25 Best Places to Visit in England (2026)

Having lived in England my whole life, I may be biased but I think it’s a seriously underrated destination. Beyond the big cities, there’s a surprising amount of variety packed into a relatively small country; from wild coastline and national parks to historic towns and quietly confident cities.

This guide brings together the best places to visit in England, whether you’re after pretty villages that ooze charm and character, wide open landscapes that feel untouched, or the buzz of a big city. 

You may be planning a day trip, a weekend away, a longer adventure – or perhaps you’ve lived in England for a while but are looking to discover some new places to explore. Either way, I’ve got you covered. 

Let’s get into my pick of the best places to visit in England.

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🗺️ Map of the best places to visit in England

Use my map below to see where all my top picks of the best places in England to visit are located.

🏞️ Countryside & national parks

1. Cotswolds

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know about my ongoing love affair with The Cotswolds. It’s a place of gentle hills, honey-coloured stone villages, and a landscape that feels distinctly English.

While it’s often associated with postcard-perfect streets, the real appeal lies in how varied the region is. Lively market towns meet quieter rural pockets, walking routes, and well-run country pubs.

Discover incredible restaurants, fantastic farm shops, cosy cafes, and dreamy afternoon tea spots; the region really has it all.

With the right base, it works equally well for a weekend escape or a longer countryside stay.

2. Lake District

The Lake District is one of England’s most recognisable landscapes, with breathtaking views, hidden caves, towering waterfalls, and traditional villages.

Lakes reflect the surrounding fells, walking routes climb quickly into open views, and even short drives tend to deliver scenery that feels wonderfully dramatic .

While it’s popular, it’s easy to find quieter corners if you move away from the busiest lakes.

I find it works best when you base yourself in one area and explore locally rather than trying to see everything in one trip.

3. Peak District

The Peak District has a different kind of beauty to many of England’s national parks, but it’s no less rewarding.

The landscape shifts quickly between high edges with far-reaching views, softer valleys, and compact villages that sit directly alongside walking routes.

It’s scenery that feels accessible rather than remote, but still delivers moments of scale and openness.

One of the reasons the Peak District works so well is how naturally walking fits into a day. You don’t need to commit to full-day hikes to feel immersed in the landscape – a few hours on the edges or through a valley is often enough.

Combined with good food, historic houses, and well-placed villages, it’s a region that offers a lot without demanding too much planning.

4. Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales have a sense of openness that’s hard to find elsewhere in England.

The landscape feels expansive rather than dramatic, with wide valleys, dry-stone walls, and villages that sit quietly within their surroundings.

Water is a constant presence too, whether in the form of rivers, waterfalls, or quiet stretches of limestone pavement.

It’s a place where drives are part of the experience, with scenic routes linking villages, walking trails, and viewpoints.

I find the Dales particularly appealing if you enjoy quieter scenery and a sense of distance between places.

5. Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park feels vast and quietly dramatic, with rolling hills, moorland, and very little development.

It’s one of the least visited national parks in England, which gives it a sense of space that’s increasingly rare.

History is woven through the landscape, particularly along Hadrian’s Wall, which runs close by.

6. New Forest

The New Forest offers a softer, more pastoral kind of countryside, with ancient woodland, open heathland, and wild ponies roaming freely.

It’s an easy place to explore on foot or by bike, and works well for a slower break that focuses on being outdoors rather than sightseeing.

There are also some fantastic hotels and restaurants across the New Forest, so both foodies and discerning travellers will be in their element.

🏖️ Coastal destinations

7. Cornwall

Cornwall’s appeal lies in its sheer variety. Within a relatively small area, you’ll find surf beaches, sheltered coves, rushing waterfalls, fishing villages, and long stretches of coastal path with uninterrupted sea views.

Food plays a big role here too, with local seafood and relaxed dining shaping much of the travel experience.

While Cornwall is popular – particularly in summer – it rewards a bit of planning. Choosing a good base and exploring nearby rather than trying to cross the county makes a noticeable difference. 

8. Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast stretches along Dorset and East Devon, offering some of the most striking coastal scenery in England.

Cliffs, arches, and long shingle beaches create a landscape that feels dynamic and constantly changing, shaped by erosion and tides.

This is a destination that really suits walking. Whether you tackle short sections of the South West Coast Path or longer day routes, the reward is a constantly shifting view of sea and rock. 

For more UK travel inspiration, discover my favourite road trips in the UK.

9. Whitby

Whitby is a town with a strong sense of identity, shaped by its fishing heritage, gothic history, and dramatic setting on the North Yorkshire coast.

The abbey ruins overlooking the harbour give the town its most recognisable silhouette. While narrow streets and independent shops add plenty of character at ground level.

It’s a place that works well for a short stay, especially if you enjoy combining coastal walks with time spent exploring historic streets.

While Whitby can be busy during peak summer weekends, early mornings and evenings retain a quieter, more atmospheric feel.

Discover more of the prettiest fairytale towns in the UK.

10. St Ives

St Ives is defined by its unique quality of light, which has long drawn artists to this part of Cornwall.

It boasts a tempting combination of curved beaches, clear water, and a compact town centre. This makes it ideal for moving easily between the coast, galleries, and cafés.

It’s a romantic destination that naturally lends itself to unstructured days, split between swimming, wandering, and long lunches.

11. Norfolk Coast

The Norfolk Coast has a very different feel to England’s more dramatic shorelines. 

Beaches are wide and open rather than rugged. Salt marshes, dunes, and long horizons create a sense of space that feels calm and unforced.

It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy walking, wildlife, and quieter coastal scenery.

Villages and small towns are spread out along the coast, making this a destination that rewards choosing a base and exploring locally. 

