England—it’s got castles, tea, rolling green hills, and more history than you can shake a scone at. When I first started exploring this beautiful country, I thought I’d just see a few famous sights, take some pictures, and call it a day. But nope, England doesn’t work like that. It lures you in with its charm, its quirky little villages, and its mix of ancient and modern. Whether you’re a city person or someone who loves the outdoors (or, like me, someone who can’t decide), England has something to offer. So, buckle up—here’s my take on the top 15 places to visit in England, based on my own adventures. Spoiler alert: It’s going to be hard to pick a favorite.
1 – London
Ah, London – the big one. The kind of place where you turn a corner and bump into a centuries-old monument like it’s no big deal. There’s a reason everyone wants to visit: London’s got it all. Start with the classics—Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower of London—and then get cozy in a red double-decker bus to see the rest. I found the vibe around Camden Market to be artsy and fun, while Borough Market was all about food (and yes, I may have eaten my weight in pastries). Don’t miss Buckingham Palace to see if the Queen’s home (spoiler: she’s probably not). Top tip? Take the tube—it’s fast, easy, and much cheaper than a taxi. London doesn’t need five days; it demands it.
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2 – Bath
Bath feels like stepping into a Jane Austen novel, except with a modern twist. The Roman Baths are as ancient as they sound, but they’re also surprisingly cool. I geeked out over the architecture of Bath Abbey and spent way too much time walking along the Royal Crescent imagining what it’d be like to live there. Hint: Expensive. There’s also the Thermae Bath Spa if you want a soak with skyline views. Make time for a stroll by the River Avon, and don’t leave without having a proper English tea. Bath is all charm, cobblestones, and history, and trust me, it’s worth every second.
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3 – Stonehenge
What’s the deal with those rocks? Nobody knows, and that’s half the fun. Stonehenge is mysterious, ancient, and kind of surreal. I went expecting to just tick it off the list, but standing there surrounded by those towering stones was oddly humbling. You’ll need tickets (book ahead), and you can choose to walk around them or take a shuttle. The visitor center is full of fascinating theories about why and how this was built. Bonus: Salisbury is nearby, so make it a two-for-one trip with a visit to Salisbury Cathedral. Just don’t forget your camera—the place is a photographer’s dream.
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4 – The Cotswolds
If “quaint” were a region, it would be the Cotswolds. Every village looks like it was made for a postcard, with honey-colored stone houses, cute little pubs, and rolling green hills. I loved Bourton-on-the-Water (called the Venice of the Cotswolds), and Bibury is about as picturesque as it gets. Driving through the countryside is a must, but fair warning: the roads are narrow, and you might end up stuck behind a tractor. I didn’t mind; it just gave me more time to enjoy the views. Pro tip? Find a good pub and try the Sunday roast—it’s the best thing since sliced bread.
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5 – Oxford
Oxford is brainy, beautiful, and surprisingly walkable. The University is obviously the star here, and exploring its colleges is like entering a Hogwarts fever dream. I joined a walking tour to learn about the history, but the real highlight was climbing the tower at the University Church of St Mary for sweeping city views. The Ashmolean Museum is free and packed with treasures, and if you’re into books, Blackwell’s is an absolute dream. Grab a pint at The Eagle and Child, where Tolkien and C.S. Lewis used to hang out. Oxford may be academic, but it’s far from boring.
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6 – Cambridge
Punting on the River Cam might be the most touristy thing to do in Cambridge, but guess what? It’s ridiculously fun. I nearly fell in, which I’m sure entertained everyone watching. The University is just as gorgeous as Oxford’s, with King’s College Chapel being a standout. The Fitzwilliam Museum is free and full of art and history, and I spent ages wandering the city’s cobblestone streets. Cambridge feels like a smaller, less hectic version of Oxford, and that’s its charm. If you can, visit in spring when everything’s blooming—it’s magical.
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7 – York
York is like stepping into a history book, but with better snacks. The York Minster is breathtaking, and walking the city walls gave me a whole new perspective. The Shambles is a narrow, medieval street that’s straight out of Harry Potter, though sadly, no wands were for sale. The Jorvik Viking Centre was fascinating (and kind of smelly), and the ghost tours at night added a spooky twist to my visit. Make time for tea at Betty’s—it’s iconic and worth the wait. York isn’t just historic; it’s alive with character.
