I’ve live in England and I still find new corners that surprise me. London’s energy is infectious, Bath always feels like stepping back in time, and the countryside never fails to charm with its cosy pubs and postcard villages. What I love most about England is how easy it is to change scenes — one morning you’re exploring Camden’s street markets, by afternoon you’re wandering through the Roman Baths, and the next day you’re rambling across rolling hills in the Cotswolds. It’s that mix of history, culture, and everyday magic that makes England such a joy to explore.

Here’s my guide to the best places, bites, and tips to help plan your adventure.

Quick Travel Basics for England

Best time to visit: May–June and September–October are my favourites. The weather is pleasant without the summer crush, and the countryside looks especially beautiful. I once spent a July weekend in the Cotswolds during a heatwave — it felt more like the Mediterranean than England! Shoulder season is the real sweet spot.

Language: English is the official language, so you won’t have any trouble. Still, locals love their quirks — learning the difference between “tea” (the drink) and “tea” (an evening meal in some regions) might save you some confusion.

Currency: Pound Sterling (£). Cards are widely accepted, but keep a stash of coins for parking meters, market stalls, or that cheeky Cornish pasty on the go.

Getting around: Trains are quick and convenient for hopping between cities like London, Bath, and York. For countryside adventures — the Cotswolds, Lake District, or coastal Cornwall — hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore hidden corners.

Must-try food & drink: A proper Sunday roast in a country pub, fish and chips by the seaside, cream tea in Devon or Cornwall, and a pint of real ale in a cosy inn. If you want more foodie inspiration, I’ve got guides to England’s best eats that’ll have you hungry before you pack your bags.

England Snapshot Table

Here’s a quick snapshot of England’s highlights to help you plan your trip at a glance

Where to Go in England

England is a mix of buzzing cities, storybook villages, and countryside escapes that look like they belong in a period drama. These are some of my favourites.

London

Iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and a food scene that runs from Michelin-starred restaurants to street markets. I’ve been more times than I can count, and there’s always something new — one day you’re exploring the Tower of London, the next you’re grazing through Camden Market or catching a West End show. London’s pace can be relentless, but that’s exactly what makes it so addictive.

➡️ Plan your visit with 3 Days in London: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Timers

Bath

Elegant Georgian crescents, Roman history, and a spa culture that goes back two thousand years. I used to visit often when I lived nearby, and I still think it’s one of the prettiest cities in England. You can wander the cobbled streets, soak in the rooftop thermal spa, and tuck into a classic Sally Lunn bun all in one afternoon. Bath is compact but endlessly charming.

➡️ Discover the 25 Best Things to Do in Bath (Tried & Tested by a Local)

The Cotswolds

Golden-stone villages, cosy pubs, and rolling hills that are perfect for slow countryside walks. I lived in the Cotswolds for three years, and it honestly feels like stepping into a postcard. Each village has its own personality, from bustling market towns to quiet little hamlets where time seems to stand still. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger over a cream tea and forget about schedules.

York

Cobbled lanes, a towering Gothic Minster, and plenty of Viking history. York is one of those cities where the past feels alive — you can walk the medieval city walls, shop in The Shambles, and then grab a pint in a pub that’s been standing for centuries. It’s atmospheric, a little spooky, and completely captivating.

Brighton

A seaside escape with bags of personality. Brighton is playful, quirky, and full of colour — from its pebble beach and funfair pier to The Lanes’ boutique shops and cafés. I love its mix of kitschy seaside fun and vibrant nightlife, not to mention some of the best vegetarian food you’ll find in England.

The Lake District

All emerald hills, glistening lakes, and cosy stone cottages. The Lakes are made for long hikes, Windermere boat rides, and evenings by the fire with sticky toffee pudding. The weather does its own thing (layers are your friend), but when the clouds part the scenery is jaw-dropping.

Oxford & Cambridge

Two rival university towns, both dripping with history and charm. You can spend a morning punting along the river, an afternoon exploring college courtyards, and an evening in a centuries-old pub where scholars once argued over pints. I’ve been back multiple times and still get a kick out of their bookish atmosphere.

➡️ Cambridge day trip from London: Your Guide to Exploring This Historic City

Cornwall

Wild coastlines, sandy beaches, and some of England’s most dramatic scenery. It’s all about long cliff-top walks, surf spots, and seafood so fresh you’ll taste the ocean. Add in cream teas (jam first, of course) and quaint harbour towns, and you’ve got a region that feels like a holiday all on its own.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Half-timbered houses, Tudor streets, and Shakespeare everywhere you turn. This is the Bard’s hometown, and you can tour his birthplace, catch a Royal Shakespeare Company performance, or simply wander along the River Avon. It feels like stepping back into Elizabethan England, with a touch of theatre magic thrown in.

