Stonehenge, the famous prehistoric stone circle at sunrise

The sun may have set on the empire, but Cool Britannia now rules the waves.

Until recently England was generally thought of as a gentle, fabled land freeze-framed sometime in the 1930s, home of the post office, country pub and vicarage. It's now better known for vibrant cities with great nightlife and attractions, contrasted with green and pleasant countryside.

From Stonehenge and Tower Bridge to Eton and Oxford, England is loaded with cherished icons of past eras. But it also does modernity with a confidence and panache left over from its days in the never-setting sun. Fashion, fine dining, clubbing, shopping - England's rates with the world's best.

Perhaps England's greatest cultural export has been the English language, the current lingua franca of the international community. There are astonishing regional variations in accents, and it is not unusual to find those in southern England claiming to need an interpreter to communicate with anyone living north of Oxford.

Travellers to United Kingdom can expect to find accommodation of all types, from upmarket hotels and resorts to more budget-focussed and unique options. For your next holiday accommodation in United Kingdom, make sure you check the regular and special offers on hotels.com.au first. Europe is host to a wide range of travel experience, suitable for all budgets. And United Kingdom is a great example, blending city experiences such as London as well as options away from the hustle and bustle; perfect for a relaxing holiday or a nature escape.