As the largest and most populated of the four countries of the United Kingdom, England is home to many great places to visit. From beautiful beaches and picturesque lakes to magnificent old castles and exciting cities, if you're thinking of travelling to England, these 20 destinations are some of the best.
Credit: bigstock.comLiverpoolLiverpool
Liverpool (hotel prices and photos)
Some say Liverpool is the friendliest city in England. Of course, it's well known as the birthplace of the Beatles, although you'll find much more to do here than go on a Beatles tour and visit the Beatles Museum. In fact, you'd be seriously missing out if you came here just for the Fab Four. The city offers a combination of maritime heritage architecture, world-class museums and easily accessible cultural attractions in a one-mile stretch along the Mersey. Spend time in the pubs chatting to the locals, check out the beautiful cathedrals, shop at Liverpool One and enjoy the local beaches. If you like clubs, you'll find a vibrant nightlife and art lovers will appreciate Liverpool's excellent art scene.
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Bath (prices and hotel photos)
Some say Bath is the most beautiful city in England, so named for its natural hot springs that served as ancient Roman baths 2000 years ago. And today it is the only place in the UK where you can bathe in hot, mineral-rich thermal waters, just as the Romans did. Enjoy rooftop baths with magnificent views of this Georgian city of breathtaking architecture, dine in award-winning restaurants and stay in romantic B&Bs or luxury hotels. Visitors can take a self-guided audio tour of the Roman Baths, which still bubble with the same water as in ancient times, explore numerous museums, such as the Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass and the Jane Austin Centre, a shrine to the city's most famous resident.
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Yorkshire (hotel prices and photos)
Yorkshire offers the quintessential English countryside experience, home to lush hills and endless charming villages, as well as some of the country's most magnificent houses and museums. Yorkshire also boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the country, apart from the busy streets of London. It is famous for its delicacies such as Yorkshire pudding, Yorkshire tea and Parkin and Wensleydale cheese, many of which can be enjoyed in cosy tearooms, while its landscapes have inspired generations of painters, including David Hockney's Yorkshire Wolds and John Atkinson Grimshaw's lunar delights. The region truly offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for peace and solitude or a bit of adventure.
Credit: bigstock.comSt. AlbansSt. Albans
St. Albans (prices and hotel photos)
St. Albans is one of the oldest towns in England. It was the first major city on the old Roman road of Watling Street for those travelling north, and became the Roman city of Verulamium, although its history even predates the Roman invasion. This unique English cathedral city has a colourful history that can be seen in its beautiful medieval architecture, including St. Albans Cathedral. The Cathedral dominates the city skyline from every approach. Its architecture is a mixture of different periods and its great tower includes Roman bricks recovered from the ruins of Verulamium. At the Verulamimum Museum, you will find beautiful exhibits from the Roman city, including mosaics and recreated Roman rooms. A short walk away is the Roman Theatre, the only visible example in Britain. St. Albans is also known for its picturesque green parks, a bustling metropolis with many small independent shops and a wide range of restaurants.
Credit: bigstock.com Cotswolds, England Cotswolds, England
Cotswolds (prices and hotel photos)
The Cotswolds is an expanse of rolling green hills and pretty old towns and villages in the south-west and west-central England that seem to have stepped out of the pages of another era. Its English charm stretches mainly through the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, also reaching into parts of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire, and is the largest of the 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales. The area is criss-crossed by hedgerows, dotted with sheep and fairytale villages, such as the tiny, charming villages of Stanway, Stantonand Snowshill, which are often overlooked by travellers heading for the more famous places such as Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Wold. Autumn is a particularly good time to be here, when visitors can enjoy colourful leaves peeping through, particularly in the two large arboretums, Westonbirt and Batsford, although the wonderfully uncrowded winters are ideal for fireside pub sessions.
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Dover (hotel prices and photos)
Dover, located in White Cliffs Country, offers a rich and fascinating history, as well as tranquil countryside and a breathtaking coastline, with its 'White Cliffs', its most visible icons stretching five miles along the coast. This area has a unique place in history, with Dover playing a key role in World War II due to its strategic position at the narrowest part of the English Channel. You could spend weeks exploring the region's castles, such as Dover Castle, which acted as a fortress against invaders in Roman times, as well as the 'Secret War Time Tunnels' located within the cliffs, once used as an underground hospital and military enclave.
Credit: Bigstock.com Cornwall, England Cornwall, England
Cornwall (hotel prices and photos)
Cornwall, in the far south-west corner of England, is defined by its spectacular coastline with 300 kilometres of dunes and cliffs, medieval harbours and wooded inlets, and every inch of it is accessible on foot. This is a place for adventure and relaxation, from swimming with seals and basking sharks and descending the cliffs to exploring the rock pools for surfing and bodyboarding, with lessons available on many of the beaches. Photographers and artists of all kinds are drawn here for the rugged beauty of the area, the big skies and the incredible light in winter, when the cerulean seas turn an even brighter blue. The south coast, known as the 'Cornish Riviera', is home to sheltered beaches where several estuaries offer safe anchorage spots for boats, while Polperro is considered Cornwall's most picturesque fishing village.
