England 2019: Follow Legends' Footsteps with Queen Victoria, Beatles, Wordsworth, Keats & Churchill Anniversaries
England enchants visitors with palaces, cathedrals, and globally significant historic sites at every turn—even on a simple tea run. In 2019, the country shines brighter with major anniversaries, from Queen Victoria's 200th birthday to the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' Abbey Road album and final rooftop concert. Commemorative exhibitions, events, and tours offer unparalleled opportunities to connect with history.
Select the icon that inspires you most and plan your journey to relive pivotal moments—like 1819, 1969, or other transformative eras.
Note: While ocean liners evoke Victorian travel, 2019 brings modern conveniences with record direct flights from U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, and Charleston, S.C. Transatlantic fares may rival domestic U.S. flights, and a strong dollar stretches your budget further.
Embark on this adventure across the pond.
Trace Queen Victoria's Legacy...
Queen Victoria, star of PBS's acclaimed series (succeeding Downton Abbey), was born 200 years ago on May 24, 1819. She expanded the British Empire to its zenith and reigned as the second-longest British monarch, recently surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II. The Victorian Era birthed innovations like London's Underground and modern tennis, with Wimbledon's inaugural matches in 1877.
Celebrate with Victoria's favorite chocolate sponge cake at Fortnum & Mason, whose luxury hampers she gifted. Visit her birthplace and childhood home, Kensington Palace—now residence of Princes William and Harry. (Note: Harry, Meghan, and Baby Sussex reside privately at Windsor Castle.) Kensington's Victoria: A Royal Childhood exhibition opens May 24, featuring a rare governess scrapbook amid her fantasy world of stories, dolls, and drawings. Victoria: Woman and Crown explores her image-crafting.
At the Victoria & Albert Museum, whose foundation stone she laid, view her sapphire-diamond coronet from Prince Albert on permanent display. Buckingham Palace's State Rooms Summer Opening features a Victoria birthday theme; she was the first resident monarch.
Fans of the series (or newcomers) should visit Yorkshire filming sites: Harewood House as Buckingham Palace (Victoria visited in 1835), and Castle Howard as Kensington (she stayed in 1850, famously lost). Book Real Yorkshire Tours for 1,000-acre grounds in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
En route, detour to Manchester, visited by Victoria after 150 years. Peel Park's statue (unveiled by Prince Albert) marks her 1840s visit amid cheering children. The Manchester Royal Exchange bears her sculpted coat of arms from the occasion.
Follow the Beatles' Path...
2019 marks twin 50th anniversaries: Abbey Road release and the Beatles' final rooftop concert at Apple Corps on 3 Savile Row (January 1969). John wore Yoko's fur; Ringo, Maureen's raincoat. The site is now an Abercrombie & Fitch kids store with Beatles photos and Paul McCartney-signed guitar.
Pose at Abbey Road's webcam-famous crossing, then visit Abbey Road Studios (90% of their catalog recorded here, including "Here Comes the Sun" and "Come Together").
Head to birthplace Liverpool: Walk Penny Lane and newly public Strawberry Field (summer 2019 opening; fees support local youth). Join the Cavern's Magical Mystery Tour (includes club entry; Beatles played 292 times). National Trust tours John/Paul childhood homes (20 Forthlin Road, 251 Menlove Avenue). Visit St. Peter's Church (Paul met John here). Enjoy a pint at Philharmonic Dining Rooms ("the Phil")—its Grade I-listed bathroom is a marvel.
Liverpool, UNESCO City of Music and World Heritage Site, thrives on its port history fueling global sounds like Liverpool Sound City.
Near Liverpool, explore Roman-founded Chester (England Originals City). John gigged post-wedding nearby; shop Chester Rows (13th-century), walk River Dee (site of "Nowhere Man" inspiration cottage).
Channel Wordsworth and Keats...
Romantic poets like John Keats (Winchester walks, Lake District treks) and William Wordsworth ("wandered lonely as a cloud") inspire hikes. Mark the 70th anniversary of the National Parks Act protecting these landscapes.
Tackle the 260-mile Pennine Way (England's Great Walking Trails: moors, bogs, wildflowers) or easier 84-mile UNESCO Hadrian's Wall Path (Roman ruins, pubs, museums).
Wordsworth loved Vale of Grasmere ("loveliest spot"). Walk 6 miles from Rydal home to Grasmere. Train to Taunton for Somerset's 4-mile Coleridge Nature Walk (1798 visit site), then "poet's lunch" at Coleridge Cottage.
Honor Winston Churchill...
Churchill and Roosevelt planned D-Day (June 6, 1944; 156,000 troops) using 125 million maps. Commemorate the 75th at Churchill War Rooms (Imperial War Museums series).
Follow England's Great West Way to birthplace Blenheim Palace (new exhibition, memorial garden).
University of Bristol hosted Churchill as Chancellor (1929-1965); nearby Clifton College planned D-Day (flagpole displays 48-star U.S. flag July 4/D-Day).
South to Cornwall (Normandy embarkation): Mount Edgcumbe honors U.S. troops; mining sites link to U.S. emigrants. In London, visit James J. Fox for Churchill's Romeo y Julieta cigars and memorabilia.
Plan your trip via the VisitBritain website for expert travel tips. Save up to $600 on England vacations.
