Itching to take your kids to Europe but wondering just where you should go?  England makes a great jumping off point for any European Vacation.  Heck, there’s enough where you don’t have to even venture to the mainland.

We have family in England, so it’s a great stopping point for us to take time to visit family.  Visiting Auntie is so relaxing a great way to start a trip.  She takes great care of us and we can sleep and tour around and visit family.  Plus, she has the cutest cottage with the quintessential English Garden. On our last visit, the kids first, we had tea time with the family.  The girls just loved this traditional English tea party!

On to why to start your European vacation in England.

No language barrier.  It can be quite intimidating to leave an airport in the U.S. and land somewhere where they speak another language.  Just navigating the airport can fill you with accomplishment.  While, there are many words that have quite different meanings in American English vs. British English.  (i.e. Boot – in the US its a style of footwear vs the trunk of a car).

Easy to get to.  You pretty much have to go through London Heathrow to get to any other European destination.  You CAN find flights directly to Paris or Madrid, but usually have to go through Heathrow.  And from Heathrow, you can catch a flight to pretty much anywhere you wish.

Familiarity.  London features predominately in Children’s Books…from Peter Pan to Harry Potter. You children are familiar with many of the sites of London.  Big Ben. Buckingham Place. Even the London Eye.  Seeing their excitement of seeing Big Ben is priceless.

The London Eye

Castles. Get out to the countryside and see the many Castles that dot the countryside.  The kiddos will be amazed.  From York (walled city) to Warwick Castle.  They all conjure up images of King Arthur.

Warwick Castle

The Royals.  Here in America, we do not have Royalty, with the exception of perhaps some celebrities.  So, royalty is a pretty novel concept.  We just love the idea of the royals of Princes and Princesses.  So, a visit to Buckingham Palace is a must.  Seeing the tradition and Pomp and Circumstance surrounding the Palace, and if you’re lucky, the changing of the Guard.  So cool!

Buckingham Palace

So, there you are, 5 reasons why England makes a great first trip to England. So once we are done with this pandemic once and for all, book that trip. Check out some Harry Potter destinations. Have tea time.

C’mon let’s go!