England is a implausible vacation spot with a wealthy historical past, gorgeous nationwide parks, seashores, museums, and a lot extra to find. There are a lot of great locations to go to in England from picturesque villages to cities that by no means sleep.
I’ve lived in England for many of my life and traveled the nation broadly. From the serene southeast the place I grew as much as the gorgeous coastlines of Cornwall and Devon, and northern gems like York, there’s an nearly limitless quantity of lovely locations in England simply ready to be explored.
Though England has a considerably unfavorable repute for its meals, consuming and ingesting your method across the nation is an absolute pleasure with so many cuisines to select from. You possibly can get pleasure from a Michelin-starred meal in London or a conventional pub lunch in a country inn.
15 Greatest Locations to Go to in England
Under, you’ll discover a wide array of the very best locations to go to in England. From north to south, and east to west, and from tiny villages to metropolises, pristine nature, fascinating historic websites, and castles – you gained’t be bored for a second.
1. London (One of many Greatest Locations to Go to in England)
London is England’s beating coronary heart and thriving capital and is among the finest cities to go to in England. There are such a lot of superb issues to do in London from exploring the numerous museums such because the world-famous British Museum, Buckingham Palace, or the Tower of London.
I’ve lived in London on and off for years and love spending time exploring the galleries, giant metropolis parks, glorious eating places, and naturally some nice bars and pubs too. London makes a fantastic start line on any journey to my residence nation and is definitely one of many high locations to go to in England.
London is the proper vacation spot for first-time guests, {couples} on the lookout for a romantic weekend, and households too due to its many glorious sights. Absorb a present, watch the altering of the guard, store ’til you drop, or simply absorb the environment of this world metropolis.
Location: London is positioned within the southeast of England on the River Thames. It’s round 50 miles from the coast (the English Chanel) so there are many potentialities for day journeys to the seaside.
Getting There: London is served by three main airports; Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, all with glorious connections to the town heart. London has rail connections to the remainder of the UK and France and Belgium through the Eurostar.
Issues To Do: Go to Buckingham Palace, store in Covent Backyard, sample the food at Borough Market, discover the reveals on the British Museum, and loosen up in one among London’s many Royal Parks.
2. The Cotswolds
In case you’re trying to go to one of the crucial lovely locations in England, then the Cotswolds are laborious to beat. This attractive rural a part of southwest England is residence to rolling hills, picturesque villages, and among the most lovely cities within the nation.
That is one among my high locations to go to for mountain climbing and discovering some superb rural pubs and inns. The village of Slad in Gloucestershire is the place one among my favourite writers is buried (Laurie Lee) and throughout from the small churchyard is an excellent pub with gorgeous views throughout the countryside.
Different high Cotswold cities and villages embrace Chipping Norton (the house of former prime ministers and different celebrities), Bourton on the Water (one of many prettiest cities in England), and naturally the well-known city of Bath recognized for its freshwater springs and Roman bathtub homes.
Location: The Cotswolds span a big space throughout Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Somerset Wiltshire, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire within the southwest of England.
Getting There: The Cotswolds are simply reachable from London and the remainder of England by bus, prepare, automotive, or by taking a tour.
Issues To Do: See the picturesque homes at Arlington Row, go to Kelmscott Manor, stroll the Cotswold Approach, and discover among the prettiest villages in England corresponding to Bourton on the Water and Slad.
3. Lake District Nationwide Park
The Lake District is among the most lovely locations to see in England and the Nationwide Park was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017. The park facilities round Lake Windemere, a one-mile-wide and 10.5-mile-long physique of freshwater surrounded by mountains.
This is among the most scenic elements of England and is ideal for boating, mountain climbing, swimming (don’t count on heat water!), and exploring a few of northern England’s most picturesque cities and villages. The world can be well-known for the Cumberland sausage, which is a staple of the total English breakfast.
The Lake District is residence to Scafell Pike, the very best mountain in England at 3,208 toes (978 meters). The reasonably powerful hike to the highest and again often takes round three to 4 hours and is the proper place for a picnic with gorgeous views throughout the peaks and lakes.
Though I’ve pushed by way of the Nationwide Park and might attest to its grandeur and sweetness, I’ve not obtained round to climbing “the Pike” but, however I purpose to treatment that very quickly.
