London Who? – England Beyond the M25
A view of Brighton’s Pebble Beach. Brighton is located in the South Coast of England.
Beach town, countryside, village townships, and prestigious universities… England is a lot more than Big Ben and the Queen. In the final article of this series, Vansh Gupta shares the more picturesque coastal and countryside vibe of England. There is way more than meets the London Eye.
England’s Pebbly Coast – Brighton
Located on the south coast of England, Brighton gives a very similar vibe to the coastal towns of California. Think Santa Cruz or Santa Monica but with more high-rises and more old-town English flair.
A little over an hour’s train ride away, Brighton is an escape for many Londoners. Walking down towards the pier from the train station, I was bedazzled by the diverse architectural styles present in Brighton. Small local shops and novelty cafes are situated on cobbled streets making way to the Royal Pavilion. A must-visit if you admire regal English architecture. Sadly, I was too stoked to take any pictures. My focus was on the beach, being a California native.
Passing the magnificent architecture, we were finally at the south coastal end of England, where lay the beach and the historic Brighton Pier. The iconic Brighton Pier hosts a multitude of thrilling amusement rides, arcades, food shacks, and stunning sea views. Most of the day was spent enjoying the Pier and the beach.
If you finally manage to escape the Pier, take some time to experience the bizarre Upside Down House overlooking the sea. A truly dizzying experience. Finally, the Brighton i360 can’t be missed. I am a sucker for aerial views trying to see the world around me. The i360 tower shows the sheer enormity of Brighton juxtaposed against the endless sea. That was the cherry on top for my day out in Brighton – a fantastic one-day getaway for those seeking a classic British seaside experience.
The Town of Harry Potter – Oxford
Education, academia, bookstores, old coffee shops, art museums, Victorian architecture, and river punting – my IQ was raised by one whole standard deviation by visiting Oxford. Often referred to as the “City of Dreaming Spires,” Oxford is home to the University of Oxford, one of the oldest and most esteemed educational institutions in the world. The university’s breathtaking architecture and beautifully manicured grounds provide a glimpse into centuries of academic excellence. The most famous building is the Radcliffe Camera – a dome-shaped library in the heart of the University.
The whole city’s stunning medieval style is still preserved. Picturesque gardens, cobble-stone walkways, local creameries, and the oldest coffee house in England offer visitors a delightful blend of old-world charm and academic vitality.
Oxford also boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The Ashmolean Museum, known as the world’s first university museum, houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts spanning thousands of years from various parts of the world. Remnants of the British Raj are visible in this museum.
If museums and punting aren’t your thing, head over to the Westgate for a spot of shopping. Visit KNOOPS to have 70-80% dark hot cocoa with sea salt (a great coffee alternative). Visit The Grand Café and grab a bite at the oldest coffee house in England. Make your way to any local eatery and enjoy a delicious meal or dessert.
Oxford is an hour’s train ride away from London.
A Trip to the English Countryside – Stonehenge and The Roman Bath
An ardent sucker for road trips, I was stoked when we finally found country roads, motorways, and rolling green hills charting our course towards UK’s “Napa Valley” and Stonehenge.
Situated in the land of sweet Mead, Stonehenge reminds us of the world before the Industrial Revolution. A herd of cows roam freely around the British countryside before seeing the megalithic structure in Wiltshire. Stonehenge’s mystical stone circle continues to captivate visitors with its enigmatic origins and ancient allure. Some speculate alien origins.
Beyond the intriguing wonder of Stonehenge, the English countryside surrounding the monument presents a picturesque landscape of rolling green hills, charming villages, and tranquil rural vistas.
Navigating through the maze of English country roads we went more inwards towards the historic Roman city of Bath in Somerset, England.
Bath is mostly known for its historic natural thermal springs – The Roman Baths. Marketed as the original wellness destination, Bath holds the only functioning natural thermal spring in Britain. Stunning architecture and boutique shops are reminiscent of its rich Roman roots. A serene and delectable alfresco dining scene lays throughout this historic city.
England is a lot more than just London and its attractions. Within a 2–3-hour journey, England is home to magnificent coastal towns, historic monuments, and preserved cities. Home to luscious green countryside, architecture to marvel at, and delectable eats, even two months wasn’t enough to cover this tiny island.
