15 Finest Locations to Go to in England

England is a implausible vacation spot with a wealthy historical past, gorgeous nationwide parks, seashores, museums, and a lot extra to find. There are lots 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 virtually countless quantity of lovely locations in England simply ready to be explored.

Though England has a considerably adverse fame for its meals, consuming and consuming your means across the nation is an absolute pleasure with so many cuisines to select from. You may take pleasure in a Michelin-starred meal in London or a standard pub lunch in a country inn.

15 Finest Locations to Go to in England

Beneath, you’ll discover a big selection 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 Finest 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 wonderful issues to do in London from exploring the various 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, wonderful eating places, and naturally some nice bars and pubs too. London makes an excellent place to begin on any journey to my house nation and is actually one of many high locations to go to in England.

London is the right vacation spot for first-time guests, {couples} on the lookout for a romantic weekend, and households too because of its many wonderful sights. Absorb a present, watch the altering of the guard, store ’til you drop, or simply take in the ambiance 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 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, pattern the meals at Borough Market, discover the displays on the British Museum, and loosen up in considered one of London’s many Royal Parks.

2. The Cotswolds

Should you’re seeking to go to one of the stunning locations in England, then the Cotswolds are exhausting to beat. This attractive rural a part of southwest England is house to rolling hills, picturesque villages, and a few of the most stunning cities within the nation.

That is considered one of my high locations to go to for mountain climbing and discovering some wonderful 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 wonderful pub with gorgeous 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 recognized 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, practice, automobile, 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 few of the prettiest villages in England resembling Bourton on the Water and Slad.

3. Lake District Nationwide Park

The Lake District is without doubt one of the most stunning 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 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 realm 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 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 right place for a picnic with gorgeous views throughout the peaks and lakes.

Though I’ve pushed via the Nationwide Park and may attest to its grandeur and sweetness, I’ve not bought round to climbing “the Pike” but, however I purpose to treatment that very quickly.

Location: The Lake District Nationwide 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 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 glorious 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).

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 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 all the time common with locals and has the right 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: Town is effectively 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 might stroll and return repeatedly to take pleasure in its pristine seashores, dramatic clifftop walks, picturesque fishing villages, and wonderful pubs.

There are such a lot of great issues to do in Cornwall from browsing at world-famous breaks resembling Newquay to exploring the county’s attention-grabbing 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 few 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 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 street and rail. The closest station is Bodmin with direct each day trains from London. This wonderful five-day tour contains the very 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 via the sub-tropical biomes at the Eden Mission.

6. Southwold

I grew up in rural East Anglia, which includes the southeastern counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. The realm is understood for its huge swathes of farmland, huge 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 very best options of East Anglia. Its shingle and sandy seashores are the right locations for stress-free at any time of the yr and are nice spots to camp in summer time.

The city is filled with 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 take pleasure in 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 street hyperlinks from London and Norwich. Attending to Southwold by public transport will not be the simplest (however completely doable), so having your individual automobile 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 house to a few of the most stunning stone villages in England in addition to gorgeous 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 driving to call however a number of of the actions on supply.

My favourite place in Dartmoor is a tiny village known as Belstone the place the homes are constructed from regionally 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) steadily come to graze.

Location: Dartmoor Nationwide 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 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 very best of Devon and Cornwall, together with a visit to Dartmoor.

Issues To Do: Mountain climbing, horseback driving, mountain climbing, kayaking, and tenting.

8. Whitby

The northeastern seaside resort of Whitby is an enthralling fishing city with a working harbor. It additionally has a protracted affiliation with the macabre because of its inclusion in Bram Stoker’s traditional story Dracula (considered one of 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 Cook dinner and there’s a museum within the city devoted to his life and voyages.

The Duke of York is a beautiful previous 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 when you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit of totally different, you should definitely 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 well reachable by street 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 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 realm encompasses a nationwide park, with many attention-grabbing close by cities and cities resembling Brighton (the most effective 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 instances 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 via the South Downs and is a good way to discover this stunning a part of England. Should you’re visiting in June, rent your self a motorcycle and get some contemporary air whereas exploring a few 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 street and rail. Brighton makes the right base for exploring the world.

