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I think it’s time to admit the truth, guys… I’m beyond obsessed with England.
After all, as a little girl growing up in Canada, my daily routine consisted of practicing Harry Potter spells, jamming out to the Beatles and dreaming of (one day) marrying into the royal family…
And while I’ve grown older and wiser, (with more realistic goals), my fascination with England has never really ceased. From admiring the country in books and film to exploring its beauty for myself, I’m officially more England-obsessed than ever.
Especially when last month, I had the freedom to explore England by train with BritRail, I realized just how many overlooked destinations there are in this amazing country. Most visitors will flock to London, but today we’re going to dig beyond the capital, from dramatically rugged coastlines to Hogwarts-esque architectural magic. So, if you’re seeking inspiration for your next trip, here are some of the most beautiful places in England I’ve visited so far, plus a few that I have eagerly on my list.
I know I’m still missing plenty of amazing destinations! Let me know in the comments what spots in England I should check out on my next trip.
Stunningly Beautiful Places to Visit in England (Besides London)
England is filled top to bottom with amazing places to explore. Here are a few of my favourites…
1. The Cotswolds
With rolling green hills and charmingly sleepy villages, the Cotswolds are often thought to represent English quaintness at its best. And yes, having road tripped around this area twice now, I can confirm that it is every bit as lovely and wonderful as the photos suggest. There’s so much the Cotswolds have to offer, whether it’s village hopping, antique shopping or nursing a pint or ten in some mega-cozy pubs, so if it’s loveliness on steroids you’re after, be sure to visit the Cotswolds! For extra inspo, click here for my roundup of the best Cotswold villages and towns to visit.
2. Bath
Ask anyone about the most beautiful cities in England, and odds are, you’ll be hearing Bath again and again. Combining a postcard-perfect appeal with unique attractions like a stunning Abbey and historic Roman Baths, this Somerset gem is bar none one of the most beautiful places in the UK.
And whether it’s indulging in a world-famous Sally Lunn bun, or soaking in a day of pampering at Thermae Bath Spa, one thing’s for sure: Bath is a city you need on your bucket list.
3. Cornwall
Venture to the Westernmost point of the country and you’ll be questioning whether or not you’re still in England. The turquoise blue waters of this unique peninsula make it an easy doppleganger for paradise destinations like Southern France or Italy. In Cornwall, you’ll find a bit of everything, from white sand beaches and rugged cliffs to quaint fishing villages and historic ruins. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at surfing (and fail miserably like I did) or as a safer bet, tuck into some of the freshest seafood the UK has to offer.
PS: You have not lived life until you’ve tasted the glory of a fresh Cornish pasty. Packing tip – don’t forget your stretchy pants.
4. The Jurassic Coast
This 95 mile stretch along Southern England (from East Devon to Dorset) is considered one of the most picturesque places in the UK… a fact that’s impossible to argue once you’ve seen it.
With dozens of beautiful towns and villages to explore (including one actually named ‘Beer’), Jurassic Coast visitors are spoiled silly for choice. Unique rock formations and clear blue waters can be found all along this stunning coastline, but if you’re truly crunched for time, don’t miss the iconic Durdle Door in Dorset, a natural limestone arch that is just begging to be photographed.
5. Liverpool
Contrary to popular belief, there is way more to this maritime marvel than its most famous export – the Beatles.
After visiting last month, Liverpool has quickly become one of my favourite cities in England. Besides plenty of world class museums and a vibrant international food scene, Liverpool is full of cool surprises at every turn, from the quirky Superlambanana mascot (yes, literally a lamb/banana hybrid) to architectural gems like this UFO-esque cathedral that (somehow) is even cooler on the inside!
The alien-looking Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
And for Fab Four fanatics, there are plenty of opportunities to run wild, from rocking out at the Cavern Club (where the Beatles played countless gigs) to retracing history at the Beatles Story Museum and Magical Mystery Tour. My fellow fangirls, this city will complete you.
Liverpool’s Superlambanana.
