Why choose England for your next holiday?
Often reduced to London Although England is often thought of in the collective imagination as a single entity, it is in fact a country of remarkable diversity. Within a few hours’ drive or train journey, you can go from the bohemian neighbourhoods of Shoreditch from the terraced gardens of Bath to the wild moors of the Dartmoor to the golden beaches of the Norfolk.
England is a destination that offers something new with every visit. Culture lovers will find a wealth of museums among the richest in the world (and often free!). Foodies will discover a thriving gastronomic scene. Nature lovers will happily lose themselves in national parks and English-style gardens that are still relatively unknown to French-speaking tourists.
England also appeals for its practicality: the transport network is well-developed, signage is easy to follow, and there is a wide range of accommodation on offer, from charming bed and breakfasts to historic houses and designer boutique hotels.
The must-see regions in England
- London and the surrounding area: the world’s cultural capital, with plenty to explore beyond the usual sights (Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum…), such as the markets in Brixton, the museums in South Kensington and the craft breweries in Bermondsey.
- The Cotswolds: the heart of the English countryside, with its honey-coloured stone villages, secret gardens and pubs with exposed beams.
- Bath and Somerset: Georgian elegance, Roman baths, and that typically British laid-back way of life.
- The Lake District: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for walkers and lovers of the great outdoors.
- Yorkshire: wind-swept moors, York and its medieval ramparts, a strong sense of identity and unrivalled hospitality.
- Cornwall: jagged coastlines, fishing villages, and a unique light that has inspired generations of painters.
- The Peak District: England’s first national park, ideal for active holidays amidst lush green valleys and stone-built villages.
Our trips to England: tailor-made itineraries
At Brightside Travel, we don’t sell off-the-shelf tours. Every trip to England that we design is the result of an in-depth discussion with you: your preferences, your pace, your interests and your budget. We then put together the itinerary for the tailor-made trip to England that suits you.
Our team, based in Edinburgh since 2012, has a network of carefully selected local partners throughout England: passionate tour guides, unique accommodation and authentic experiences that you won’t find in mainstream travel guides.
What sort of holidays to England do we offer?
- Road trip in England: freedom and flexibility behind the wheel, travelling from village to village, with a detailed itinerary and stops pre-selected to suit your tastes.
- Travelling by train: England has a spectacular rail network, and travelling by train there is an experience in its own right, particularly on the rural routes.
- Cultural holiday and city break: London, Oxford, Cambridge, York… Our cultural programmes go far beyond the usual sightseeing tours.
- Nature and hiking holidays: The Lake District, the Peak District, Cornwall: walking routes suitable for all abilities, with accommodation selected for its location.
- Family holidays: tailor-made tours designed to combine exploration with child-friendly activities, without compromising on authenticity.
- Honeymoon or romantic getaway: hidden gems, exclusive experiences, and meticulous attention to detail.
Our expertise in the British Isles: a local agency in England that makes a difference
Brightside Travel is not an online comparison site, nor is it a platform that puts you in touch with anonymous local agencies. We are a small, friendly travel agency and a partner Travelife, based in Edinburgh, just a few hours’ drive from some of England’s most beautiful landscapes.
This geographical and cultural proximity is no small matter: it enables us to keep our finger on the pulse of destinations in real time, to personally test the accommodation and experiences we recommend, and to respond quickly should anything unexpected arise during your trip.
Since 2012, we have guided hundreds of French-speaking travellers through England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. This wealth of experience has given us in-depth knowledge of the seasons, local events and the best places to visit, as well as the pitfalls to avoid.
Our partnership with Travelife This also demonstrates our commitment to responsible tourism: we prioritise accommodation providers and service providers who share our values regarding the environment and local impact.
Planning your trip to England: practical advice
A great trip to England takes a bit of planning, and we’re here to help you with that. Here’s some essential information to help you organise your stay in England with peace of mind.
When is the best time to visit England?
England is a great place to visit all year round, but every season has its own special charm. The spring (April–June) is undoubtedly the ideal time to visit: the gardens are in bloom, the days are getting longer, and the sites are still free from the summer crowds. The’summer (July–August) is a lively time: festivals, cultural events, long, sunny evenings… But it’s also busier and more expensive. The’autumn brings the English countryside to life with vibrant colours, perfect for a road trip through the Cotswolds or the Lake District. The’winter Finally, it offers a cosy and magical atmosphere, particularly in the run-up to Christmas in historic towns.
How do you get around in England?
A car is still the most flexible way to explore the English countryside. Please note: in England, we drive on the left, which may take some getting used to. The rail network is extensive and efficient for journeys between major cities. In London, public transport (the Tube, buses and the Overground) is more than adequate for getting around without a car.
Formalities and currency in England
Since Brexit, French nationals travelling to England must present a Valid passport (ID cards are no longer accepted) and submit the ETA form. The currency is the pound sterling (GBP). It is advisable to carry some cash, even though card payments are accepted almost everywhere.
