Where Americans Most Want to Go in England
England has always held a special kind of magic for American visitors. Maybe it’s the castles and cobbled streets that feel like stepping onto a movie set. Maybe it’s the history – older than the United States itself by a few hundred years. Or maybe it’s the obsession with tea, pubs, and royals that makes England feel charmingly different, yet comfortingly familiar.
Whatever the reason, millions of Americans fly across the pond every year to tick off their English bucket list. But where do they most want to go? And what’s the best way to enjoy these spots as a day out in England? Let’s dive in…
1. London: The Star of the Show
If England were a theatre production, London would be the glittering lead actor who hogs all the attention. And rightly so – almost half of all American visitor nights in the UK are spent here.
Why Americans love it:
- Royalty! Americans have a fascination with the British monarchy that’s only deepened in recent years. Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey – these are must-sees.
- Museums galore. The British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum – all free, and all world-class.
- Movie magic. From Harry Potter filming locations to Paddington Bear’s marmalade sandwich haunts, London is like one big film set.
Day Out Tip: London is huge, so pick a “theme” for your day. Want royalty? Do Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London. Want culture? Hit the museums of South Kensington. Want Harry Potter? Book a themed walking tour and finish with butterbeer at the Harry Potter Studio Tour (technically Watford, but close enough).
2. Bath: Roman Baths, Jane Austen, and Georgian Charm
After London, Bath is one of the most-mentioned cities on American travel lists. And it’s easy to see why. It’s beautiful, it’s historic, and it feels a little bit like walking through a period drama.
Why Americans love it:
- The Roman Baths are over 2,000 years old. That’s mind-boggling when you think the U.S. is still under 300.
- Jane Austen lived here, and Americans can’t get enough of her Regency romances. The annual Jane Austen Festival even sees people dressed up in bonnets and breeches.
- The honey-coloured stone architecture makes the whole city ridiculously photogenic.
Day Out Tip: Start at the Roman Baths, have lunch in one of Bath’s cosy tea rooms, then climb to the Royal Crescent for that perfect Georgian photo. If you’ve got time, the Thermae Spa’s rooftop pool is a dreamy way to soak up the city views.
3. Oxford and Cambridge: Hogwarts Energy
It’s not just Harry Potter fans – Oxford and Cambridge both draw Americans thanks to their academic prestige. There’s something irresistible about punting on the river while imagining Einstein or Tolkien walking the same paths.
Why Americans love it:
- Both universities are older than America itself (Oxford dates back to the 12th century).
- The libraries, cloisters, and quads feel like something out of Hogwarts.
- Endless literary and film connections—Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter, Brideshead Revisited.
Day Out Tip: Choose one (you won’t manage both in a single day). In Oxford, take a guided college tour, then try punting on the Cherwell. In Cambridge, wander the Backs, pop into King’s College Chapel, and reward yourself with a scone in a riverside café.
4. The Cotswolds: The ‘Hamptons of England’
Ask an American where they picture “English countryside,” and chances are they’ll describe the Cotswolds: rolling green hills, honey-stone cottages, and cosy pubs with roaring fires.
Why Americans love it:
- It’s ridiculously pretty – villages like Bibury, Broadway, and Stow-on-the-Wold are basically postcard-perfect.
- It feels like stepping into The Holiday (yes, the one with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law).
- It’s a real escape from city chaos – perfectly quaint and quiet.
Day Out Tip: Hire a car to get the most out of the region. Drive between villages, stop for tea, and go for a ramble across the countryside. Or base yourself in Oxford and hop on a day tour to the Cotswolds.
5. Stonehenge: Mystical and Mysterious
It wouldn’t be an American’s first trip to England without Stonehenge. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and it sparks that sense of mystery and ancient wonder.
Why Americans love it:
- It’s older than the pyramids, which blows most people’s minds.
- It has a mystical, slightly “alien” reputation. (There are plenty of wild theories about how it was built.)
- It’s a classic “must-see” that feels essential to any England trip.
Day Out Tip: Combine Stonehenge with a stop in nearby Salisbury (for the cathedral) or Bath for a full day. It’s easiest with a guided day tour from London if you don’t fancy the hassle of trains and buses.
6. The Lake District: Nature at Its Best
Not everyone associates England with dramatic scenery, but Americans who venture north to the Lake District often come away raving.
Why Americans love it:
- Rugged mountains and sparkling lakes – an outdoor playground.
- Literary links to Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
- A totally different vibe from London: peaceful, wild, and spectacular.
Day Out Tip: Base yourself in Windermere or Keswick and do a day hike or a lake cruise. September is a fantastic time to visit—the summer crowds are gone, but the autumn colours are just starting to peek through.
7. York: Vikings, Ghosts, and Tea Rooms
York is another popular stop, offering a perfect mix of history, quirky charm, and food.
Why Americans love it:
- The medieval streets of the Shambles look like Diagon Alley.
- York Minster is one of the most impressive cathedrals in England.
- It’s home to Betty’s Tea Room, which has achieved cult status with international visitors.
Day Out Tip: Spend your day walking the city walls, exploring the Minster, shopping in the Shambles, and finishing with an afternoon tea you’ll never forget.
8. Rye: The Rising Star
While not as famous as the others, Rye has been quietly climbing the ranks of must-visit towns – especially for American visitors who want something a little more off-the-beaten-path.
Why Americans love it:
- Its medieval streets (Mermaid Street especially) look like a film set.
- Quirky pubs and independent shops ooze character.
- It’s close to the coast, so you can pair it with a beach stroll at Camber Sands.
Day Out Tip: Rye is easy to reach from London by train (just over an hour), making it a perfect day out. Wander the cobbles, grab a pint at The Mermaid Inn (once a haunt for smugglers), and browse the antiques shops.
Americans in England
Americans love England for the same reasons we do: the mix of ancient history, picture-perfect countryside, and iconic cultural touchpoints. London may be the main event, but the charm really lies in the day trips – from Roman baths in Bath to cream teas in the Cotswolds.
So if you’re planning your own adventures (whether you’re American or not), take inspiration from across the pond. England is small enough that many of these dream destinations are doable in a single day out – and each one will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
The American England Bucket List
1. London – Palaces, Tower Bridge, West End shows, and museums galore.
2. Bath – Roman baths, Jane Austen, and golden Georgian streets.
3. Oxford – Hogwarts vibes, ancient colleges, and punting on the river.
4. Cambridge – Rival to Oxford, with dreamy riverside walks and King’s College Chapel.
5. The Cotswolds – Honey-stone cottages, rolling hills, and cream teas.
6. Stonehenge – Mystical stone circle older than the pyramids.
7. The Lake District – Mountains, lakes, and Wordsworth-worthy scenery.
8. York – Medieval streets, York Minster, and the legendary Betty’s Tea Room.
9. Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s birthplace and Tudor charm.
10. Rye & Camber Sands – Cobbled streets, smugglers’ pubs, and a windswept beach.
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