Location: The Lake District National Park is positioned within the attractive county of Cumbria in northern England, not removed from the border with Scotland.
Getting There: The Nationwide Park is reachable by highway from the close by cities of Leeds and Manchester. The closest railway station is Windemere. Taking a tour can be a good way to discover this excellent a part of the nation.
Issues To Do: Hike round Lake Windermere, take a ship journey, climb Scafell Pike, watch a play on the theater by the lake, and go to the final operational mine in England.
4. York
The charming metropolis of York is one among my favourite locations to go to in England. This northern metropolis is famed for its slender lanes and cobbled streets, magnificent cathedral, and the Jorvik Viking Museum (one among my favourite vacationer sights as a child).
The town lies on the banks of the River Ouse (pronounced “ooze”) and isn’t removed from the North Yorkshire dales, among the finest locations to go in England to pattern rural life. I’ve household that lives up this fashion and I by no means tire of exploring the town and mountain climbing within the close by pastures and rolling hills of the dales.
York is a good place for a metropolis break with heaps to do in and across the metropolis from museums to high eating places, bars, and pubs. The Kings Arms is at all times fashionable with locals and has the proper location subsequent to the river – it’s someplace I like to go for a pint in the summertime.
Location: York is within the county of North Yorkshire, lower than 30 miles away from its neighbor Leeds (a nice college city additionally price trying out).
Getting There: The town is properly related to the remainder of the UK by highway and rail. The closest airport is Leeds-Bradford Worldwide which is simply 25 miles away.
Issues To Do: Go to York Minster cathedral, expertise the Jorvik Viking Centre, stroll alongside the Roman metropolis partitions, take a selfie in “the Shambles”, and take a sightseeing cruise on the River Ouse.
5. Cornwall
Cornwall is my favourite place in England by far. I’ve been visiting since earlier than I may stroll and return repeatedly to get pleasure from its pristine seashores, dramatic clifftop walks, picturesque fishing villages, and glorious pubs.
There are such a lot of great things to do in Cornwall from browsing at world-famous breaks corresponding to Newquay to exploring the county’s attention-grabbing heritage and tales of King Arthur, smuggling, pirates, fishing, and mining.
The county of Cornwall can be a implausible vacation spot for foodies with among the finest seafood within the UK contemporary off the boat. Different must-try meals and drinks embrace Cornish pasties, cream teas with Cornish clotted cream, beers, ciders, and wines to call however a number of native treats.
Cornwall is my go-to place for mountain climbing and untamed nature in addition to enjoyable waterborne actions like coasteering, wildlife safaris, and gorging on the native delights.
Location: Cornwall is the westernmost county of England and is residence to the westernmost level of the mainland British Isles at Land’s Finish.
Getting There: Cornwall is definitely reachable from the remainder of the UK by highway and rail. The closest station is Bodmin with direct every day trains from London. This glorious five-day tour consists of the very best of each Cornwall and Devon.
Issues To Do: Learn to surf, hike the South West Coast Path, go to picturesque Port Isaac, feast on seafood in Padstow, and stroll by way of the sub-tropical biomes at the Eden Project.
6. Southwold
I grew up in rural East Anglia, which contains the southeastern counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. The world is thought for its huge swathes of farmland, huge skies, quiet seashores, and serene but unimposing landscapes.
Suffolk’s Southwold is among the finest cities to go to in England because it embodies all the very best options of East Anglia. Its shingle and sandy seashores are the proper locations for enjoyable at any time of the 12 months and are nice spots to camp in summer season.
The city is full of welcoming pubs just like the Sole Bay Inn, with one of many highlights being the Adnams Brewery famed for its nautically themed beers (Ghost Ship, Sea Fog, Lighthouse, and my favourite, Broadside). You possibly can get pleasure from a pint in one of many many pubs, and even go to the brewery for a tour.
Location: Southwold is positioned in Suffolk on the east coast of England round 40 miles from Ipswich.
Getting There: There are direct rail and highway hyperlinks from London and Norwich. Attending to Southwold by public transport shouldn’t be the simplest (but perfectly possible), so having your personal automotive is the most suitable choice.
Issues To Do: Benefit from the seashore, go tenting, go to the Adnams Brewery, hike alongside the coast path.
