If you’re looking for a country that’s rich in both history and culture, than look no further than England. London is not the only place that can capture visitors’ interest, and this list of the places to visit in England will give you many ideas of where to go on your next trip! This is a country steeped in history and this is reflected in its various regions. From the white chalk cliffs in Dorset that go back to the Triassic period to the beautiful national parks for all types of adventurers, there is surely something for everyone. As you adventure to the west of the country, you will find the upmarket holiday destination Cornwall and Devon which attracts over 4 million visitors a year. Let’s start exploring some of best places to visit in England, and be sure to stick around to the end of the video, where we will mention the most beautiful destination that you must add to your itinerary!
Canterbury
If you are looking for a city that offers an authentic English experience, be sure to visit the UNESCO world heritage city of Canterbury. Located just an hour from London, this famous place should be at the top of your England itinerary. It’s an enchanting place and home of the grand Canterbury cathedral, built in 597 A.D. It’s cobblestone streets and timber framed houses will have you wanting to explore all day long. The Romanesque elements of the buildings and the stained glass church windows warp you back to a time reminiscent of the Romans and the Normans. It truly is a history lovers paradise.
If you are looking for restaurants and pubs to stop by while in the city, there are many to choose from and include a wide variety of cuisines to satisfy any appetite. For a classic English experience, be sure to head to Tiny Tim’s Tea Room where they offer high tea. This is an wonderful place for food lovers that offer you the chance to try local pastries. Don’t forget to try a famous English scone!
Cornwall and Devon
What makes England such a beautiful country is the diversity of attractions, from ancient cities and beautiful nature parks. It contains over 31 world heritage sites and 34 registered areas of natural beauty. To see this beauty in it’s entirety you must head to the country’s South West region where you will find Cornwall and Devon. Known for it’s dramatic white chalk cliffs and beautiful beaches, it’s a region that doesn’t disappoint. It has something for every type of traveler. Head to the southernmost point of England and you will find Lizards point, a place that looks out over the English channel. Take time to relax and take in the beautiful scenery.
On your way through this epic part of England you will find that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do. Called the Cornish riviera, this area is the gastronomic hub of England and home to many famous restaurants and bars. Sample the local cuisine and get your hands on a Cornish pasty and a good old fish and chips. The north coast is lined with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Be sure to stop by Newquay, a surfers paradise. If fine dining is your thing, then head to Padstow, home to some elegant and famous restaurants providing the perfect grub for your time by the sea.
Cotswolds
Deemed one of the most scenic places in England, the Cotswolds are a must-see to add to your travel itinerary. It’s rolling hills and picturesque villages, surrounded by areas of natural beauty and wooded forests, looks like something out of a fairytale. This region encompasses some famous cities, most notably, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.
To see a particularly pretty village, head to Castle Combe. Visit the small, traditional pub and wander through the cobblestone streets. It’s long been used as a popular village for shooting movies such as Bridgerton and War Horse. If you’re a movie buff or simply would love to explore the many idyllic villages, then be sure to head to the Cotswolds.
Cambridge
Up next we have Cambridge, a legendary English institution known for the university and architecture. You can explore the university grounds and go punting through the winding rivers of the city. What is punting? Well, it’s a traditional English activity where you sit on a boat, the punt, and someone, the punter, uses a rather large pole that pushes against the river bed to take you on a relaxing journey down the river. This is one of the best ways to see this beautiful city. It’s also a unique experience you aren’t likely to get in other parts of the world.
Which English location stands out to you the most so far? If you’ve seen something that you may want to add to your next trip, give this video a like. Don’t forget to subscribe to ViewCation for more travel content and tips for your next trip!
Guernsey
There are actually over 4000 islands in the British Isles, and 210 of them are inhabited. One of those beautiful islands is Guernsey. This is one of the channel islands near the French coast. It’s known for beach resorts like Cabo bay and has wonderful scenery made up of white chalk cliffs. This is an an ideal way to spend some time soaking up British culture when you’re tired on the big cities. You can explore the island by car or local bus where you can discover some of the many forts located on the island. Looking to step off the beaten path and see one of the treasures of England? Then be sure to head over to the island of Guernsey.
Manchester
Next up, we have a city than can be compared to London in many ways. However, it has it’s own independent rich culture and history. This city was at the heart of the industrial revolution, and its canal systems date back to the 18th century. You can learn more about this history by visiting some of the city’s many museums. It’s a charming city with historical pubs, theaters and parks.
If you like your coffee, be sure to go on a coffee crawl throughout the city. This would be a great way to have a sneak peak at all of the beautiful cafes and get a sense for the coffee scene here. Another great thing about Manchester is that it’s brimming with markets all year round, so be sure to be on the look out for the latest offerings.
Bath
Bath is place with fascinating history and something to do all year round. Stroll through the roman city and explore it’s roman built baths. It’s the largest city in the county of Somerset and is surrounded by beautiful nature reserves. It’s also the southern point of the the Cotswolds. Learn about Bath’s history in the museums and enjoy getting lost down the cobblestone streets. It’s elegant Georgian architecture and buzzing food scene will leave you wanting more time here. Explore by foot and find yourself passing the canals and quaint shops. Many of the houses in bath are shaped in a beautiful crescent. The most famous is the royal crescent, a row of 30 terraced houses.
Brighton
Located in the south east of England, Brighton is a famous seaside city with a breathtaking coastline made up of pavilions and beaches. Head to the Lanes, which is specific area in the city known for it’s vintage shops and winding streets. Brighton is a trendy city oozing with culture and vibrancy. It is home to many festivals all year round, and rightly so, with it’s cool and relaxed atmosphere. The narrow streets are full of independent cafe’s and bars. The record stores, vintage clothing stores, bookshops and many other quirky shops make up the wonderful character of Brighton.
There’s no better way to soak up some British culture by spending time by the seaside. Grab a pint and fish n chips at one of the many places by the water. If you are looking to be adventurous, sign up for a walking tour and get to know the city from a locals perspective.
The Lake District
Finally, it wouldn’t be right to have a list of the best things to do in England without including the most famous national park. Located in the region of Cumbria, this popular vacation destination is known for its many lakes and mountain landscapes. Here you can find the highest point in England, Scaffel Pike, standing tall at 978m (3208 feet). If you are hiker or love outdoor activities, then this is a nature lovers paradise. The terrain is the breathtaking home to all types of animals, so be sure to keep an eye out.
Lake Windermere is a prime example of the picturesque beauty of the lake district. You can climb, cycle and even Segway your way around. This area may be the best way to soak up all the natural beauty that England has to offer.
Where would you like to go on your next trip to England? Would you rather explore England’s natural beauty in the Lakes District or walk down the cobblestone streets of Cambridge? Let us know in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more ViewCation content and travel tips!