15 Best Places to Visit in England

England is a improbable 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 gorgeous locations in England simply ready to be explored.

Though England has a considerably damaging repute for its meals, consuming and ingesting your means 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 standard pub lunch in a country inn.

15 Greatest Locations to Go to in England

Beneath, you’ll discover a wide array of the perfect 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 without doubt one of the greatest 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, wonderful eating places, and naturally some nice bars and pubs too. London makes an excellent place to begin on any journey to my residence nation and is definitely one of many prime locations to go to in England.

London is the proper vacation spot for first-time guests, {couples} searching for a romantic weekend, and households too due to its many wonderful sights. Soak up a present, watch the altering of the guard, store ’til you drop, or simply absorb the ambiance 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 wonderful connections to 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, sample the food at Borough Market, discover the reveals on the British Museum, and calm down in considered one of London’s many Royal Parks.

2. The Cotswolds

In case you’re seeking to go to one of the lovely locations in England, then the Cotswolds are exhausting to beat. This beautiful rural a part of southwest England is residence to rolling hills, picturesque villages, and a number of the most lovely cities within the nation.

That is considered one of my prime locations to go to for mountain climbing and discovering some superb rural pubs and inns. The village of Slad in Gloucestershire is the place considered one of my favourite writers is buried (Laurie Lee) and throughout from the small churchyard is an excellent pub with beautiful views throughout the countryside.

Different prime 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 Bath identified for its freshwater springs and Roman tub 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 Method, and discover a number of the prettiest villages in England similar to Bourton on the Water and Slad.

3. Lake District Nationwide Park

The Lake District is without doubt one of 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 without doubt 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 total English breakfast.

The Lake District is residence to Scafell Pike, the best mountain in England at 3,208 ft (978 meters). The reasonably robust hike to the highest and again normally 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 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 situated within the beautiful county of Cumbria in northern England, not removed from the border with Scotland.

Getting There: The Nationwide Park is reachable by street 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 considered one of 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 (considered one of 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, the most effective 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 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 heaps to do in and across the metropolis from museums to prime eating places, bars, and pubs. The Kings Arms is all the time widespread 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 value trying out).

Getting There: The town is nicely related to the remainder of the UK by street 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 wonderful pubs.

There are such a lot of fantastic things to do in Cornwall from browsing at world-famous breaks similar to 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 improbable vacation spot for foodies with a number of the greatest 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 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 street and rail. The closest station is Bodmin with direct day by day trains from London. This wonderful five-day tour consists of the perfect 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 the sub-tropical biomes at the Eden Project.

6. Southwold

I grew up in rural East Anglia, which includes the southeastern counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. The world is understood for its huge swathes of farmland, massive skies, quiet seashores, and serene but unimposing landscapes.

Suffolk’s Southwold is without doubt one of the greatest cities to go to in England because it embodies all the perfect options of East Anglia. Its shingle and sandy seashores are the proper locations for enjoyable 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 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 situated in Suffolk on the east coast of England round 40 miles from Ipswich.

Getting There: There are direct rail and street hyperlinks from London and Norwich. Attending to Southwold by public transport is just not the simplest (but perfectly possible), so having your individual 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, normally as a stop-off on the best way to Cornwall. The Nationwide Park is residence 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 excellent place to expertise the nice outdoor and one of many solely actual wilderness areas left in England. Dartmoor is ideal for mountain climbing, tenting, kayaking, orienteering, and horseback using 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 made out 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) continuously come to graze.

Location: Dartmoor National 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 wonderful 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 the perfect of Devon and Cornwall, together with a visit to Dartmoor.

Issues To Do: Mountain climbing, horseback using, 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 due to its inclusion in Bram Stoker’s traditional story Dracula (considered one of my favourite books of all time). As a consequence 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 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 excellent 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 searching for one thing somewhat totally 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 definitely reachable by street from close by cities similar 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 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 national park, with many fascinating close by cities and cities similar to Brighton (the most effective cities in England for its seashores and pier), Haslemere, and Portsmouth.

The southernmost level of the downs features a beautiful 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 experience passes proper by 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 a number of the locations off the overwhelmed 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 street 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 experience and discover the numerous pubs throughout the Downs (the Pelham Arms within the charming city of Lewes is considered one of my favorites).

10. Liverpool

Liverpool is without doubt one of the most well-known cities and greatest 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, 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 also be thought-about 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 value trying out 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 trying out its many improbable 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 situated on the banks of the River Mersey (Merseyside) in northwest England.

Getting There: There are direct street and rail hyperlinks to Liverpool from all the foremost cities in England similar to London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol. John Lennon Airport is 6.5 miles (10km) from 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 widespread and ubiquitous cheeses on this planet. Nevertheless, what’s arguably extra spectacular (at the least for me) is the beautiful Cheddar Gorge; a big limestone ravine/canyon operating 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) round trip walk up above the gorge presents beautiful views and takes in a number of the caverns, and different locations of curiosity alongside the best way.

