Cheap flights to England top many an Australian's wish list. The green and pleasant land is a huge drawcard for many reasons - family ties, career advancement, a launch pad for travel around Europe, and a deep, deep connection to the past.
London is the magnet for many travellers. The world city is renowned for its fascinating mix of old and new, traditional and modern. The broad sweep of The Mall that runs up to Buckingham Palace, site of many special Royal moments over hundreds of years, contrasts with the dark alleys of the East End, where Jack the Ripper stalked his victims in the 1880s. London's villages, its markets, museums, nightlife, shops and cutting-edge style are utterly absorbing, so much so that you may be tempted not to go beyond Zone 6, but there's far more to England than its capital city.
There are the cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Liverpool, the port city on the northwest, is famous for its arts scene, its soccer team, and, of course, as the place that spawned the Beatles. Manchester, about 50km away, has its magnificent public buildings, its fabulously successful soccer team and its own impressive music scene.
There are the university towns of Oxford and Cambridge, the historic towns of York and Bath, the small villages of the Cotswolds and the seaside towns of Brighton and Blackpool.
Then, there are England's literary enclaves - Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire (William Shakespeare's birthplace), Haworth village and Derbyshire (where the Brontes lived and Charlotte Brontë set Jane Eyre), Dorset (where Thomas Hardy was born) and Kent (where Charles Dickens lived). For the Harry Potter trail, start at Kings Cross Station in Central London, platform 9¾.
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England has a mild climate. The weather is changeable. In general, the South East (London) gets the best weather. The West of England gets most rainfall and the North of England the coldest weather. Summer temperatures hover between 25 degrees and 30 degrees. The winters are cold but rarely freezing. The average temperature is about 5 degrees.
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Peak Season:
April to the end of September is high season, when most visitors arrive on the cheap flights to England. London is pretty much peak season year-round. September to May is the soccer season if you are hoping to catch a game.
Off Season:
November through March is the low season. Castles, stately homes and museums, especially outside London, may close or have reduced hours during these months.
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There's no shortage of options for getting around England. All the major car-rental companies have desks at the international airports and around the major cities. You can fly between some cities, but the train network is well developed, if not exactly cheap. Don't travel at rush hours if you can help it.
There are lots of coaches and buses. The National Express serves about 1,000 destinations in England, Scotland and Wales. It's often the most reasonable way of getting around provided you book far enough in advance.
In London, the Underground and buses are easy to use. Pick up an Oyster card to ensure you get the cheapest fares. Without an Oyster card, the fares are eye-wateringly expensive.
Manchester, Liverpool and other big cities have comprehensive public transport networks. Some cities, such as Manchester and Sheffield also have trams.
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- London, where most cheap flights to England land, is an expensive city, but one place where you can save some money is on the museums and galleries. Most of them offer free admission. The British Museum alone would take a week to get around.
- The London Eye, which stands on the South Bank of the River Thames, is a must-do. The giant wheel offers views of up to 40km - if you get a fine day.
- Another, less well-known vantage point is The Monument. Climb the 311 spiral stone steps to the observation gallery for wonderful views of London, the same views that Londoners have been enjoying since 1677. The Monument stands 61 metres high and is located 61 metres from the place in Pudding Lane where the Great Fire is said to have started in 1666.
- Stonehenge is the most famous ancient monument, but it's not possible to get very close to the stones. At Avebury, 32km away, you can walk up and touch them.
- Glastonbury is more than the yearly, muddy, music festival. It is where fabled King Arthur and his queen Guinevere are said to be buried - a simple notice board marks the spot.
- In Gloucestershire, on the last Monday in May, a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese is rolled down Cooper's Hill. Hundreds of contestants run, in hot pursuit.
- Europe's largest street party, and second only in the world to the Rio Carnival, the Notting Hill Carnival in West London is held at the end of August.
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Birmingham International Airport (BHX) (website: www.bhx.com) The airport is situated 12km south east of Birmingham.
Bristol International Airport (BRS) (website: www.bristolairport.com) The airport is situated 11km south west of Bristol.
Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBA) (website: www.lbia.co.uk) The airport is situated 14km northwest of Leeds.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) (website: www.liverpoolairport.com) The airport is situated 11km southeast of Liverpool.
London City Airport (LCY) (website: www.londoncityairport.com) The airport is situated at the Royal Docks, 16km from the West End.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) (website: www.gatwickairport.com) The airport is situated 45km south of London.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) (website: www.heathrowairport.com) The airport is situated 24km west of London.
London Luton Airport (LTN) (website: www.london-luton.com) The airport is situated 52km northwest of London.
London Stansted Airport (STN) (website: www.stanstedairport.com) The airport is situated 55km northeast of London.
Manchester Airport (MAN) (website: www.manchesterairport.co.uk) The airport is situated 17km southwest of Manchester city centre.
Newcastle International Airport (NCL) (website: www.newcastleairport.com) The airport is situated 10km from Newcastle city centre.
East Midlands Airport (EMA) (website: www.eastmidlandsairport.com) The airport is situated 18km from Derby.
Norwich International Airport (NWI) (website: www.norwichairport.co.uk) The airport is situated 4km north of Norwich.
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Visitors should have a return or onward ticket, or proof of funds for the duration of their stay in the UK.
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Australians and New Zealanders must have a valid passport, but a visa is not required. Stays of up to six months are granted by immigration officials at UK airports. The length of time depends on the reason for visiting the UK.
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