exploring Andover: A Budget-Friendly Adventure (Hampshire, England) We were staying nearby in Ludgershall and decided to spend a day Andover, England to check out the Age of Iron Museum. (Andover could easily be an affordable day trip from London!) After our museum tour, we stumbled upon a flyer for the Andover Heritage Trail. It looked… - Our 29-Day Detour to Derby, England: Budget Friendly Things to Do in Derby
Our 29-Day Detour to DerbyBudget Friendly Things to Do in Derby Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, Derby is a charming city that often flies under the radar for travelers. During the four years we lived in England we never got around to visiting Derby. We only discovered it when we hit a… - Accio disappointment! Our not-so-magical Harry Potter walking tour in London
Accio disappointment! Our not-so-magical Harry Potter walking tour in London Looking for the real-life magic of Harry Potter in London? We’ve got you covered! Except, maybe not in the way you think. Here’s our experience with a Harry Potter walking tour in London, what worked, what didn’t, and how to make the most of your… - Our List of the Top 8 Affordable Places to Stay in London England (2024)
Our List of the Top 8 Affordable Places to Stay in London England We are often asked how we can afford to travel full time. Well, a lot of it boils down to research. Finding a decent, affordable place to stay, without burning through our budget takes Time with a capital “T”. Of course, the… - Is Harry Potter Studio Tour Worth The Time And Money?
Is Harry Potter Studio Tour Worth The Time And Money? We are Jeff and Sandra, senior nomads, retired and traveling full-time as ‘citizens of the world’. Which is to say, we’re homeless but in a socially acceptable way. While visiting England (May 2024), we went and experienced London’s Warner Bros ‘Making of Harry Potter’ Studio… - 40 Best Things to Do Southampton UK
When we started planning our travel itinerary for the four months we’d be in England, Southampton popped up on our radar. Not only is it a major cruise port, but you can also hop on a ferry to/from France or Spain (which is what we did) and skip the airport hassle entirely. Once we started…
Discover England: Video Highlights of Our Journey
Explore England through our video gallery, where we share real moments from our time there. These videos highlight everything from everyday life to must-see sights, giving you a clear picture of what it’s like to visit. As full-time slow travelers, we focus on authentic experiences and share practical insights to help you plan your own trip. Each clip reflects our personal journey, providing useful, trustworthy information to make your travel decisions easier.
Things to do in Andover, England – Age of Iron museum plus Andover museum
Our Visit to Andover, England – Andover Heritage Trail
Top things to do in Oxford, England – Oxford Botanic garden
Things to do in Derby, England – Derby Museum and Art Gallery
Things to do in Oxford, England – Wander about and goggle at the buildings
Things to do in Derby, England Toy theater Pickford’s House
Top Things to do in Oxford, England – Oxford Castle and Prison
Top things to do in Derby, England – Derby Museum and Art Gallery #museuminaminute
Top things to do in Oxford, England – Museum of Natural History #museuminaminute
Museum in a Minute – Oxford, England – Pitt Rivers Museum
Things to do in London – London Eye River Thames Cruise
Top things to do in Derby, England – The Museum of Making #museuminaminute
Top things to do in Derby, England – Derby Arboretum
Pringles vending machine in London
HMS Victory Portsmouth Historic Dockyard #museuminaminute Things to do in Portsmouth England
Top Things to do in Portsmouth, England – HMS Victory – Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Our apartment in Derby, England
Our visit to Pickford’s House Georgian Museum in Derby, England #thingstodo
The view from the London Eye #londoneye #travel #thingstodoinlondon #londonattractions
HMS Mary Rose Museum – Portsmouth England #museuminaminute
Ludgershall Castle – Andover, England #museuminaminute
“Flow” by D’Strict – at Outernet Tottenham Court Road London, England #thingstodo
Flow at Outernet by D’Strict landscape mode – longer video – London #thingstodo
Oxford prison and castle – Oxford, England
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