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20 Things to Do in England in Your Twenties

Bank of England building in City of London, UK
Bank of England building in City of London, UK | Mistervlad / Shutterstock

There’s more to England than the Beatles and fish and chips – especially when you’re in your twenties. So if it’s camping, street parties or surfing you’re after, here are 20 of the best experiences. You may not be able to enjoy them all right now – but we’re optimistic they’ll be back, and it won’t be a moment too soon.

Have the best adventures in England with these tours!

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Liverpool England on March 25, 2010. View of the Magical Mystery tour bus in Liverpool England.
Alisia Luther / Shutterstock

England offers a wealth of amazing experiences, from the bustling streets of London to the picturesque countryside of the Lake District. Take exhilarating city tours, explore historic castles, or take in the lively nightlife in well-known locations. There is something for everyone, regardless of your interests in history, the outdoors, or cuisine. To get the most out of your English vacation, take a look at these recommended tours!

Glastonbury Festival

Glastonbury Festival | Courtesy Glastonbury Festival/Photo by Andrew Allcock
Courtesy Glastonbury Festival/Photo by Andrew Allcock
Each June, revellers from across the globe make their way to the fields of Somerset for the hugely popular Glastonbury Festival, where acts such as Primal Scream, Beyoncé and Stevie Wonder have played. Tickets for the five-day festival are in huge demand, but if luck is on your side, then you’re in for a treat – just don’t forget the wellies. It is England, after all.

Have a coffee in a cat café

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Paris Croissant and breakfast.
Silvia73 / Shutterstock

There are cafes designed with cat-lovers in mind up and down the country – and we’re not talking about the wallpaper or coffee cups, but rather feline residents. Don’t believe it? Head to Pause Cat Cafe in Bournemouth, You&Meow Cat Cafe in Bristol, or Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in east London.

Celebrate summer solstice at Stonehenge

Ruins

Summer Solstice At Stonehenge
© Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images
Stonehenge is the best-known Neolithic monument in Europe. It draws crowds throughout the year, but especially on 21 June when they come to mark the summer solstice. Watching the sun come up is an age-old ritual practised by Druids, but today it’s celebrated by all.

Go on an English pub crawl

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Pub offering range of beers
George Bakos / unsplash

Brits love a good pub crawl. To make like a local, blot out an afternoon visiting a handful of pubs and drink your way through local brews. Just don’t be surprised if your memory blots out the experience.

Visit the Roman baths

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You can’t swim in the Roman baths in Bath, Somerset, but you can learn about the Roman remains. Its thermal spas are considered among the best-preserved Roman remains in the world.

Pay a visit to Isaac Newton's apple tree

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Red apple on a white background
waiheng_tobi / Unsplash

If there was ever a tree you should go out of your way to visit, it’s the one that informed Isaac Newton’s law of universal gravitation in 1678. Head to Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire to see it for yourself.

Take a road trip on the Jurassic coast

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Durdle Door, Wareham, United Kingdom
duncan_sprks / Unsplash

This incredible stretch of Dorset coastline is a favourite English road trip, thanks to natural wonders including Durdle Door and lesser-known beaches. Round up your friends and take to the road for the best views.

Dance like there's no tomorrow at a street party

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Close up of women with drinks at a party
mdisc / Unsplash

In the summer months, there are a few street parties that get bigger and better each year. Whether you’re heading to Notting Hill Carnival, in west London, or to one of the Rainbow Venues street closures in Birmingham, a good time is guaranteed.

Learn about the Beatles on a tour

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The Beatles Figures
NaniPiriya / Shutterstock

Tour buses aren’t for everyone, but this one is a must-do as it’s centred around the Beatles. You’ll whizz around Liverpool via the Magical Mystery Tour, enjoying stop-offs at sites including the Cavern Club, Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.

Play Ghetto Golf

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Blue Golf ball next to the hole
Aaron Burden / Unsplash

A twist on the traditional game of mini-golf, Ghetto Golf is another activity to add to the Liverpool itinerary, although there are other venues around England as well. Cocktails, street food, DJs and commissioned graffiti are what you get here, so why not make a night of it?

