English Countryside: Where to Go and What to See

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Looking for the best English countryside? Having lived in England all my life, these are my favourite countryside spots and beautiful places to visit.

England is a wonderful country with so many different landscapes to explore. But you don’t have to travel to places like the Lake District to find gorgeous countryside in England. You can find it all over the country.

But it’s not just walking in the woodland that you can do in the English countryside. There are also historic sites, scenic cliff trails, delicious food at country pubs, and quaint villages brimming with charm.

If you are looking for an escape from city life or just want to experience something new, then this article will give you all the information you need to know about what makes the beautiful British countryside so wonderful. It’s also why I sometimes prefer staying in England to travelling abroad.

Where is The Most Beautiful Countryside in England?

It’s all around the country. You can find beautiful countryside in England everywhere. From Cornwall to Cambridgeshire, there is stunning scenery across all four of England’s corners.

How To Get to The English Countryside

You also don’t have to travel far from the large cities to reach some greenery. In most cases, you can get to the English countryside within a couple of hours, and there are great public transport links too.

The train travels from London to Edinburgh, branches out to all major cities, and stops at plenty of other towns and villages in between.

The bus links are pretty good too, although they’re slightly slower. They’ll also likely drop you off at a more central location and you’ll be able to reach more remote destinations than the trains.

The Most Beautiful Countryside Getaways in England

So, what is the most beautiful English countryside? These are a few top picks for a little slice of remote England.

1. The Lake District

If you’re looking for mountains, lakes, and beautiful scenery all in one place then this is the ideal destination. The most popular part of the Lake District includes places like Keswick, Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere.

The whole of the Lake District was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. After visiting this natural beauty, you really won’t be surprised that it’s considered one of England’s greatest treasures. 

You’ll find rolling landscapes, sweeping lakes, and picturesque villages. It’s the perfect place to get away and surround yourself with breathtaking scenery instead of a busy office building!

What to do there:

The Lake District is most famous for its breathtaking hikes, cycling trails, and outdoor activities. If you love to keep active, then you’ll have no shortage of things to do. You can go for a leisurely stroll or walk around one of the District’s beautiful lakes.

Also, take in the views and explore nearby villages, hike up England’s highest peak, or cycle through valleys with hills on either side. There is so much to do here and so much beauty.

Where to stay:

If you want to stay overnight, there are plenty of hotels and B&Bs in the Lake District. You’ll find most bookings will be made months in advance, so be sure to book early. A few top hotels are the Beech Hill Hotel and Spa and The Wild Boar.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in the Lake District

2. Cornwall

Of course, Cornwall deserves a spot on this list. It is well known for being one of the most beautiful places in England. The coastal area is blessed with sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs overlooking crashing waves below.

There’s no shortage of wildlife either including seals lounging on the shore and oystercatchers wading in the water. The most popular part of Cornwall is around Penzance, with St Ives not far behind. But you’ll find beautiful stretches of coastline all over this county.

What to do:

Cornwall is a paradise for walkers who want to explore dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views. Most of the coastline is easily accessible with well-maintained paths. There are also plenty of options for boat trips along its coast.

For history buffs, Cornwall is steeped in myth. You’ll find castle ruins where King Authur was said to have lived (I highly recommend visiting Tintagel Castle) and many ancient stones and megalithic sites.

Where to stay:

St Ives and Penzance are the most popular for accommodation in Cornwall, so naturally, they’ll also be the busiest and the most expensive. For a few affordable options, The Land’s End Hotel and Hotel Penzance are great choices.

Be sure to book in advance as this area gets very busy during holiday periods.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Cornwall

3. Peak District

If you’re looking for a spot with beautiful hills and green pastures, the Peak District will be right up your street. Most famous for its rolling landscapes, it’s home to many of England’s most historic manor houses too, so it’s perfect if you want to take in some rural English charm. 

There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor lovers and hikers. You can hike popular trails like Mam Tor or Kinder Scout or cycle to pretty villages along historic routes. With a wide range of activities, you won’t run out of things to explore in the Peak District.

What to do:

One great thing about exploring this area is that there’s lots of wildlife. You’ll be able to spot animals like red kites soaring high overhead with their large wingspans and forked tails or deer grazing on green hillsides.

The most popular areas for walking include Edale Valley, Mam Tor Ridge, and Kinder Scout (where you can admire iconic views). Dark Peak Forest is also lovely, with ancient woodland trees and pretty rivers.

