Hello! I’m Andrea Lewis, Vacation Advisor for Fox. Having over 35 years in the travel industry, I have traveled extensively throughout Europe. However, there is one country in particular that I am an expert in: my home, Great Britain!  

Exploring Great Britain for the first with your family can seem daunting. With so many amazing areas to visit and iconic landmarks to see, where do you even begin?!

To help you plan the best family vacation yet, here’s my guide to some of the must-see spots in Great Britain! From the bustling, heart of London to the quaint, relaxed coast, I take you through everything England has to offer. Cheerio! 

THE MIGHTY, MAJESTIC LONDON

Personally, I believe the best way to see experience London & see so many of the iconic landmarks of the city is by booking a Hop-On-Off Bus. These buses will take you to the best parts of town and allow you to explore London at your leisure. No need to rush!

Of course, no trip to London would be complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace. Home to the British monarch since 1837, this historic landmark is known for its exquisite architecture throughout it’s 775 rooms. Take a tour of the palace to witness the grandiose of the grounds first hand and make sure you stay for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. This historic event takes place at 11:00am every day during summer, and every other day during the winter. 

London is also home to many museums. The Victoria & Albert Museum is an essential destination for travelers interested in art, design, and history. The Science Museum tells the story of mankind’s scientific and technological advancements from ancient times to the present day. The world famous Natural History Museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase the diversity of life on Earth. It is also home to the biggest dinosaur skeleton on display – the Titanosaur.

The Tower of London, a historic castle located in the heart of the city, is another must-see landmark. The tower is home to the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the Beefeaters. The Beefeaters are a group of guardians who have been responsible for protecting the Crown Jewels since the 16th century. Today, they offer historic and humorous tours of the tower grounds. 

London is also a great city for theater lovers of all ages! Visit the theatre district known as the West End. Home to over 40 theatres, the Royal Opera House and the Lyceum Theatre are the most iconic. From The Lion King & Cats to Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, there’s a show for everyone!

LEAVING LONDON

Wanting to venture out from London? Thankfully, there is just as much to see and do outside of the city!

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you simply can’t miss a visit to the Warner Bros Studio in Leavesden, just outside of London. This is the actual place where the Harry Potter movies were filmed and where you experience an immersive and magical journey to the world of Harry Potter. One of the highlights of the Warner Bros Studio tour is the opportunity to walk through the actual Hogwarts Express train used in the films!

Head out to the south west coastline to visit the family- friendly town of Cornwall. With its beautiful sandy beaches, quaint hotels & shops, delicious local eateries, and stunning natural beauty, you will not be disappointed when you add Cornwall to your itinerary. This coastal town is also home to Fistral Beach. This beach is known for its amazing waves making it an ideal spot for the surf competitions hosted there!

If you’re wanting to escape to the country side of Great Britain then the Lake District should be on your list! Personally, I recommend having a car to get around as it spans over several counties, however, you can still use public transportation if driving on the narrow country lanes isn’t your cup of tea. Explore this area by renting a boat or kayaks for the day! Rather stay on land? Take in the beauty of this district while hiking or biking. From breathtaking landscapes and crystal clear lakes to charming little villages throughout the countryside, there is so much to see and explore in the Lake District.

ANCINET ENGLAND

Just west of London, in the county of Berkshire, is the fabulous, old town of Windsor. Situated along the River Thames, this quaint town is an excellent place to shop, eat, and stroll down the charming streets. Windsor is also home to one of the most famous landmarks in England, Windsor Castle. Located on a hill above the River Thames, this historic fortress has been the principle residence of British Monarchs for over 900 years, making it the oldest continuously occupied castle in the world.

One of the most iconic landmarks to see while traveling through Great Britain is Stonehenge. Located in Wiltshire, this prehistoric monument was completed around 2950 BC and draws in a million tourists every single year. This monument is believed to have served as a ceremonial site, however, it’s true significance and construction remain a mystery to this day!

The final city I would recommend on your family trip across the pond is Bath. This historical city is situational in southern England and is best known for the Roman Baths, a well preserved temple constructed in the 1st century AD. Take a guided tour and catch a bite at the fine dining restaurant inside where you can try the hot, mineral packed spring water while an orchestra plays for your entertainment.