England is a land of much diversity and its mention conjures up images of beautiful rolling countryside, sandy beaches and world-leading cities such as London of course. History suggests a typically quintessential Englishman who speaks in a posh accent and plays croquet while drinking tea on a Saturday afternoon, and while there is nothing wrong with this, it is a far cry from what is displayed today. The richness brought by multiculturalism and the desire for originality have in part led to a breaking of this stereotype.

Any visit to the nation really has to include a trip to the capital, and the chances are you’d be flying in to one of London’s plethora of airports should you be dropping by from further afield. Buckingham Palace is perhaps one of the world’s most famous landmarks, proving that history and tradition continue to play an important role in UK life and indeed in the tourism industry. The capital if full of well known and popular sights, with the Houses of Parliament among the most prominent, standing on the other side of the River Thames to the somewhat newer London Eye.

It was in England, Birmingham to be specific, that the Industrial Revolution began towards the end of the 18th century. From its cradle it was exported far across the globe, with the expansion of the British Empire firmly in toe, at its height covering almost a quarter of the world’s land mass. Since then England has produced fame, most apparently in the likes of the Beatles, born in Liverpool, the city designated European Capital of Culture in 2008. Manchester meanwhile, has produced one of the most successful and popular football teams in the world, with millions of fans dotted around the face of the Earth cheering on the Old Trafford outfit.

Towns and cities that are much visited by domestic and international tourists alike include York with its historic walls and minster; the lovely Stratford-upon-Avon, most notable as the home of William Shakespeare; and Chester on the River Dee in Cheshire. The sun, beaches and countryside of Devon and Cornwall are attractive during the summer months while Stonehenge in Wiltshire brings a sense of mystery to the south of England. If that’s not enough to get you started then how about a trip to one of the castles – Warwick or Windsor perhaps. A land of diversity and a land of much attraction; it is no wonder this is one of the world’s top places to visit.