If you enjoy walking then head towards one of its picturesque villages. Monsal Dale, Edale, or Castleton offer idyllic walks through scenic countryside as well as lovely small towns.

Where to stay:

There are plenty of hotels and B&Bs dotted all over the Peak District, so you won’t have any trouble finding accommodation. The most popular villages to stay in in the Peak District are Edale, Castleton, and Buxton. Robin Hood Farm B&B is a great place to stay.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in the Peak District

4. Cotswolds

Famous for some of the most beautiful villages in England, the Cotswolds has some of the most beautiful UK countryside. The Cotswolds is also a pretty large area – it spans through the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire.

It’s most famous for its rolling green hills, and traditional thatched cottages in picture-perfect villages like Bibury, Stow on the Wold, and Castle Combe. There are also plenty of historic market towns including Chipping Campden and Cirencester.

What to do:

One of the most popular things to do here is to simply explore these beautiful old English towns on foot. You’ll pass chocolate box cottages, tiny market towns, cobbled streets, and old stone bridges crossing little streams. The entire area looks like it’s been plucked out of a fairytale.

In summer, you’ll be able to see the Insta-famous lavender fields in bloom. In autumn you’ll see trees turning leaves to golds, reds, and oranges.

There are also plenty of tours around this area like the Stonehenge tour which will allow you to marvel at England’s curious stone circle. You can even explore Harry Potter film sets like Lacock Abbey.

Where to stay:

Cotswolds has a range of accommodation options – from quaint little country cottages and hotels with views along the River Wye or through green fields in Elton, Bibury (the Bull Hotel is a great choice here), and Chipping Campden. The Courtyard Cirencester is a great self-catering option.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in the Cotswolds

5. Yorkshire Dales

This region has some pretty spectacular countryside with rolling hillsides covered in heathers or lush pastures capped by snowy peaks. It’s also home to plenty of small towns that are great for exploring.

Spend your days wandering beautiful valleys and walking along babbling brooks. Yorkshire’s beautiful and sometimes dreamy landscape makes it some of the most beautiful countryside in England.

What to do:

With challenging multi-day hikes like the popular 268-mile Pennine Way, you’ll certainly be able to wander through a lot of England’s beautiful countryside in the Yorkshire Dales.

You can also hike along heather-capped hillsides or climb mountains like Whernside, Ingleborough, or the Great Shunner Fell – perfect for a day outdoors. 

There are plenty of towns dotted around the area like Alston and the picturesque village of Aysgarth, which have fascinating museums and interesting places to explore too. There are loads of historic sights worth seeing too, like Wilton Castle or Dacre Cellar. 

Where to stay:

There are plenty of accommodation options in the Yorkshire Dales from fancy hotels to glamping retreats. The most popular villages are Hawes (stay at the Famous Tan Hill Inn), Grassington (stay at the gorgeous Grassington Lodge), and Burnsall – but most have a range of options to choose from.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in the Yorkshire Dales

6. Devon

There are plenty of beautiful valleys and rolling hillsides in Devon. It’s most famous for Dartmoor National Park. It’s a stunning spot that’ll take your breath away with its rugged beauty and moorland views.

Devon’s countryside is diverse: lush fields of patchwork meet rocky coastlines and fossil-filled cliffs. You’ll find steep and wild moorland, rolling hillsides, and beautiful rivers flowing through lush valleys.

Devon’s breathtaking natural scenery makes it one of the most beautiful countryside getaways in England. Lydford Gorge, a stunning spot located in Dartmoor National Park is literally one of my favourite places in the UK. It’s so beautiful.

What to do:

Devon is a great destination for outdoor activities. You can go walking in Dartmoor National Park or explore the lovely villages with cobbled streets and historic buildings. There are also plenty of castles worth visiting as well – places like Tiverton Castle, Berry Pomeroy Castle, and Powderham Castle. 

You can explore the coastline too; there are plenty of little coves and bays to explore.

Where to stay:

Some of the most popular places to stay are Appledoor, Biddeford, Torquay, and Dartmoor. Most of them have a range of options to choose from, like the Dartmoor Inn or Osborne Hotel. The Osborne Apartments are also great if you’d prefer a self-catering option.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Devon

7. Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire is most famous for the city, but also for its many beautiful villages, including Fen Drayton, St Ives (not to be confused with the one in Cornwall), and the charming village of Grantchester. You’ll find wildflowers, winding streets, and beautifully preserved thatched cottages.

