Top 7 Vacation Spots in England

England is a beautiful country rich in history, breathtaking landscapes, and an incredible old culture, really old. It has its history dating back over 5000 years, plus, the country offers an incredible array of vacation spots that cater to every taste. Scenic coastlines, remarkable national parks, futuristic metropolises, and charming historic towns, name it all, there is a perfect English escape patiently waiting for you. 

Top Vacation Spots in England

1. Lake District

2. Cotswold

3. London

4. York

5. Bath

6. Northumberland

7. Cornwall

Top 7 Vacation Spots in England

Looking for the perfect vacation spot in England for your summer holidays? We bring you the best of them all. Here are the top 7 vacation spots in England

1. Lake District

If you’ve never heard of or been to the Lake District, here’s a glimpse into what you should know. The Lake District is rooted in English lore and is one of the most beautiful regions in Northern England. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a breathtaking combination of towering hills, mystical glacial lakes, and quaint stone-built villages. A whole enchanting landscape that has drawn the muse-like admiration of great writers and inspired them.

If you are looking for a vacation spot filled with natural wonder, then your top spot should be the Lake District. There is no shortage of activity to immerse yourself in. You can hike up Scafell Pike to England’s highest peak or climb the hills of Helvellyn to a beautiful view. Or you can glide across Windermere or Ullswater on a kayak, paddleboard or one of those leisure streamers. 

And if you ever get tired of strolling, cycling, or paddling through nature (not that that’s possible), you can visit the village. The charming towns of Ambleside, Keswick, and Bowness-on-Windermere are your imagination of a small town brought to life. The towns are a maze of shops, cozy pubs with hearty local grub, and that famous, kind Lakeland hospitality. You can easily spend an afternoon sampling Cumberland sausage or nibbling on gingerbread between stops. 

An added benefit for literature lovers, visit Dove Cottage, Wordsworth’s modest former home, or wander through Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm. There is something so unique about walking the same steps as these greats that inspires you as well, whether you want it or not.

Location: Lake District, Cumbria, North West England, United Kingdom

2. Cotswold

If Cotswold could be defined in true, simple terms, it would be a picturesque English town with the perfect combination of natural, breathtaking views and charming cottages. The whole area was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966. The Cotswolds are not located within one county, though, because they stretch nearly 800 square miles across multiple counties. These counties are Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, but the best part is, they also border Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire.

The villages in Cotswold have that timeless atmosphere about them, almost ethereal. Crooked lanes and thatched roofs make the view almost too beautiful to be real, resembling something straight out of an old English painting; this isn’t mere hype, really. You can legit lose hours strolling through Bourton-on-the-Water. This is a village that has earned its nickname as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ for its graceful bridges and willow-draped riverbanks. 

Another great thing is that the gem is beyond the villages. There are miles of well-marked walking and cycling paths snaking through fields and woodlands, ideal for going at your own pace. If you are more adventurous, you can opt for kayaking in the wild lakes, hiking long trails, and horseback riding. 

History buffs are not exempt; landmarks like Sudeley Castle and Blenheim Palace are there for exploring. For accommodation, the villages are full of beautiful manor homes, cottages, and hotels. You can enjoy a picnic amidst oak trees in secluded spots along the River Thames. Or if good fortune is by your side, you can find yourself on the opposite side of a vineyard set into a hillside, or maybe a family-run distillery offering tastings. You definitely won’t be surprised to find yourself at a country fair that is a step back in time.

Location: The Cotswold District, Gloucestershire, South West England, United Kingdom

3. London

A visit to England would be incomplete without a visit to its remarkable capital city, London. This is not even an exaggeration. London has everything, from centuries-old landmarks to more recent culture and society in a state of constant flux.

London has something for every vacationer, irrespective of age, budget, or interests. History and Architecture buffs can visit the Tower of London or the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace. There’s more– they can also visit iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

There is absolutely no shortage of museums in London. Several of which contain collections from thousands of years ago and from all over the world. The British Museum, the National Gallery, the V&A, the Science Museum, and the Tate Modern are just a few of London’s museums that let you wander through art, history, and science, for free. 

If you are less into monuments and museums and more into culture and people, London still doesn’t disappoint. For shoppers, you can haggle for vintage finds in Camden Market, browse for antiques on Portobello Road, or appreciate academia in the streets of Oxford. For a look into London’s diversity, head over to Shoreditch or Brick Lane for its Asian and oriental food scene. 

The city of London is a foodies paradise. From small in the middle of nowhere, culinary delights to Michelin star masterpieces. You can find yourself eating a 10-dollar meal of pub grub or having Afternoon tea at Claridges. For sightseeing, you can gaze down at all of London from the London Eye or reconnect with nature by watching deer at Richmond Park. You can sit on a bench at Hyde Park reading a book or go clubbing underground at Cahoots.

The city of London is a city of diversity and contrasts, where people live together in harmony; a must-visit for everyone.

Location: London, Southeast England, United Kingdom

4. York

York is a small but beautiful walled city in the northeast area of London, packed with the best medieval architecture. Within the city, Roman, Viking, and medieval legacies abound, amongst rows of cobbled streets, and ‘Snickelways’ (narrow, secretive alleys). The market street highlights its existence since the Domesday Book with pride.