6. Oxford
Now, Oxford is likely a city that needs no introduction. Its reputable university makes it one of the most famous places in England, but besides an array of architecturally stunning colleges and buildings, this city is renowned for epic shopping opportunities (#RIPwallet), stunning green spaces and surprising little spots like Holywell Street, packed with pretty, cotton candy houses.
Don’t miss famous sights like the Radcliffe Camera (FYI, NOT named after Daniel Radcliffe, as a fellow tourist assumed) and of course, take some time to lurk the grounds of famous Oxford colleges like Christ Church, which boasts a Great Hall ripped straight from the pages of Harry Potter. On that note, you can click here for a full list of Harry Potter filming locations around the UK if you’re interested 😉
Holywell St in Oxford
The Great Hall
7. Brighton
Busy, buzzing and vibrant, Brighton is a seaside city packed with fun surprises. A visit to the pier is a touristy must, all the better if you combine it with shameless fair eats and some throwback arcade time.
As for activities, when the temperamental weather allows, you can join the hordes of beachgoers in sunbathing bliss. Otherwise, spend your day hopping around quirky boutiques or the “wow worthy” Royal Pavilion, whose Indian-style architecture is an awesome, photogenic surprise.
Places Still on my England Bucket List
Of course, there’s always more to see and my list is growing longer every second. If the English eye candy above wasn’t sufficient, here are a few of the most beautiful places in England that I still have yet to visit.
8. York
I’ve been told repeatedly that this little city is a must see in England, not just for its epic Medieval charm but also its picturesque tangle of narrow streets, packed brick by brick with heritage and history. There’s plenty of things to do in York for a first timer – it’s where you’ll find the largest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe (the York Minster), alongside a slew of interesting museums and of course, the picture perfect street known as “The Shambles”, one of the country’s most photographed.
9. Cambridge
Having fallen in love with Oxford, it’s only fair that I set my sights on its not-so-secret rival – Cambridge. Besides gorgeous churches and chapels, lush green spaces and impressive university grounds to lurk through, Cambridge is also home to a variety of cool museums and food.
Of course, while here, I would try my hand at punting… or more realistically, I’d sit elegantly in a boat as someone handsome did the work 😉
10. The Lake District
As a raging fangirl of dramatic landscapes and swoonworthy nature, it’s no wonder that the Lake District is near the top of my England bucket list. Often described as an epic playground for the adventurous, I would love to spend my days here hiking, kayaking and channeling my inner zen. Not a bad place to do it, wouldn’t you say?
11. Norfolk
Norfolk, found on England’s east coast, is one of those counties that seems to have a bit of everything. From picturesque coastlines and nature reserves to countryside cuteness and bustling city charm, it really is the diversity of this vibrant county that accounts for its magnetic appeal. So whether you’re keen to spy on wildlife, explore historic sites, or enjoy miles of unspoilt beaches, Norfolk is one place that has you covered.
Also, it looks like this… can you blame me for drooling?
12. Manchester
Despite its crucial role in the industrial revolution, Manchester has come far in pivoting its image from industrial and bleak to effortlessly cool and youthful. This vibrant city is now a go-to destination for fun, food and drinks, and a hotspot for cultural events and concerts. Plus, with the oldest public library in the UK, and an entire mile devoted to curry – you best believe this city is filled with cool surprises too.
13. Nottingham
Nottingham is probably best known for everyone’s favourite outlaw, Robin Hood, but there’s far more to this piece of England than green tights and heroic thievery. Besides Nottingham Castle and Sherwood Forest (key hotspots for fans of Robin Hood), Nottingham has plenty of cool attractions to offer, including the National Video Game Arcade, which sounds like the greatest museum of all time.
PS, Batman fans: It’s also here that you’ll find Wollaton Hall, AKA Wayne Manor in the Dark Knight Rises. Na na na na na na na na aweeeesome.
14. The Peak District
Last but not least, with endless natural beauty, droves of cute villages and surprising attractions like the UK’s largest amusement park… it’s honestly perplexing that I haven’t yet made my way to the Peak District.
This national park is one of UK’s first, and is often considered to be one of the most beautiful places in England. And in a spot where you can go abseiling, museum hopping and Mr. Darcy hunting all in one day (FYI, Chatsworth House was the location for Darcy’s home in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film!!)… it’s really no wonder why this area is among the most visited destinations in England.
