England is a magical place full of inspiring cities, charming villages and stunning countryside. With its rich history and vibrant culture, England is a top destination for anyone looking to experience Europe. From bustling cities to dramatic coastlines, we will be showcasing the 10 best places to visit in England in today’s blog post.
As you read through, please be mindful that once you’re captivated by the beauty of England, you may never want to leave 🙂
And if you’d like to read more interesting blog posts about other destinations as well, you’ll find them on the homepage of our blog.
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1. Leeds Castle: The loveliest castle in the world and definitely one the best places to visit in England
We’re kicking off our list of the 10 best places to visit in England with the renowned “loveliest castle in the world”: Leeds Castle. While there are countless beautiful castles to explore in the UK, we made the decision to visit Leeds Castle after reading an article in National Geographic about the most incredible castles of Europe. And let us tell you, we had a perfect day on the grounds of Leeds Castle in Kent. We particularly enjoyed the fun of getting lost in the maze, although it proved to be more challenging than we had initially thought.
2. The Cotswolds: England’s most romantic area
It’s simply impossible to create a blog post about the best places to visit in England without mentioning the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is arguably the most romantic area in England, encompassing five counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. Known for its charming honey-colored stone cottages and villages, as well as its picturesque English landscape of rolling green hills, medieval castles, and unspoiled countryside.
You can easily spend several days exploring the various towns and villages, but if you’re short on time, we recommend planning a day trip and visiting different villages. There are several tours available from London, but we personally planned our trip independently and visited the following four villages in one day: Castle Combe, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Stanton.
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3. Jurassic Coast: Fascinating fossils and spectacular cliffs
4. Brighton: Your soon-to-be favorite seaside destination is one of the best places to visit in England
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5. Beachy Head & Seven Sisters: England’s most beautiful cliffs
While researching the best places to visit in England, we were surprised that Beachy Head wasn’t frequently mentioned. Situated close to Eastbourne, Beachy Head stands as the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, towering at 530 feet (162 meters). The cliffs offer breathtaking views of the coastline and have served as popular filming locations for major productions like Pearl Harbor and Harry Potter (The Goblet of Fire). For a truly unique experience, we recommend waking up early and driving to Beachy Head to witness the breathtaking sunrise.
Every year in October, the Beachy Head Marathon takes place, resulting in increased activity around this time. Regardless of the time of year you plan to visit, make sure to dress warmly as the cliffs can be very windy.
Seven Sisters
Near Beachy Head (approximately a 10-minute drive away), you will discover the Seven Sisters, a series of stunning chalk cliffs. While not as famous as the cliffs of Dover, they are considered England’s most beautiful cliffs.
If you have time and want to experience the beauty of this place to the fullest, you can consider hiking the 22.5 km (14 miles) Seven Sisters trail, which stretches from Seaford to Eastbourne.
6. Oxford: The city of dreaming spires
Oxford is not only home to one of the most famous universities in the world, but it is also an excellent destination for a day trip. In Oxford, you can marvel at astonishing architecture and quickly understand why it is referred to as the city of dreaming spires. Additionally, you can try punting, which is a typical Oxford experience, and, of course, admire the inspiration for the Great Hall of Hogwarts! What’s more, Oxford is easily accessible by coach or train, and most of its main attractions are situated in the town center.
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7. Lake District: One of Britain’s most beautiful national parks
If you prefer spending your vacations amidst nature, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, the Lake District is the perfect destination for you. With around 16 lakes, this region offers countless opportunities for hiking, climbing the fells, mountain biking, and enjoying water sports like kayaking or fishing.
8. Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens: Where you find roses and wallabies
9. Isle of Wight: The choice for a UK holiday on the beach
The Isle of Wight is a popular choice for a staycation in the UK. The island can be easily reached in just 30 minutes from Lymington, making it a wonderful destination for a day trip as well. On the island, you will find great options for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as a wide selection of restaurants and several activities suitable for children.
10. London: the vibrant capital
Last but not least, we can’t write a blog post about the best places to visit in England without mentioning London. Our trip to London has been one of the most unforgettable city adventures we’ve ever had. The city offers a lot of cultural activities, a wide variety of cuisines to choose from, interesting shops and boutiques, and an overall lively atmosphere that we absolutely loved.
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Also take a look at our other blog posts about England, for example about what to do in Oxford in a day or the 9 most important travel tips to know before traveling to England for the first time.
