England is a implausible vacation spot with a wealthy historical past, beautiful nationwide parks, seashores, museums, and a lot extra to find. There are various fantastic 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 extensively. From the serene southeast the place I grew as much as the beautiful coastlines of Cornwall and Devon, and northern gems like York, there’s an virtually countless quantity of lovely locations in England simply ready to be explored.
Though England has a considerably adverse popularity for its meals, consuming and ingesting your means across the nation is an absolute pleasure with so many cuisines to select from. You may get pleasure from a Michelin-starred meal in London or a conventional pub lunch in a country inn.
15 Finest Locations to Go to in England
Beneath, you’ll discover a wide array of one of the 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 received’t be bored for a second.
1. London (One of many Finest Locations to Go to in England)
London is England’s beating coronary heart and thriving capital and is likely one of 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, massive metropolis parks, glorious eating places, and naturally some nice bars and pubs too. London makes an amazing start line on any journey to my house nation and is actually one of many high locations to go to in England.
London is the proper vacation spot for first-time guests, {couples} in search of a romantic weekend, and households too because of its many glorious sights. Soak up a present, watch the altering of the guard, store ’til you drop, or simply absorb the environment of this world metropolis.
Location: London is situated 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 by way of the Eurostar.
Issues To Do: Go to Buckingham Palace, store in Covent Backyard, pattern the meals at Borough Market, discover the displays on the British Museum, and calm down in one in all London’s many Royal Parks.
2. The Cotswolds
Should you’re seeking to go to one of the lovely locations in England, then the Cotswolds are arduous to beat. This attractive rural a part of southwest England is house to rolling hills, picturesque villages, and a number of the most lovely cities within the nation.
That is one in all 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 in all my favourite writers is buried (Laurie Lee) and throughout from the small churchyard is an glorious pub with beautiful views throughout the countryside.
Different high Cotswold cities and villages embody 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 Bathtub identified 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, practice, 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 a number of the prettiest villages in England resembling Bourton on the Water and Slad.
3. Lake District Nationwide Park
The Lake District is likely one of the most lovely locations to see in England and the Nationwide Park was granted UNESCO World Heritage standing 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 likely one of the most scenic elements of England and is ideal for boating, mountain climbing, swimming (don’t anticipate heat water!), and exploring a few of northern England’s most picturesque cities and villages. The world can also be well-known for the Cumberland sausage, which is a staple of the complete English breakfast.
The Lake District is house to Scafell Pike, the very best mountain in England at 3,208 toes (978 meters). The reasonably robust hike to the highest and again often takes round three to 4 hours and is the proper place for a picnic with beautiful views throughout the peaks and lakes.
Though I’ve pushed by the Nationwide Park and may attest to its grandeur and wonder, I’ve not bought round to climbing “the Pike” but, however I goal to treatment that very quickly.
Location: The Lake District Nationwide Park is situated 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 also 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 in all my favourite locations to go to in England. This northern metropolis is famed for its slim lanes and cobbled streets, magnificent cathedral, and the Jorvik Viking Museum (one in all 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, top-of-the-line locations to go in England to pattern rural life. I’ve household that lives up this manner 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 superb place for a metropolis break with tons to do in and across the metropolis from museums to high eating places, bars, and pubs. The Kings Arms is all the time well-liked 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 pleasing college city additionally price testing).
Getting There: The town is effectively linked 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 might 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 fantastic issues to do in Cornwall from browsing at world-famous breaks resembling Newquay to exploring the county’s fascinating heritage and tales of King Arthur, smuggling, pirates, fishing, and mining.
The county of Cornwall can also be a implausible vacation spot for foodies with a number of the finest seafood within the UK contemporary off the boat. Different must-try meals and drinks embody Cornish pasties, cream teas with Cornish clotted cream, beers, ciders, and wines to call however just a few 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 house to the westernmost level of the mainland British Isles at Land’s Finish.
Getting There: Cornwall is well reachable from the remainder of the UK by highway and rail. The closest station is Bodmin with direct day by day trains from London. This glorious five-day tour contains one of the best of each Cornwall and Devon.
Issues To Do: Be taught to surf, hike the South West Coast Path, go to picturesque Port Isaac, feast on seafood in Padstow, and stroll by the sub-tropical biomes at the Eden Venture.
6. Southwold
I grew up in rural East Anglia, which includes the southeastern counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. The world is thought for its huge swathes of farmland, massive skies, quiet seashores, and serene but unimposing landscapes.
Suffolk’s Southwold is likely one of the finest cities to go to in England because it embodies all one of the best options of East Anglia. Its shingle and sandy seashores are the proper locations for stress-free at any time of the yr 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 may get pleasure from a pint in one of many many pubs, and even go to the brewery for a tour.
Location: Southwold is situated 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 just isn’t the simplest (however completely attainable), so having your personal automotive is the best 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 way in which to Cornwall. The Nationwide Park is house to a number of the most lovely stone villages in England in addition to beautiful surroundings with rivers, waterfalls, and brooding moorland.