The gorge is dotted with caves and it’s in considered one of these that the Cheddar Man was present in 1903. Cheddar Man is the oldest full skeleton ever present in England and is assumed up to now again round 9,000 years. As a lover of each the outside and historical past, this, for me, is without doubt one of the greatest 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 achieve by public transport so having your individual automotive is really helpful. 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 unimaginable Jurassic Coast undoubtedly a must-see place in England due to its beautiful 95-mile (153km) stretch of shoreline. Right here you’ll discover towering cliffs, delicate, sand seashores, and the prospect 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 individual fossils and take a bit of historical past residence with you.

Some 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 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 definitely reachable by street from the remainder of the UK. There are direct trains to Poole and Bournemouth the place you’ll be able to take native buses to most 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 lovely locations in England).

13. Cambridge

Cambridge is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in England for its structure, historic faculties, nice riverside walks, and wonderful museums. It’s considered one of my favourite cities in England (and higher than its rival Oxford, sorry, not sorry) and someplace I go to continuously.

The most effective walks in Cambridge is “the backs” behind the universities and alongside the River Cam. It’s an excellent place for a picnic with magnificent views throughout the river to a number of the prime faculties on this planet together with St John’s, Trinity, Clare, King’s, and Queen’s. Taking a tour can also be a good way to see the perfect highlights of town.

The Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is considered one of my favourite museums within the nation due to its fascinating reveals, pictures, and artworks. The Roman and Egyptian sections are nicely value a glance. The town can also be residence to some wonderful pubs. The Tipsy Vegan is a superb possibility should you’re searching for one thing somewhat totally 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 straightforward to achieve by street 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

In case you’re searching for someplace to go in England for an lively, out of doors journey then Thetford Forest in Norfolk is a superb possibility. I’ve been tenting in Thetford many occasions and there are some wonderful mountain-biking trails, mountain climbing paths a prehistoric flint mine at Grime’s Graves, and an adventure park with raised platforms by 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 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 normally 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 one of the simplest ways 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 without doubt one of the greatest 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 attainable to go to Stonehenge and stroll across the stones, although you’ll be able to’t get proper as much as them any longer – you continue to may once I was a baby.

It’s believed the stones date way back to 2,000 to three,000 BC. Every stone is round 13 ft (4 meters) excessive, seven ft (2.1 meters) huge, and weighs a whopping 25 tonnes.

The most effective occasions to go to what is without doubt one of the highlights of England is on both of the solstices. In years passed by there was large events the place hippies, druids, and vacationers would get collectively and watch the dawn by the stones, (however that has since been banned). Nevertheless, you’ll be able to 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 principle route from London to Cornwall) and is greatest visited both with your individual transport or by tour. This tour from London is a improbable possibility and consists of entry to the inside circle outdoors regular hours.

Issues To Do: Stroll among the many historical stones and discover barrows and different archaeological sites near Stonehenge.

Entry charge: Adults £22.00, kids £13.50. You possibly can book tickets online.

Getting Round England

The primary cities and cities of England are all interconnected by a superb street and rail infrastructure making getting round straightforward. For visiting extra rural areas it’s greatest to have your individual transport so hiring a automotive will be helpful.

Native buses are low cost and simple to make use of, and National Express Coaches are nice for city-to-city or long-distance journeys (I take advantage of the service continuously). Trains are a cushty means of touring round England, however widespread routes replenish quick and the perfect 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 could have only a few days or for much longer, these itineraries will enable you to get the perfect out of your journey to this unimaginable nation.

3 Days in England

In case you solely have three days in England then it’s greatest to stay to London and the south as you’ll be able to discover a number of the greatest locations to go to in England which are in comparatively shut proximity.

Use someday to see the foremost websites in London similar to Buckingham Palace, the Homes of Parliament, Massive 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 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 perfect locations in England use a few days to discover the London sights. By basing your self in London you’ll additionally have the ability to discover close by locations similar 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 prime museums and leisure choices (the Jorvik Viking Centre being one of many highlights). From York, you may also take a day journey to Whitby, and go to Windemere and the beautiful 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 effective period of time to find the perfect issues to see in England. Comply with the above itinerary for one week with a number of days in London. Head west to discover the beautiful cities and villages of the Cotswolds earlier than shifting on to Cornwall (with a cease at Stonehenge as it’s on the best way).

You possibly can take the prepare 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 offer you extra freedom, and it’s easy to drive from London.

Discover the attractive seashores of Cornwall and cities similar 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 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 think about taking the bus which though longer, can typically be extra snug 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 essentially the most lovely locations in England.

In Conclusion

Now about the perfect 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 faculties of Cambridge, and naturally, indulging in a number of the greatest 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 right this moment.