"Beautiful England" United Kingdom by colin_bramso

United Kingdom Travel Guide: 92,815 reviews and 218,592 photos

Typical small English town; this is Christchurch.

I was born in England, but I left permanently in 1977. I've been back many times, but couldn't get back there between '91 and '99. What a difference there was in those eight years! The most obvious was just how overcrowded it is, and how the cities have become choked with traffic. It was especially noticeable after getting used to the wide-open spaces in Australia, I suppose.

Believe it or not, England can get good summers sometimes. We've actually only had a couple of not-so-good spells of weather in several trips over the past ten years. Still, in spite of poor weather we enjoyed those trips, as always.

I can't believe how bad the cities have become - the newer parts are badly planned, they're overcrowded, choked with traffic, terrible pollution. Not all, of course, but many of them. The countryside on the other hand can be stunningly beautiful. It doesn't seem to have changed as the cities have and wandering around centuries-old villages is a real pleasure.

My Travelogue is the best way to get information because I take you on a tour of my favourite parts of the country. Just click the link to reach it. If you want some quick ideas, there are also Tips.

Last visit to United Kingdom: Apr 2011
Intro Updated Jan 18, 2013
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Reviews (7)

Historic Gold Hill in Shaftesbury. - United Kingdom

Wonderful historic street. Off The Beaten Path (3)

This is a place that's often used in tv commercials & movies and on calendars - such a fabulous old street, full of... more travel advice

Southampton's historic Bargate. - United Kingdom

History all around. Favorites (3)

Many of the towns and cities have managed to preserve parts of their ancient buildings. If you are interested in... more travel advice

Historic stone circles. Off The Beaten Path (3)

Stonehenge is the most famous of the man-made ancient rock structures, but if you are interested in them there are... more travel advice

Socialising in pubs. Local Customs (1)

A lot of the social life revolves around the pubs. Join in - the English are not as unfriendly as their reputation... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Jan 18, 2013

50 photos

MY FAVOURITE PLACES

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Comments (70)

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angiebabe Dec 14, 2008 at 1:32 AM

Hi Colin, hows things!Still in Dubai?! Great page here!If they were tips we'd give you lots of good ratings!
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margaretvn Jun 8, 2008 at 2:31 AM

Great album, I used to live near Winchester and went there often. My heart though belongs to the north Yorkshire and even more north than that
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christine.j Apr 19, 2007 at 3:43 AM

What a wonderful introduction to the New Forest!! Thanks so much!
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Sjalen Apr 19, 2007 at 2:16 AM

Ah yes, mother and foal in heather :)
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nixca316 Apr 12, 2007 at 8:27 PM

Belated Happy Birthday! I will browse your other pages later. =)
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JessH Jun 8, 2006 at 5:17 AM

Hi Colin :-) Lovely page! I hope to (finally!) make it to the UK next year... London & Edinburgh are a must for me! Have a good weekend / Jess
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iandsmith Aug 6, 2005 at 2:53 AM

Now I've had to add Shaftesbury to my list! Glad you enjoyed those pics, I thought they would have meaning for you.
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Spincat Jun 3, 2005 at 9:27 AM

What beautiful pictures!
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Elena_007 Dec 18, 2004 at 1:38 PM

Hi Colin, Wow! This is definitely Custom Travel Guide material here! Excellent photographs of the thatched cottages in England, and such beautiful countryside. A dreamy place to visit. :-) ~Elaine~
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ZanieOR Mar 14, 2004 at 11:33 AM

London will take up most of my first trip to England, but next time I want to visit some of the lovely places you've shown. Thank you!