2 Best Sights in England

After decades—centuries, even—as the butt of jokes, the English wine industry is now being taken more seriously, with English wines winning some prestigious international awards. Drop in at Chapel Down Winery, one of Britain's leading wine producers, to see for yourself. You can visit the wine shop and explore the herb gardens for free, or pay for a two-hour-long guided tour of the rest of the grounds with tasting—advanced booking is advisable in summer. Other themed tour experiences are available, too. The winery is 6½ miles north of Rye.

The prestige and popularity of English sparkling wines produced in the chalky soil near the country's south coast has been growing by leaps and bounds over recent years, to the point where they're taking on the better-known variety across the English Channel. Some of the most highly regarded come from this spot, the oldest commercial vineyard in the United Kingston, located 14 miles from Winchester. Informative tours and tastings from the selection of sparkling and still wines are offered along with afternoon tea as an add-on to the tour, and a set-price lunch and dinner in the on-site restaurant.