Go surfing in Cornwall

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Aerial view of St. Michaels Mount, Penzance, Lands End Peninsula, West Penwith, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom, Europe
Robert Harding Video / Shutterstock
Cornwall’s beaches offer the best surf in the country, with Fistral Beach, in Newquay, a favourite among locals. The beach regularly sees waves reach 2.4m (8ft), and visitors come from all over Europe to surf here. Come early to avoid the crowds.

Go seal spotting on the Farne Islands

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Seal on Horsey Beach, Norfolk Broads, UK
amyannaasher / Unsplash

The Farne Islands, off the coast of Northumberland in the North Sea, are worth visiting if you want to enjoy nature and spot wildlife. You’ll see thousands of grey seals here, with autumn being the best season to see pups.

Hike up the Malvern hills

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Malvern Hills, Malvern, UK
kristofer2482 / Unsplash

The Malvern hills, spanning Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Northern Gloucestershire, are perfect if you enjoy spending time outdoors. Hiking is a great way to explore them – start early to catch the sunrise.

Watch a football match

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Football on a green field
baraida / Unsplash

The British love football. If there’s a game on, you can bet the pubs are showing it. Whether it’s an international game at Wembley or the Football League, tune in to see what all the hype is about. Check out our guide to one of the most famous teams in the country with a look at Liverpool Football Club.

Visit an English vineyard

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Woman pouring red wine from bottle into a glass
New Africa / Shutterstock

When you think of vineyards, France, Italy and Spain usually come to mind. But England now hosts some impressive vineyards in Worcestershire, Kent, Surrey and Devon.

Explore the world of Harry Potter

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Hogwarts stamp on a letter
Tuyen Vo / Unsplash

You are never too old to enjoy Harry Potter. Explore the fantasy world at the Warner Bros Studios in Watford, where most of the Harry Potter movies were filmed. You’ll see Diagon Alley, Platform 9¾, Privet Drive and the Great Hall. This is one of the most popular attractions in the country, so make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Run the London marathon

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Person running along side Tower Bridge
Mark Saxby / Unsplash

Granted, it takes a bit of training and dedication to commit to running a marathon. If you’ve got it in you, put yourself down for the 26.2mi (42km) run that takes place annually – and use it as an opportunity to fundraise for a good cause, too.

Listen to local live music

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A neon sign advertising live music is lit up in primary colors in the window of an eating establishment.

Along with football, England’s pubs are great gig venues and there’s usually something on most nights of the week. Whether you’re in Plymouth, Newcastle, Margate or Carlisle, look up local venues and support up-and-coming talent.

Boat trip down the River Thames

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Houses of Parliament with Big Ben tower and Westminster bridge at sunset, London, UK
Robert Harding Video / Shutterstock

The River Thames, running right through London from west to east, is a great way to take in the capital. Hop on a boat tour from the South Bank to get a good look at the city’s architecture and landmarks.

Camp in the English countryside

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English Countryside
campfire_guy / Unsplash

The antidote to London’s relentlessness, the English countryside offers a slice of peace and quiet. While the weather might be temperamental at best, camping is always a fun way to get away from it all – try the New Forest, just two hours from London.

If you like our recommendations, definitely check out these UK tours!

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Houses of Parliament with Big Ben and double-decker buses on Westminster bridge, London, UK
Mistervlad / Shutterstock

The United Kingdom is brimming with culture, history, and breathtaking scenery just waiting to be discovered. Explore the famous sites of London, stroll through the quaint streets of Edinburgh, or take in the stunning scenery of the Lake District. Our trips have plenty to offer everyone, whether your interests lie in historic castles, vibrant urban settings, or charming rural experiences. Take advantage of experiences designed specifically for you to explore the finest of the UK.

About the author

Proudly born and bred in Birmingham, UK, Richard is passionate about all things travel and music. Having founded the regional online music magazine Counteract in early 2010, Richard has enjoyed a versatile writing career and writes for a number of publications, including The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Independent, Metro and others. If he's not travelling around Europe, you'll often find him supporting his football team, Aston Villa.

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