You know, one of the things I love about England is the diversity that we have. From the little coves on the Dorset Coast, gorgeous little hamlets and enough history to throw a stick at. All across the country, it’s filled to the brim with some of the best places to visit in England.
Okay but let’s start with the glaringly obvious, I’m biased and pretty proud of the beauty of England. I really do think that England is totally unique and much more than just cities like London.
Yes, these are amazing (and I love London more than any other city in the world) but it’s just one small area of our amazing country and there really is so much to see.
Over the last few years, I’ve made it my priority to explore so much more of England and to see the places that are right on my doorstep (it’s something that I regretted for the longest time… thinking that I needed to leave the UK to feel like I’d travelled. How wrong I was.
Anyway, better late than never, right? Whatever the case, If it’s your first trip around England or you’ll a dab hand at exploring our gorgeous country, I know you’ll find some of the best places to visit in England that you’ll just love.
Take a look at some of the very best places to visit in England. You’re going to have an amazing trip.
1.) Lake District
The Lake District is the UK’s newest UNESCO-protected site; and rightly so, it’s beautiful.
As you can probably tell from the name, the Lake District is filled with tranquil lakes, beautiful mountain ranges and a whole heap of tiny villages to explore.
Best of all, each lake has a slightly different character that’s unique.
The most well-known is Windermere Lake, but if you want to avoid the crowds, pop over to Ullswater Lake and check into Another Place, The Lake (which is the sister hotel of the Watergate Bay I mention in Cornwall).
Whilst here, head out onto the Ullswater steamer, try your hand at paddleboarding and hike to the top of Harter Fell for some of the best views across the Lake District.
It really is one of the best places to visit in England, especially if you can fit in a tour that takes in ten of the lakes.
We loved this tour of the Lake District, especially as it’s a 1-day trip and perfect if you’re only staying for a long weekend.
Read more: Best things to do in the Lake District
2.) Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is one of the oldest settlements I think I’ve visited in England… people have lived here for over 8,000 years.
It’s a total throwback and it’ll feel like you’ve stepped back 1,000 years to an Olde English world. It really does feel like that.
Once here, take a stroll through the castle of Corfe, wander all the little boutiques and grab a yummy Sunday roast at Mortons House Restaurant.
If trains are your thing, you can even take a historic train from Corfe Castle Station to Swanage.
Read more: Our visit to Corfe Castle
3.) The Cotswolds
Yeah, the Cotswolds are a recurring theme for me! About 2 hours or so from London, the Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty that you’ll love (and easily one of the best places to visit in England).
Once you’re there, make sure to visit Bibury to see the gorgeous Arlington Row, pop into the Upper and Lower Slaughters (they’re far less gruesome than they sound), and head over to other spots like the Chipping Steps in Tetbury and Bourton-on-the-Water, too.
To be honest, I always find it easiest to get around the Cotswolds by car (although some bus routes and trains do run) you’ll have much more freedom to explore the tiny hamlets, towns and rolling hills.
That being said, if you don’t drive, you can book an incredible Cotswolds tour. This is especially good if you don’t drive. Plus it takes all the stress out of planning your destinations in the Cotswolds and it’s all so easy.
For a great place to stay, head to The Royal Oak in Tetbury or the Wood Norton which are both so lovely and quaint.
Read more: Best things to do in the Cotswolds
4.) Cambridge
Okay, Cambridge always holds a soft spot with me. It’s a relatively small city that is perfect to explore over a few days.
Once here, make sure to head up to the Church of St Mary the Great where you can climb the tower and get some incredible vistas over the city (just watch out for the bells ringing, it makes the tower shake).
Also, don’t forget to pop inside Kings College and the incredible chapel that’s just so awe-inspiring to see.Inside the chapel, you can still faintly see the ‘graffiti’ from Oliver Cromwell’s army that still stands to this day.
Oh yeah, keep your eyes peeled for the huge wooden rood screen inside the chapel – it was gifted by Henry VIII (the one that had six wives) to Anne Boylen and is one of the most striking features in the centre of the chapel.
In fact, you can book your very own guided tour of Cambridge on a punt (on the river)! This is such a great way to explore the city and totally unique. You’ll love Cambridge.
Read more: Best things to do in Cambridge
5.) Bath
There’s just something about Bath, and you’ll totally know what I mean once you arrive. This ancient Roman Spa settlement still has some of the incredible features from the Roman Times.
Make sure to pop into the Roman Baths themselves and learn more about the incredible history of this place. It really is one of the best places to visit in England.
For a tasty treat, take a stroll over to Sally Lunn’s; she is the most famous and one of the oldest bun makers in the city. They taste so good!
Also, if you want to make things easier to get around Bath, book this hop-on, hop-off bus ticket. This way, it takes all the stress out of trying to find all of Bath’s best spots.
