Bob,

I grew up in England, and definitely have some favorite places there. Of course there's all the stuff to do in London, but for the non-tourist tourist, get out in the countryside and see some of the following:

Salisbury Cathedral (which is also not far from Stonehenge, but the henge is very tourist-packed)

Cornwall (the SW tip of England) including St. Michael's Mount, Land's End (or The Lizard, which is less crowded), the Minack theatre, numerous castles

Warwick Castle

The entire city of York

The Armory in Leeds (all the weapons from England's history including the spoils of war for something like 1500 years)

Hampton Court Palace

Silverstone Raceway (or Castle Donnington if you're closer)

the city of Bath is very cool too

Lot's more...do some googling and choose.

London is more expensive than the southern countryside...the southern countryside is more expensive than the north.

Wales and Scotland are nice too, but I am not as familar...although I second Edinburgh for an amazing place to visit.

Edit to add: I have an awesome aunt and uncle on the south coast of England (google "bridport") who have plenty of room for visitors.