What are the must-see attractions on a trip to England?
- A day in the The Cotswolds to potter about in Bourton-on-the-Water or Bibury
- The visit to the Windsor Castle, a royal residence less than an hour from London
- An evening in a real English advert, with real ale and a football match playing in the background
- The Catbells hike in the Lake District, accessible to all and spectacular
- The Jane Austen Tour in Bath, for lovers of English literature
- A sunset over the the cliffs of Dorset, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Travelling to England: frequently asked questions from our travellers
How long does it take to visit England?
It all depends on your own pace and priorities, but here are a few practical pointers based on our experience.
For a first trip to England, 8 to 10 days are enough to combine a visit to London (at least 3 nights to get a taste of its neighbourhoods) with a trip to a rural area such as the Cotswolds or the Lake District. It’s a good way to ensure you’ll want to come back.
For a themed road trip (the Dorset and Cornwall coast, or the medieval cathedrals and castles tour) – allow 10 to 14 days so you don’t have to rush through the stops.
For a Grand Tour of England To cover London, Bath, the Cotswolds, the Lake District, Yorkshire and Cornwall, you’ll ideally need three weeks. Any less than that, and you’ll just be clocking up the kilometres without really taking in the places.
Our advice: resist the temptation to see everything. One tour of England A successful trip is often one where you’ve had time to wander around a village for no particular reason, to linger in a pub, or to return to a place the next morning to see it in a different light.
How much does a bespoke trip to England cost?
The cost of a trip to England depends on three main factors: the duration, the level of comfort chosen for accommodation, and the season.
As a rough guide, for a couple on a 10-day trip staying in charming accommodation (B&Bs and 4-star boutique hotels, with dinner included on certain evenings, and a hire car), the total budget is generally between €3,500 and €5,500 per person, including flights. For travellers seeking more exclusive options (historic residences, private experiences, dedicated guides), this budget may increase significantly.
What we never do: inflate our margins on standardised services. Every Brightside Travel quote is detailed, transparent and with no hidden charges. You know exactly what you’re paying for and why.
Contact us for a personalised quote: it’s free, with no obligation, and you’ll leave with an initial idea of your itinerary.
Is England a family-friendly place?
England is one of the best child-friendly destinations in Europe, provided you plan your itinerary carefully.
The There are many advantages : London’s major museums (the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the British Museum) are free to visit and designed to captivate children as much as adults. The national parks offer accessible and spectacular natural scenery, ideal for little legs and grown-ups alike. Castles (Windsor, Warwick, Alnwick) are often brought to life in a fun way, with activities and historical re-enactments.
A few points to note which we organise for you: the distances between locations can be underestimated on a map, some charming accommodation options are not suitable for young children, and long days on the road can quickly tire the little ones. Our role is precisely to anticipate these factors so that we can plan a tour of England at a pace that suits the whole family.
Our family itineraries always include strategic breaks, accommodation chosen for its outdoor space, and alternatives in case of changeable weather (which, in England, is a factor that should never be overlooked).
Can England be combined with Scotland or Wales?
Not only is this possible: it is one of our most popular offerings, and one of the real added values we offer compared to an agency specialising in a single destination.
- England + Wales : a natural and often underestimated combination. Setting off from London towards the west, you’ll cross the Welsh border without even realising it, only to discover a radically different country (in terms of language, landscapes, character, and so on). Allow 12 to 15 days for a tour that does justice to both destinations.
- England + Scotland : the classic route, often travelled by train (the London–Edinburgh journey is spectacular) or by car along the east coast or through the Pennines. A three-week itinerary allows you to cover London, the Lake District and Scotland without feeling rushed.
- The Grand Tour of the British Isles (England, Wales, Scotland, and sometimes Ireland): this is the trip of a lifetime for lovers of Celtic landscapes. We usually plan it to last 3 to 4 weeks, with the itinerary designed to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth journeys and maximise the time spent at each destination.
Our advisers are personally familiar with all of these destinations: this has been at the heart of what we do for over ten years!
Is the weather in England really that bad?
The reputation is exaggerated, but not entirely unfounded. Here is the plain truth.
England has a temperate oceanic climate : It can rain on any day of the year, but spells of bad weather are often short-lived. Summers are mild (averaging 18–22°C), sunny, and the long evenings in June and July are a real delight. Winters are cold but rarely harsh: snow is a rare occurrence in most regions.
What surprises travellers is the variability : In the Lake District, you can experience morning sunshine, a shower in the early afternoon, and golden evening light that makes you never want to leave – all in the space of a single day. Indeed, it is this ever-changing light that has inspired English landscape painting ever since Turner.
Our practical tip: A lightweight waterproof layer is essential, whatever the season. And see the rain as an excuse to pop into a pub, order a pint, and strike up a conversation with the locals: that’s often where the best memories are made.
