A NEW TAKE ON TRADITION: TOP AFTERNOON TEAS WITH A TWIST

Afternoon tea has been an English institution since the mid 1800s, when the tradition was begun by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford, at Woburn Abbey. Today, this social tradition is as fashionable as ever with more twists and interpretations on the classic High Tea than you can shake a stick at. Here, VisitEngland rounds up its favourite themed teas of the season.  

THE ENGLISH SOCIAL SEASON

Exotic flowers in full bloom at the Chelsea Flower Show, dapper gentlemen in bowties quaffing Pimm’s along the banks of Henley, and ladies crowned with lavish hats cheering on their favourite horses… It can only mean one thing: the English social season is in full swing. There’s nothing as quintessentially English as this hubbub of classy affairs flowing across the summer months. Here’s our guide to some of the highlights of the social calendar.

Winners of VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2013 Announced!

The Olympic Games Makers have won the award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2013.  The coveted accolade was one of 17 presented at a glittering ceremony hosted by the national tourist board at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club, in Manchester, on 20 May

VISITENGLAND CELEBRATES SCIENCE & INNOVATION AT IMEX 2013

VisitEngland will be treating visitors to a futuristic experience at IMEX 2013, with a ‘Science and Innovation’ themed cocktail event and fantastic competition prizes up for grabs...

VISITENGLAND LAUNCHES ACCESSIBILITY MARKETING GUIDE FOR TOURISM BUSINESSES

VisitEngland today launches Speak Up! - a free online guide designed to help tourism businesses market their accessibility to disabled travellers.  Packed full of information, advice and examples of best practice, the guide covers a wide range of marketing tools from social media to promotional brochures, all aimed at helping business owners attract more of these valuable visitors, worth over £2billion.

REGAL REVELRIES AS ENGLAND CELEBRATES CORONATION ANNIVERSARY

On 2 June 1953, Elizabeth II was crowned at Westminster Abbey. Six decades on, England will be celebrating her 60-year reign with a range of events right across the country, from river pageants and Big Lunches to concerts and a royal appearance by a miniature (10 cm!) monarch.

FLAPPERS, DAPPERS AND ALL THAT JAZZ!

With the imminent cinematic release of The Great Gatsby, England’s film, fashion and fun have been hit by a surge of 1920s fever. Here, VisitEngland introduces some of the best hotspots for indulgent glitz, glamour and good-living that would make Gatsby proud, all on this side of the Atlantic.

VISITENGLAND REVEALS UK’S FIVE-STAR MOTORWAY SERVICE STATIONS

VisitEngland today released the latest results of its Motorway Service Area Star Ratings scheme, revealing a rise in quality across the board. Cherwell Valley in Oxfordshire was awarded five-star status for the first time, with family-run Tebay South in Cumbria also retaining its five-star rating for the second year in a row.

VISITENGLAND GEARS UP TO BOOST TOURISM DURING RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015

As Tournament Organisers, England Rugby 2015 have announced the 12 venues across England which will host matches during Rugby World Cup 2015, national tourist board VisitEngland reiterated its commitment to maximise the benefit from this prestigious sports event for tourism.

OVER THE GARDEN FENCE – BEYOND CHELSEA

For those not lucky enough to get a ticket for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year, VisitEngland suggests some ways on the other side of the garden fence to mark its centenary. From floral afternoon teas and flowerful cocktails to hotels with incredible gardens, here are some quintessentially English ways to celebrate 100 years of a thoroughly English tradition.

UK TRAVEL INDUSTRY SIGNS UP FOR WALLACE & GROMIT’S ‘GREAT ADVENTURE’

VisitEngland has revealed the list of high street travel agents and operators signed up to ‘Great Adventure’, a new marketing campaign starring Wallace & Gromit, designed to inspire Britons to take a holiday at home this year.

NATIONAL TOURIST BOARD CELEBRATES ST GEORGE’S DAY WITH LAUNCH OF VISITENGLANDIMAGES.COM

VisitEngland today celebrates St George’s Day with the launch of VisitEnglandImages.com: a free, online image library bringing together thousands of images of England into one convenient and comprehensive resource.

