England things to see and do

Visit limestone-clad Bath and enjoy high-end boutiques and lovely restaurants before submerging yourself in the city's famous Roman baths. Perfectly preserved Georgian terraces embody a genteel reputation, with the Royal Crescent a must-see, while literary buffs will want to visit the Jane Austen Centre, a museum dedicated to Bath's most famous resident.

Shop around the bustling Laines in the bohemian seaside town of Brighton, before picking up some fish and chips and taking a long, shore-side stroll. Set in lavish gardens is the ornate former seaside home of George IV, Brighton's Royal Pavilion. On the beach Brighton Pier brims with life, while the burnt-out bones of the West Pier cut a forlorn figure.

Perched proudly on a rocky island, St Michael's Mount is one of Cornwall's best-known attractions. The monastery site dates back to as early as the 8th century, and legend claims it was constructed by a giant called Cormoran. The castle is open to the public year round and at low tide it's possible to walk the causeway to reach it. Check local tide times first.

Clear the cobwebs on a blustery walk along the spectacularly rugged North Devon Coast and explore its spectacular castles and coves. If you are feeling brave enough, try a spot of surfing, before sating your appetite with a delicious Devonshire cream tea – a pot of tea drunk with a combination of scones, clotted cream and jam.

Liverpool is a city transformed. Once the butt of Scouser jokes and stereotypes, it's now a flourishing cultural hub. The arrival of the Tate art gallery, the waterfront and Albert Dock regeneration and the Museum of Liverpool have reshaped the city's reputation. A must-see attraction is the Cavern Club where the Beatles first performed.

Oxford is one of the most important seats of learning in England, and Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, having existed since the 11th century. The vast student population ensures Oxford maintains an impressive nightlife scene and is full of cosmopolitan zeal.

Situated on the north Suffolk coastline, Southwold is a traditional seaside town that forms part of the Suffolk Heritage Coast. With its brightly painted beach huts, working lighthouse, harbour and bustling fish markets, Southwold is a quintessential English resort town of yesteryear without the brashness of a pleasure beach.

Catch a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Set on the banks of the River Avon, Stratford makes a delightfully picturesque setting for numerous festivals and events over the year, including a literary festival in April and a river festival in July.

Windsor Castle is one of the homes of Queen Elizabeth II and is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. Painstakingly restored after severe fire damage, the castle has been continuously inhabited by Britain's monarchs since its construction by William I. The remains of numerous British sovereigns lie here too including Henry VIII, Charles I and George V.