So, tell me: where are some of your favourite spots in England? The more underrated and undiscovered the better. Let me know in the comments!
A huge thanks to BritRail for providing me with a rail pass to explore the best of England! As always, all opinions, thoughts and experiences are my own.
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I’ve only been to England once – it was my first time in Europe as well – but even though I stayed well over 3 weeks, I only stayed in London. In some way, I regretted it, but I had to do it because I was on a tight budget (I stayed at a few friends’ during my stay in London). I’ll definitely make sure to check out some of these other cities the next time I go, hopefully with more cash!
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
https://charmainenyw.com
Christina Guan says
3 weeks in London! What a dream. Don’t worry, my first time in England, I only did London as well. It’s hard to fit so much beauty in one trip! I hope you get to go back soon and see more of the country 🙂
Michael @ Mile in My Glasses says
Great picks! I love England, and I’m so lucky that it’s my home country!
I hope you have a lovely Friday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk
Christina Guan says
You are one lucky duck indeed. So many gorgeous spots to visit! <3
Neni says
Manchester, Brighton and small villages in the countryside are also on my bucket list. I hope I can cross them off as soon as possible.
Christina Guan says
Ahh I really want to see Manchester. Guess there’s always more to see! 🙂
Chloe says
I live in York and it really is one of the best places in England! x
Christina Guan says
Ahh you’re so lucky! I definitely want to visit and see it for myself. So sad I didn’t get a chance to last month. Next time! 🙂
Natalia says
If you enjoy history, Warwick and Stratford-Upon-Avon are fantastic. Warwick has one of the best kept Medieval castles and Stratford is Shakespeare’s birthplace. I’m from both so slightly biased, but they’re nice and central so easy to fit in!
Christina Guan says
Ahh how could I forget Stratford-Upon-Avon!! I LOVED studying Shakespeare plays in high school haha so yes I’d love to visit. Warwick also looks super beautiful. Thanks for the tips, Natalia!
Robert says
Some lovely places to visit in England. We’ve been to London and a few towns in the outskirts, but would definitely like to spend some time in Bath. Such history! 🙂
Christina Guan says
Oh gosh Bath is SO wonderful and yes, packed with history. Hope you get to see for yourself sometime!
Jo An says
Ely cathedral is a must see, the town is beautiful. Leeds castle is well worth a visit, the grounds are beautiful and have an abundance if black swans. Woburn Abby in Bedfordshire has a safari park that is great and the near by village has the most thatched cottages I have ever seen, it beautiful
I love to see different areas when we go home to visit.
Christina Guan says
Thank you for all these amazing recommendations! That safari park sounds very interesting. I’ve noted these all down for my next trip. Thanks, Jo An!! <3
Laura Mareno says
I would LOVE to do a roadtrip around England! I only have visited London and I loved it! great post:D
https://laurasavenue.blogspot.de/
Christina Guan says
It’s surprisingly easy to get around by car! I did a bit of road tripping and it was so scenic and beautiful 🙂 Glad you liked the post, Laura!
Emily says
Great list! I love that you’ve included Nottingham on this list as I work there! Our office is opposite the National Video Game Arcade and we use their conference rooms for our meetings sometimes haha. Nottingham is a lovely place- if you ever do decide to visit let me know and I’ll be happy to show you around 🙂
Christina Guan says
Oh how fun!! Are their conference rooms as fun as I imagine? haha 🙂 I’ll definitely let you know if I come to Nottingham!
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
try to visit a few villages in Suffolk such as Lavenham, Clare, …
Christina Guan says
Ooh they look so lovely. Thanks for the recommendation, Tanja!
Johnna says
The Isle of Wight has such lovely hidden beaches and cliffs!
Christina Guan says
Oooh it looks gorgeous!!! I’d love to see for myself sometime. Great recommendation 🙂
Ella says
I’m from Manchester! I’m sure you’d love it. It’s a very beautiful city and there’s plenty to do. As a Brit, I’ve been to a lot of places in England and I can’t recommend the Lake District enough. It’s truly beautiful and you get a sense of British culture with small winding roads through sheep fields and small villages tucked within valleys.
