Now and then, we all need a break from the hustle and bustle. England’s cities shine brightly, from the energy of London to the vibrancy of Manchester. But get out of the city, and there’s a whole countryside to explore, a sprawling tapestry that spans all the usual suspects, from moorlands to sheep-dotted hills, but also encompasses so much more: green valleys, rocky gorges, and sunny coasts most would never think to associate with forever gray England. In the English countryside, you’ll find quaint villages, endless adventures, and scenic views that will have you falling in love with life outside the city. So consider this your sign to leave the busy city life behind for a bit and live out your cottagecore fantasies at these 13 English countryside destinations.
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The Yorkshire Dales
You may not know it, but just thinking the words “English countryside” likely conjures up images of Yorkshire and the timeless beauty of the Yorkshire Dales: scenic stone walls stretching into the distance, post-card perfect villages looking like something out of a fairytale, and sprawling pastoral hills dotted with more sheep than people. It’s both the quintessential, quiet English countryside escape and a destination full of unexpected adventures, from cave exploring to waterfall chasing and more. With abundant scenic walks, historic sites, and boundless beauty, the Yorkshire Dales are a classic English getaway.
Where to Stay: Snag a cozy room at the House at Hawes for a serene night of sleep and a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures in the Dales.
Kent
For a taste of the traditional English countryside, there are few better places to travel than the garden of England. The south of Kent is an endless treasure of bucolic countryside, idyllic coastlines, and charming towns, from the colorful houses of Whitstable to the cobbled streets and timber-framed houses of Canterbury. Whether sipping on delicious wines, sampling fresh produce, or ambling through colorful fields of wildflowers, discover for yourself exactly why Kent is considered England’s garden.
Where to Stay: After a long day exploring, retire to The Pig – at Bridge Place to lounge amid picturesque scenery, relax in quirky rooms, and savor that classic taste of Kent with locally sourced food and wines.
The Cotswolds
Picturesque doesn’t do justice to this little slice of English countryside heaven. The Cotswolds are famous for being the most photographed villages in England. Charming and quaint, the rural lanes and Cotswold stone homes are enough to sweep visitors away, but added intrigues like hot air balloon rides at sunset, stargazing after dark, and literary connections to famous works like Alice in Wonderland and The Lord of the Rings make it a fan favorite destination.
Where to Stay: Combine a traditional pub with chic rooms and a central location and you get The Fox at Oddington for a quintessential stay nestled right outside the pretty picture that is Stow-on-the-Wold.
Dorset
Dorset is a bit unlike anywhere else in the English countryside in all the best ways. Natural wonders begin with the Jurassic Coast in all its glory—fossil-dotted cliffs and rock geology going back millennia—and go on to cover miles of beautiful beaches, coastal cliffs, and more. The unspoiled landscapes of Dorset are its biggest draw, but this English countryside also boasts its share of thrills, from wild swimming and diving to rock climbing and mountain biking, as well as breathtaking landmarks, including famous hillforts like Maiden Castle and stony sentinels like Corfe Castle. Dorset may not be as accessible as the Cotswolds, but the extra effort is worth exploring Dorset’s treasures in person.
Where to Stay: Wake up to pastoral landscapes and a charming English breakfast at Oxbridge Farm before heading out to explore the Jurassic Coast.
Cornwall
Tucked away on the southwestern tip of England, Cornwall feels a bit like arriving at the end of the world. Rugged coasts and wild moorland make this no ordinary beautiful English countryside. Miles of coastline give way to countless beaches along the southern coast, earning this stretch of Cornwall the name “Cornish Riviera” and the distinction of having some of the best coastal walks in the country. Inland, lush landscapes abound, from long stretches of verdant countryside to subtropical gardens that whisk visitors away to sunnier climates. And that’s all before getting into the fairytale castles of the north—St Michael’s Mount, anyone?—the charming Cornish pubs, delectable fresh-caught seafood, and Cornish clotted cream ice cream. The highlights of this Cornish corner of England are many and largely untouched by the crowds of foreign tourists.
