15 Finest Locations to Go to in England

England is a incredible 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 nearly limitless quantity of lovely locations in England simply ready to be explored.

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

15 Finest Locations to Go to in England

Under, you’ll discover a wide array of the most effective 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 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, 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 prime locations to go to in England.

London is the right vacation spot for first-time guests, {couples} searching for a romantic weekend, and households too due to its many wonderful points of interest. Soak up 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 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 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 calm down in one among London’s many Royal Parks.

2. The Cotswolds

Should you’re seeking to go to one of the crucial lovely locations in England, then the Cotswolds are onerous to beat. This beautiful 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 among 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 one among 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 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, practice, automotive, or by taking a tour.

Issues To Do: See the picturesque homes at Arlington Row, go to Kelmscott Manor, stroll the Cotswold Means, and discover a number of the prettiest villages in England corresponding to 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 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 likely one of the most scenic components 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 realm can be well-known for the Cumberland sausage, which is a staple of the total English breakfast.

The Lake District is house 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 right 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 sweetness, I’ve not received round to climbing “the Pike” but, however I goal 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 be an effective 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 slim lanes and cobbled streets, magnificent cathedral, and the Jorvik Viking Museum (one among my favourite vacationer points of interest as a child).

Town lies on the banks of the River Ouse (pronounced “ooze”) and isn’t removed from the North Yorkshire dales, probably the greatest 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 prime eating places, bars, and pubs. The Kings Arms is all the time fashionable 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 nice college city additionally price trying out).

Getting There: Town is nicely linked 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 again and again to take pleasure in its pristine seashores, dramatic clifftop walks, picturesque fishing villages, and wonderful pubs.

There are such a lot of fantastic issues to do in Cornwall from browsing at world-famous breaks corresponding to Newquay to exploring the county’s fascinating heritage and tales of King Arthur, smuggling, pirates, fishing, and mining.

The county of Cornwall can be a incredible vacation spot for foodies with a number of the greatest seafood within the UK recent 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 consists of the most effective 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 contains the southeastern counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. The realm is understood for its huge swathes of farmland, massive skies, quiet seashores, and serene but unimposing landscapes.

Suffolk’s Southwold is likely one of the greatest cities to go to in England because it embodies all the most effective 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 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 take pleasure in 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 just isn’t the simplest (but perfectly possible), so having your individual automotive is the best choice.

Issues To Do: Benefit from the seaside, 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 excellent 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 using to call however a number of of the actions on provide.

My favourite place in Dartmoor is a tiny village referred to as Belstone the place the homes are constituted of regionally 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) incessantly 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 be a beautiful place to remain/discover). This five-day tour takes in the most effective 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 an enthralling fishing city with a working harbor. It additionally has a protracted 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 competition with attendees decked out in gothic, Victorian, and steampunk apparel.

The gothic Whitby Abbey is a former Benedictine monastery relationship 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 previous Pub within the heart of city. It’s an excellent place to have a drink and seize a chunk to eat (their Sunday roasts are superior). This actually is a hidden gem of England so when you’re searching for one thing somewhat completely different, make sure you take a look at this fascinating city.

Location: Whitby is situated on the coast of North Yorkshire in northern England.

Getting There: The city is well reachable by street 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 an effective 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 realm encompasses a national park, with many fascinating close by cities and cities corresponding to Brighton (probably the greatest 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 right down to the coast.

The well-known 55-mile London to Brighton bike trip passes proper by the South Downs and is an effective way to discover this lovely a part of England. Should you’re visiting in June, rent your self a motorbike and get some recent 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 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 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 likely 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, 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-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 price trying out 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 trying out its many incredible 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 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 key 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 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 crucial fashionable and ubiquitous cheeses on this planet. Nevertheless, 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 realm is ideal for mountain climbing and is a well-liked place for mountaineering with nearly 600 climbing routes on the south facet of the gorge. This powerful 3.7 mile (6.5km) round trip walk up above the gorge gives 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 among these that the Cheddar Man was present in 1903. Cheddar Man is the oldest full skeleton ever present in England and is assumed thus far again round 9,000 years. As a lover of each the outside and historical past, this, for me, is likely 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 Tub (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 practice 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 beautiful 95-mile (153km) stretch of shoreline. Right here you’ll discover towering cliffs, smooth, 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 recognized for its Mesozoic rock formations relationship again 185 million years! Fossils discovered alongside the coast right here have helped additional the understanding of prehistory and the sciences. Comb the seaside to see if you’ll find your individual fossils and take a chunk of historical past house with you.

Some of the picturesque components 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 should definitely pop into the gorgeous 14th Century thatched constructing that’s the Mason Arms for a pint or chunk 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’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, take pleasure in a day on the seaside, and see the picturesque village of Branscombe (one of the crucial lovely locations in England).

13. Cambridge

Cambridge is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in England for its structure, historic faculties, nice riverside walks, and wonderful museums. It’s one among my favourite cities in England (and higher than its rival Oxford, sorry, not sorry) and someplace I go to incessantly.

Among the best 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 be an effective way to see the most effective 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 artistic endeavors. The Roman and Egyptian sections are nicely price a glance. Town can be house to some wonderful pubs. The Tipsy Vegan is a good possibility when you’re searching for one thing somewhat 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 be simple to achieve by street 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 Alternate.

14. Thetford Forest

Should you’re searching for someplace to go in England for an energetic, outside journey then Thetford Forest in Norfolk is a wonderful 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 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 recent 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 offers you extra freedom to discover. There are each 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 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 received there. It’s potential 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 might 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) broad, and weighs a whopping 25 tonnes.

Among the best occasions 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 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 time 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 greatest visited both with your individual transport or by tour. This tour from London is a incredible possibility and consists of entry to the internal circle exterior regular hours.

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

Entry charge: 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 street and rail infrastructure making getting round simple. For visiting extra rural areas it’s greatest to have your individual 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 incessantly). Trains are a snug approach of touring round England, however fashionable routes refill quick and the most effective 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 will have just some days or for much longer, these itineraries will enable you get the most effective 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’ll be able to discover a number of the greatest locations to go to in England which are in comparatively shut proximity.

Use sooner or later to see the key websites in London corresponding to 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 wonderful 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

When you have one week to see the most effective 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 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 prime 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 possibly can 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 effective period of time to find the most effective 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 transferring on to Cornwall (with a cease at Stonehenge as it’s on the way in which).

You possibly can take the practice 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 contemplate taking the bus which though longer, can generally be extra comfy and can prevent cash too. Once more, hiring a automotive is the best choice when you’ll be spending greater than per 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 most effective 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 at the moment.