7. Dartmoor Nationwide Park
Dartmoor is someplace I’m very keen on and I’ve been visiting since childhood, often as a stop-off on the best way to Cornwall. The Nationwide Park is residence to among the most lovely stone villages in England in addition to gorgeous surroundings with rivers, waterfalls, and brooding moorland.
It’s a fantastic place to expertise the nice outside and one of many solely actual wilderness areas left in England. Dartmoor is ideal for mountain climbing, tenting, kayaking, orienteering, and horseback driving to call however a number of of the actions on provide.
My favourite place in Dartmoor is a tiny village known as Belstone the place the homes are constituted of domestically quarried stone; there’s a homely pub known as The Tors Inn and a small frequent the place wild horses (the well-known Dartmoor ponies) often come to graze.
Location: Dartmoor National Park is positioned within the Westcountry county of Devon, not removed from the border with Cornwall.
Getting There: The closest metropolis to Dartmoor is Exeter which has glorious transport hyperlinks to the remainder of the nation. Oakhampton is the closest city to the moor (and can be a beautiful place to remain/discover). This five-day tour takes in the very best of Devon and Cornwall, together with a visit to Dartmoor.
Issues To Do: Mountain climbing, horseback driving, mountaineering, kayaking, and tenting.
8. Whitby
The northeastern seaside resort of Whitby is an enthralling fishing city with a working harbor. It additionally has an extended affiliation with the macabre due to its inclusion in Bram Stoker’s basic story Dracula (one among my favourite books of all time). Because of its ties with Dracula, the city has an annual gothic pageant with attendees decked out in gothic, Victorian, and steampunk apparel.
The gothic Whitby Abbey is a former Benedictine monastery courting again to the seventh Century that sits perched on the clifftop overlooking the North Sea. One of many city’s most well-known residents was explorer Captain James Cook dinner and there’s a museum within the city devoted to his life and voyages.
The Duke of York is a beautiful outdated Pub within the heart of city. It’s a fantastic place to have a drink and seize a chew to eat (their Sunday roasts are superior). This actually is a hidden gem of England so should you’re on the lookout for one thing just a little totally different, be sure you take a look at this attention-grabbing city.
Location: Whitby is positioned on the coast of North Yorkshire in northern England.
Getting There: The city is definitely reachable by highway from close by cities corresponding to Middlesborough, York, and Leeds. There are direct rail hyperlinks to London and the remainder of the nation. This full-day tour from York is a good way to expertise the city.
Issues To Do: See Whitby Abbey, attend the annual gothic pageant, go to the James Cook dinner Memorial Museum, attend the Whitby Gothic Weekend, and hike alongside the coast.
9. The South Downs
The South Downs is a big space throughout southern England stretching from Eastbourne within the east to Winchester within the west. The world encompasses a national park, with many attention-grabbing close by cities and cities corresponding to Brighton (among the finest cities in England for its seashores and pier), Haslemere, and Portsmouth.
The southernmost level of the downs features a attractive stretch of shoreline with white, chalk cliffs, sandy seashores, and quaint fishing cities. I’ve hiked the Downs a number of occasions over time and love the surroundings of rolling hills stretching all the way down to the coast.
The well-known 55-mile London to Brighton bike trip passes proper by way of the South Downs and is a good way to discover this lovely a part of England. In case you’re visiting in June, rent your self a motorcycle and get some contemporary air whereas exploring among the locations off the crushed path in England.
Location: The South Downs cowl an space of 260 sq. miles (670 sq. kilometers) throughout the south of England.
Getting There: The Downs are simply reachable from London by highway and rail. Brighton makes the proper base for exploring the realm.
Issues To Do: Go mountain climbing, be a part of the London to Brighton cycle trip and discover the numerous pubs throughout the Downs (the Pelham Arms within the charming city of Lewes is one among my favorites).
10. Liverpool
Liverpool is among the most well-known cities and finest locations to go to in England due to its wealthy historical past, soccer membership, and pleasant locals (the Scousers). From the Beatles to the Zutons, the town is well-known for its distinctive musical output. This immersive Beatles experience is a should for any fan of the “fab 4”.
