Even though it is a small country, there are many interesting things you can do in England . Who says studying abroad is all about headaches and homesickness? So that your brain is always fresh to receive lecture material, you also need to relax for a moment to enjoy the beauty of the country where you are continuing your studies. Especially if you study in England! Check out some of the exciting things you must try while studying in England in this article.
Enjoy the World of Arts and Culture
England has a rich and varied art history. Enjoying art in England is an extraordinary experience due to the rich and varied artistic heritage the country has. Ways to enjoy art in England that you can do are:
- Theater and Arts
Theater and the arts are a part of British life. Your trip to England would not be complete without attending a musical performance. If you want to see arts and cultural performances in London, then you have to visit the West End area. The West End of London is an area in Central and West London where several of the city’s tourist attractions, shops, businesses, government buildings and entertainment venues are located, including the West End theatres. Although the City of London, or Square Mile, is London’s main business and financial district, the West End is the city’s main commercial and entertainment center.
The West End often tours around the country. You can enjoy the show in London and enjoy performances of Wicked, Les Miserables or Shrek the Musical. The West End also has a variety of iconic theatres, such as the Theater Royal Drury Lane, the London Palladium, Her Majesty’s Theatre, and the Dominion Theatre, among many others. Many of the theaters in the West End have a long history and contribute to Britain’s artistic and cultural heritage.
- Exhibitions and Museums
As a country full of history, England has many museums that you can visit. Some of them have museums that are favorites with international students, such as the Royal Academy of Arts which often holds an annual summer art exhibition where anyone can submit their work to be displayed if selected. To enter the Royal Academy of Arts you don’t need to pay a ticket. Just stop by at Burlington House, Piccadilly, in London.
If you are interested in the fields of science, technology and medicine, you really have to go to the Natural History and Science Museum. By only paying GBP 8, you can immediately explore the history and evolution of living things there.Â
Maybe you are bored with old art and want to see something more modern? Try coming to the Design Museum in Kensington. This museum is a contemporary art museum in London that focuses on modern design such as digital design, graphic art, fashion and architecture. For students, there are lots of discussions and workshops you can take part in, especially if you like design. To enter the Design Museum, you need to pay GBP 10 to 14 for adults.
Exploring Natural Wonders
After busy days with college activities and a pile of assignments, usually enjoying the beauty of nature can be a goal to relax for a moment. You can try the following places:
- Cornwall
One place that has many tourist attractions to visit is Cornwall. There are many tourist destinations that can be visited, from natural attractions to historical places. One of them is St. Ives. St Ives is one of the must-visit destinations in Cornwall. Visitors will be amazed when walking along the impressive cobbled streets. They can also enjoy the cool sea air while watching the beautiful beach panorama.
If you want a more romantic view, you can go to Carn Brea. Carn Brea translates to “stone hill” in Cornish. There is a castle at the top supported by weathered rocks with views looking out over Bodmin Moor which runs across the North Coast, from St Ives to Newquay.
- Natural tourism
Another natural tourist attraction in England like a hidden paradise that can make you amazed by the view is Durdle Door , Dorset. Durdle Door is one of England’s most popular natural landmarks. It is also part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The panorama of the striking rock formations is most stunning from the top of the cliffs and visitors can also swim under the arch on warm summer days.Â
Apart from that, you can also visit Gaping Gill. Gaping Gill is the largest crypt in England located at the foot of Ingle Borough in the Yorkshire Dales. This giant cave, which offers a main chamber as high as 31 meters, has a very impressive view.
Feel the atmosphere of a music festival
For music-loving millennials, England also offers unlimited entertainment. There are a series of cool music festivals which are usually held throughout summer and autumn. What festivals are there?
- Wireless Festival
Step into the Wireless Festival which is held every year in Finsbury Park for three days. This event could be said to be one of the most eagerly awaited by music lovers because it presents a line-up of the world’s top musicians.
- British Summer Time at Hyde Park
This music festival is no less cool, because it is held for 2 weeks during the summer every year! Because it is so popular, many music lovers don’t get tickets to watch this festival.
- Lovebox
Another destination for concert hunters in the UK is the Lovebox Festival, which is held for two days every year in Victoria Park, London. This event is a celebration of music, dance and arts talent in the UK.
- Bestival
Bestival is one of the most eagerly awaited music festivals for millennials in the UK. This event has been held every year at the end of summer since 2004. This festival itself has won various awards, such as Best Medium-Sized Festival in 2005 to 2009 respectively, to Best Major Festival in 2010, 2012 and 2015.
