7 Things to Do in Southern England
England is a country with a rich and complex history. The question for locals and foreigners alike is what they should consider doing. We’d recommend hitting southern England, since this area has long had the densest population and saw the arrival of many waves of immigrants and invaders. Here are 7 things to do when visiting southern England.
Visit the Salisbury Cathedral
The Salisbury Cathedral is one of the largest and oldest cathedrals in England. That alone is reason to visit it. Many come to see one of the few copies of the Magna Carta, the document that first spelled out individual rights and limited the power of the state. Yet you can see the best contemporary art exhibition Salisbury has to offer, as well, and it is in the vicinity of the famous cathedral. And while you’re in the area, you could drop by Old Saurm, an Iron Age hill fort built by the Normans.
See Stonehenge
Stonehenge is one of the most famous landmarks in England, and it is only eight miles from Salisbury. It is more than five thousand years old. People compete to be here when the summer solstice arrives.
If the site is too crowded, you could visit the wooden circles of Avebury that are even older. There is also a stone circle that is a larger version of Stonehenge in Avebury. While the spread out stones aren’t as impressive, it has the benefit of being free to visit and open to the public. You can walk up to the stones and touch them.
Drop by Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are an amazing sight. If you’re done staring at those, take a tour of Dover Castle. It is the largest castle in England. It has several centuries of history in its walls, and you can see the many modifications made during World War 2 to turn it into a fort.
Hit Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is the most popular shore destination in England. The beach is surprisingly popular given the beach has pebbles instead of sand. Locals like to visit Brighton Pier, too. When you’re in the area, hit the Royal Pavilion that was a residence of George IV. It is notable for its Indian and Middle Eastern architecture.
Visit Hever Castle
Hever Castle is located in Henver, England. That’s in Kent, near Edenbridge. This castle was home to Anne Boleyn. It features expansive gardens. This is also a great place to immerse yourself in England’s history.
Climb Through Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge has two main attractions. One is the gorge itself, and you can take the aptly named Jacob’s Ladder to access a cliff walk that lets you look down into the gorge. The views from the cliff walk are amazing. The other attraction is a small museum that covers local history and geology.
Take a Bath in Bath
Bath is known for the namesake Roman baths here. These are the only hot springs in all of England. A local museum explains what the Roman baths were like. You can also drop by the Jane Austen Center. That used to be Jane Austen’s home.
