England's Best Cities: Travel Itinerary By Train
*What do you think are England's best cities?*
There is so much to experience when you #visitEngland. And while #London is a must-visit, travelers should also explore nearby historic cities for a fuller picture of the country's heritage and culture.
Luckily, in this video I'm sharing an amazing 5-day #EnglandTravel itinerary, which can be done by train, taking you from London to Carlisle and back -- with unforgettable stops along the way. By the way, this is a great trip for solo female travelers.
***Note: A big thanks to England Originals for sponsoring my trip! Make sure to download their app before visiting England: https://englandoriginals.co.uk/ ***
For this England by train trip, here is what I suggest:
Fly into London, then hop on the train to Chester, touted as one of England's most beautiful cities.
After wandering and enjoying the Victorian architecture, visit the magnificent Chester Cathedral to explore spirituality, art, culture, and even made-from-scratch meals in the stunning Cathedral Refectory Cafe. Don't miss the inspiring creation window, featuring the hand of God moving through the six days of creation.
Pro tip: Make sure to also take a Roman Tours excursion. Your legionnaire-dressed guide will share stories from when the Romans founded Chester in the 1st century AD. Walk among ruins, visiting the Chester amphitheater, where gladiators fought to the death. Stroll along the walls that once guarded the city, and spend time in ancient Roman bath houses. You do not want to know what that was used for.
Craving nature? Take a walk through the groves along the River Dee. Stroll along colorful gardens and old church ruins in Grosvenor Park. And hike the idyllic trails of the Chester Meadows.
From Chester, it's less than 90 minutes to Lancaster, a small city with a rich history.
Start your day with a siphon-brewed single-origin coffee at The Hall, a cafe that's part of the local Atkinson's Coffee empire.
Once caffeinated, walk up to the famous Lancaster Castle, which holds almost 1,000 years of history relating to persecution, incarceration, justice, and punishment.
Another impressive building with a story is the Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park. Commissioned by Lord Ashton in remembrance of his second wife, Jessie, after she passed away. From there, take in the views out across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District.
Beyond the memorial, the park features beautiful trails, gardens, and ponds.
Love festivals and events? Lancaster has many, so check their calendar.
When you're ready for your next destination, the train can take you directly to Carlisle, a quaint and colorful city full of heritage to discover.
Carlisle is known as the most besieged city in the United Kingdom. So you'll definitely wanna visit Carlisle Castle. Built on the site of an ancient Roman fort, there is much to do and see. Walk the castle walls for a 360-degree view, learn about the siege of Carlisle and the Jacobite rising, and view the 15th-century doodles, likely carved into the walls by bored prison guards.
The 900-year-old Carlisle Cathedral is another highlight. Take in the 19th-century organ with its 4,000 plus pipes, the stunning east window with its 14th-century glass, and the calming starlight ceiling.
At the nearby Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, travel Carlisle and its Cumbria County from neolithic times to present, learning about art, archeology, wildlife, past civilizations, and more.
Nature is also an important facet of Carlisle, which offers easy day trips to the Lake District, and is home to the lush Bitts Park, with its scenic trails, colorful gardens, and sunken forests.
It's recommended to opt for first-class for the three-and-a-half-hour ride to London for wine and dinner, paired with countryside views.
London is a truly international city, offering experiences for everyone. And even surprises. Here's one. In the basement of this office building are these ruins from a former Roman house and baths.
Another surprise is The Line, a free to enjoy modern and contemporary art walk following the waterways and Greenwich Meridian Line. Wander the free to enjoy Museum of London, take in the English baroque beauty of St. Paul's Cathedral, and immerse yourself in architectural splendor.
Unforgettable experiences abound when visiting England.