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Cambridge (prices and hotel photos)
This city on the River Cam is similar to England's other ancient university city, Oxford, but is a little smaller and less crowded. Here you can visit one of the most famous buildings in the country, the Chapel of Kings College, and perhaps listen to the incredible choir in a service. Enjoy one of the best art collections in England outside London at the Fitzwilliam Museum, or simply stroll through the lawns where you can relax and sip tea at The Orchard, a tea room where time seems to stand still - and, more famously, people have sipped the drink here than anywhere else in the world.
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York (prices and hotel photos)
York has been dubbed the 'Great City of the North', with the largest medieval cathedral in northern Europe, York Minster, as well as offering hundreds of attractions, historic buildings, shops, restaurants and museums, from the York Castle Museum to the Yorkshire Museum, all within a tightly-walled city. One of its must-see attractions is York Dungeon, which uses interactive shows, special effects and displays of models and objects to depict some of the most horrific local stories such as burnt witches, the evil Dick Turpin and stories of the Vikings. The Shambles, a famous alley lined with 15upmarket shops, is also a must-visit, and be sure to take in the sweeping views of York and the surrounding countryside from Clifford's Tower, which stands as a proud symbol of the power of medieval English kings.
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Devon (prices and hotel photos)
Visitors are usually attracted to Devon because of its picturesque beaches on the north and south coasts and excellent surfing breaks, but it offers much more than sand and sea. History buffs can explore Tintagel Castle, a legendary birthplace of King Arthur and the seat of Cornish kings, while music lovers will find a myriad of festivals each year, such as the St Ives Festival, the Rock Oyster Festival and countless others. Savour the good food on offer right on Devon's doorstep, such as venison, lamb, pork, pheasant and seafood, along with extraordinary local produce that can be found at the many farmers' markets. Devon's capital, Exeter, is a great place to stay, with its proximity to the area's beaches, an array of shops and fantastic street food from pulled pork rolls to spicy curries that can be sampled every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Guildhall shopping centre courtyard.
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Salisbury and Stonehenge (hotel prices and photos)
Salisbury and nearby Stonehenge are a must-visit on any trip to England. Located less than two hours' drive from London, the city is one of the most historically important in the country. It is home to the Magna Carta, found in Salisbury Cathedral, which formed the basis of English law for centuries. Built in the 13th century, the cathedral has the tallest spire in Britain at 404 metres high and also boasts a mechanical clock dating back to 1386. Just eight miles north of the town is Stonehenge, a legendary ancient stone circle consisting of standing stones that were built in various stages between 3000 and 2200 BC - radiocarbon dating conducted in 2008 suggested that the first stones were raised between 2400 and 2200 BC, although another theory suggests that they were raised on the site as early as 3000 BC. The 40-tonne rocks were dragged across the desolate plain towards Salisbury Hill, whether it was created as a religious temple, a burial ground or an astronomical clock.
Credit: bigstock.comLake DistrictLake District
Lake District (prices and hotel photos)
The Lake District is famous for having some of the most beautiful scenery in England, with the greenest countryside and grandest views. Home to William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, no trip to the UK is truly complete without a stop here. In summer, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing are all popular, and while taking a dip to cool off after a long walk, the water is generally too cold to stay for any length of time. Cycling the country lanes or hiking through the lush hills are popular activities whenever the weather permits. In autumn, the beautiful autumn light makes it even more breathtaking, with the lakes surrounded by golden, ruby-coloured hills. Of course, the weather here is also notoriously unpredictable, but this provides the perfect excuse to dive into one of the area's cosy pubs for a pint of local beer or cider.
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Brighton (prices and hotel photos)
You'll never be bored in this picturesque seaside town. Popular in all seasons, and often on a hot summer's day, its waterfront teems with lively bars and restaurants famous for traditional fish 'n' chips, while the pier has arcades, rides and many other attractions. Adjacent to the iconic pier is the world's oldest aquarium, Sea Life Brighton. If you like shopping, head to North Laine where you will find unusual designers and interesting flea markets among the most exclusive restaurants and pubs. Don't miss the Royal Pavilion, one of the most opulent royal residences on the planet. It was designed for the fun-loving Prince Regent, later George IV, who lived here with his mistress until 1827. The extravagant structure is a fantasy of minarets, Chinese motifs and turrets.
Credit: Jim LinwoodThe Bell Inn, Norfolk, England The Bell Inn, Norfolk, England
Norfolk (prices and hotel photos)
Among the rolling countryside and sleepy villages of Norfolk, you'll find at least a dozen medieval castles and ancient churches, stately homes and fascinating museums. Beach lovers can take advantage of three fantastic beach resorts, including Golden Mile and Pleasure Beach in Great Yarmouth - even on cold, cool winter days, the beaches are often packed with walkers and dogs. In the lively Georgian towns of Holt and Burnham Market, shoppers can shop until they drop in a wide variety of shops and boutiques. This county is perhaps most famous for its man-made Broads, a magical expanse of water with over 125 miles of enclosed waterways set in a tranquil landscape where woods, boggy fields and reeds provide the perfect opportunity for adventure as well as relaxation.