MADE IN CHELSEA – INSPIRED BY ENGLAND

As one of England’s most iconic events, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (21-25 May) is celebrating its centenary with a big nod to the influence and inspiration of England’s landscape and flora. Stoke on Trent, Yorkshire and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park are all stars of show gardens, whilst celebrated designer Christopher Bradley-Hole will feature classic native English species in his Japanese-influenced garden, plus this is also the year that the humble garden gnome will make its first (and last!) appearance. If you can’t wait for the show to start, why not have a sneak preview of the star features instead?

2012 DOMESTIC TOURISM FIGURES SHOW TREND TO HOLIDAY AT HOME HOLDING STRONG

VisitEngland has released figures showing that the trend to holiday at home is holding strong. The latest results from the Great Britain Tourism Survey reveal that Britons took 104 million overnight trips in England last year; which is on par with 2011. Domestic tourism spend in England grew by 9 per cent in 2012, hitting an all-time high of £19.5bn.

ENGLAND’S CHARACTERFUL ATTRACTIONS FOR LITTLE KIDS, BIG KIDS AND BIGGER… ERM, GROWN-UPS

Bored kids? Fear not! Next week sees the launch of the world’s only Wallace & Gromit ride, the Thrill-O-Matic at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. What a cracking idea! England has quite a characterful history when it comes to family fun attractions, it turns out: from rollercoasters made of LEGO to a real-life experience of Harry Potter’s witchcraft and wizardry.

BY GEORGE – IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE OUR PATRON SAINT

VisitEngland is on a mission… to put St George’s Day firmly on the map. In the wake of recent national celebrations for the Royal Wedding, Diamond Jubilee and of course the Olympic Games, England is still buzzing with national pride. With that in mind, the tourist board is calling for Englishmen and Anglofiles to get together on 23 April and celebrate our country.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

With temperatures hitting a comparatively balmy 12 degrees Celsius (!) this week, it seems that spring is finally here. Phew. It’s time to ditch the woolly hat and gloves, stop hibernating indoors and get out in the open. Here, VisitEngland looks at how to get your culture fix al fresco style this spring, from exhibitions in Europe’s biggest sculpture park to a Roman festival in the country’s biggest open air museum.

VisitEngland and Action on Hearing Loss launch guide for tourism businesses

VisitEngland has joined forces with UK charity Action on Hearing Loss to launch Listen Up! - a new guide for tourism businesses.  Designed to help businesses become more accessible for customers with hearing loss, the free resource is available online at www.visitengland.org/access

WALLACE & GROMIT RECRUITED AS NATIONAL TOURISM TRAILBLAZERS TO HOLIDAY AT HOME THIS YEAR

VisitEngland has recruited Wallace & Gromit as Tourism Trailblazers to inspire Britons to take a holiday at home this year.  The intrepid duo have pledged to make 2013 the year they take their well-earned holidays here in the UK, and to kick start the holiday season are starring in a much anticipated television advertisement, due to air on 12 May

2.7 MILLION BRITS TO TAKE A UK BREAK OVER EASTER WEEKEND

2.7 million Brits (6 per cent of the adult population) plan to make the most of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend by taking at least one overnight holiday trip in the UK, with 2.5 million people (5 per cent) planning to take that trip in England, according to VisitEngland’s latest Trip Tracker survey. 

THE DARKER SIDE TO OUR GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the notorious Jack the Ripper murders in East London in 1888. The identity of the killer of five - or possibly six - women has remained a mystery, but the case has continued to horrify and fascinate. In the run up to the anniversary of the first Whitechapel murder on 3rd April, VisitEngland looks back on the country’s horrid histories and haunted hotspots, and reveals how the braver ones amongst us can experience them today.

PLAN B

When looking at the weather forecast for Easter, you’d be forgiven for thinking spring has been put on hold. We think the occasional rain shower is part of England’s charm, but if that doesn’t wash with you why not enjoy our great array of indoor attractions – the perfect backup plan for when the dark clouds appear. From staying in the oldest beach hut in the world to riding the world’s longest indoor rollercoaster, there’s plenty to do indoors this Easter...

HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES TO BE PATRON OF ENGLISH TOURISM WEEK

VisitEngland announced today that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will become Patron of English Tourism Week for the next 5 years.

ENGLAND’S MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE OFFERING SHOWCASED TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS

VisitEngland has launched the first in a series of familiarisation trips designed to showcase the very best of England for corporate incentive groups.  Last week, the national tourist board hosted a group of 11 international buyers from Belgium, Spain and Germany, for a four-day programme of activity that highlighted the range of meetings and incentive product available across the country.

