Visiting England: My Best Tips for Artsy & Independent Travelers
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England is a dream destination for artsy and independent travel in England because its literature, theater, architecture, gardens, and landscapes are deeply intertwined and reasonably accessible without a car.
Visit the many sites dedicated to great writers such as Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Wordsworth; tour fabulous stately homes steeped in history; visit some of the world’s loveliest gardens, and of course, check out world-class theater in London— all key experiences for artsy travel in England.
And that’s just scratching the surface of everything that England has to offer.
This post is part of my Visiting Europe series, sharing my best tips for artsy and independent travelers exploring creative destinations across Europe.
Table of Contents
England Highlights at a Glance
These highlights showcase why artsy and independent travel in England is so rewarding, especially for travelers who prefer culture over crowds.
- Take small group tours in the Southwest, Yorkshire, and the Cotswolds to explore the countryside without stress.
- Experience world-class theater at the Royal Shakespeare Company, an essential stop for arts-focused travelers in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Visit Durham Cathedral in northern England, still my favorite cathedral ever.
- Stay in the heart of London and see a musical at a West End theater.
My Relationship to England
England has played a major role in my life since I first visited in 1970 on my epic European trip with my mom.
Four years later, at the age of eighteen, I returned to England with two friends and circumnavigated it by train, traveling from London up the east coast to Scotland and down the west coast to Wales and all the way to Land’s End in Cornwall.
We stayed in youth hostels and cheap B&Bs and had a marvelous time!
My love affair with England was only beginning. I stayed in England for four years, earning my B.A. in English Literature from Reading University and then completing an education certification at Durham University. During those years and on subsequent trips, I saw a great deal of England.
Studying English literature and living in England gave me a deep appreciation for how closely art, place, and daily life are intertwined here.
I’ve returned several times to England and always find new things to see and to write about.
Favorite Places in England
The map below pinpoints my top ten favorite places in England.
If you’re planning a trip to England, consider including these places in your itinerary. I suggest focusing on the south and southwest in Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall, then visiting Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds before heading north to spend time in York, Durham, and the Lake District (Keswick makes a good home base).
Practical Tips for Artsy & Independent Travel in England
Here’s where I cover some of the basics of artsy and independent travel in England, including when to visit, events, transportation, accommodations, and food.
When to Visit England
English weather does not have a great reputation. For much of the year, it’s rainy, grey, and kind of chilly. But even on the wettest days, I’ve discovered that England’s weather can surprise and delight.
Many times I’ve set off in the rain in the morning and spent the afternoon in glorious sunshine (and vice versa). If you take an umbrella and dress in layers, England’s weather shouldn’t slow you down.
That said, the best times to visit England are in the late spring, summer and early fall. Darkness falls quite early in the winter and attractions are often either closed or have limited hours.
Lately, summers have been uncharacteristically hot which is a problem because most places in England are not air conditioned.
Check Events and Exhibitions
Before you visit England, check online for exhibitions and performances. Also be on the lookout for local festivals. Checking exhibitions and performances is essential for anyone interested in cultural and artsy travel in England, especially in London and major university cities.
You’ll definitely want to find out what’s playing in the West End while you’re in London. Find listings on websites such as London Theatre Direct and London Theatre, and then book directly with the theater.
I almost always get better seats at more reasonable prices when I book with the theater than if I go through one of the big resellers. But checking the big websites is the best way to figure out what you want to see.
On a recent trip to England, I saw four performances in three days: My Fair Lady, Six: The Musical and Jersey Boys in London, and Richard III performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon. Each performance was first-rate and worth every penny.
And speaking of money, theater performances in London are remarkably reasonable compared to their counterparts in New York. I paid on average about £50 to £80 for excellent seats at each performance. If you want to be “up in the clouds,” you will pay a lot less.
And while you’re in London, visit Shakespeare’s Globe. If you can’t get tickets for a performance (recommended), at least take one of the guided tours of the theater. I’ve taken them twice and learned a lot!
Getting Around England Without a Car
England is not a large country and it’s easy to travel around by public transit, although not quite as easy as it was back in 1974! Many train routes have been discontinued over the years, particularly those in rural areas. But getting from city to city by train is still fast, efficient, and relatively inexpensive.
Take the Train!
For artsy and independent travelers, England’s rail network makes it easy to explore historic cities, theater hubs, and cultural regions without driving.
If you’re 60-plus, consider purchasing a Senior Railcard. You’ll get a considerable discount on train journeys; the cost of the railcard easily pays for itself with just a few trips. Check the UK Railcard website for information.
Driving in England? Maybe not.
When I lived in England back in the 1970s, I drove everywhere and was perfectly fine. However, first, I was young and intrepid, and second, the traffic was a LOT less insane back then.
I really don’t recommend driving in England. There are just too many cars on the road; the number and complexity of routes and roads are mind-boggling, and let’s face it, if you’re a North American, driving on the left is challenging, to say the least.
Now, if you’re visiting Scotland or Ireland, then I say go for it. Driving in those countries (with the exception of Dublin—don’t even think about it) is a pleasure.
A good strategy when visiting England is to fly to London, enjoy one of the world’s great cities for at least three days (and preferably more), and then take the train west to Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Bath, and north to York, Durham, and the Lake District.
Small Group Tours
Consider home-basing in cities such as Bath and York, and then taking small-group tours to explore the countryside.
I took a small group tour of the Cotswolds from Stratford-upon-Avon and had a lovely, relaxing day. If I’d tried to explore the area on my own by car, I don’t think I’d have seen half as much, and certainly my blood pressure would have suffered. Here’s a Go Cotswolds tour to consider:
Safety in England
England is a safe country to travel in. I’ve traveled solo several times in England and never worried. Just use common sense, and if you feel nervous, take an Über. They are all over the UK!
Where to Stay for an Arts-Focused England Trip
Choosing the right base is especially important for artsy travel in England, where walkable neighborhoods and proximity to museums, theaters, and historic sites matter.
England, and London in particular, is not an inexpensive place to travel. However, you do get good value for your money, in my experience.
Expect to pay £250-300 or more for a centrally located, good-quality hotel room in London. I suggest you resist the temptation to choose cheap accommodation outside the city center. You’ll waste time and money traveling into London, and probably see more of the Underground than is conducive to interesting travel.
London
Here are good bets in central London:
Wilde Aparthotel in Covent Garden could not be more central, just five minutes from Trafalgar Square, five minutes from the theaters (and some were just across the street), five minutes from Covent Garden, and short bus rides from just about everything you’d want to see in London.
The Park Plaza Victoria London Hotel is well located just across the street from Victoria Station and an excellent deal for a modern, four-star hotel in the heart of London.
The Cavendish near Green Park is in a posh area and close to just about everything.
The ParkCity in Kensington is convenient to London’s awesome museums.
Click on the map below to find more hotels in London.