Ella
https://ellainwanderlust.com/
Christina Guan says
It looks absolutely incredible! Can’t wait to see it for myself one day (and Manchester too!) Thanks Ella <3
Jeanne says
So excited to be visiting U.K. In just seven weeks! Don’t have a solid itinerary for my 24 days there but plan to start off this was
York
Edinburgh
Inverness (and the islands)
Lake District
Wales
Cotswolds
Cornwall
Bath
London
Think I can do it? Planning to use a Britrail pass.
Sue says
Try and get to Clovelly in Devon.
Google some pics of it.
Also Mousehole in Cornwall ☺
Christina Guan says
Awesome list!! Pretty ambitious itinerary but I’d say it’s doable, if you don’t mind spending a shorter amount of time in each place. The pass is definitely a good idea if you want flexibility and convenience. Safe travels! <3
Lauren says
Great list!
But add Devon on your list when on route to Cornwall. Picturesque Dartmouth and Kingsbridge, quirky Totnes, historic Exeter, the lively bars and food places of The English Riviera, the beautiful beaches (and sunsets) in North Devon -Croyde particularly and of course Dartmoor with its incredible landscape, legends, myths and proper country pubs!
🙂
Christina Guan says
… and the list just keeps getting longer! Thanks for the awesome recommendations, Lauren <3
Zara says
I actually live in Beer on the Jurassic Coast, so am thrilled to see it mentioned here! Haha! The Jurassic Coast is stunning the whole way along with Lyme Regis being one of the best towns on the coast.
Also check out Dartmoor National Park which is in Devon, about an hour’s drive from Beer 🙂 – we’ve been doing lots of hiking there recently and it’s beautiful.
http://www.passport-for-living.com
Christina Guan says
hahah I love that you’re from there!! My boyfriend and I do a REALLY stupid thing called “literal travels” where we take photos in places doing things that reflect their name (e.g. Eating corn on a wall in Cornwall). Will definitely come to Beer one day for a few cold ones 😉
Darcy says
I agree with Dartmoor!
And Wells /Wells Cathedral, Glastonbury (NOT during the music festival), Winchester, Avebury, Wayland Smithy, Uffington White Horse Vale, Rollright Stones, Tintagel, Dunster and so much more!
Christina Guan says
So many good recommendations! Maybe I ought to just move to England haha. Thanks for all the tips, Darcy!
Shauna says
Lavenham and Clare in Suffolk, Oxburgh Hall and walks in Norfolk, Fountains Abbey and anything in Yorkshire, Chester, Buckland in the Moor and all things Dartmoor. Don’t even get me started on Scotland;)
Christina Guan says
Oh my gosh, Scotland needs its own post (or fifty haha). I’ve only been to Edinburgh. Really need to explore more!! Thanks for the great recommendations, Shauna <3
Susan B says
I love Edinburgh… I’ve been to Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh as well… oddly, because it sometimes gets a bad name for crime, I like Glasgow. I felt it was a wonderful tourist destination wth some pretty good restaurants, a nice looking downtown, in the area I was in and some really great museums and art galleries. I also found the people to be exceptionally nice and helpful and fun. It was a bit like being afraid of New York only to discover some of the nicest most helpful people and being surprised. I have also been to Loch Ness and Loch Lomond. Both beautiful. Nessie didn’t show herself for me, but it was lovely and didn’t matter. Hadiran’s Wall was also pretty cool.
Susan
Frances says
Have you explored Surrey Guildford. Dorking area or Sussex with its thatched roof cottages?
Christina Guan says
No, I haven’t!! Putting them all on my list <3 It's funny - there's actually a city near my hometown called Surrey and its main shopping mall is called "Guildford Town Centre". I'm assuming that's not where you meant though haha.
Susan B says
I also want to go to Sussex for family/ancestry reasons. I’ve heard and seen pictures of Tunbridge Wells in Sussex and Brighton… both look beautiful. aaaaannd…… I think their Surrey is more swanky than ours… LOL (I live in Burnaby, I’ve only been to Surrey by accident when I forgot to get off the skytrain at New West LOL.)
