Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England

Faith, fire and folklore. Saint George's Day

Every country has a hero. England has one who fought a dragon, carried a red cross and wasn't even English. Meet Saint George—a legend that proves good stories have great travel plans. Celebrated on 23 April, Saint George's Day honours courage and conviction. Though often shown as a gleaming knight, George was a Roman soldier martyred for refusing to give up his faith. The dragon? A later add-on—because history is good, but dragons make it legendary.

So how did he become England's patron saint? Credit the Middle Ages, especially King Edward III, who championed George as a symbol of chivalry. Soon, the red-on-white Saint George's Cross became England's flag—simple, bold and hard to miss.

Today, celebrations are modest: parades in London, community gatherings and visits to historic sites like Windsor Castle—pictured here—where the saint's legacy is reflected in St George's Chapel and royal traditions. There is no nationwide day off, but plenty of local pride. This day isn't just about slaying dragons. It's about standing tall, even when the odds breathe fire.