Book excerpt: England offers so many royal palaces, massive cathedrals, glorious gardens, world-class museums, and historical sites that you could be overwhelmed, but this guide helps you zero in on the things you want to see and do and plan the perfect trip for you! It gives you up-to-date info on: shopping and antiquing; side trips to attractions; where to pay homage to literary giants; important castles and palaces; central England, the picturesque Cotswolds region, and northern England.