The archetypal English landscape manifests in a variety of forms. Inland, it presents a charming tableau of church steeples and fog-laden meadows, alongside crenellated manor houses adorned with splendid gardens, and attractive Georgian villages entwined with climbing roses. This scenery is interwoven with pastoral rivers bordered by oak and willow trees, where undulating dales are complemented by drystone walls. Along the coastline, one finds a blend of rugged headlands and sandy beaches, interspersed with creeks and estuaries that host traditional resorts and fishing hamlets. Offshore, a collection of islands awaits, each possessing its own unique character. Collectively, this is England—a destination that offers something for every visitor. Herein lies our curated list of the country’s most picturesque locations to explore.
1. York
This historic Roman city, surrounded by its original fortifications, boasts a rich history that dates back nearly two millennia. Its splendid cathedral, often referred to as the “Minster,” has an intriguing tale of restoration following a significant fire in 1984. In the heart of the city, the nearly traffic-free center features a network of cobbled medieval streets known as the Shambles, where ancient overhanging houses seem to exchange secrets. The interiors are characterized by uneven beams and slanted floors, with tea and cake available at nearly every turn, especially at the beloved Bettys Café Tea Rooms. York is also the birthplace of Rowntree’s, the renowned chocolate manufacturer, leading to the presence of a chocolate museum and numerous independent chocolatiers throughout the city.
2. Holy Island, Northumberland
The coastline of Northumberland features a series of pristine sandy beaches, interspersed with imposing castles and historic fishing villages. Just offshore lies the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, an enchanting destination accessible via a causeway that can be traversed by vehicle or on foot only during specific tidal conditions. The island is home to a dilapidated priory, a 16th-century castle perched on a rocky outcrop, and an atmosphere of tranquility, enhanced by the sounds of birds and the scent of woodsmoke. The name of the island harkens back to its origins as an early center of Christianity, and regardless of one’s beliefs, it continues to be a haven of peace and reflection, offering a valuable perspective on everyday life.
3. South Downs and the Seven Sisters
sussex south downs way the seven sisters
The grass-covered hills of the Sussex Weald constitute the central spine of the South Downs, which is recognized as Britain’s newest national park. This area features undulating, sheep-grazed grasslands interspersed with oak coppices and vibrant heathland teeming with wildlife. These hills are primarily composed of chalk, although their distinctive white hues are most prominently displayed where the downlands meet the sea, particularly at the strikingly white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. Walking along the cliff edge from Eastbourne to Seaford, passing through Beachy Head and the beach at Cuckmere Haven, offers one of England’s most cherished coastal walks.
4. The North York Moors, Yorkshire
This national park, characterized by its coastline, boasts impressive features: the breathtaking rolling hills of Yorkshire, interspersed with pastoral valleys like Rosedale, which are adorned with remnants of historical mining activities on their slopes. A heritage steam railway traverses the hills from Pickering to Grosmont, emitting characteristic sounds as it journeys along. Whitby, a vibrant coastal resort, is famous for its fish and chips, connections to Dracula, and its historic abbey ruins. Additionally, the coastal path meanders from tranquil bays to rugged headlands, offering stunning vistas.
5. Grasmere and Ambleside, Cumbria
These two towns exemplify the remarkable qualities of the Lake District. Grasmere, featuring its charming small lake, exudes an air of refined elegance, offering boutique shopping, sophisticated dining, and literary excursions to Wordsworth’s cottage. In contrast, Ambleside presents a more pragmatic atmosphere, with its adventure outfitters located at the northern end of Windermere, the largest and most frequented of the English lakes. A brief yet steep ascent from this point through rugged hills leads to Loughrigg Fell, providing breathtaking vistas of the winding expanse of Windermere and the majestic Langdale Pikes.
6. Chatsworth and Haddon, Derbyshire
The countryhouses of England’s aristocracy exhibit a diverse array of architectural styles and historical periods. A prime example is Chatsworth House, owned by the Duke of Devonshire, which majestically overlooks its own river valley in the Peak District. This opulent family residence showcases its predominantly 18th-century features through guided tours, scenic trails, and various events. In contrast, just a few valleys away lies Haddon Hall, a remarkable 13th-century estate that stands as one of the best-preserved medieval properties in the United Kingdom, complete with a grand banqueting hall, intricately painted Tudor ceilings, and beautifully maintained Elizabethan walled gardens.
7. Bath, Somerset
Bath, renowned for its Roman baths and Georgian crescents, is nestled within hills, creating a unique atmosphere reminiscent of ball gowns and the chatter of the aristocracy, as depicted by Jane Austen. The city’s aesthetic charm is enhanced by the creamy-gold Bathstone and the honeycomb of Palladian-style terraces that gracefully ascend the hillsides. A river and a canal meander through the landscape, while at the city’s core lies the ancient thermal bath established by the Romans circa AD 75, from which steam continues to rise from the natural hot spring.
8. Cotswold villages, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire
The Cotswolds is characterized by its manor houses, meandering streams, and quaint villages constructed from honey-hued stone. It boasts an abundance of tea rooms, artisan delicatessens, historic churches, and the picturesque village of Bibury, which the artist William Morris famously referred to as “the most beautiful in England.” However, Bourton-on-the-Water also presents a strong case for this title. In this charming locale, the River Windrush gracefully flows over a spacious green, adorned with footbridges and flanked by attractive inns. Weeping willows dip their branches into the water, ducks eagerly await scraps, and toasted teacakes can be found at nearly every turn.
9. Jurassic Coast, Dorset and Devon
This UNESCO-recognized segment of the southern coastline commences at the eastern point in the distinctive resort of Swanage, located in Dorset, where the Old Harry Rocks stand sentinel over Poole Harbour. From this vantage, the coastline extends westward, navigating around the rugged St Aldhelm’s Head, traversing the fossil-laden Kimmeridge, and culminating at the nearly perfect circular formation of Lulworth Cove and the iconic arch of Durdle Door. Continuing from Weymouth, the Chesil shingle stretches westward towards the cliffs of Charmouth and West Bay, renowned for their erodibility and rich deposits of dinosaur fossils. Further along, lies the Regency resort of Lyme Regis, the filming location for The French Lieutenant’s Woman.
10. Helford and Roseland, Cornwall
One does not visit Cornwall primarily for its towns unless they are nestled in a creek or cascading into a bay. The true allure lies in the coastline, with the northern region offering a rugged and dramatic landscape, while the southern area features serene creeks and prominent headlands. Each side boasts its own remarkable beaches, but for a combination of shelter and historical significance, one should explore the Helford River in the south, famously depicted in Daphne du Maurier’s “Frenchman’s Creek.” To the east of Helford, the Roseland Peninsula commences at the upscale fishing village of St Mawes. In this section of Cornwall, the springtime gardens of Trelissick and Caerhays burst into vibrant color with magnolias and camellias well ahead of the rest of the nation.
