See This Nation Coast to Coast
From Stonehenge to the Rolling Stones, the story of England is a non-stop cultural rush of old and new -- castles, elegant gardens, country villages, museums, avant-garde theater, Victorian antiques and walking paths that showcase landscapes made equally famous through centuries of literature. London is a world of its own, so head for the countryside.

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Fly into the Manchester Airport (MAN), the closest international gateway to St. Bees Head at the start of the C2C. British Airways has direct flights from New York, Los Angeles and other major U.S. hubs. britishairways.com

Stay at Frenchgate Guest House in Richmond, a charming town in the heart of the North Yorkshire countryside. Sitting on a hilltop overlook, the Victorian Frenchgate lies within a very short walking distance along ancient cobbled streets from the historic market- place, Richmond Castle and nearby Easby Abbey. Rates from $95. 66frenchgate.co.uk

Eat at La Piazza Pizzeria, a slice of Old Italy perched right above Richmond's marketplace. Run by an Italian family, this busy, friendly eatery serves pizzas, pasta, meat and seafood dishes, a welcome variation from the standard English fare C2C walkers subsist on. Try the Milano baked seafood dish combining salmon, sea bass, prawns & mussels. Complement your meal with wine or Italian Peroni beer.

Visit the Richmond Castle, whose first stones were laid in 1071 by the Norman French. Stroll the grounds, climb the towers and learn what daily life was like inside one of England's oldest castles. Open daily. richmond.org.uk

Relax after a long day of walking with a traditional Theakston ale at the very English Lion Inn pub on Blakey Ridge in the North York Moors National Park. Even a very English rainstorm outside only redoubles the sense of cozy calm by the grand, crackling fireplace. And a helping of Old Peculiar Casserole will fuel another pleasant all-day stroll tomorrow. lionblakey.co.uk

Hire Coast to Coast Packhorse for accommodation packages and door-to-door baggage transfers. This outfitter also provides basic services and support for independent travelers handling their own accommodations. Standard 15-night B&B packages start at about $1,200 per person, including airport transfers. c2cpackhorse.co.uk

Pack comfortable, quick-dry, non-cotton hiking clothes. A water- proof jacket & rugged Gore-Tex-lined walking boots are essential. Also carry water bottles, a compass, a multi-tool, sunblock and a well-stocked first-aid kit.

Study your route. The best C2C maps are the waterproof, two- map set (west and east) from Harvey, harveymaps.co.uk. The up- to-date guidebook Coast to Coast Path by Henry Stedman (no relation) details the route. trailblazer-guides.com

Learn more at visitbritain.com.