Issues To Do: Go mountain climbing, be a part of the London to Brighton cycle experience and discover the various 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 because of 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 expertise is a should for any fan of the “fab 4”.

Liverpool can also be thought of 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 study 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 when you like a little bit of rock music together 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 street 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 town.

Issues To Do: Take a sightseeing cruise on the River Mersey, go to the Beatles Museum, discover the previous 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 common and ubiquitous cheeses on the planet. Nevertheless, what’s arguably extra spectacular (at the least for me) is the gorgeous Cheddar Gorge; a big limestone ravine/canyon working via the Mendip Hills.

The realm is ideal for mountain climbing and is a well-liked place for mountain climbing 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 gives gorgeous views and takes in a few 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 so far 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 positioned 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 automobile is really useful. 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: Mountain climbing, caving, biking, mountain climbing, and visiting the Cheddar Man Museum of Prehistory.

12. The Jurassic Coast

The unbelievable Jurassic Coast undoubtedly a must-see place in England because of its gorgeous 95-mile (153km) stretch of shoreline. Right here you’ll discover towering cliffs, smooth, sand seashores, and the possibility 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 website 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 yow will discover your individual fossils and take a chunk of historical past house 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. You’ll want to 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 well reachable by street 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, take pleasure in a day on the seashore, and see the picturesque village of Branscombe (one of the stunning locations in England).

13. Cambridge

Cambridge is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in England for its structure, historic schools, 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 steadily.

Probably the greatest 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 few of the high schools on the 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 very best highlights of town.

The Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is considered one of my favourite museums within the nation because of its fascinating displays, images, and artistic endeavors. The Roman and Egyptian sections are effectively price a glance. Town can also be house to some wonderful pubs. The Tipsy Vegan is a good possibility when you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit of 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 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

Should you’re on the lookout 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 instances and there are some wonderful mountain-biking trails, mountain climbing paths a prehistoric flint mine at Grime’s Graves, and an journey park with raised platforms via 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 a lot to do round Thetford together with visiting the small city which is filled with 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 automobile is one of the best ways to get to Thetford Forest and provides you with extra freedom to discover. There are each day trains from London to Thetford with a change in Cambridge.

Issues To Do: Stroll via 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 bought there. It’s doable 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 once 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) huge, and weighs a whopping 25 tonnes.

Probably the greatest instances 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 via the stones, (however that has since been banned). Nevertheless, you possibly can nonetheless go to throughout winter or summer time 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 principle route from London to Cornwall) and is greatest visited both with your individual transport or by tour. This tour from London is a implausible possibility and contains entry to the internal circle outdoors regular hours.

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

Entry price: Adults £22.00, kids £13.50. You may guide tickets on-line.

Getting Round England

The principle cities and cities of England are all interconnected by a wonderful street and rail infrastructure making getting round straightforward. For visiting extra rural areas it’s greatest to have your individual transport so hiring a automobile 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 exploit the service steadily). Trains are a cushty means of touring round England, however common routes replenish quick and the very best costs are discovered by reserving effectively prematurely.

Fast Itineraries for England

Listed below are a number of easy itineraries to comply with when visiting England. Whether or not you have got just some days or for much longer, these itineraries will provide help to get the very best out of your journey to this unbelievable nation.

3 Days in England

Should you solely have three days in England then it’s greatest to stay to London and the south as you possibly can discover a few of the greatest locations to go to in England which might be in comparatively shut proximity.

Use sooner or later to see the foremost websites in London resembling 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 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 have the ability 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 may also take a day journey to Whitby, and go to Windemere and the gorgeous Lake District.

You may journey by practice or bus from London to York (trains depart London King’s Cross and take slightly 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 shifting on to Cornwall (with a cease at Stonehenge as it’s on the best way).

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 automobile could be preferable to offer you extra freedom, and it’s easy to drive from London.

Discover the gorgeous 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 reduce 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 automobile is the most suitable choice when 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 stunning locations in England.

In Conclusion

Now 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 stuffed with so many wonderful 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 few 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 at the moment.