The picturesque small town of Wells in South West England’s Somerset county is home to only about 12,000 people, but it packs a lot in. There’s the medieval cathedral — making Wells the smallest “city” in England to have one — but there’s also an elaborate bishop’s palace and adjoining flower-filled gardens, as well as a popular market.

The city of Sheffield in Yorkshire county boasts England’s oldest soccer stadium. Bramall Lane was built in 1855 as a cricket ground, but it has been used for soccer (or football, as the English say) by both Sheffield FC and Sheffield United since 1861. Sheffield FC is also the oldest independent soccer team in the world.

As its “Jurassic Coast” nickname might suggest, Dorset Beach on the English Channel is an incredibly rich source of fossils. This coastline stretching from Dorset to Exmouth in South West England features rock formations from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods — covering 250 million years of geologic history.

The 628-square-mile region of chalky hills between London, Winchester, and Brighton has long been a beautiful spot for walkers, horse riders, and other outdoorsy types, but it wasn’t until 2009 that the area was officially recognized as one of the U.K.’s 15 national parks. The South Downs are home to deciduous woods, aristocratic mansion houses, and scenic cliffs, among other attractions.

Standing with its 75-foot wingspan outstretched to the world, the thought-provoking “Angel of the North” statue is located seven miles south of Newcastle, a city in northern England. The statue was designed by prolific sculptor Anthony Gormley and completed in 1998. It is meant to inspire hope in all those who pass by.

England doesn’t have many dangerous wild animals, but the one that strikes fear into the heart of hikers is the adder — England's only venomous snake. The reptile is typically found in areas of heathland, and will bite if disturbed or stepped on. However, the venom isn’t generally deadly, and adders can be easily spotted, as they have a “V”’ or “X” mark on top of their heads.

Just in time for the Platinum Jubilee (70th anniversary) of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, the Elizabeth Line opened on May 24, 2022. Although it’s included on official maps of the London Underground, the purple color-coded line isn’t technically part of “the Tube” (the nickname for London’s metro) because it’s actually a section of a larger track that forms part of the city’s mainline commuter rail.

Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire is a pleasant picnic spot throughout the year, but it’s particularly lively in early summer, when the county’s annual cheese-rolling competition takes place. Wheels of double Gloucester cheese, weighing up to nine pounds each, are tossed down the slope, and it’s up to competitors to chase after them as the cheese rolls at speeds up to 70 mph.

When traveling in England’s rural South West, you’ll find different ways locals take their jam and cream scones — known as a “cream tea” in this part of the country. In Devon, it’s served with clotted cream first, followed by a layer of saccharine fruit jelly. Their neighbors in Cornwall do the opposite, spreading the jelly first.

It’s not quite a biblical paradise, but the Eden Project is the world’s largest greenhouse. Completed in 2000 and located in Cornwall, England, the greenhouse is home to more than a million plants. The site is open to visitors, who can wind along footpaths past waterfalls, ponds, and statues amid the vast array of plants.

Depending on the language you speak, the small sea that separates England and France is called either the English Channel or simply La Manche. At its narrowest point, the Strait of Dover, only 18 miles stretch between England and France. Ferries take 90 minutes, but beneath the sea bed, trains whisk travelers through the “Chunnel” in just 30 minutes.

The rose has been the English national symbol since the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, which saw the House of Lancaster (with a red rose emblem) battle the House of York (symbolized by a white rose) for the throne. The victorious Lancasters soon united the houses by marriage to the Yorks, and the English national flower reflects that — it is a rose with red petals on the outside, and white on the inside.

The small town of Melton Mowbray in England’s Leicestershire county became synonymous with pork pies in the early 19th century. The town was once famed as a hunting ground for the wealthy, and hunters needed portable snacks to take out into the woods. Melton Mowbray’s bakers provided them with pies shaped by hand, which were served cold and proved surprisingly durable.

England’s largest lake dominates the Lake District National Park, a scenic region in the North West of the country. Windermere measures 10.5 miles long and an impressive 220 feet deep. The lake is home to a wide array of native wildlife and attracts nature lovers from around the country.

If an English person says they’re going to the “chippy,” it means they’re going to a takeout shop specializing in fish and chips — typically a hearty portion of battered haddock, plaice, or cod, and piles of French fries. Mushy peas are a popular accompaniment, and salt and vinegar are optional — but finding a scenic place to eat your takeout is essential.

Established in approximately 1096 as a school for the priesthood, the University of Oxford is the oldest university in the U.K. and one of the oldest universities in the world. Made up of 38 historic colleges and home to some of the world’s leading professors and researchers, the golden-hued university is buzzing with intellectual activity.

The theater district is situated in the western part of London’s city center, so it’s no surprise the area is called the West End. Shaftesbury Avenue is particularly famous for its playhouses, many of which date back to the Victorian era. The street’s 1,400-seat Palace Theater is one of the largest venues in the West End.

They may need no introduction, but Britain’s monarchy does have an official surname: Mountbatten-Windsor. Windsor was chosen by King George V in 1917, while Mountbatten was added later as the surname of Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, Prince Philip. The joint surname is now used by their descendants, excluding those with the "Royal Highness" or "Prince/Princess" styling.

Black pudding — a meaty treat containing pig’s blood, animal fat, and oatmeal — divides dining tables in England. Some love its savory taste and dramatic coloring, while others are a touch more squeamish. The dish is a popular add-on to a “fry up” (fried breakfast), but black pudding can also be enjoyed battered and fried on its own.

All four Beatles — Paul, John, George, and Ringo — came from the port city of Liverpool in the region of North West England. The city today is filled with Beatles attractions and locations, from the Cavern Club — where the band first performed — to the Strawberry Fields gates (which are indeed now open forever) and even a Beatles-themed hotel.