Susan
Steve Conway says
Hi Christina, The North Norfolk coast is a must for any one who loves England, big sky’s and golden sandy beaches that go on for miles.
You will fall in love with this part of the coast and a free Paddle Board hire is yours if you make it this far! There truly is no better way to experience North Norfolk then from the water.
Christina Guan says
Hey Steve, ohh yes I know 😉 it’s definitely on the list!! I haven’t paddle boarded in years so I’ll definitely take you up on that offer sometime!
Erika says
So beautiful! I need to travel more!
Christina Guan says
Don’t we all? 😉 I’m constantly discovering new, awesome places that I need to visit haha. Hope you have plenty of travel plans coming up soon!
Emma says
Hi Christina, Great article, thanks.
We have recently moved back to the UK after 10 years in Canada and are loving exploring and re-exploring the abundance of great places and areas the UK has.
I highly recommend North Wales as a place to visit. It has a beautiful coastline, wonderful seaside towns and villages (Conwy is one of my favs), enchanting castles, woodlands, valleys, the Snowdonia mountains and on the list goes. It truly is a gem.
Christina Guan says
Wales looks amazing!!! I’d definitely love to visit. I think it’s such an underrated country. I’ve seen loads of stunning photos and would really like to see it all for myself <3
Freya says
I live in Britain and I also agree that there are lots of stunning places here- when the sun shines! I would definitely recommend visiting Kent. I stayed there for a week in February: at first I wasn’t expecting much, but it was great! It is not as touristy as many other locations in Britain but still had plenty to see and do- Canterbury, beach walks and many castles- Dover Castle is amazing!
Christina Guan says
Thanks so much for the recommendations <3 I love visiting less touristy places, especially now that I've seen the main hotspots. Will definitely look into those places for next time.
Helena says
I just found your amazing looking pin on Pinterest and couldn’t resist clicking through to the blog. I LOVE your style of writing, what a fun read! I’ve made it my mission to discover more of the UK over the coming years (I live here and have been to a few places but need to continue exploring!). I warmly recommend York and if you ever want any tips for Manchester, I currently live here (and I love this city). I’ve recently written a Manchester guide if you want any inspiration. Also agree with the comment above, north Wales is gorgeous! A couple of other pretty towns are Harrogate and Southport.
Vania Nihei says
Your site is great!
Christina Guan says
thanks so much!
kiara says
I love Brighton and I booked my third trip there this month, I also really want to visit the Lake District. My list would be very similar to yours, hahaha. Maybe you should ad Bournemouth.;)
Christina Guan says
Hahah I haven’t explored enough of Bournemouth! Gotta get back there soon 🙂
Quinten says
Cambridge is always my most favourite one destination to visit as travelling point of view. I also visited there for having enjoyment. I would love to explore this most exciting destination in my future life again and again.
Christina Guan says
Cambridge looks and sounds absolutely magical. Can’t wait to see it for myself one day!
Jean Lewis says
Awesome list, thank you! Will definitely add some of these things to my list of things to do in England.
Christina Guan says
Thanks for reading, Jean!
Becky says
I love our beautiful country, so much to see and do! I’d add Worcester to your list such a beautiful city and while you’re in the area check out Malvern and the Malvern Hills – another lovely town and beautiful scenery
Christina Guan says
Those look amazing! Definitely adding them to the list – thank you <3
Matilde says
These all look lovely ! Excited to explore more of south England as I just relocated to London last year.
I don’t know if you have been, but Windsor village is very nice.
And Royal Leamington Spa just near Coventry and Birmingham is so, so lovely – no tourists, but wonderful town with a great Victorian high street (Parade).
I lived in Stirling, Scotland for four years and can not recommend Scotland enough. While Edinburgh is a staple the following I would also highly recommend: the Trossachs and Loch Lomond ( I personally prefer the area around Balmaha and Rowardennan), Glencoe and Inverness!
Shinde @ Bokar Tour says
Amazing as well as fascinating post. Excellent points you have usually distributed to all of us. Thanks.
Abi says
Southampton is often overlooked, but there’s lots of history and remains from the medieval times still standing.