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Colchester (prices and hotel photos)
This charming provincial town is the oldest city in the country. Some of the most important events in British history took place in and around Colchester, with Romans, Saxons, Normans and Victorians leaving their mark. It boasts a number of historic buildings, a Norman castle and a Roman wall dating back to Colchester's time as Britain's capital. There are also several museums, such as the Natural History Museum, the Hollytrees Museum and the Castle Museum. There are also many modern delights, including a wide range of small independent shops that sit alongside big-name shops, and if you're looking for nightlife, you can choose from a wide range of bars, pubs and clubs, as well as theatre and comedy venues
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Suffolk (prices and hotel photos)
Suffolk is one of England's least touristy regions, yet it is full of charming villages, and its picturesque countryside is dotted with thatched cottages, along with some impressive forts and ancient abbeys. The beaches that line the coast offer space for kites, picnics and games, even on the busiest summer days. In Lavenham, often hailed as England's best-preserved medieval village, you'll find ancient half-timbered merchants' houses lining the winding streets, which now serve as attractive shops and tea rooms and fantastic restaurants. Harry Potter fans will appreciate the fact that this is the birthplace of Harry Potter, featured in Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2. No matter which village you stop in, you'll never be far from a cosy pub with local beers on a tap or a fabulous deli selling local specialities such as honey, smoked fish and spicy cheeses.
Credit: bigstock.comThe New ForestThe New Forest
The New Forest (hotel prices and photos)
Located in south-east England, The New Forest was originally created as a hunting forest by William the Conqueror in 1079. In 2005, it became a national park and is now a popular place for outdoor activities and New Forest pony spotting, with around 3000 of them roaming throughout the forest. The animals are free to roam wherever they like, as they have done for centuries, but are actually owned by ordinary citizens with grazing rights in the park - this unique pony traces its lineage back almost a thousand years. You will also discover deer and cattle roaming free in the ancient woods and heaths in this vast area of some 220 square miles. Clear rivers and shady groves offer peace and tranquillity, as well as a car-free paradise for walking, cycling and horse riding.
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Canterbury (prices and hotel photos)
This cathedral and university town has become a popular tourist destination. Although it was relentlessly bombed during the Second World War, it still contains many ancient buildings, with the development of modern buildings tightly regulated in its medieval centre. Architectural gems can be found on virtually every corner, including Canterbury Cathedral, the burial place of King Henry IV and Edward the Black Prince, although its most famous is the scene of Thomas Becket's murder in 1170. Visiting this active, living church is an unforgettable experience. It can be explored through guided and audio tours, or with its incredible atmosphere and acoustics, it is a perfect venue for concerts and performances held here. At the Roman museum, you can see parts of a Roman house, including some beautiful mosaic floors. Other highlights include the ruins of the 11th-century Canterbury Castle and St Augustine's Abbey.
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Chester (hotel prices and photos)
Close to the Welsh border, Chester lies along the banks of the River Dee in Cheshire.The city of over 2000 years has a rich history, along with extraordinary architecture spanning several eras. The Roman walls surrounding the city are a major tourist attraction, while the historic clock on Eastgate Street is the second most photographed clock in the country and Chester's best known landmark. Explore the city across the water with a half-hour cruise on the River Dee, longer cruises go to Eaton Estate, home of the Duke of Westminster, to Ironbridge, as well as the village of Eccleston on the Grosvenor Estate. If you like shopping, Chester has been named one of the best shopping towns in England, boasting a wide variety of smaller independent shops and big-name chain shops.
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Avebury (hotel prices and photos)
Avebury, about a 40-minute drive north of Stonehenge, is believed to rival even its better-known counterpart as the most impressive, largest and most complex prehistoric site in the country. It was believed to have been built between 2850 and 2200 BC, although it has the same mystery surrounding it as Stonehenge. It takes the form of a massive circular bank and ditch, enclosing a 281-acre site that includes the village festival of Avebury. Inside, there is an inner circle of large stones enclosing two other stone circles. Much of Avebury village revolved around the circle of stones - in fact it was the setting for the 1977 cult television series, 'Children of the Stones', which depicted Avebury as a town controlled by stones. Its 17thThe19th century pub claims to be the only pub in the world to be enclosed by a stone circle: it was built around the village well, over six feet deep, covered in glass and now used as a dining table.
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London (prices and hotel photos)
Of course, most visitors to England will arrive in London - and the cosmopolitan city is worth spending at least a few days in. Its home to a long list of famous sights as well as beautiful green spaces, endless shopping, exciting nightlife and a long and dramatic history. It also boasts some of the best museums and art galleries on the planet, many of which are free. See the city from above on the London Eye, see one of the world's most precious treasures at the British Museum or meet a celebrity at Madame Tussauds. You'll never be bored here with the incredible range of lively bars, top restaurants, theatres and a host of events on offer, from sports to music festivals and everything in between.