England

In August 2024, we made our way across the pond to England! This was an early celebration for Andre’s 50th birthday. While we were there, we visited London, Greenwich, Stonehenge, Windsor, Cambridge, Canterbury, and Dover for our cruise port.

London is a fantastic destination with a rich history, vibrant culture, and plenty of attractions. Here are some recommendations to make the most of your visit:

Must-See Attractions

1. Tower of London: Explore the historic castle and view the Crown Jewels.

2. Westminster Abbey: Visit this iconic church where British monarchs are crowned.

3. British Museum: Discover a vast collection of world art and artifacts.

4. The London Eye: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this famous Ferris wheel.

5. Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Dive into the magical world of Harry Potter.

Unique Experiences

-Thames River Cruise: Take a boat tour for a unique perspective of London’s landmarks.

-Tate Modern: Be inspired by contemporary art in this renowned gallery.

-South Bank Walk: Stroll along the Thames and enjoy street performers, cafes, and views of iconic bridges.

Practical Tips

-Public Transport: Use the Tube for efficient travel around the city. Remember to stand on the right on escalators and let passengers off the train before boarding.

-Weather Preparedness: London’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and a raincoat.

-Comfortable Footwear: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.

Day Trips

-Windsor Castle: Visit the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world.

-Stonehenge: Explore this prehistoric monument and its visitor center.

Greenwich is a charming area in London known for its maritime history and beautiful parks. Here are some top recommendations for your visit:

Must-See Attractions

1. Royal Observatory: Stand on the Prime Meridian Line, where the Eastern and Western Hemispheres meet. Explore the history of astronomy and navigation.

2. Cutty Sark: Visit the world’s last surviving tea clipper and learn about its fascinating history.

3. Old Royal Naval College: Admire the stunning architecture and the Painted Hall, often referred to as “Britain’s Sistine Chapel”.

Unique Experiences

-Greenwich Park: Enjoy one of London’s oldest Royal Parks with stunning views of the city and the Thames. 

-Greenwich Market: Browse through a variety of stalls offering unique crafts, antiques, and delicious street food.

-National Maritime Museum: Discover Britain’s seafaring history through interactive exhibits and artifacts.

Practical Tips

-Getting There: Greenwich is easily accessible by Tube, train, DLR, bus, or even a scenic boat ride along the Thames.

-Weather Preparedness: Similar to London, the weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and an umbrella.

-Comfortable Footwear: There’s a lot to explore on foot, so wear comfortable shoes.

Day Trips

-Thames Barrier: Visit this impressive flood defense system and learn about its engineering marvels.

-Eltham Palace: Explore this unique blend of medieval and Art Deco architecture just a short distance from Greenwich.

Stonehenge is a fascinating and iconic prehistoric monument that attracts visitors from all over the world. Here are some recommendations to help you make the most of your visit:

Must-See Attractions

1. Stonehenge Stone Circle: The main attraction, of course, is the stone circle itself. Marvel at the ancient stones and ponder their mysterious origins and purpose.

2. Stonehenge Visitor Centre: This modern facility offers exhibitions, a café, and a gift shop. It provides a great introduction to the history and significance of Stonehenge.

3. Neolithic Houses: Near the Visitor Centre, you can explore reconstructed Neolithic houses to get a sense of how people lived during the time Stonehenge was built.

Unique Experiences

-Stone Circle Experience: For a more intimate visit, consider booking the Stone Circle Experience, which allows you to enter the stone circle itself, usually outside of regular opening hours. 

-Solstice Events: If you visit during the summer or winter solstice, you can witness the special alignment of the stones with the sunrise or sunset.

Practical Tips

-Getting There: Stonehenge is about two hours by car from London. Alternatively, you can take a train to Salisbury and then a bus or taxi to the site.

-Tickets: Book your tickets online in advance to save money and ensure entry, especially during peak times.

-Weather Preparedness: The weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring an umbrella or raincoat.

Nearby Attractions

-Salisbury Cathedral: Just a short drive away, this stunning cathedral is home to the best-preserved original copy of the Magna Carta.

-Avebury Stone Circle: Another impressive prehistoric site, Avebury offers a larger stone circle that you can walk among freely. 

Dover is a historic town known for its iconic white cliffs and rich maritime heritage. Here are some top recommendations for your visit:

Must-See Attractions

1. White Cliffs of Dover: These stunning chalk cliffs are a symbol of England. You can enjoy breathtaking views and scenic walks along the cliffs.

2. Dover Castle: Explore England’s largest castle, which has stood guard over the town for centuries. Don’t miss the medieval tunnels and the Roman lighthouse.

3. Dover Museum: Discover the history of Dover, including the Bronze Age boat, one of the oldest seagoing vessels in the world.

Unique Experiences

-Fan Bay Deep Shelter: Take a tour of the WWII tunnels dug into the cliffs, offering a fascinating glimpse into wartime history.

-South Foreland Lighthouse: Visit this historic lighthouse where Marconi conducted his radio experiments.

-Samphire Hoe: Created from the chalk marl excavated during the construction of the Channel Tunnel, this nature reserve offers beautiful walks and wildlife spotting.

Practical Tips

-Getting There: Dover is easily accessible by train from London, taking about 1.5 hours. You can also drive or take a coach.

-Weather Preparedness: The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and a raincoat.

-Comfortable Footwear: There’s a lot of walking involved, especially if you plan to explore the cliffs and castle.

Nearby Attractions

-Deal: A charming seaside town with a historic pier and castle, just a short drive from Dover.

-Canterbury: Visit the famous Canterbury Cathedral and explore the medieval streets of this historic city.

Taking a Carnival cruise from Dover to explore the British Isles is a fantastic choice! Here are some recommendations to help you make the most of your trip:

Shore Excursions

-Cobh (Cork), Ireland: Visit the charming town and explore its maritime history.

-Holyhead, Wales: Discover the beautiful landscapes and historic sites.

-Liverpool, England: Dive into the rich musical heritage and vibrant culture.

-Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland: Explore the cultural and historical landmarks of Glasgow.

-Belfast, Northern Ireland: Visit the Titanic Belfast museum and other historical sites.

Practical Tips

-Booking: Reserve your cruise and shore excursions in advance to secure your spots.

-Packing: Bring layers and comfortable shoes for exploring both onboard and onshore.

-Travel Documents: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including your passport and any required visas.

Check out our recommendations on Trip Advisor to help plan your next trip or to book a tour. You can also use Yelp and Open Table for more ideas as well as restaurant reservations. More photos from our visit are posted on Instagram and Facebook.