11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in England

Stonehenge is Britain's most famous ancient monument, and one of its most popular tourist attractions The "hanging stones" were placed here from 3000-1500 BC. The Bronze Age stone circles visible today were in use until the Roman era, when they were destroyed to prevent cults like the Druids from influencing the population. An excellent Visitor Centre is home to informative exhibitions, and includes a shop and café. Stonehenge

 Tower of London Prison, palace, treasure vault, observatory, and menagerie - the Tower of London has done it all. Widely considered the most important building in England, there's enough to see and do at this World Heritage Site to keep visitors busy for hours. The centerpiece is the White Tower. Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, it's home to amazing exhibits such as Line of Kings, the world's oldest visitor attraction (1652) with its remarkable displays of royal armor.

If you only have time to visit one smaller city in England, you couldn't do much better than Bath. This remarkably beautiful city boasts more fantastic tourist attractions than you could hope to visit in a day. While most famous for the magnificent 2,000-year-old Roman Baths built around the city's rejuvenating hot springs, it's equally well known for its honey-colored Georgian Townhouses such as those located on Royal Crescent. Bath makes an ideal location from which to explore some of England's most stunning countryside. The City of Bath

Windsor Castle Windsor Castle has served as the summer residence of British Royals since William the Conqueror built the first fortress here in 1078. The largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle is built around two spectacular courtyards, and entrance fees include admission to theState Apartments (closed when The Queen's at home, so check whether the royal flag's flying).

Although Yorkshire is divided into four "ridings" - North, South, West and East Ridings - the habit of referring to the county by its traditional name runs deep in England .Traditional Yorkshire encompasses some of the most beautiful historic towns and cities in England  with its magnificent half-timbered homes and shops, medieval guildhalls and churches, and romantic streets surrounded by 3 mi of magnificent town walls. York is also a great base from which to explore the countryside, in particular the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. Historic Yorkshire

 Cambridge University The old-world charm of Cambridge is a huge draw for visitors to England, and is an excellent day-trip from London. Well-known for its university - as famous as its counterpart in Oxford - Cambridge boasts the country's largest collection of preserved historic buildings, much of it clustered around Cambridge University's 31 colleges. In addition to its vibrant shopping and dining, Cambridge hosts many excellent cultural events, including the 800-year-old Midsummer Fair and the famous Cambridge Folk Festival.

Lake District National Park The Lake District National Park is a must-visit destination for travellers to England. With 12 of the country's largest lakes there's little wonder the region continues to inspire with its magnificent views and scenery straight out of a painting.

Canterbury Cathedral Located in the heart of the historic city that bears its name, Canterbury Cathedral is home to the Archbishop of Canterbury and is the cradle of English Christianity. It all started when St Augustine converted the pagan Anglo Saxons here in 597 when he became the first bishop. But there's much more to this beautiful medieval city than its cathedral. Canterbury is also a popular cultural and entertainment destination with great shopping, galleries and cafés, as well as attractions such as those focused on Chaucer's medieval England and the city's Roman past.

The incredible Eden Project is a collection of unique artificial biomes containing an amazing collection of plants from around the world. Located in a reclaimed quarry in Cornwall, the complex consists of huge domes that look rather like massive greenhouses. Each houses thousands of different plant species in tropical and Mediterranean environments. As well as these stunning displays of plant life, the Eden Project hosts numerous fantastic arts and music events.  Eden Project

Chartwell - much-loved home of Britain's most famous Prime Minister, Winston Churchill - is perhaps not surprisingly one of the most visited of the National Trust's portfolio of historic buildings. It's where Churchill sought refuge and inspiration from 1924 until his death in 1965. This sumptuous home has been left as it was when the great man lived here, and is full of photos and mementoes evoking his career and interests .Also worth exploring are the gardens, including lakes and looped walking trails through the adjoining woodland. Chartwell

Warwick Castle If you're looking for a truly memorable English family excursion - one that offers a fascinating insight into life in medieval times - you couldn't do much better than visit Warwick Castle. Today, it serves as a backdrop to medieval-themed events and reenactments, from jousting festivals to fairs and concerts.