Many visitors to England get caught up in the excitement of London, which is completely understandable since there’s so much to see and do in the city. But as the locals will attest, London is not representative of England as a whole. The English countryside offers an incredibly different experience than the crowds, museums, and high-end restaurants of the capital city. So to get the full English experience on your next UK trip, these are some of the most interesting and authentic sights to see and places to visit in the English countryside.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Best known for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is located in south Warwickshire and is an easy bus or train ride from London. This is a very popular tourist destination that draws millions of visitors each year. Visitors can tour Shakespeare’s home, other family members’ homes, and catch a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Royal Shakespeare Theater. Home tours, ghost tours, river tours, bike rentals, outdoor markets, and gardens are the popular attractions here, and you can choose from many bed & breakfast accommodations.
Stonehenge
Perhaps the most historic and mysterious attraction in the English countryside is Stonehenge. Also easily reachable by bus or train, Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric wonders of the world that offers insights into Neolithic life. The massive rock structures are located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, and historians speculate that they took more than 30 million hours to build. Whether the impressive structures were built for astronomy study, human sacrifice, or something entirely different, we may never know. But fortunately, the World Heritage Site has been well-preserved and is definitely worth visiting.
Lake District National Park
Located in the northwest corner of England, the Lake District is a favorite destination of hikers and nature enthusiasts. Over 15 million people visit the Lake District National Park each year to escape busy city life and explore the region’s lakes, forests, mountains, and poetry history. Walking, cycling, and boat hire are the most popular activities in this family-friendly area. For a more adventurous Lake District experience, you can go kite surfing, zorbing, mountain boarding, climbing, abseiling, horse riding, and kayaking. Just keep in mind that this region is particularly known for steady and frequent rain, so bring plenty of rain gear and have a backup plan if your itinerary is exclusively outside.
The Gnome Reserve, Devon
The region of Devon is best known for its craggy coastlines, scenic beaches, and delicious cream teas. But there is one lesser-known attraction in Devon that will introduce you to a unique local sub-culture. The Gnome Reserve is home to over 2,000 gnomes and holds the Guinness Book World Record for the largest gnome collection. Gnome culture is big in England, so embrace the quirkiness, pull on a pointed hat and take a tour of the well-preserved outdoor collection and wildflower garden. It’s kitschy fun for all ages, and fresh sandwiches, ice cream, and tea are sold in the Gnome Kitchen. The Gnome Reserve is truly in the middle of nowhere, so you’ll need to rent a car to visit the gnomes.
Clovelly
Step back in time to the mid-19th century when you visit the beautiful and historically preserved village of Clovelly in North Devon. The village is just a short drive from the Gnome Reserve and is known for its steep cobblestone streets that have no cars, just an occasional donkey. Clovelly is privately owned by a single family and preserved using traditional craftsmanship and materials. You can stop by the visitor’s center and watch local craftsmen and craftswomen at work. There are two hotels and several restaurants to relax in and meet some local residents. Perfectly situated along the jagged coastline, Clovelly makes a wonderful backdrop for photo shoots and leisurely strolls.
The Cotswolds
Continuously popular with vacationers and celebrities, the Cotswolds is full of farmer’s markets, gardens, cafes, and walking routes. The green rolling hills are dotted with grazing sheep, and the Slad Valley near Stroud is a particularly beautiful area. Expect to be completely absorbed in the idyllic, quaint, and historic vibe of this region, which is affluent and a bit pricey during peak months. Summer is the busiest and most crowded season to visit, but there’s really no bad time of year to experience the heritage and arts & craft culture of the Cotswolds.
Dorset
Another very popular region to visit in the English countryside is Dorset, which is located in southwest England near the English Channel. This rural county is between Devon and Hampshire, and Bournemouth is the most popular vacation destination. However, the nearby town of Poole has some great beaches to walk along, and Dorchester is a wonderful place for history buffs to learn about the local heritage. Some of the top Dorset attractions include the Corfe Castle, Sherborne Castle, Athelhampton House and Gardens.
Bath
Located in Somerset in Southwest England, Bath is 97 miles west of London and reachable by public transportation. The city got its name when the Romans built baths and a temple in the valley to take advantage of the region’s soothing hot spring waters. Sightseeing tours are a popular way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most well-known place to take a dip in these mineral rich waters is the Thermae Bath Spa, but the city has an exciting arts, music, and nightlife scene as well.
Isle of Wight
One of the most stunning ways to explore England’s natural beauty is by taking a day trip out to the Isle of Wight. Because of its inspirational scenery, this has been a favorite destination of artists and writers for several centuries. It’s a little bit warmer here than on the mainland of England, so you can spend warm days relaxing at the beach, surfing, or going cycling around the island. There’s lots of local art to check out here and some music festivals worth checking out during the summer months.