NEW VISITENGLAND CAMPAIGN PROMOTES ACTIVE OUTDOOR BREAKS

VisitEngland today launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign designed to boost domestic tourism in 2013 by inspiring UK residents to take an outdoor activity break in England.

ENGLAND’S EXPERTS REVEAL WHAT TOPS THEIR BUCKET LIST

A panel of experts, including Wallace & Gromit and Bill Oddie, have spent weeks trawling through over 800 submissions to select the top 101 things to do before you go abroad in time for English Tourism Week 

VISITENGLAND REVEALS WINNER OF TOURISM SUPERSTAR 2013!

As English Tourism Week gets underway, VisitEngland is delighted to announce that the winner of its Tourism Superstar 2013 competition is Claire Preece – Hospitality Manager at Kents Cavern, the award-winning prehistoric cave attraction in Torquay, Devon!

VISITENGLAND PUTS CUSTOMER CARE AT THE HEART OF ENGLISH TOURISM WEEK 2013

Ahead of English Tourism Week, the Minister of Tourism, Hugh Robertson, Lady Cobham, VisitEngland’s Chairman, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas, Chair of London & Partners and tourism businesses in London shone a light on the importance of customer service in the industry by launching a series of free WorldHost training sessions for tourism and retail businesses around the country.

ROMAN ENGLAND

Later this month, the British Museum will present a major exhibition on the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Since their arrival in England in 43 AD, the Romans have certainly left their mark on the country. They founded Londinium (London) and built military roads. Within ten years, Roman rule had reached far into the territories of England and changed the life of its people forever. The Roman’s influence can still be seen today: here VisitEngland highlights spots where visitors can step back in time to a land of pagan gods, tribal warfare and awe-inspiring architecture…

2013: THE YEAR OF THE GARDEN

As the reigning champion of VisitEngland’s Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award, the English Garden is enjoying its moment in the sun. As well as celebrating 100 years of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the horticultural world will also be marking a raft of other anniversaries, openings and milestone events this year. Here are VisitEngland’s top picks:

NEW VISITENGLAND CAMPAIGN PROMOTES ENGLISH SEASIDE BREAKS

VisitEngland today launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign designed to boost domestic tourism in 2013 by promoting short breaks in some of England’s most iconic seaside destinations. 

IT’S MARCH: SPRING CLEAN YOUR LIFE WITH A FRESH AIR FIX

 It’s officially spring so it’s time to turn off the TV and dust off those cobwebs by embracing the great outdoors to get fit in time for summer. From tackling the world’s biggest assault course to walking whilst speed dating, VisitEngland has teamed up with outdoor specialists Blacks to suggest the top outdoor activities and challenges.

EXPLORE, DISCOVER AND SAVE IN ENGLISH TOURISM WEEK

Following the great success of the first-ever English Tourism Week last year, this year’s week is set to be bigger and better. Running 16 – 24 March 2013, the week will see events and activities take place across the country from free guided walks to music and theatre events, 2 for 1 offers and free entry to attractions. Here, the national tourist board rounds up some of the best events, packages and experiences on offer to help people discover more of what’s on their doorstep.

 

MUM’S THE WORD

Forget the supermarket flowers and generic box of chocolates – this year, show Mum you really care with a memorable experience you can share. From a leisurely afternoon’s wine tasting to a gourmet trip on a steam railway, there’s a whole host of special activities and events taking place across the country to suit all tastes and budgets.

Here VisitEngland provides some inspiration for Mother’s Day treats that’ll keep you in mum’s good books.

VISITENGLAND AND MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS LAUNCH JOINT ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE DOMESTIC BREAKS

VisitEngland and Europe’s biggest visitor attraction operator, Merlin Entertainments (‘Merlin’) have launched a joint marketing campaign aimed at encouraging UK residents to take a short break in England in 2013.

VisitEngland and lastminute.com join forces to promote short breaks in England

VisitEngland and leading hotel and travel specialist, lastminute.com have today launched a joint marketing campaign designed to encourage consumers to embrace the spontaneity of a last minute getaway by visiting www.lastminute.com/visitengland, and booking a short break in England.

