England Trip Report

After living in England back in the late ’80s, we were eager to return and see how much had changed—and stayed the same. In April (2024), 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. 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!

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.

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. As we plan to move to another country from the United States, we wanted to experience these places through the lens of potential residents, not just tourists. 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.

Please Note: We’re real people, just like you, and we’re still out here living the full-time travel life. Sometimes that means it takes us a bit longer to share all our stories and insights from each place we visit. But don’t worry, we’re working on it! Stay tuned for more as we continue our journey and bring you the inside scoop from every corner of the world.

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.

Fun Things To Do in England