This is a great destination for outdoorsy types. With picturesque woodland, marshy fenland, and the beautiful, green English countryside, many visitors are drawn to the scenic walking routes in Cambridgeshire.

Decorated with dainty cottages, tiny churches, and market towns, this is definitely some of the most beautiful English countryside. You can explore bluebell forests, wander along the famous River Cam, or rent a boat and explore the area from the water.

What to do:

Cambridgeshire is most famous for its historic buildings, ancient literature, and beautiful countryside. You can spend some time wandering around the quaint villages and eating delicious brunch, but Cambridge is also famous for its water activities.

Punting, canoeing and kayaking are all popular pastimes here. A lot of visitors enjoy taking in the beautiful scenery and historic buildings from the water. You can also visit the city of Cambridge for a day; wandering its historic streets and visiting museums can be just as fascinating as exploring the country.

Where to stay:

Popular villages to stay in Cambridgeshire include Chesterton, Barton, and St Neots – most of them have a range of options to choose from. The Waterfront Hotel Spa & Golf, or Rectory Farm are great options. If you’d rather stay in Cambridge city centre, the Gonville Hotel is a wonderful treat.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Cambridgeshire

8. Dorset

Dorset’s beauty comes from its coastline, which is not only gorgeous but also diverse. There are high cliffs with dramatic rock formations and everything from pebbly, fossil-filled beaches to soft sandy dunes.

The area’s most famous attraction is the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It stretches for 95 miles (153 km), and you’ll find some fascinating and beautiful sights.

This includes Lulworth Cove (one of the best beaches in the UK), Portland Bill, Studland Bay, and the infamous Durdle Door, which might be considered one of England’s most iconic views.

What to do:

Many visitors come here for the coastal walks and natural beauty of England’s southern county. Rocks are popular with climbers, while those who enjoy walking will love exploring this wild coastline.

You can also visit Portland Bill Lighthouse or take a boat trip from Swanage Pier. And don’t forget to see the gorgeous Durdle Door, go fossil hunting along the coastline, and see some of the historic castles.

Where to stay:

There is accommodation in most towns and villages throughout Dorset. Popular destinations include Lyme Regis, Poole, Weymouth, and Bridport.

They all have plenty of options available including hotels, B&Bs, cottages, and hostels, like Lulworth Lodge and the Weymouth Beach B&B. There are also camping sites dotted along the coast.

🡺 Discover the best places to stay in Dorset! 🡸

9. South Downs

South Downs is most famous for its breathtaking views and sprawling countryside. The South Downs National Park boasts more than a million acres of downland.

It’s the perfect spot if you love open spaces, fresh air, wildflower meadows, and dramatic hillsides. It’s also home to the tallest chalk sea cliff in the UK – 531ft above sea level.

The area has plenty of outdoor activities. The South Downs National Park welcomes many visitors coming here to enjoy walking, cycling, or horse riding on one of the many bridleways through this area.

There are also some great wildlife attractions including Lancing College Deerpark where you can see free-roaming fallow deer along with other rare breeds like Highland cattle.

What to do:

The most popular things visitors enjoy doing here are exploring and enjoying some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. You’ll find plenty of walks from gentle strolls in open fields to woodland trails with wildlife spotting opportunities.

For a more challenging route, head up Beachy Head for panoramic views over the National Park and the famous Seven Sisters. It will be tiring, but worth every step!

Where to stay:

Most people choose to stay in the South Downs during summer when most villages offer campsites as well as B&Bs. Popular towns include Brighton, Portsmouth, Chichester, and Eastbourne which all have various options available including hotels and cottages, like the stylish Tides Apartment or Chichester Harbour Hotel and Spa.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in the South Downs

10. High Weald

For one of the best countryside getaways in England that’s not too far from London, head to High Weald. It’s ideal if you need to escape from city life but don’t want to travel too far.

This area has a lot to offer – most of it is made up of rolling hills and lush meadows with villages dotted across the landscape. You’ll find plenty of farms, country pubs, and historic buildings to explore.

High Weald has a few popular visitor attractions. A few include Mayfield Lavender Fields which offers you one of the most fragrant places in England. With over 40 acres (162,000 sq m) of fields filled with rows upon rows of lavenders, it’s a pretty amazing sight! 

