England Overview

By Lorena Fernández

Taking up most of the territory that comprises the United Kingdom, England sits on its main island, 52 kilometers - 24 miles – away from the coast of France and bordering Scotland and Wales. England is home to over 50 million people of very diverse ethnic groups, making the second most densely populated country in Europe an interesting place to live.

It is not just people, however, that England is filled with. The culture, history and architecture of this land spills over its borders. Tradition and heritage such as protecting ancient structures are as important as modern conquests, such as staying as a lead of the fashion industry. Though English weather doesn’t allow for many outdoors activities, comfortable walking shoes are essential to anyone visiting the land of medieval castles.

Endless castles have been erected in England for centuries, of some only mounts of remains are left, and others, like Warwick Castle, which is currently open as an attraction of Merlin Entertainments group, and Windsor Castle, at which Queen Elizabeth II spends her weekends, are shinning symbols of England. The differences of the urban and rural in England coincide with modern and classic English life. London offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere that extends beyond tourist spots like Piccadilly Circus; theater, art, dance and entertainment completes the city life beyond expectations.

On the other hand, traveling outside of London and into small towns of adjacent counties can give you a taste of a more calm, tea-time kind of life. English folklore, like tales of Robin Hood, prince of thieves, that has circled the world, becomes apparent when driving through the countryside of a land with so much history. There is much to learn about England that can be only understood by visiting and analyzing the contrast of rural and urban life. Like most of Western Europe, England is best enjoyed in the spring time, before tourist season comes rushing in with crowds of people all trying to have the same unique experience, and after the rain features in the weather.