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8 – Lake District
The Lake District is for anyone who loves the outdoors—or at least likes looking at pretty views. I hiked part of Scafell Pike (emphasis on “part”), and the scenery was so stunning I didn’t even mind the sore legs. Windermere is a great base for exploring, with boat trips that make for a relaxing break between walks. The villages are charming, and the local pubs are cozy and welcoming. Just make sure to pack for all weather—it went from sunny to rainy and back again in about five minutes when I was there.
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9 – Brighton
Brighton is like London’s cooler, beachier cousin. The pier is all fun and games, quite literally, with arcades, rides, and candy floss galore. The Royal Pavilion is a bizarrely beautiful palace that feels like it belongs in another country, and The Lanes are a maze of quirky shops and cafés. I spent hours walking along the beach, even though it’s all pebbles (bring comfy shoes). Brighton’s nightlife is legendary, and the food scene is creative and fun—don’t miss the fish and chips. Brighton is laid-back, artsy, and unapologetically itself.
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10 – Liverpool
Liverpool is all about music, football, and the waterfront. The Beatles Story museum is a must for fans, and even if you’re not, the history of the city’s music scene is fascinating. The Albert Dock is packed with museums, shops, and restaurants, and I loved wandering along the Mersey River. Anfield is a pilgrimage site for football fans, and the nightlife here is vibrant and welcoming. Liverpool has a gritty charm that’s impossible to resist, and the people are some of the friendliest you’ll meet.
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11 – Manchester
Manchester is a city with an edge—cool, creative, and packed with history. Football fans will want to make a beeline for Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium, depending on their loyalties. I got swept up in the energy of the Northern Quarter, full of street art, independent shops, and buzzing cafés. The Science and Industry Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon, and the John Rylands Library is like something out of a fantasy novel. For music lovers, this is the city that gave us Oasis and The Smiths, and the venues here are iconic. Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying a Manchester tart—a quirky little dessert that’s as fun as it sounds.
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12 – Bristol
Bristol is a city of contrasts—part maritime history, part edgy street art. Walking along the harbor is a must, and I couldn’t resist stepping aboard the SS Great Britain to explore its history. The Clifton Suspension Bridge offers spectacular views (though my knees went a bit wobbly up there). Street art fans will love the Banksy murals scattered across the city, and Stokes Croft is the place to go for a creative vibe. Bristol’s food scene is brilliant; I had some of the best vegan eats here despite being a carnivore at heart. It’s a city that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that makes it unforgettable.
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13 – Canterbury
Canterbury feels like it belongs in a fairytale. The Cathedral is the star of the show, and it’s even more stunning in person than in pictures. I took a walking tour to soak up the medieval vibes and followed it up with a relaxed boat ride on the River Stour. The city has an old-world charm that makes even grabbing a coffee feel like an event. Don’t miss the Canterbury Tales attraction if you’re into literature—it’s cheesy but fun. The mix of history and quirky modern touches makes Canterbury a great day trip or weekend destination.
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14 – Durham
Durham is small but mighty. The Cathedral is jaw-dropping, and climbing the tower gives you the best view of the city (and a decent workout). The Castle is a real-life Hogwarts—no wonder they film stuff there. I loved wandering around the old cobbled streets and along the River Wear, which feels miles away from the modern world. There’s a peaceful vibe here that made me want to slow down and just take it all in. Don’t forget to check out the indoor market for local treats; it’s a hidden gem that adds to Durham’s charm.
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15 – Windsor
Windsor is all about royalty—literally. Windsor Castle is the main event, and touring the State Apartments made me feel like I’d time-traveled to another era. I also took a stroll through the Long Walk, which is as grand as it sounds. The town itself is charming, with cobbled streets, cute shops, and plenty of places to grab a bite. A quick jaunt across the bridge brings you to Eton, famous for its college and its fancy vibes. If you’re lucky, you might catch the Changing of the Guard at the castle, which feels very proper and English. Windsor is small but packed with history and elegance.
There you have it—15 amazing destinations in England, each with its own unique vibe. Whether you’re marveling at Stonehenge, punting in Cambridge, or munching fish and chips by Brighton’s beach, England has a way of making every trip unforgettable. Honestly, I could write a whole book about the things to see and do here, but the best way to discover it is to get out there yourself. So pack your bags, grab your comfy walking shoes, and get ready to explore. Just don’t forget to stop for tea along the way—it’s basically a rule here. Happy travels!