Peak District

Sweeping moors, limestone valleys, and villages straight out of a period drama. The Peak District is perfect for hiking, cycling, and country pub stops along the way. I love the contrast — you can climb a windswept hill in the morning and be tucking into Bakewell pudding in the afternoon.

It’s that mix of buzzing cities, historic landmarks, and countryside that feels pulled from a storybook that makes England so endlessly rewarding. No matter how many times you visit (or live here, in my case), there’s always another corner, pub, or view that’ll surprise you.

Day trips

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food in England

What to Eat and Drink in England

England’s food scene has had a glow-up — it’s not all soggy chips and bland pub grub anymore. There are hearty classics you have to try at least once, and plenty of modern twists that make eating here a real adventure.

Fish & Chips – Best eaten by the sea, wrapped in paper with extra salt and vinegar. I once had a portion in Padstow so big it needed two forks — and yes, I still finished it.

Sunday Roast – A proper roast in a cosy pub is the definition of comfort food. Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, crispy potatoes, and lashings of gravy. I’ll admit I’ve gone out of my way on a Sunday just to “accidentally” end up in a good roast spot.

Full English Breakfast – The ultimate fry-up: eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms, and toast. It’s a heart attack on a plate but worth it after a late night (or a long train journey).

Cream Tea – Scones, clotted cream, and jam. I learned the hard way that in Devon it’s cream first, in Cornwall it’s jam first — people get very opinionated about it. Either way, it’s delicious.

Pies & Pasties – From steak-and-ale pies bubbling in pub ovens to Cornish pasties that fit perfectly in your hand, pastry is practically a food group here.

Sticky Toffee Pudding – Born in the Lake District, it’s rich, gooey, and drowning in toffee sauce. I once had it after a long hike and it felt like the sweetest reward imaginable.

Craft Beer & Cider – England’s pubs are institutions. I love sampling local ales in Yorkshire or sipping cider in Somerset — each region has its own signature.

Afternoon Tea – Tiered trays of sandwiches, scones, and cakes. It’s touristy but also totally worth it. My favourite was at The Ritz, where the cakes looked too perfect to eat (though I ate them anyway).

➡️ Hungry for more? Start with my Best London Food Tours

Drink Highlights

Pimm’s Cup – The taste of a British summer in a glass, with fruit, mint, and just enough kick. Best enjoyed at a picnic or a tennis match.

Gin & Tonic – England has a long gin tradition, and many small-batch distilleries are worth seeking out. A crisp G&T before dinner feels timeless.

Cider – Especially good in the West Country. I’ve sat in Somerset orchards sipping cloudy farmhouse cider — it doesn’t get more local than that.

Real Ale – Traditional hand-pulled pints are a must in Yorkshire and the Midlands. It’s about flavour and heritage, not just the buzz.

English Sparkling Wine – Vineyards in Kent and Sussex are producing bubbles that rival Champagne — and tastings make for a fun countryside day trip.

Where to Stay in England

The right base makes all the difference. In England, that could mean a chic boutique hotel in London, a Georgian townhouse in Bath, or a cosy countryside inn in the Cotswolds. I’ve stayed in (and researched) plenty of spots that balance comfort with character — here are my tried-and-tested guides to help you choose:

➡️ Cool and Quirky London Hotels That Are Anything But Boring
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➡️ From Quirky to Luxurious: Top 10 Coolest Boutique Hotels in Liverpool

The best boutique hotels in England sell out months ahead — book early to lock in your favourite.

Travel Tips & FAQs

A few handy tips (and answers to the questions I get asked most often) to help you plan your England trip.

Do I need a visa to visit England?
If you’re from the EU, US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you can usually visit for up to 6 months without a visa. Always check the latest rules before you travel.

What’s the best way to get around?
Trains are fast and easy between major cities like London, Bath, and York. For the countryside (think Cotswolds, Cornwall, or the Lakes), hire a car for more freedom.

Is England expensive?
London can be pricey, but you’ll find better value in smaller cities and the countryside. Pubs often do hearty meals at good prices, and walking is free (and one of the best ways to explore).

What’s the tipping culture like?
Tipping isn’t as big a deal as in the US. In restaurants, 10–12.5% is standard if service isn’t included. Rounding up in pubs and cafés is appreciated but not expected.

When’s the best time to visit?
May–June and September–October are my favourites: warm but not too hot, and you avoid the peak summer crowds. Winter can be magical with Christmas lights, but expect short days.

Any must-pack essentials?
Layers and a waterproof jacket — the weather changes quickly. Comfortable shoes are a must for cobbled streets and country walks.

➡️ Want more practical advice? Check out my full list of Europe Travel Tips

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