Discover more stunning seaside getaways in the UK.

🏙️ Cities and cultural centres

12. London

I’m lucky enough to have London right on my doorstep, and what keeps it interesting is how different it feels depending on where you base yourself.

Beyond the headline sights, the real appeal lies in exploring neighbourhoods; local cafés, parks, galleries, and streets that feel lived-in rather than curated.

Public transport makes it easy to get around, but walking between nearby areas is often the best way to understand the city.

13. Bath

Bath is one of the easiest cities in England to enjoy without much planning.

The Georgian architecture gives it a sense of cohesion, and most of the main sights sit within a short walk of each other.

It’s a city that suits a slower itinerary. You can combine history with good food, independent shops, and time to simply wander rather than rush between attractions.

14. Oxford

Oxford has a strong academic presence, but it doesn’t feel inaccessible.

The colleges, libraries, and narrow streets create a distinctive atmosphere, balanced by green spaces and riverside paths that soften the city.

I find it’s most enjoyable when you allow time to wander; dipping into bookshops, stopping for coffee, and exploring beyond the main thoroughfares.

15. Cambridge

Cambridge feels calmer and more contained than Oxford, with wide lawns, river paths, and an emphasis on outdoor space.

The colleges are impressive without feeling overwhelming, and much of the city is easy to explore on foot or by bike.

It’s particularly enjoyable in spring and early summer, when the green spaces really come into their own.

16. York

York layers Roman, medieval, and Georgian history into a compact, very walkable city.

The streets within the city walls are full of character, and it’s easy to combine major sights with cafés, independent shops, and riverside walks.

I find York works particularly well for a two-night stay without feeling rushed.

17. Manchester

Manchester feels confident and contemporary, with a strong food scene and a creative edge that’s shaped by its industrial past.

Neighbourhoods like the Northern Quarter and Ancoats are where the city really comes into its own, especially if you enjoy independent restaurants, cafés, and design-led spaces.

If you have more time on your hands while you’re in the city, discover the best day trips from Manchester. 

18. Bristol

Bristol has a strong sense of identity, shaped by its maritime history and creative culture.

The harbourside is a good place to start, but the city really opens up when you explore neighbourhoods like Clifton and Stokes Croft.

It’s an easy city to enjoy over a long weekend, especially if food and atmosphere matter to you.

💎 Historic towns and quieter gems

19. Canterbury

Canterbury is compact, historic, and easy to explore on foot. The cathedral dominates the city, but the surrounding streets, timber-framed buildings, and riverside paths give it depth beyond its most famous landmark.

I find Canterbury works particularly well for a short break, especially if you enjoy cities that can be explored at a human scale.

Everything sits close together, making it easy to combine sightseeing with cafés, bookshops, and time spent simply wandering.

20. Lavenham

Lavenham is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in England, with timber-framed houses leaning at improbable angles along narrow streets.

The village is small but visually striking, and rewards unhurried exploration rather than a packed itinerary.

It works well as a short stop or overnight stay, particularly if you’re travelling through Suffolk or combining it with other historic towns. 

Once day-trippers leave, the village feels noticeably calmer, making evenings especially atmospheric.

21. Ludlow

Ludlow has earned its reputation as one of England’s best food towns, but it’s also appealing for its setting and scale.

The castle sits above the River Teme, anchoring a town of historic streets, independent shops, and a strong local food culture.

It’s an easy place to enjoy without much planning, particularly if you like destinations where good walking, history, and dining naturally overlap.

Ludlow also works well as a base for exploring the surrounding Shropshire countryside.

22. Rye

Rye is small but deeply atmospheric, with cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and a strong sense of place.

The town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, while the surrounding marshes and coastline give it a slightly wilder edge.

Don’t miss a trip to Camber Sands for a sprawling golden beach.

Rye works particularly well as a short break or an overnight stop, especially if you’re travelling through Kent or East Sussex.

Once day visitors leave, the town becomes noticeably quieter, which adds to its appeal.

23. Hebden Bridge

First up, Hebden Bridge is a town – not a bridge like the name may suggest!

It has a strong identity shaped by its creative community and dramatic Pennine setting.

Steep hills rise directly from the town, while the Rochdale Canal adds a quieter, gentler contrast at water level.

Independent shops, cafés, and galleries give it a lived-in feel rather than a polished one.

It’s a great base for walking, with direct access to moorland routes and countryside, but it also works well if you simply want a town with character and good places to eat. 

24. Wells

Wells is England’s smallest city, but it feels substantial thanks to its cathedral, moated bishop’s palace, and well-preserved historic centre.

Everything sits close together, making it easy to explore without needing transport or a detailed plan.

The city works particularly well for a slower-paced visit, where you can combine sightseeing with cafés, independent shops, and short walks in the surrounding countryside.

25. Grasmere

Grasmere sits at the heart of the Lake District and feels closely tied to its surroundings.

Grasmere’s long association with William Wordsworth adds cultural weight without dominating the experience. But I love this village for the everyday details: independent shops, well-established cafés, and the much-discussed gingerbread.

The village is small but well placed for walking, with routes that begin almost from the doorstep and scenery that changes quickly as you move into the fells.

🚗 Planning your trip around England

It was incredibly difficult narrowing it down to just 25 amazing places to visit in England, but I hope my picks will come in handy! 

Many of the places in this guide work well as short breaks, while others benefit from a little more time, particularly rural and coastal areas.

Thinking carefully about where you base yourself can make a noticeable difference, especially in popular regions where traffic and parking can shape your day more than expected.

England has plenty to offer, and when you travel with intention, it’s a destination that continues to reward repeat visits.

You may also like my guide to the best places to visit in Scotland.