NEW VISITENGLAND CAMPAIGN PROMOTES RURAL BREAKS

VisitEngland today launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign designed to boost domestic tourism in 2013 by promoting short breaks in some of England’s most beautiful rural locations.

By Eck! Wallace & Gromit Join VisitEngland's 101 Expert Panel

Due to a phenomenal response to its “101 Things to do before you go abroad” campaign, VisitEngland has enlisted an elite team of fellow experts to help select the cream of the crop.

ALTERNATIVE FASHION WEEKS

Home to the likes of Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Thomas Burberry and Alexander McQueen, England has more than its fair share of fashion talent. It’s no wonder then that London Fashion Week is a key calendar highlight for fashion scouts, editors and entertainment hotshots around the world. 

But, with icons hailing from every corner of the country - from Surrey villages to deepest Derbyshire - it’s not just England’s capital that breeds serious fashion credentials.  Here are some of the country’s other top fashion celebrations and attractions.

ROSY CHEEKS AND SALTY SEA AIR: ENGLAND’S TOP COASTAL EXPERIENCES

As an island England has more than its fair share of coastline and the national tourist board’s new Coastal Escapes campaign sets out to celebrate it, from quaint Victorian promenades and secret coves to surfers’ hotspots and long sandy stretches.  

In fact, some of the greatest experiences to be had in England are by the sea, according to VisitEngland’s latest app 101 Things to Do Before You Go Abroad.  Here’s a look at some of the top coastal experiences submitted so far:

TICK OFF STONEHENGE AND DURHAM CATHEDRAL BEFORE EASTER ISLAND AND SAGRADA FAMILIA

The recent discovery of King Richard III’s skeleton in a Leicester car park is another reminder of England’s rich and far-reaching history, and interested travellers can now take a Richard III break in Leicester to take in new exhibitions and see the associated sites.

This passion for historical connections is nothing new. A new app from VisitEngland sets out to find the top 101 Things to Do Before You Go Abroad and residents from far and wide have been submitting and voting on their top experiences to be had across the country.  Here VisitEngland looks at some of the top History & Heritage experiences submitted so far.

VISITENGLAND PROMOTES COASTAL BREAKS IN NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN

VisitEngland today launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign designed to boost domestic tourism in 2013 by promoting short breaks in some of England’s most spectacular coastal locations.  The campaign is the third of six launching from January to March, covering the four key themes of countryside, coast, heritage and culture, funded in part by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

CAST YOUR VOTES FOR ENGLAND’S TOURISM SUPERSTAR 2013!

Voting has opened to decide the winner of Tourism Superstar 2013, run by VisitEngland. Following the announcement of the ten shortlisted candidates in January, VisitEngland has teamed up with The Daily Mirror to launch an online public vote.

ENGLAND WELCOMES IN THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE: CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Chinese New Year in England brings an explosive celebration of colour and noise to this green and pleasant land. On Sunday, 10 February the nation’s Chinatowns will fill with spectators to watch the music and pageantry of the occasion, including Chinese dancing dragons and brightly coloured New Year lanterns adorning the streets. A person born in the year of snake is said to be the wisest and most enigmatic of all. Here, VisitEngland rounds up some of the best spots to see in Year of the Snake.

BEFORE YOU GO ABROAD…SOAK UP ENGLAND’S ART & CULTURE

VisitEngland’s new Facebook app sets out to find the top 101 Things to Do Before You Go Abroad. Residents from far and wide have been submitting and voting on their top experiences under six categories – Arts & Culture, History & Heritage, Food & Drink, Wildlife & Nature, Health & Fitness and Because it’s Awesome.

Hot on the heels of VisitEngland’s latest campaign celebrating the country’s cultural cities, here are some of the experiences that have been nominated for Art & Culture.

Arts Council England Joins Forces with VisitEngland to Boost Cultural Tourism

VisitEngland and Arts Council England have announced today a new partnership between the two Government funded bodies to boost cultural tourism in England.

VisitEngland and Cottageline partner to promote Countryside and Coastal Short Breaks

VisitEngland and holiday cottage group Cottageline have today launched a joint marketing campaign to inspire British holidaymakers to take a self-catering break in England this year.

