England is an amazing place with a wealth of history, gorgeous national parks, stunning beaches, and interesting museums. From charming villages to bustling cities, there’s so much to uncover.
I’ve spent most of my life in England and have traveled widely across the country. Whether it’s the peaceful southeast where I grew up, the beautiful beaches of Cornwall and Devon, or the northern treasures like York, there are countless beautiful spots in England waiting to be explored.
While England might not have the best reputation for its food, eating your way around the country is a delight with a wide variety of cuisines. You can savor a Michelin-starred meal in London or enjoy a traditional pub lunch in a rustic inn.
Here’s a look at some of the top places to visit in England—from tiny villages to large cities, pristine nature spots with historic sites and castles, you won’t be bored for a moment.
London is the lively capital of England and one of the best cities to visit. There’s always something to do, even when it’s raining! You can explore numerous museums like the world-famous British Museum, visit Buckingham Palace, or see the Tower of London.
I’ve lived in London off and on for years, and I love exploring the galleries, parks, excellent restaurants, and of course, the bars and pubs. London is a great starting point for any trip to England and is one of the top spots to visit.
London is an excellent destination for first-time visitors, couples looking for a romantic weekend, and families too. You can watch a show, see the changing of the guard, shop till you drop, or just soak up the atmosphere of this world city.
Located in the southeast of England on the River Thames, London is about 50 miles from the coast, offering many possibilities for seaside day trips. It’s well-connected with three major airports and excellent rail links to the rest of the UK, as well as to France and Belgium via the Eurostar.
Things to do in London: Visit Buckingham Palace, shop in Covent Garden, sample the food at Borough Market, explore the exhibits at the British Museum, and relax in one of London’s many Royal Parks.
For a taste of the countryside, the Cotswolds are hard to beat. This stunning rural part of southwest England is known for its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and charming towns.
It’s perfect for hiking and discovering quaint rural pubs and inns. The village of Slad in Gloucestershire is a highlight, offering beautiful views across the countryside. Other top spots include Chipping Norton, Bourton-on-the-Water, and the historic town of Bath, known for its Roman bathhouses.
The Cotswolds span across several counties in the southwest of England, making them easily accessible from London and other parts of the country by bus, train, or car.
Things to do in the Cotswolds: Visit Arlington Row, Kelmscott Manor, walk the Cotswold Way, and explore beautiful villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Slad.
The Lake District is another must-see, granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017. Centered around Lake Windermere, this national park offers scenic views and plenty of activities like boating, hiking, and swimming. The area is also known for the Cumberland sausage, a staple of the full English breakfast.
Best known for being home to England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, the Lake District offers some of the best hikes in England. The stunning scenery of mountains and lakes is a must-see.
Located in Cumbria in northern England, the Lake District is reachable by road from cities like Leeds and Manchester. The nearest rail station is Windermere.
Things to do in the Lake District: Hike around Lake Windermere, take a boat trip, climb Scafell Pike, see a play at the theater, and visit the last operational mine in England.
The charming city of York is another favorite destination. Known for its narrow lanes, cobblestone streets, magnificent cathedral, and the Jorvik Viking Museum, York offers a fantastic mix of history and modern attractions.
York, set on the banks of the River Ouse, is also close to the North Yorkshire Dales, perfect for sampling rural life. It’s a great place for a city break with many museums, restaurants, and pubs to explore.
Located in North Yorkshire, just 30 miles from Leeds, York is well connected by road and rail. The closest airport is Leeds-Bradford International.
Things to do in York: Visit York Minster Cathedral, experience the Jorvik Viking Centre, walk along the Roman city walls, take a selfie in “the Shambles,” and go on a sightseeing cruise on the River Ouse.
Cornwall is a personal favorite of mine. I’ve been visiting since I was a child and love its pristine beaches, dramatic clifftop walks, picturesque fishing villages, and excellent pubs. Cornwall is perfect for hiking, water activities, and enjoying the local cuisine.
Located in the westernmost part of England, getting to Cornwall is easy via road and rail. The nearest station is Bodmin, with direct daily trains from London.
Things to do in Cornwall: Learn to surf, hike the South West Coast Path, visit Port Isaac, feast on seafood in Padstow, and explore the Eden Project.
If you appreciate tranquil rural settings, then East Anglia, composed of Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, is ideal. Known for its vast farmland, quiet beaches, and serene landscapes, it’s a beautiful, peaceful part of England.
Southwold in Suffolk is one of the best towns to visit in East Anglia with its shingle and sandy beaches, welcoming pubs like Sole Bay Inn, and the famous Adnams Brewery.
Located on the east coast of England, about 40 miles from Ipswich, getting to Southwold is easier with a car, although public transport options are available.
Things to do in Southwold: Enjoy the beach, go camping, visit the Adnams Brewery, and hike along the coast path.