It’s an amazing place to expertise the good 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 just a few of the actions on supply.
My favourite place in Dartmoor is a tiny village referred to as Belstone the place the homes are created from domestically quarried stone; there’s a homely pub referred to as The Tors Inn and a small widespread the place wild horses (the well-known Dartmoor ponies) steadily come to graze.
Location: Dartmoor Nationwide Park is situated 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 also be an exquisite place to remain/discover). This five-day tour takes in one of the best of Devon and Cornwall, together with a visit to Dartmoor.
Issues To Do: Mountaineering, horseback driving, mountaineering, kayaking, and tenting.
8. Whitby
The northeastern seaside resort of Whitby is a captivating fishing city with a working harbor. It additionally has an extended affiliation with the macabre because of its inclusion in Bram Stoker’s basic story Dracula (one in all my favourite books of all time). As a result of its ties with Dracula, the city has an annual gothic competition 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 Prepare 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 an amazing 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 if you happen to’re in search of one thing just a little completely different, you’ll want to try this fascinating city.
Location: Whitby is situated on the coast of North Yorkshire in northern England.
Getting There: The city is well reachable by highway from close by cities resembling 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 competition, go to the James Prepare 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 nationwide park, with many fascinating close by cities and cities resembling Brighton (top-of-the-line 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 just a few instances over time and love the surroundings of rolling hills stretching right down to the coast.
The well-known 55-mile London to Brighton bike journey passes proper by the South Downs and is a good way to discover this lovely a part of England. Should you’re visiting in June, rent your self a motorbike and get some contemporary air whereas exploring a number of 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 world.
Issues To Do: Go mountain climbing, be a part of the London to Brighton cycle journey and discover the numerous pubs throughout the Downs (the Pelham Arms within the charming city of Lewes is one in all my favorites).
10. Liverpool
Liverpool is likely one of the most well-known cities and finest locations to go to in England because of 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 expertise is a should for any fan of the “fab 4”.
Liverpool can also be thought-about England’s Capital of Tradition 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 testing to be taught extra in regards to the metropolis and its eclectic tradition.
I’ve visited Liverpool on many events and all the time love exploring the dockside space and testing its many implausible pubs and eating places (head to the Swan Inn if you happen to like a little bit of rock music together with your pint, and mingling with tremendous pleasant locals).
Location: Liverpool is situated 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 resembling 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 well-liked and ubiquitous cheeses on the earth. Nonetheless, what’s arguably extra spectacular (no less than for me) is the beautiful Cheddar Gorge; a big limestone ravine/canyon working by the Mendip Hills.
The world is ideal for mountain climbing and is a well-liked place for mountaineering with virtually 600 climbing routes on the south aspect of the gorge. This robust 3.7 mile (6.5km) spherical journey stroll up above the gorge affords beautiful views and takes in a number of the caverns, and different locations of curiosity alongside the way in which.
The gorge is dotted with caves and it’s in one in all these that the Cheddar Man was present in 1903. Cheddar Man is the oldest full skeleton ever present in England and is assumed so far again round 9,000 years. As a lover of each the outside and historical past, this, for me, is likely one of the finest locations to go in England.
Location: Cheddar Gorge is situated in Somerset in western England. It’s not removed from the cities of Bristol (19 miles) and Bathtub (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 practice to Bristol, change for Weston-Tremendous-Mare after which take bus 126 to Cheddar. This day journey from London takes within the Cheddar Gorge in addition to close by Glastonbury.
Issues To Do: Mountaineering, caving, biking, mountain climbing, and visiting the Cheddar Man Museum of Prehistory.
12. The Jurassic Coast
The unimaginable Jurassic Coast undoubtedly a must-see place in England because of its beautiful 95-mile (153km) stretch of shoreline. Right here you’ll discover towering cliffs, mushy, sand seashores, and the possibility to identify hundred-million-year-old fossils in addition to some fascinating wildlife and sea life.
The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO world heritage web site identified 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 yow will discover your personal fossils and take a bit of historical past house with you.
One of the vital 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. You’ll want to pop into the attractive 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 well reachable by highway from the remainder of the UK. There are direct trains to Poole and Bournemouth the place you possibly can take native buses to lots of the cities and villages alongside the coast.
Issues To Do: Take a ship journey alongside the Jurassic Coast, seek for fossils, get pleasure from a day on the seashore, and see the picturesque village of Branscombe (one of the lovely locations in England).
13. Cambridge
Cambridge is likely one of the finest locations to go to in England for its structure, historic schools, nice riverside walks, and glorious museums. It’s one in all my favourite cities in England (and higher than its rival Oxford, sorry, not sorry) and someplace I go to steadily.
Among the best walks in Cambridge is “the backs” behind the universities and alongside the River Cam. It’s an amazing place for a picnic with magnificent views throughout the river to a number of the high schools on the earth together with St John’s, Trinity, Clare, King’s, and Queen’s. Taking a tour can also be a good way to see one of the best highlights of the town.
The Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is one in all my favourite museums within the nation because of its fascinating displays, images, and artworks. The Roman and Egyptian sections are effectively price a glance. The town can also be house to some glorious pubs. The Tipsy Vegan is a superb choice if you happen to’re in search of one thing just a little completely different.
Location: Cambridge is situated 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 also be simple to succeed in by highway by way of 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 Change.
14. Thetford Forest
Should you’re in search of someplace to go in England for an energetic, outside journey then Thetford Forest in Norfolk is a wonderful choice. I’ve been tenting in Thetford many instances and there are some glorious mountain-biking trails, mountain climbing paths a prehistoric flint mine at Grime’s Graves, and an journey park with raised platforms by the forest cover.
You may rent bikes from Excessive Lodge for the day and select any one of many trails. Every path is shade coded for issue with inexperienced being the simplest and black being essentially the most difficult.
There’s lots 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 provides you with extra freedom to discover. There are day by day trains from London to Thetford with a change in Cambridge.
Issues To Do: Stroll by 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 likely one of 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 bought there. It’s attainable to go to Stonehenge and stroll across the stones, although you possibly can’t get proper as much as them any longer – you continue to might after I was a baby.
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) broad, and weighs a whopping 25 tonnes.
Among the best instances to go to what is likely one of the highlights of England is on both of the solstices. In years passed by there was once enormous events the place hippies, druids, and vacationers would get collectively and watch the dawn by the stones, (however that has since been banned). Nonetheless, you possibly can nonetheless go to throughout winter or summer season solstice and witness the magic of the dawn.
Location: Stonehenge is situated on Salisbury Plain within the county of Wiltshire in southwestern England.
Getting There: Stonehenge is situated 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 contains entry to the interior circle outdoors regular hours.
Issues To Do: Stroll among the many historical stones and discover barrows and different archaeological websites near Stonehenge.
Entry payment: Adults £22.00, youngsters £13.50. You may ebook tickets on-line.
Getting Round England
The primary cities and cities of England are all interconnected by a superb highway and rail infrastructure making getting round simple. 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 simple to make use of, and Nationwide Specific Coaches are nice for city-to-city or long-distance journeys (I take advantage of the service steadily). Trains are a cushty means of touring round England, however well-liked routes replenish quick and one of the best costs are discovered by reserving effectively prematurely.
Fast Itineraries for England
Listed here are just a few easy itineraries to observe when visiting England. Whether or not you could have only a few days or for much longer, these itineraries will enable you get one of the best out of your journey to this unimaginable nation.
3 Days in England
Should you solely have three days in England then it’s finest to stay to London and the south as you possibly can discover a number of the finest locations to go to in England which can be in comparatively shut proximity.
Use in the future to see the foremost websites in London resembling Buckingham Palace, the Homes of Parliament, Huge 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
You probably have one week to see one of the best locations in England use a few days to discover the London sights. By basing your self in London you’ll additionally be capable to discover close by locations resembling 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 can even take a day journey to Whitby, and go to Windemere and the beautiful Lake District.
You may journey by practice 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 one of the best issues to see in England. Observe the above itinerary for one week with just a few days in London. Head west to discover the attractive cities and villages of the Cotswolds earlier than shifting on to Cornwall (with a cease at Stonehenge as it’s on the way in which).
You may take the practice from London to Bathtub (hourly trains from London Paddington take round 90 minutes) and base your self there to discover the Costwolds. Hiring a automotive can be preferable to provide you extra freedom, and it’s easy to drive from London.
Discover the attractive seashores of Cornwall and cities resembling 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 minimize throughout to the Lake District and onto York, earlier than returning to London.
There are trains from Bathtub to Bodmin and Liverpool, and from Liverpool to York. Additionally contemplate taking the bus which though longer, can typically be extra snug and can prevent cash too. Once more, hiring a automotive is the best choice if you happen to’ll be spending greater than every week in England.
Locations to Go to in England: FAQs
Solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting essentially 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 certainly 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 good English cities have to supply or escape into the attractive countryside.
London is the most well-liked place to go to in England and receives essentially the most guests every year (round 20 million international guests yearly). With so many glorious sights from Huge Ben to the London Eye, galleries, museums, and eating places, it’s simple to see why.
Early summer season and the month of June is a superb 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 beautiful countryside.
London is the apparent 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 simple and enjoyable day journeys from the town.
England is legendary for its Royal Household, castles, afternoon tea, (and shedding at soccer). You may see the royal residences, go to England’s castles, and even lose at soccer on a visit to this numerous and fascinating nation.
England is usually a very secure place to go to with little in the way in which of harmful wildlife or excessive climate. Violent crime in 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 huge housing estates within the suburbs of England’s cities.
In Conclusion
Now you realize about one of the 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 a number of the finest English food and drinks on the many pubs and inns throughout the land. So, what are you ready for? Guide that journey to England immediately.
