Why Travel to England Now?

Credit: Ava Roxanne Stritt

Voters in England have pushed the United Kingdom out of the European Union. The ultimate result of this monumental change is yet to be clear.

The Church of England has stated it’s now time for the UK to “re-imagine” its place in the world.

Now may be time to re-think England as a travel destination, too.

While global markets took a dive upon the announcement, the news may be brighter for American travelers — making now the ideal time to take a vacation to England. The website Visit Britain is a great planning tool.

First, a trip to England may suddenly be cheaper. U.S. dollars are worth more right now, in the wake of the big vote, according to Money Magazine. The British pound is expected to take a big blow, which some experts predict may translate into great exchange rates and therefore cheaper travel to England for Americans.

If the move dampens other Europeans’ desire to visit England, too (as some studies have predicted), it could dent England’s tourism — which could lead to travel specials or shorter lines at popular tourist hot spots.

Of course, the real, long-term implications are still up in the air. But one thing is certain: A visit to England now would certainly put travelers up close to the front lines of this historic event. Once you get there, moving around is easy once you master The Tube. Here’s a great map of The Tube, London’s subway system, to study before your trip.

So grab your Znzit travel pillow and check out flights here on Travelocity.

Here are my picks for five great sites to see while you’re in the UK:

1. Stonehenge.

This prehistoric monument in England is so magical, it appears otherworldly.

Many consider this many-thousands-year-old large rock monument a sacred destination. The biggest of the stones are as tall as 30 feet and appear to come from far away in Wales; how the ancient people moved them is part of their mysterious allure.

Travelers who visit Stonehenge can download a self-guided audio tour onto their smartphone, experience it via a shuttle bus or take a guided walk. Stone Circle Access gives visitors the chance to get up close to the site.

After the walk (and taking tons of inevitable photos), the nearby Stonehenge Brewery serves up brew and famous “rock cakes.”

Credit: Ava Roxanne Stritt

2. “Harry Potter” Movie Sites.

A fun, modern fact about England is it’s home to many different sites where the “Harry Potter” movies were filmed. As a bonus, many of these locations are also interesting to visit, in and of themselves.

One of the most popular Potterhead spots is St. Pancras International, next to King’s Cross Station. You may recognize this from the “Chamber of Secrets” scene with the Weasley’s Ford Anglia. AND they just happen to have an amazing subterranean sanctuary in the lower level of this castle like structure – the St. Pancras Spa! Also be sure to check out their extremely luxe “hotel within a hotel” – The Chambers Suites.

Don’t miss photo ops at King’s Cross, where the Hogwarts Express departs from. Specifically, it’s the wall between platforms four and five. Another great photo opt inside the hotel are the famous stairs from the Spice Girls’ music video.

Another movie sight is the Piccadilly Circus in London, it is also home to a scene from “the Deathly Hallows.” And the Leadenhall Market in London was the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the movies.

Credit: Ava Roxanne Stritt

3. The London Eyes

Although many of England’s most popular tourist destinations are historical, the Coca-Cola London Eye is a modern site worth seeing. The Eye — a tall observation wheel — boasts some of the best views in London. You can see 360-degree views of more than 55 famous sites from an ever-shifting perspective.

The panorama comes from within glass capsules that slowly rotate over the course of a half hour. Be brave — it moves so slow that you will not even think about it!

Credit: Ava Roxanne Stritt

4. Bath

A quintessential England must-see is the city of Bath. There are plenty of ways to enjoy London’s waters whether on a cruise down a river or in a luxury spa. Of course this is my choice.

During ancient times, all of Europe came to soak and heal themselves in the waters of this small town. Bath is a town set in the rolling countryside of southwest England and it is known for its natural hot springs. Visitors drool over all the 18th-century Georgian architecture at every turn. There is a museum at the site of the original Roman Baths. Yes, I was impressed with the historical significance of the birthplace of spas.

Today visitors to Bath can soak in the waters at the contemporary Thermae Bath Spa.

Take a river cruise, rent a boat or go for a walk along the river. The annual New Year’s fireworks display on the river is one of the best in the world. Or the Totally Thames 2016 celebration will present art, music and other activities centered around the river this September.

5. Tower of London

The 900-year-old Tower of London is one of the most famous buildings in the UK — and in the world. After all, in this royal palace, you can see the Crown Jewels.

Although the building has a dark history (er, heads have rolled here), it was also a significant fortress that now provides an amazing glimpse into the world of medieval royalty. It’s not every day that you can peer this deeply into the fascinating history of this part of the world.