Dartmoor, a stunning national park in Devon, is another of my favorites. It’s a great place for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, kayaking, and horseback riding. The villages here, like Belstone, are incredibly charming with traditional stone houses and local pubs.
Located in Devon, Dartmoor is accessible from Exeter, which has excellent transport links. The five-day tour from Devon to Cornwall is a great way to explore Dartmoor.
Things to do in Dartmoor: Hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking, and camping.
Whitby, a northeastern seaside town, is known for its association with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, stunning abbey, and its annual gothic festival. The town’s working harbor, historic pubs like The Duke of York, and museums make it a unique place to visit.
Located on the coast of North Yorkshire, Whitby is easily reachable by road and has direct rail links to larger cities like London.
Things to do in Whitby: See Whitby Abbey, attend the gothic festival, visit the James Cook Memorial Museum, and hike along the coast.
The South Downs, stretching across southern England, is perfect for hiking and biking with its rolling hills and charming towns. It’s easily reached from London, making it a great spot for a day trip.
Things to do in the South Downs: Go hiking, join the London to Brighton bike ride, and explore the many pubs across the Downs.
Liverpool, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is a must-visit. Famous for its music scene and friendly locals, Liverpool offers sights like the Maritime Museum and stunning dockside areas.
Located on the River Mersey, Liverpool is well-connected by road, rail, and has an international airport.
Things to do in Liverpool: Take a sightseeing cruise, visit the Beatles Museum, explore the old docks, and visit the Museum of Liverpool.
Cheddar, known for its famous cheese and stunning gorge, is perfect for hiking and rock climbing. The area’s caves and historical sites like the Cheddar Man Museum add to its allure.
Located in Somerset, western England, Cheddar Gorge is best reached by car due to limited public transport options.
Things to do in Cheddar: Rock climbing, caving, cycling, hiking, and visiting the Cheddar Man Museum of Prehistory.
The Jurassic Coast is a stunning 95-mile stretch of coastline perfect for beach lovers and fossil hunters. Known for its ancient rock formations, it’s a fascinating UNESCO world heritage site.
Stretching across Devon and Dorset, the Jurassic Coast is easily reached by road with direct trains to nearby towns like Poole and Bournemouth.
Things to do: Take a boat trip, search for fossils, enjoy a day at the beach, and see picturesque Branscombe.
Cambridge, with its historic colleges and riverside walks, is one of the best places to visit in England. I frequent this city for its beautiful architecture, excellent museums, and lovely pubs.
Located 60 miles north of London, Cambridge is easily reached by train and road.
Things to do in Cambridge: Explore the colleges, walk along “the backs,” visit the archaeology museum, shop at the market, or see a performance at the Corn Exchange.
For an outdoor adventure, Thetford Forest in Norfolk offers excellent biking trails, hiking paths, and a prehistoric flint mine. It’s perfect for camping and outdoor fun.
Located in Norfolk, Thetford is accessible by road and rail, with daily trains from London.
Things to do in Thetford: Walk through the forest canopy, go mountain biking, camping, and visit Grime’s Graves.
Stonehenge, one of England’s most iconic sites, is a must-see. While you can no longer walk right up to the stones, it’s still a fascinating site with a rich history dating back thousands of years.
Located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, Stonehenge is best visited by car or through a tour.
Things to do: Walk among the ancient stones and explore nearby archaeological sites.
England is well-connected by an excellent road and rail system, making travel easy. For more rural areas, renting a car is the best option. Local buses and National Express Coaches are also good options for getting around.
Here are some itineraries to make the most of your trip:
For just three days, stick to London and the south. Spend a day in London exploring major sights, then take day trips to places like Cambridge or Stonehenge.
With one week, explore London, nearby places like Cambridge, Thetford Forest, Stonehenge, the South Downs, Southwold, and York. From York, take day trips to Whitby and the Lake District.
For ten days, follow the one-week itinerary, then head west to the Cotswolds and Cornwall. Check out towns like Bath, Newquay, and Tintagel. Finish with visits to Liverpool and York before returning to London.
England is worth visiting for its history, culture, food, and scenic landscapes. From London’s bustling city life to the serene beauty of the countryside, there’s something for everyone.
London is the most popular destination, with many attractions to explore. Early summer, especially June, is a great time to visit, offering warm weather perfect for outdoor activities. The west country, including Cornwall, Devon, and the Cotswolds, is considered the prettiest part of England.
London makes an ideal base with excellent transport links, and there are plenty of interesting day trips to enjoy from the city.
England is generally very safe, but like anywhere else, it’s wise to be cautious of petty theft and to stay aware of your surroundings.
With so many amazing places to visit, from historic sites like Stonehenge and Cambridge to beautiful countryside spots like the Cotswolds and Lake District, England has something to offer everyone. Plan your trip and enjoy all the incredible experiences this country has to offer.