Read more: Best things to do in Bath
6.) Bristol
So Bristol is one of those cities that totally surprised me. My first-ever visit to Bristol was a little disappointing (I have to be honest).
I just think I hadn’t really found my ‘tribe’ of things I’d like on my first visit… all my fault, of course!
Thankfully, I was determined to give Bristol another shot, armed with much more info on the kind of spots I’d love.
This just did it for me – I fell in love with the city straight away and it’s really up there with the best places to visit in England.
Once there, head on a trail to see some of Bristol’s most iconic contemporary artists, including Banksy.
There’s a whole heap across his home city. Afterwards, head over to Whapping Wharf and Spike Island to whisk away the afternoon on the seafront with all the art spaces, restaurants and boutique little shops or pop over to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Read more: Best things to do in Bristol
7.) Oxford
There’s a lot of friendly rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge as places to visit (and study). Some say Cambridge is the best… others say it’s Oxford. I’m gonna leave the final decision to you.
Now, Oxford itself is easily one of the best places to visit in England, especially if you’re based in London or on a longer road trip.
Whilst here, make sure to visit Christ Church College, head onto the river punting and wet your whistler at the Thirsty Meeples – a really quirky board game cafe in the city.
Finally, book a tour, with an actual alumni guide to take you all around the best spots in Oxford. It’s a great way to explore the city and is so interesting.
Read more: Best things to do in Oxford
8.) Norwich
It took me far too long to make our first trip to Norwich (England’s first-ever medieval city) and I’m ashamed to say that my very first visit was this year. well, better late than never, eh?
Perched about 2 hours north of London by train, it’s one of the best places to visit in England and a spot that I know you’ll love.
Whilst you’re here, make sure to explore the incredible cathedral, see the historic cobbled streets and wander to the central market that’s been held permanently in the town for over 1,000 years (when it was a Saxon market).
For a tasty bite to eat, head outside Norwich to the Fur and Featherswho make one delicious feat from local ingredients.
Oh, and finish your day with the best chippy in all of England at the Grosvenor Fish Bar; all served with lashings of vinegar, of course.
Read more: Best things to do in Norwich
9.) Stonehenge
Possibly one of the most famous ancient sites in England, Stonehenge is a spot you have to see. Perched west of London (about 80 minutes away by car), it really is one of the best places to visit in England – especially for us history buffs!
It’s been recorded that the stones of Stonehenge actually came from west Wales a huge distance from when it was built.
Still, to this day, there are no conclusive ideas of why this was built or what it represents but there are theories around a place of worship, thanks, ceremony and community.
Just be aware that Stonehenge is a really popular spot, so if you don’t like crowds it’s best to book your Stonehenge tickets for more ‘off-peak’ times.
Either visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon (just before closing), this way you’ll have missed the bus tours and will only have a few eager beavers with you who have the same idea.
Also, if you want to visit and you’re going to be based in London, book this amazing half-day Stonehenge tour that leaves from Central London for a day trip.
Read more: Our visit to Stonehenge
10.) Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast always sounds so mysterious and pre-historic to me. I mean, the clue is in the name really but it always intrigued me right up until I visited this year.
This intrigue quickly turned to excitement when I realised that you can actually go fossil hunting on the UNESCO-protected coastline.
The thing that makes this area so good for fossil hunting is that the eroding cliffs on this stretch of coast have actually been pushed way up out of the seabed to create a piece of land.
Nowadays, as the cliffs slowly erode, they scatter a whole range of fossils that are all along the beach for us all to find.
Keep your eyes peeled and be patient. On our last visit, Yaya and I collected about 10 different fossils! It’s just so crazy to think that you’re the first living being to lay eyes on these fossils for 92 million years.
Oh, also, I nearly forgot – don’t forget to pop across the Jurassic Coast to visit the famous Durdle Door, Old Harry Rock’s and grab a bite to eat (and/or stay) at the Pig on the Beach. It’s so gorgeous.
Read more: How to go fossil hunting in England
11.) Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is one of those places where you arrive and almost instantly fall into that relaxing beach vibe that makes Cornwall so great.
Whilst here, make sure to hike across the gorgeous coast, pop over to nearby Newquay and stay at the idyllic Watergate Bay Hotel.
Best of all, in Cornwall, you can book a fun surfing lesson in one of the best regions in England to surf.
Oh yeah, and if surfing is your thing then I’m positive you’ll love this spot. It really is one of the best places to visit in England… especially for sea lovers.
Read more: Visiting the Watergate Bay
12.) St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s (not to be confused with Mount Saint Michel in France) is another of Cornwall’s gems that you should see. Perched on a tidal island, it’s possibly one of the prettiest and best places to visit in England.
Legend has it that a giant still inhabits the cave on the island. Folklore or not, it’s enough to put the heeby-jeebies in you when the sun begins to set.