The most famous village here is Dormansland which has some lovely historic buildings, including St Mary’s Church and The Priory pub.

If you’re looking for something more modern then why not try Beckenham? There are plenty of shops along Regents Road as well as delightful cafes along the High Street.

What to do:

There are more than enough things to see and do in High Weald. Places like Ashdown Forest are great spots for wildlife sightings. You can also go rock climbing at Copehill Down or horse riding along bridleways through farmland. 

If you prefer something less strenuous then enjoy some time on the Kent and East Sussex Railway which runs through the area. Hop on a steam train and experience England’s countryside by rail.

Where to stay:

The cutest English countryside towns here are East Grinstead, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, and Brenchley. All offer plenty of attractions as well as accommodation options including bed & breakfasts (B&Bs), cottages, or hotels like the Hotel du Vin and Bistro.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in High Weald

Where is The Most Beautiful Countryside in England?

My personal favourite countryside in England is either Dartmoor National Park or the Lake District.

I love the wildness of Dartmoor and the beautiful woodland areas, plus the fact that it’s such a hidden gem in southern England. And I love the Lake District for its incredible hiking trails.

However, you can find beautiful countryside in England everywhere. From Cornwall to Cambridgeshire, there is stunning scenery across all four of England’s corners.

How to Get To the English Countryside

You also don’t have to travel far from the large cities to reach some greenery. In most cases, you can get to the English countryside within a couple of hours, and there are great public transport links too.

The train travels from London to Edinburgh, branches out to all major cities, and stops at plenty of other towns and villages in between.

The bus links are pretty good too, although they’re slightly slower. They’ll also likely drop you off at a more central location and you’ll have to taxi the rest of the way. However, you’ll still be able to reach more remote destinations than the trains.

Does London Have Countryside?

London has plenty of beautiful parks and gardens to explore, most of which are within walking distance of the city centre. The most popular ones include Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and Holland Park.

But, to physically get lost in the countryside, you will have to travel outside the city centre. Although, you won’t have to travel too far – most of the countryside is just a stone’s throw away from London!

Where is The Closest Countryside to London?

If you are looking for a quick escape from the bustle of city life or only have one day in London, then head to Hampstead Heath. This hilly area is just northwest of central London. Most people can reach it on foot or by bike in about an hour.

If you have slightly longer in the city, you can also visit places like Kentish Town and Stepney Green for a small sliver of the countryside near the busy capital.

When Should You Visit the British Countryside?

For the most enjoyable experience, I suggest visiting between the late spring and autumn. During these times, the weather is best, ideal for outdoor activities, and the scenery is gorgeous.

These are a few of the top times to visit:

• Late Spring – This is when most of its flowers are in bloom. There is plenty of green space for outdoor activities like cycling or walking around lakes. You’ll find pleasant temperatures and most of the winter tourists have left.

• July – August – This is the most popular time to visit, but also one of the busiest periods. It’s peak season and the school summer holidays and a lot of locals will be making the most of England’s best weather and flocking to Cornwall and the seaside areas. However, you may still be able to find remote spots away from the typical tourist trail.

• September – This is a good time to visit if you want some fresh air, but don’t like crowds or too much heat. It’s also an opportunity to see the last of the summer sun and enjoy late-summer fruits such as grapes, apples, and pears.

• Late Autumn – If you arrive in October – November, then the leaves will be changing or have already fallen, but the snow and frost won’t have quite arrived yet. This season will give you some stunning views of almost leafless trees against blue skies with grazing sheep nearby. It’s also a great time for apple picking. But, you will probably have to bring a raincoat and waterproof shoes!

Worst times to visit

The English countryside can be enjoyed year-round, however, it does get very cold, wet, dark, and dreary during winter so visits will need to be planned and packed carefully.

Depending on what you want to do, trips can be ruined by the near-constant rain that England is known for. The same can be said for early spring, between February and March.

You’ll likely experience lots of chilly weather and frequent showers if you visit during these times. Nonetheless, if you visit in December, you will also be able to see some of the best Christmas markets in England.

Overall…

The English countryside is vast, varied, and beautiful. A trip to the countryside is one of my favourite things to do in the UK and there are some stunning spots in England just waiting to be explored.

If you love hiking and exploring the great outdoors, I can almost guarantee that you’ll fall in love with the countryside in England. I hope you’ve enjoyed my recommendations and that you’ll love rural England as much as I do!

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