Liverpool can be thought of England’s Capital of Culture and has a thriving arts scene with many galleries, museums, and occasions. The Maritime Museum, Tate Liverpool, and the Museum of Liverpool are all price trying out to be taught extra concerning the metropolis and its eclectic tradition.
I’ve visited Liverpool on many events and at all times love exploring the dockside space and trying out its many implausible pubs and eating places (head to the Swan Inn should you like a little bit of rock music along with your pint, and mingling with tremendous pleasant locals).
Location: Liverpool is positioned on the banks of the River Mersey (Merseyside) in northwest England.
Getting There: There are direct highway and rail hyperlinks to Liverpool from all the foremost cities in England corresponding to London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol. John Lennon Airport is 6.5 miles (10km) from the town.
Issues To Do: Take a sightseeing cruise on the River Mersey, go to the Beatles Museum, discover the outdated docks, and go to the Museum of Liverpool.
11. The Cheddar Gorge
The small Somerset city of Cheddar is famed because the birthplace of Cheddar cheese, one of the crucial fashionable and ubiquitous cheeses on the earth. Nevertheless, what’s arguably extra spectacular (at the least for me) is the gorgeous Cheddar Gorge; a big limestone ravine/canyon working by way of the Mendip Hills.
The world is ideal for mountain climbing and is a well-liked place for mountaineering with nearly 600 climbing routes on the south aspect of the gorge. This powerful 3.7 mile (6.5km) round trip walk up above the gorge affords gorgeous views and takes in among the caverns, and different locations of curiosity alongside the best way.
The gorge is dotted with caves and it’s in one among these that the Cheddar Man was present in 1903. Cheddar Man is the oldest full skeleton ever present in England and is believed so far again round 9,000 years. As a lover of each the outside and historical past, this, for me, is among the finest locations to go in England.
Location: Cheddar Gorge is positioned in Somerset in western England. It’s not removed from the cities of Bristol (19 miles) and Tub (24 miles).
Getting There: Cheddar Gorge isn’t the simplest to succeed in by public transport so having your personal automotive is advisable. From London take the prepare to Bristol, change for Weston-Tremendous-Mare after which take bus 126 to Cheddar. This day trip from London takes within the Cheddar Gorge in addition to close by Glastonbury.
Issues To Do: Mountain climbing, caving, biking, mountain climbing, and visiting the Cheddar Man Museum of Prehistory.
12. The Jurassic Coast
The unbelievable Jurassic Coast positively a must-see place in England due to its gorgeous 95-mile (153km) stretch of shoreline. Right here you’ll discover towering cliffs, tender, sand seashores, and the prospect to identify hundred-million-year-old fossils in addition to some attention-grabbing wildlife and sea life.
The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO world heritage web site recognized for its Mesozoic rock formations courting again 185 million years! Fossils discovered alongside the coast right here have helped additional the understanding of prehistory and the sciences. Comb the seashore to see if you’ll find your personal fossils and take a chunk of historical past residence with you.
One of the picturesque elements of the coast is the tiny village of Branscombe. The village boasts many homes with conventional thatched roofs and quaint gardens alongside a small valley that results in the ocean. Make sure you pop into the gorgeous 14th Century thatched constructing that’s the Mason Arms for a pint or chew to eat.
Location: The Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles (153km) alongside the south coasts of Devon and Dorset. Bournemouth and Poole are two of the bigger close by cities.
Getting There: The Jurassic Coast is definitely reachable by highway from the remainder of the UK. There are direct trains to Poole and Bournemouth the place you may take native buses to lots of the cities and villages alongside the coast.
Issues To Do: Take a boat trip alongside the Jurassic Coast, search for fossils, get pleasure from a day on the seashore, and see the picturesque village of Branscombe (one of the crucial lovely locations in England).
13. Cambridge
Cambridge is among the finest locations to go to in England for its structure, historic schools, nice riverside walks, and glorious museums. It’s one among my favourite cities in England (and higher than its rival Oxford, sorry, not sorry) and someplace I go to often.
Among the best walks in Cambridge is “the backs” behind the universities and alongside the River Cam. It’s a fantastic place for a picnic with magnificent views throughout the river to among the high schools on the earth together with St John’s, Trinity, Clare, King’s, and Queen’s. Taking a tour can be a good way to see the very best highlights of the town.
The Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is one among my favourite museums within the nation due to its fascinating reveals, images, and artworks. The Roman and Egyptian sections are properly price a glance. The town can be residence to some glorious pubs. The Tipsy Vegan is a good choice should you’re on the lookout for one thing just a little totally different.
Location: Cambridge is positioned within the southeast of England 60 miles north of London and 30 miles south of Peterborough.
Getting There: There are hourly trains to Cambridge from London and the journey time is between one hour and 90 minutes relying on the service. Cambridge can be straightforward to succeed in by highway through the M11 motorway.
Issues To Do: Discover the universities, stroll alongside “the backs”, go to the Archaeology museum, store on the market or see a efficiency on the Corn Trade.
14. Thetford Forest
In case you’re on the lookout for someplace to go in England for an lively, outside journey then Thetford Forest in Norfolk is a wonderful choice. I’ve been tenting in Thetford many occasions and there are some glorious mountain-biking trails, mountain climbing paths a prehistoric flint mine at Grime’s Graves, and an adventure park with raised platforms by way of the forest cover.
You possibly can rent bikes from High Lodge for the day and select any one of many trails. Every path is colour coded for problem with inexperienced being the simplest and black being probably the most difficult.
There’s loads to do round Thetford together with visiting the small city which is full of some nice eating places and pubs (I often go to the Black Horse), visiting the ruins of Thetford Priory, and taking within the contemporary air on the Lynford Arboretum.
Location: Thetford Forest is within the county of Norfolk in southeast England between Norwich and London.
Getting There: Hiring a automotive is the easiest way to get to Thetford Forest and will provide you with extra freedom to discover. There are every day trains from London to Thetford with a change in Cambridge.
Issues To Do: Stroll by way of the forest cover at Go Ape, go mountain biking, go tenting, and go to the prehistoric mine at Grime’s Graves.
15. Stonehenge
The mighty Stonehenge is among the finest locations to see in England. The prehistoric standing stones on Salisbury Plain are one of many enigmatic wonders of the world as nobody is aware of fairly how they obtained there. It’s potential to go to Stonehenge and stroll across the stones, although you may’t get proper as much as them any longer – you continue to may after I was a toddler.
It’s believed the stones date way back to 2,000 to three,000 BC. Every stone is round 13 toes (4 meters) excessive, seven toes (2.1 meters) vast, and weighs a whopping 25 tonnes.
Among the best occasions to go to what is among the highlights of England is on both of the solstices. In years passed by there was once large events the place hippies, druids, and vacationers would get collectively and watch the dawn by way of the stones, (however that has since been banned). Nevertheless, you may nonetheless go to throughout winter or summer season solstice and witness the magic of the dawn.
Location: Stonehenge is positioned on Salisbury Plain within the county of Wiltshire in southwestern England.
Getting There: Stonehenge is positioned simply off the A303 (the primary route from London to Cornwall) and is finest visited both with your personal transport or by tour. This tour from London is a implausible choice and consists of entry to the inside circle outdoors regular hours.
Issues To Do: Stroll among the many historic stones and discover barrows and different archaeological sites near Stonehenge.
Entry payment: Adults £22.00, kids £13.50. You possibly can book tickets online.
Getting Round England
The principle cities and cities of England are all interconnected by a wonderful highway and rail infrastructure making getting round straightforward. For visiting extra rural areas it’s finest to have your personal transport so hiring a automotive could be helpful.
Native buses are low cost and straightforward to make use of, and National Express Coaches are nice for city-to-city or long-distance journeys (I take advantage of the service often). Trains are a cushty method of touring round England, however fashionable routes refill quick and the very best costs are discovered by booking well in advance.
Fast Itineraries for England
Listed here are a number of easy itineraries to observe when visiting England. Whether or not you may have just some days or for much longer, these itineraries will allow you to get the very best out of your journey to this unbelievable nation.
3 Days in England
In case you solely have three days in England then it’s finest to stay to London and the south as you may discover among the finest locations to go to in England which might be in comparatively shut proximity.
Use someday to see the foremost websites in London corresponding to Buckingham Palace, the Homes of Parliament, Large Ben, and the London Eye (all inside strolling distance). Spend the night in close by Soho and Covent Backyard which is packed full of fantastic bars and eating places alongside the streets.