2013: YEAR OF CULTURE

If 2012 was England’s year of sport, then 2013 is shaping up to be the year of culture. With anniversaries, festivals and new openings spanning the visual arts, theatre, literature and music, VisitEngland looks forward to a year celebrating the best of English culture. 

NEW VISITENGLAND MARKETING CAMPAIGN SHOWCASES CULTURAL HOTSPOTS

VisitEngland today launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign designed to boost domestic tourism in 2013 by promoting short breaks in some of England’s most vibrant cultural cities.  The two-week campaign is the second of six launching over the next three months, covering the four key themes of countryside, coast, heritage and culture, funded in part by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

VisitEngland Announces Tourism Superstar 2013 Shortlist

Today VisitEngland announced the shortlist for Tourism Superstar 2013.  The tourism accolade was launched last year as part of English Tourism Week (this year running 16-24 March).  The award recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry, and is awarded to an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure visitors to England have a priceless experience.

ROMANTIC BREAKS TO WOO YOUR VALENTINE

Flowers wilt and chocolates melt. Avoid clichés this Valentine’s Day and treat your loved one to a memorable break in one of England’s romantic cities. Get locked in with your loved one in Oxford Castle, see an award-winning performance in London’s West End or travel through Wiltshire in classic Hollywood style with VisitEngland’s guide to the perfect present.  
 

VISITENGLAND PROPOSES ITS TOP SPOTS TO POP THE QUESTION

From Winchester’s Lancelot & Guinevere and Sherwood’s Robin & Marion to Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet and Austen’s Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett, England has a legendary romantic heritage, from the fabled to the fictitious. It’s not a leap year so gentlemen, step up to the mark and, unlike the majority of these heroes, avoid ill-fate by planning your proposal in an amorous setting – somewhere that calms your hopeful heart and hopefully wins hers.

Here, VisitEngland suggests some picture perfect spots for getting down on one knee.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR ENGLISH TOURISM WEEK!

VisitEngland has mounted a call to action for the industry to get involved in English Tourism Week 2013, and register their special events and activity on the English Tourism Week 2013 website.

NO LANES, NO CHLORINE, JUST THE GREAT OUTDOORS

It’s official, England has gone wild swimming crazy. From TV shows and books to charity competitions, it seems we can’t get enough of outdoor swimming spots. Now Cumbria has announced its first winter open water swim on 1st February in the chilly waters of Lake Windermere. From a leisurely few laps in the grounds of Mr Darcy’s residence to more challenging swims in waves wild enough to put Ellie Simmonds off, VisitEngland looks at some of the country’s best al fresco swimming experiences. 

VisitEngland launches new Facebook app: 101 Things To Do Before You Go Abroad

Today, VisitEngland launches a new Facebook app, 101 Things To Do Before You Go Abroad. Designed to inspire the nation to take more holidays in England, the new app will include the best of the very best English experiences.

VISITENGLAND SHOWCASES ROMANTIC BREAKS IN NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN

VisitEngland today launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign designed to boost domestic tourism in 2013 by highlighting some of England’s most romantic heritage cities.

VisitEngland Celebrates 100 Years of Musical Heritage

Tonight sees the announcement of this year’s BRIT Awards nominees. Since 1977 the awards have celebrated the very best in British music and we wait with baited breath to see this year’s shortlist.

England is certainly alive with the sound of music in 2013, the year that marks 100 years since the birth of Benjamin Britten. The country has a broad and diverse musical heritage spanning all genres, from opera to dubstep. Here, VisitEngland rounds up some of the country’s finest moments in musical history, and where you can experience them today.

ENGLAND’S ENGINEERING FEATS

On 9th January the London Underground, the world’s first subterranean rail network, celebrates its 150th birthday. The once unthinkable concept of ‘trains in drains’ is now a celebrated engineering marvel and one of the capital’s most recognisable icons, stretching more than 250 miles and carrying over one billion passengers every year. But it’s not just the capital which lays claim to enviable engineering feats - up and down the country there’s a whole host of engineering achievements to marvel at. From the British Engineerium, which opens for sneak previews in Brighton this weekend, to the fastest car in the world on display in Coventry, VisitEngland takes a look at some of the best.

VisitEngland Partners with cottages4you to Launch TV Campaign

VisitEngland and leading holiday rental agency cottages4you, part of the Hoseasons Group, have today announced an exciting partnership to promote self-catering holidays in England in 2013