England is not just about London. The countryside also deserves exploration! Here are 16 wonderful attractions that rank among England’s most beautiful places!
It is bordered to the north by Scotland, to the west by Wales, and to the rest of the way by the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea, and the English Channel. The latter separates it from France.
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Best places in England
London
The capital of England is one of the world’s most famous and visited cities.
There’s no need to say much about London, as it offers endless activities across various themes. I spent three days in London but couldn’t cover all planned sights. It’s definitely worth a 4-5 day visit.
Stonehenge
This stone monument still raises many questions today. The archaeological site and its surroundings are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage.
Its construction started around 2500 BC and finished around 2100 BC. The latest theory suggests it symbolizes the unity of tribes previously engaged in warfare.
The complex consists of several circular structures. An outer ditch is followed by a bank, with a northeastern entrance leading to the so-called Avenue. In the center, sarsen stones are arranged in a horseshoe shape, originally linked by horizontal stones.
Windsor Castle
Located west of London, it is the world’s largest occupied castle.
Covering about 52,000 square kilometers, it’s one of the British royal family’s most important residences (the other being Scotland’s famous Balmoral Castle). Over time, the castle has served as a garrison, fortress, home, royal seat, and prison. It has been continuously added to since the 14th century, with the most recent changes following the 1992 fire.
The St. George’s Chapel deserves special mention as a prime example of English Gothic architecture. It has been the venue for numerous royal services, weddings, and particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, burials.
Liverpool
One of North England’s key cities, located at the mouth of the River Mersey, Liverpool is best known for the Beatles and the famous football team, Liverpool FC.
Its architecture stands out within the country, boasting a high number of non-Anglican buildings and public statues. The city is home to two cathedrals, Anglican and Roman Catholic. The Anglican one features the world’s longest nave, largest organ, and loudest bells.
Liverpool’s culture and art live up to its reputation. It hosts the UK’s largest arts festival, and among its museums, the Tate Liverpool Gallery is the most renowned.
Canterbury Cathedral
One of England’s oldest and most famous Christian centers, the seat of the Anglican Bishopric of Canterbury, and a part of the cultural World Heritage since 1988, together with St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s Church.
Its size is impressive: 160 meters in total length, with the highest tower reaching 72 meters. The interior is equally magnificent, featuring gothic naves with stained glass windows and statues of historic figures.
Warwick Castle
Located southwest of Birmingham in Warwick, near the River Avon, this castle was historically significant.
Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, it functioned as a fortification until the early 17th century. It was then gifted to the Greville family, who transformed it into a country house. Its grandeur is still visible today, as the castle is open to tourists.
Brighton
A bustling city on the south coast of England, Brighton is one of the most popular seaside areas.
The city center, especially the harbor, is a vibrant entertainment hub. Another popular attraction is the British Airways i360 observation tower, featuring a futuristic, moving glass capsule 137 meters high, offering stunning views of the ocean and city.
Lake District
Located in Northern England, near Scotland, this national park is known as the „Lake District”.
Spanning about 55 km, it features many lakes formed in glacial valleys. UNESCO has recognized the area for its beauty.
The Lake District is one of the few mountainous regions in England, home to England’s highest point, Scafell Pike (978 meters). It’s a popular destination for its picturesque lakes and mountains.
Leeds
Often overlooked, Leeds is the second-largest business center after London and one of the fastest-growing regions in the UK.
Culturally, it’s known for its prestigious university and renowned museums. The Armley Mills Museum showcases the city’s leading industry, textiles, and there’s also the world’s largest medical history exhibition.
Over 65% of the Leeds area is green space, and it’s just twenty miles from the Yorkshire Dales National Park, offering some of the finest landscapes in England.
Whitby Abbey
Originally a 7th-century Christian monastery, later transformed into a Benedictine abbey, it’s stunning even in ruins.
Situated on an east-facing cliff overlooking the North Sea in North Yorkshire, above Whitby. The site offers beautiful panoramic views of the sea and the town.
White Cliffs of Dover
Located in the southeastern coastal town of Dover, known for its port and the iconic white cliffs.
The cliffs’ white color comes from the lime content derived from algae. These chalk cliffs rise about 100 meters above the sea and stretch for several kilometers. A path from the town’s port leads to the top of the cliffs, but descending to the beach offers an even more impressive view.
Cotswolds
Renowned as England’s most enchanting countryside, northeast of Bristol. The Cotswolds AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is a protected landscape.
The area consists of numerous small, picturesque villages with stone-built houses, green surroundings, tranquil streams, and quiet ambiance.
Bibury is the central town of the Cotswolds. Its Arlington Row is a primary tourist attraction, so beautiful it’s featured in British passports.
York Minster
The largest Gothic cathedral in England and Northern Europe, it holds the second-highest ecclesiastical office in England after the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1220 and continued until 1480. The interior of the church is 148 meters long and 35 meters high. It has three towers, the central one accessible by 275 steps. It boasts 111 leaded and stained windows, among which the Five Sisters Window is particularly famous.
Durham
Located in Northeast England in the valley of the River Wear, Durham’s setting is particularly beautiful with its city center nestled in a bend of the river.
Its cathedral and castle are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is a famous pilgrimage site and a stunning example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture, representing a masterpiece of Norman architecture.
The castle, also built by the Normans, was an important fortress for centuries. Its uniqueness lies in its use as a university college since 1840, with student rooms located in the castle tower.
Bath
Located near Bristol, Bath is famous for its name-sake: England’s only hot spring bath.
Popular since Roman times, the bath complex was developed then but gained its current form only a few centuries ago.
The presence of the bath naturally attracted English aristocracy, which is reflected in the city’s architecture. The most beautiful areas are the Royal Crescent and the Circus, built in the Palladian style in the 18th century.
Staithes
This charming little village on the North Sea coast in Yorkshire is set in a stunning environment.
Once a fishing village, Staithes has become a popular tourist destination. It is located in a small bay at the confluence of the Staithes Beck river and a cliff. This location, along with its colorful houses, has made it an attractive sight.
