Our recommendations on the best travel books to help explore England
London beckons to visitors with a captivating blend of history and modernity, serving as a gateway to England's rich tapestry of experiences. Its iconic landmarks stand as testaments to centuries past, while cutting-edge art and cuisine push boundaries in hidden corners. From the regal elegance of Buckingham Palace to the vibrant energy of Borough Market, the city offers a feast for the senses. As you wander its streets, you'll find yourself immersed in a global melting pot, where tradition and innovation coexist in harmonious contrast. Venture beyond the capital to discover England's diverse charms: trace literary footsteps in the Lake District, explore ancient castles and Roman ruins dotting the landscape, or simply share a pint with locals in a cozy village pub. Whether you're sipping tea in a quaint cafe or losing yourself in the rolling countryside, England's unique charm will leave a lasting impression.
Our Travel Book Recommendations - England
Our Travel Book Recommendations - England
Frommer's London
Frommer's London stands out as the ultimate guidebook for exploring the British capital, offering a blend of insider advice and witty commentary that feels like recommendations from a knowledgeable friend. Author Jason Cochran, awarded "Best Guidebook of the Year" by the Society of American Travel Writers, provides fiercely opinionated and humorous insights into London's attractions, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. This fully updated post-lockdown edition includes color photos, detailed maps, practical tips for navigating the city's customs and public transportation, and recommendations for all budgets. With its comprehensive coverage of attractions, lodgings, restaurants, and shops, along with unique features like a section on overrated sights and great day trips, Frommer's London equips travelers to experience the city like a local, making it the best choice for an all-encompassing London guide.
The Streetwise London Map
Streetwise London is an excellent choice for map enthusiasts who like to know where they are, featuring a laminated, pocket-sized city center map with a London Underground guide. This comprehensive and convenient tool somehow covers almost all of London, enabling visitors to navigate London's diverse neighborhoods effortlessly, from the refined Mayfair to the trendy Covent Garden and historic City of London. Covering popular areas like Knightsbridge and cultural hotspots along the South Bank, this durable, fully-indexed map is invaluable for exploring all that London has to offer.
London: The Novel, by Edmund Rutherfurd
London is an extraordinary fictional novel by Edmund Rutherfurd that breathes life into the rich history of one of the world's most storied cities. From the misty origins of the Thames in 54 B.C. to the bustling metropolis of 1997, Rutherfurd weaves an intricate tale spanning two millennia. Through the eyes of several meticulously crafted fictional families, readers witness the city's transformation from a Roman outpost to a global powerhouse. We follow the Ducket family's rise from humble Anglo-Saxon farmers to influential Tudor merchants, and the Doggets' journey from medieval masons to Victorian industrialists. Rutherfurd's remarkable attention to historical detail brings to life pivotal moments like the Great Fire of 1666 and the Blitz of World War II, seamlessly blending fact and fiction. This epic novel is not only a factually truthful account but also a highly enjoyable narrative that delves into the social and political lives of all strata of London society, from slaves toiling on the docks to kings holding court in opulent palaces. London stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a city that has weathered invasions, plagues, and wars, emerging ever stronger and more vibrant.
London Explored
In London Explored, Mark Daly and Peter Dazeley unveil a captivating guidebook that delves into over sixty of the city's most intriguing and lesser-known locations. This visually stunning follow-up to Unseen London and London Uncovered takes readers on a journey through the capital's hidden treasures, from preserved historical houses and fascinating museums to unusual commercial buildings and lavish interiors. Daly's lively commentary accompanies Dazeley's stunning photography, offering glimpses into diverse sites such as an upmarket gun shop, a working bronze foundry, a secret underground bunker, and a jewel-like chapel. The book spans from Westminster's lavish eighteenth-century private members' clubs to the grand Admiralty Arch, and from cultural and historical museums to unexpected locations like Tower Bridge's lifeboat station and Clapham's abandoned underground bomb shelter. This beautiful compendium explores the history and heritage of these places, uncovering the unique character of this endlessly remarkable world city.
This is London
M. Sasek's This is London, originally published in 1959 and now updated for the 21st century, showcases the author's wit and perception as he presents a stylish, elegant portrayal of the British capital. With his charming illustrations and lively text, Sasek captures the essence of London's beautiful buildings, historic monuments, parks, and iconic features like black cabs and the Underground. This facsimile edition preserves Sasek's vibrant, sophisticated pictures while updating facts where necessary, creating a timeless treasure that appeals to both children and adults, many of whom may fondly remember the book from their own childhood.
Lonely Planet Great Britain
We highly recommend a long trip around Great Britain, and the best guidebook to take along is from Lonely Planet. They as always provide deep coverage of anything a traveler needs to know, with insider-type recommendations and a lot of information on lesser-known things to see and do. Lonely Planet provides a backdrop of history that is interesting, but this book is mainly oriented of course to assisting travelers.
The Kingdom by the Sea, by Paul Theroux
In his travelogue The Kingdom by the Sea, Paul Theroux chronicles his 1982 coastal journey around Britain. With trademark wit and keen observations, Theroux delves into local culture, offering a vivid tapestry of seaside life. His masterful people-watching illuminates the quirks of coastal communities, painting an intimate portrait of Britain's maritime fringes. This engaging and very funny narrative provides invaluable insights into British society, making it essential for understanding the nation's unique cultural landscape.
Notes from a Small Island, by Bill Bryson
Readers who appreciate Theroux's travelogue of Britain would do well to explore Bill Bryson's Notes from a Small Island. Both Bryson and Theroux stand as giants in contemporary travel writing, and experiencing their works side by side offers a fascinating study in contrasting styles and perspectives. For those seeking a more recent take on the British Isles, Bryson's follow-up, The Road to Little Dribbling, chronicles his return journey three decades later, providing an insightful look at how both the author and the country have evolved over time.
A Fine Romance: Falling in Love With the English Countryside
One of the lesser-known treasures of the United Kingdom is the English countryside. Incredibly green rolling hills with beautiful flowers, long rambling rock walls and hedgerows, and amazing thatched-roof architecture. Susan Branch provides a detailed journal on her travels here, complete with a solid list of travel recommendations, custom maps, and a lovely testament to why this part of the world is so special.
Oxford, by Jan Morris
For those visiting Oxford, we highly recommend the book written by esteemed travel writer Jan Morris. This isn’t a travel guide in any way. The book was published in 1965, created more as a tribute to the history and character of this amazing place and one of the world's oldest universities. It is a long and very detailed book, but Morris finds enough stories and insights to keep it interesting, even for those who haven’t been there.