The best way to truly enjoy the city? Take a stroll along its ancient walls; take in breathtaking views of Gothic rooftops, towers, and spires that make York’s skyline so popular. Of course, no visit to York would be complete without visiting York Minster, one of Northern Europe’s greatest Gothic cathedrals. York Minster is the IT location of York. The cathedral’s soaring nave, its intricate stained glass leave you gasping in awe. Plain truth told, it is hard not to feel a little humbled to walk through its 2,000-year-old corridors.

Another destination to check out at any time, on any day, is the Shambles, a timber-framed 13th-century street that is extremely narrow. Crooked buildings lie so close together inside the shambles. It feels like you are back in medieval times. 

But York isn’t just about preserving the past; it also lives firmly in the present. For food lovers, Michelin-star restaurants and little eateries work hand in hand to deliver the best meals. Pub bars create a sense of community while serving the first carbon-negative gin in hopes of promoting eco-friendly initiatives. There are plenty of sports festivals in the city as well. York’s racecourse invites crowds from far and wide to come enjoy a day with the horses.

York’s greatest ability is an atmosphere that allows people to relax and leave the worries of the city behind. Whether by walking through nature or amongst narrow cobbled streets, or simply gazing up at gothic architecture from times long past.

Location: York, North Yorkshire, Northeast England, United Kingdom

5. Vacation Spots in England: Bath

Bath has been the go-to vacation spot for English people since the 1800s. The city’s beautiful thermal springs are said to have over 43 minerals and medicinal properties that help with relaxation. The whole area has been made a UNESCO World Heritage site in honor of its ancient springs.

One of the city’s best-known landmarks and must-visit sites is the Roman Baths. A preserved natural hot spring that has lasted thousands of years. The bath area is still remarkably functional, although the pools are no longer in use. However, you can still explore the ruins, ancient bathing rituals, the temple of Aquaesumis, and the Museums surrounding the area.

If you love architecture, you can also visit remarkable landmarks like the Abbey Cathedral, the Royal Crescent, and the Circus. Impressive Georgian masterpieces that double as areas of worship or living and tourist sites. You can also visit the Pulteney Bridge with a stunning view of the Avon River and rows of shops. 

For those who prefer literature to architecture, a visit to the Jane Austen Center is a must. The center delves into the life of Austen and life in the Georgian era. You can also try the Sally Lunn bun for afternoon tea or the myriad of restaurants and pubs that are diverse and yet communal in nature. Or go swimming at the Thaerma Bath Spa, the only original natural spring spa in England.

Bath should definitely have a place on your list of must-visit sites in England. The whole city is a combination of history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Location: Bath, Somerset, England, United Kingdom

6. Northumberland

Right here in Northumberland is a breathtaking destination that holds the distinct title of England’s northernmost county.  Right at the border between England and Scotland. The region is popular for its rugged beauty, Roman forts, parks and landscapes, and historic castles.

Do you love castles? Then, lucky you, Northumberland is filled with them. From Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh castles to Alnwick Castle. Or the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, accessible only by a tidal causeway and is said to be spiritual. You can also walk the length of the Hadrian Wall if you are feeling adventurous. The UNESCO Historical site boasts a 73-mile-long wall across a beautiful landscape and Roman forts like Vindolanda and Housestead.

At the center of Northumberland attractions is the Northumberland National Park, England’s most remote and least populated park. The park is over 400square meters of moorlands, beautiful hills, and forests. It is also known as England’s largest protected area of dark sky, making it perfect for stargazing. The area also has dedicated dark sky discovery sites and observatories located in it, like the Kielder Observatory.

Alright, when it comes to a vacation spot of natural beauty, Northumberland honestly takes the win. You can go for different adventurous activities like hiking and cycling across beautiful landscapes, taking a boat to the Farne Islands to watch wildlife, or visiting many of its pubs and restaurants for a feel of the community.

Location: Northumberland, Northeast England, United Kingdom.

7. Cornwall 

Here is a beautiful coastal and moorland county in southwest England. The region’s Celtic tradition, maritime heritage, and quiet fishing villages are the lifeline of its star attractions. With its many beaches, it has earned the title of one of the best in Europe.

The Cornish Riviera, Cornwall’s south coast, is calm and inviting. Some of its best features include sleepy villages, beautiful gardens, harbour towns, hidden coves, and beautiful estuaries that call you to take a dip in them. Or maybe take a walk along them. The Northern area is more wild. This side of Cornwall features striking cliffs, high dunes, and even higher sea waves. Surfers flock in droves to Newquay and Polzeath with its beautiful beaches and more beautiful sea. 

If you believe in legend and history, you can also visit Tintagel to chase tales of King Arthur’s Castle or Saint Michael’s Mount to see its 12th-century castle. You can check out rock formations at Bodmin Moor or Tamar Valley that offer a contrast to the beaches and cliffs of the north and south. The valley has more pastoral meadows, quiet rivers, and beautiful woodlands than craggy sands. This doesn’t make it less of a beauty than the more popular spot.

Location: Cornwall, Southwest Peninsula, Southwestern England, United Kingdom

Conclusion

England has some of the most beautiful natural places and landmarks in the world, and this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Almost every city in the country has a worthy vacation spot to call its own. With offers from walking and cycling to boating and swimming, let’s not even talk about the communal feel of many of them