If you wish to escape the town then taking day journeys to locations like Cambridge and Stonehenge are additionally nice choices.
One Week in England
If in case you have one week to see the very best locations in England use a few days to discover the London sights. By basing your self in London you’ll additionally be capable of discover close by locations corresponding to Cambridge and Thetford Forest, and take day journeys to Stonehenge, the South Downs, and Southwold.
For the second a part of the week base your self in York and discover this pleasant Cathedral metropolis with winding cobbled lanes (the Shambles) and a few high museums and leisure choices (the Jorvik Viking Centre being one of many highlights). From York, you may as well take a day journey to Whitby, and go to Windemere and the gorgeous Lake District.
You possibly can journey by prepare or bus from London to York (trains depart London King’s Cross and take just below two hours).
10+ Days in England
10 days is an efficient period of time to find the very best issues to see in England. Observe the above itinerary for one week with a number of days in London. Head west to discover the attractive cities and villages of the Cotswolds earlier than transferring on to Cornwall (with a cease at Stonehenge as it’s on the best way).
You possibly can take the prepare from London to Tub (hourly trains from London Paddington take round 90 minutes) and base your self there to discover the Costwolds. Hiring a automotive could be preferable to present you extra freedom, and it’s easy to drive from London.
Discover the gorgeous seashores of Cornwall and cities corresponding to Newquay, Padstow, and Tintagel. After that head north to Liverpool and expertise England’s capital of tradition and the fab music scene there. From Liverpool lower throughout to the Lake District and onto York, earlier than returning to London.
There are trains from Tub to Bodmin and Liverpool, and from Liverpool to York. Additionally take into account taking the bus which though longer, can typically be extra comfy and can prevent cash too. Once more, hiring a automotive is the most suitable choice should you’ll be spending greater than every week in England.
Locations to Go to in England: FAQs
Solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting probably the most lovely locations in England.
England is in northwestern Europe and types a part of the United Kingdom of Nice Britain and Northern Eire. It’s bordered by Scotland to the north, wales to the west, and the remainder of the nation is surrounded by the North Sea, the Irish Sea, and the English Channel.
England is unquestionably price visiting for its historic buildings, tradition, museums, meals, seashores, and nationwide parks. There actually is one thing for everybody whether or not you wish to get pleasure from all the nice English cities have to supply or escape into the gorgeous countryside.
London is the most well-liked place to go to in England and receives probably the most guests annually (round 20 million overseas guests yearly). With so many glorious sights from Large Ben to the London Eye, galleries, museums, and eating places, it’s straightforward to see why.
Early summer season and the month of June is a good time to go to England with heat and nice climate permitting numerous outside actions from exploring castles, gardens, and stately houses to having fun with the miles of shoreline, nationwide parks, and strolling trails.
The Westcountry together with Cornwall, Devon, and the Cotswolds is the prettiest a part of England with picturesque villages, idyllic seashores, and lovely countryside.
London is the plain alternative for a base in England with so many superb sights on the doorstep. The capital additionally has glorious transport hyperlinks to the remainder of the nation by highway, rail, and air, and there are many straightforward and enjoyable day journeys from the town.
England is known for its Royal Household, castles, afternoon tea, (and shedding at soccer). You possibly can see the royal residences, go to England’s castles, and even lose at soccer on a visit to this various and attention-grabbing nation.
England is mostly a very safe place to go to with little in the best way of harmful wildlife or excessive climate. Violent crime in the direction of vacationers is uncommon with petty theft being the obvious hazard. Take care when on England’s coastal paths and seashores, lock up valuables and keep away from dimly lit streets and enormous housing estates within the suburbs of England’s cities.
In Conclusion
Now you recognize about the very best locations to go to in England, which of them would you want to go to first? From an action-packed few days in London or Liverpool to the calm serenity of the Cotswolds, Dartmoor, and Lake District, England is such a various vacation spot that’s filled with so many superb locations to go.
No journey is full with out admiring the monolithic stones at Stonehenge, seeing the historic schools of Cambridge, and naturally, indulging in among the finest English food and drinks on the many pubs and inns throughout the land. So, what are you ready for? E-book that journey to England immediately.
