From the dreaming spires of Oxford to Canterbury 's stunning cathedral , England boasts some of the greatest architectural gems and historic attractions in the world . And with spring on its way , it 's a great time to take a city break . Oxford University 's Radcliffe Camera is one of the many incredible sights to visit in England this spring . OXFORD . Home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world , Oxford has been wowing students for hundreds of years with its honey-hued domes and sky-piercing spires . Its colleges have nurtured some of the nation 's greatest minds - from astronomer Edwin Hubble to playwright Oscar Wilde - but you do n't have to be student to take a tour . Alternatively , follow in the footsteps of J.R.R . Tolkien and C.S . Lewis and sink a pint at the 17th Century The Eagle and Child . It 's where their university group , the 'Inklings ' , used to meet to discuss literature over a tipple or two . CAMBRIDGE . With its grand buildings , historical shops and bustling market , Cambridge is just as striking as Oxford . The River Cam runs along the backs of the university - the ultimate place for punting . Visit one or two of the colleges - many are architectural marvels with centuries of history and culture to discover . The River Cam runs along the backs of the university at Cambridge - the ultimate place for punting . Trinity College is perhaps the most famous , counting Isaac Newton and Lord Byron among its alumni . Stop for lunch at The Eagle , where molecular biologist Francis Crick announced that he and James Watson had discovered the structure of DNA . LINCOLN . It 's 800 years since England 's most important document , Magna Carta , was sealed , and if you head to the newly restored Lincoln Castle , you can see one of only four surviving original copies of the charter in a state-of-the-art underground vault . Reopening on April 1 , the refurbished castle will also have a new 360-degree walkway along its walls , letting visitors see the historical building from a new angle , and giving unprecedented access to its 18th Century prisons , as featured in television 's Downton Abbey . CANTERBURY . Along with a visit to the famous cathedral , a tour of the River Stour is a must when you visit Canterbury . Canterbury was the final destination of Geoffrey Chaucer 's not-so-holy pilgrims as they made their way from London to Thomas Becket 's shrine in Canterbury Cathedral . The tales were written in the 14th Century , but it 's still easy to imagine a fat monk or a drunken miller travelling on horseback through winding cobbled streets to what is now a Unesco World Heritage Site . Along with a visit to the famous cathedral , a tour of the River Stour is a must . From the comfort of the boat , you 'll glide past gems that include a 13th Century Franciscan island , the beautiful Westgate Gardens and the King 's Bridge , which dates back to 1134 . BATH . Ever wondered what the Romans got up to in their lavish leisure centres ? During peak summer months , you can ask your private guide to elaborate on an evening tour of one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the world . Visitors to bath can listen to famed travel writer Bill Bryson 's fascinating audio commentary . And all year round , you can listen to famed travel writer Bill Bryson 's fascinating audio commentary , which offers an insight into Roman life , beliefs and spirituality , as you peer into ancient changing rooms , wander through a temple dedicated to a goddess with healing powers , and admire the torch-lit Great Bath .
today is a great time to take a city break in the UK . England boasts some of the greatest historic attractions in the world . Oxford is home to the oldest university in the English - speaking world . England 's most important document , the Carta , was written at Lincoln . For more recent publications go to VisitEngland.com .