Read more: Top spots to visit in Cornwall
13.) Robin Hood’s Bay
Perched just south of Whitby in Yorkshire, Robin Hood’s Bay is one stunning and totally historic seaside village you have to visit.
Once a key smugglers’ village to bring in contraband items like alcohol, Robin Hood’s Bay still has a network of smuggler tunnels underneath the town itself.
Now, you can’t go in them today but it’s an incredible spot to visit and to learn more about the history of this age-old fisherman town. It really is one of the best places to visit in England.
Whilst in the area, make sure to visit Tea, Toast & Post for some tasty grub (their lunches are so good). Plus, they brew some of the best tea on the Yorkshire coast.
Read our full post on visiting Robin Hood’s Bay
14.) Castle Howard
Just a little shy of York, Castle Howard is truly a stunning castle to explore. You’ll honestly be blown away by how beautiful this place is and really is one of the best places to visit in England.
Once inside, head to some of the incredible rooms and experience a little slice of this stunning home.
During certain times of the year, Castle Howard hosts afternoon teas that are properly tasty and a real treat. Served with some piping hot Yorkshire tea, sweet treats and sandwiches it’s a lovely experience.
Although you might not be able to stay in Castle Howard, you can check into the beautiful Judges Court (In York) that’s about 12 miles away.
Read more: Visiting Castle Howard
15.) London
I couldn’t forget to shout out London as one of the best places to visit in England, could I? I mean, it’s one of my favourite cities in the world and there’s so much to do that you’ll love.
If it’s your first time in London, make sure to check out some of the amazing neighbourhoods of; Covent Garden, King’s Cross, Notting Hill, Camden Town, Shoreditch, Peckham and Whitechapel.
Each of these neighbourhoods is totally unique and a great way to see the diversity that is London.
If you’re looking for some unique places, make sure to see some of London’s secret spots, its incredible markets, best bars and restaurants with a view. You’ll gorge on everything in sight!
Also, you can book yourself this gorgeous London cruise for a trip up the Thames. It’s a great way to see the city, especially at sunset.
Read more: Best things to do in London
16.) Holy Island
This has to be one of my favourite castles (and islands) in all of England. Perched on Holy Island, Lindisfarne Castle is properly stunning to see in person.
There’s just something so magical about it (and yes, that’s really cheesy to say, but it does feel like that).
Once here, head for a hike across the incredible shoreline, pop over to Holy Island and explore the castle and finish your day off in Berwick Upon Tweed where you can grab a yummy bite at the Maltings Kitchen.
Read more: Best islands to explore in England
17.) Birmingham
Birmingham often gets missed by lots of people’s travel plans in favour of some of the other big-hitting spots like London (or Edinburgh, across the border in Scotland). With that being said, it’s only about 80 minutes from London by train and there are so many cool spots to see.
Whilst you’re there, make sure to explore the Coffin Works see Winterbourne House and Garden and gorge on all the food at Carters of Moseley – they make an epic Orkney scallops dish, the tastiest mousse pudding made out of Douglas Fir and some yummy cakes.
It really is a contender for the best places to visit in England.
Read more: Best things to do in Birmingham
18.) Cirencester
Cirencester is a historic market town that’s easily reached by car or by train from most places in England. It’s the kind of town you visit and somehow wonder have you’ve spent all day exploring. It’s one of my favourite market towns and possibly one of the best places to visit in England.
Once you’ve arrived, make sure to explore the Parish Church of St John Baptist, visit the Elemental Sculpture Park and pop into The Fleece for some of the tastiest grub.
For a beautiful place to rest your head, check into the historic Royal Oak which is in Tetbury (about 25 minutes away)
Read more: What to see in Cirencester
19) Rye
If you fancy a little galivant away from the hustle and bustle of London, rent a car or take the train to the gorgeous and totally historic town of Rye. In fact, even if you’re travelling around the south-east of England, I’d suggest a trip to Rye.
It’s one of the best places to visit in England if you love quaint towns and a history that dates back centuries. Just be sure to check out Mermaid Street with its gorgeous cobbled road, visit the antique shops all around the town and visit the Rye Castle Museum.
Afterwards, you can easily partner a trip to Rye with the likes of Camber Sands for a beach day; or even Bodian Castle for a little more history. Just be sure to plan your day well, it’ll be filled up in no time!
Read more: Best day trips from London
20.) Manchester
Manchester always feels like that cool cousin you see at family parties and always wanna hang around with. Always hip, trendy and totally cool.
The city has such a cool vibe and really is one of the best places to visit in England if you want to experience a vibrant city (outside of London, of course).
For a tasty bite to eat, pop into Umezushi which makes the best sushi in the north and gorge at Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill which really will give you a good taste of Mancunian life.
If it’s football you’re into, book an Old Trafford Stadium tour that’ll take you around one of the world’s most famous clubs.
Read more: Best day trips from London
10 Best Day Trips From London
Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!