- Glastonbury Festival
This five-day music festival in England is the one most eagerly awaited by millennials, not only in England but also from other countries. The festival not only presents music, but also dance, comedy, theater, cabaret and other performing arts as a form of contemporary festival in England.Â
Seeing the Beauty of British History
Not only does it offer natural beauty and aesthetic city planning, England has many interesting historical heritages to learn about. Moreover, England is a country with a hereditary royal system of government. So it is not surprising that there are many historical tourist destinations that can be visited.
- Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall or Hadrian’s Wall is the remains of a stone fort built by the Roman Empire after the British conquest in the 2nd century AD. The Romans, who at that time controlled Britain, built a wall that stretched 70 miles under the rule of Emperor Hadrian. This wall was built as a form of defense for the Romans who succeeded in occupying Britain from the threat of the Caledonians who were at war at that time.
Scholars believe the wall may have also served as a means to limit immigration and smuggling in and out of Roman territory. The wall took time — at least six years to complete. Hadrian’s Wall was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
- Travel to Historical Cities
Salisbury
There are many cities in England that you can explore and have their own historical value. One destination that can be visited is Stonehenge in Salisbury. This is a site that has large stone buildings from the neolithic era and holds many mysteries. Here stand strange stones arranged neatly. When you visit to see Stonehenge, don’t forget to also explore the cathedral which has a beautiful building.
Ludlow
Apart from that, you can also visit Ludlow. England is known to have one of the largest collections of historic buildings in the entire country, one of which is Ludlow. The tour explores every wooden building in the city center, before heading to the hilltop castle. After that, spend time eating delicious dishes. This city is known to have the best culinary delights in England.
Manchester
This city is a favorite international destination with a mix of modern buildings but still embracing its historical aspects. Manchester is a paradise for shopaholics or bargain hunters. There are lots of shopping centers that offer high class products at friendly prices such as cheap fashion, trendy accessories, makeup care, electronic goods and many more.
Experience Traditional British Culinary
Every country certainly has its own traditional food, including England. Is there anything you need to try?
- Fish & Chips
As the name suggests, fish and chips is a dish consisting of fried fish fillets eaten with fried potatoes. Even though it is a fried dish, fish and chips are also quite nutritious, you know, namely they contain protein, fiber, iron and vitamins. Besides that, to enjoy its deliciousness even more, you can eat it with tartar sauce or tomato sauce. You can enjoy this Fich and Chips with prices starting from £7.99 depending on where you buy it.
- Sunday Roast
Sunday Roast is a very popular British specialty. This roast meat dish is a traditional British menu that is often enjoyed with extended families on Sundays. This food is a dish containing grilled meat with baked potatoes. Usually a spoonful of typical English Yorkshire pudding is added. Sunday Roast is even more delicious with additional sauces served, such as mint sauce, apple sauce or the typical red currant sauce.
- Shepherd’s Pie
Still a meat dish, shepherd’s pie is a variant of pie that contains minced lamb. Not just meat, the top of this pie is covered with a thick layer of mashed potato. Usually this food can be made from leftover meat from Sunday Roast so it doesn’t go to waste.
- Scotch Eggs
Those of you who like processed eggs really have to try this dish. It’s called scotch egg, which is a dish of boiled eggs wrapped in bacon, coated with breadcrumbs. So, after coating the ingredients, the eggs will be deep fried until crispy.
Tips for Exploring England
Even though England is a small country, exploring a foreign country is not easy. You still need to pay attention to the following tips:
- Using Maps
Even though you have various travel applications on your gadget, maps are the best guide. Although reading a map is not as fast as using a GPS application, once our brain processes the information it reads, the information tends to become embedded in memory. Then applications sometimes don’t work well and there is a possibility that the battery is dead, or you are in a location with a bad signal, so you cannot access the application. Most Britons have a local or national AZ map which can be purchased on the AZ website, or in bookshops with prices starting from £9.95. Make sure your map is the latest edition!
- Online Planning and Various Applications
Wherever you are, don’t forget that technology is always there to help, including when planning a trip, or when you are looking for a way when you are lost somewhere. There are many online travel planner applications that can be downloaded on a laptop or smartphone. They will help you plan your trip quickly. You only need to enter the city of origin and the destination you want to go to. Applications and sites that can help you include: Google Maps Journey Planner and The AA journey planner.
- Knowledge of the Surrounding Environment
One thing that is really needed when traveling in an unfamiliar area is knowledge of the surrounding conditions. While looking for information, you will get to know new people. You don’t need to hesitate to ask the people around you. The bookstore clerk who sells textbooks probably knows the tastiest and cheapest restaurants in your area. Or the taxi driver who takes you may be able to tell you which areas you should avoid at night. All you need to do is ask in a friendly manner.
- Bring an Umbrella and Sunglasses
England has unpredictable weather, as it can suddenly rain or be hot. So when exploring England, make sure you have prepared an umbrella and glasses. This is done to prepare and be on guard in all conditions, so that your trip doesn’t get messy.