And it’s the perfect place to explore before hopping onto the ferry to the Isle of Wight which is just gorgeous.
Christina Guan says
I’d love to go to both Southampton and the Isle of Wight sometime! Thanks for the recommendation <3
Susan B says
I haven’t been to the Isle of Wight, but a friend I know from Peterborough UK goes there with his family on vacation. Summer like and beachy.
Susan
Becca says
I live just north of London – I love the city but not as much as I love getting OUT of London! I throughly recommend:
Kingham, Bourton-on-the-water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds. Visit Daylesford in Kingham for lunch and pop into a small tea shop in Bouryon for cream tea!
Fowey (pronounced “foy”) in Cornwall is a perfectly located seaside town, lovely coffee shops, church, harbour and of course pasties! It’s also near to The Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan both of which are beautiful!
Chester is another great one for the list, in north west England (just above wales!) it has Tudor buildings, a river you can go boating on, city walls that you can walk along, a horse racing course and great shopping.
Herefordshire (bordering Wales to the east) has some gorgeous countryside, try Hay-on-Wye famous for its literary festival.
On the north eastern coast don’t neglect Newcastle! Shopping, bars, art galleries – there’s a lot going on! Durham (historic and much prettier architecturally) is nearby and certainly worth a trip. A little further down the coast at Seahouses you can take a lovely boat trip off the shore to see seals and sea birds.
Centrally located, Warwick Castle is quite touristy but still worth visiting if you like that sort of English castle thing!
Happy adventures! X
Shawn says
Very informative blog. Very useful for visitors as well as Londoners.
Thanks for sharing,
Shawn
Nicola says
Love this list! Bath was an amazing town to explore, I definitely channeled my inner Jane Austen! I can’t wait to get back to the UK and check more awesome spots off this list. 🙂 Thanks!
Axxel says
Truly your shared all these places are the best for having enjoyment but I have a good experience of Brighton because I have been there couple of the time sin my whole life and every time had huge fun there.
Lisa Bragg says
On my way to London next week! Trying to decide between day trip to bath or an all day “tour” of the Cotswolds. I wasn’t sure how picturesque Bath would be. Any advice?? Lisa
Dan says
You really must try the Essex towns of Harlow and Basildon
True wonders of modern culture
Enxe says
Scaling Snowdon is a must and chill at Portmeirion Village afterwards. You will definitely fall in love. Top of the list. Also Land’s End. Try to go early if possible break of dawn to get the best views.
Raghav sharma says
Great choices. Thank you.
Lauren says
Hi,
Thank you for your recommendations. I live here in England and haven’t seen enough of it yet. But I did go to university in a place called Chichester, which has a cathedral over 900 years old, beautiful palace gardens and great cycle paths around it. It’s close to West Wittering beach which is great to go to on a summer’s evening. And, not to far away by train, is one of my favourite places I’ve been to so far called Arundel. It has cobbled streets in some places, quaint buildings, antique shops and did I mention it has a castle in which you can have a great roast dinner (and other delicious dishes) and a lake you can go rowing on (Swanbourne lake). So I’d highly recommend this as well!
nil says
Very informative and great article feels as though you are really there
Antonia says
Great blog, thank you for the information! I live n the UK and even I learnt something new! I would very highly recommend visiting Chester, the City centre is full of history as well as shopping and endless food places. You can even take a boat down the river Dee which is nice to do. Chester Zoo is close by which is one of the best and biggest zoo’s in the UK, you need a whole day out for this though as it’s huge. Have a look into it, I think you’d really enjoy it. It is like a smaller version of York, which I’d also recommend (as everyone else has) it really is an amazing place to go!
Online Bingo sites says
What a Great article of most beautiful placesin england!
Goflylath says
Thanks for sharing such great information
Margaret Gill says
You forgot to mention James Herriot country, the Yorkshire Dales – just a short drive out from York, and of course beautiful Whitby, the birthplace of Captain Cook. Yorkshire is not known as God’s own Country for nothing. I have to agree. I was born there.
JITHIN DANIEL RAJU says
Thanks for this beautiful places. This made me much impressed.