Where to Stay: Opt for the remote yet well-connected Degembris Farmhouse B&B to live out your classic cottagecore fantasies, or spoil yourself with easy access to the sea with a stay at the Camelot Castle Hotel.
Lake District
Characterized by what else but glittering lakes and towering peaks, the Lake District is often regarded as one of the prettiest parts of the UK. And it’s hard to argue against it. With 16 lakes, 197 tarns, and over 200 hills (known as fells), the Lake District is a bastion of natural splendor and a hiker’s paradise. Nearly 2,000 miles of trails wind through the stunning natural landscapes, interspersed with picturesque villages and magnificent castles. The Lake District isn’t affectionately called nature’s playground for nothing. Adventure waits around every turn: wild swimming in Lake Windermere, hiking in Longdale Valley, and chasing down waterfalls throughout the Lake District. All that awaits is discovering it all for yourself.
Where to Stay: Explore the lakes and local towns with The Grange Country House as your home base and enjoy a scenic Victorian home boasting cozy rooms, beautiful views, and a serene ambiance.
Devon
Devon’s scenic beaches and pastoral landscapes may have you thinking this is just another classic English countryside. But as the only county with two separate coastlines, Devon has two very different faces. In the north, rugged cliffs and spectacular views overlook the Irish Sea and the Bristol Channel. In contrast, South Devon’s winding coast encompasses coves, estuaries, and beautiful beaches abutting the English Channel. From myths and fairytales in the lush woodlands of Lydford Gorge to the open wilds of Dartmoor National Park and the car-less charm of cobblestone streets in Clovelly, every inch of Devon is a beauty to behold.
Where to Stay: Feel on top of the world nestled in the verdant hills above Maidencombe Beach at Orestone Manor, which has an array of comfortable rooms, a restaurant and lounge onsite, and quirky oddities sprinkled throughout that add a unique charm to this manor house overlooking the English Channel.
Somerset
Somerset is the exact kind of pretty you expect when picturing the English countryside. From the limestone cliffs of Cheddar Gorge to the rolling fields of Mendip Hills and the wild moorlands and scenic coastline of Exmoor National Park. But it’s not just nature that grips visitors; it’s the towns, too. Journey through time in Bath, from its Roman roots to its literary history, walk the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol to take in awe-inspiring views, and explore strange legends, quirky shops, and character-filled streets in Glastonbury. Somerset is one of those endlessly pleasing destinations that delivers no matter what you’re in the mood for.
Where to Stay: Reconnect with nature while ensconced in the beautiful Somerset countryside at Hinton Hideaways, where you can choose your perfect cottagecore fantasy stay, from an eco treehouse hideaway to a fully-fitted yurt with everything you need inside.
The Peak District
The first area of England to be designated as a national park, the Peak District is a boundless wonder of spectacular countryside. Stretching into five counties, most of the Peak District lies within Derbyshire. For some, that might be all that’s needed to pack up their bags and head to this sprawling paradise. Despite its name, the Peak District is oddly sans peaks, but instead boasts windswept hills, deep-set gorges, and atmospheric caves that offer a unique glimpse of the English countryside, one that peeks into its mysterious underworld.
Where to Stay: Admire the beauty of the Peak District with a stay at the Old Vicarage Country House Bed & Breakfast, set inside sequestered gardens, with charming rooms and quaint countryside views.
The South Downs
Picture this. Sunshine on green hills. Blue Adonis butterflies fluttering over chalk grassland. And on the coast, the sea kisses the shore at the foot of cliffs that tower hundreds of feet high. The uniqueness of the South Downs starts with scenic rolling hills, wanders into beautiful woodland, and stretches as far as the sunny south coast, ensuring this section of English countryside has a little something for everyone. Hike the historic hills of the Cissbury Ring, drink in the views from the Seven Sisters’ sea cliffs, and explore the beauty and history of the towns that dot the chalk downs of the South Downs.
Where to Stay: Treat yourself to luxury with a night, or several, at the South Downs Stay, where you can relax in the freestanding tub or enjoy breakfast in bed with stunning views.
Northumberland
As the northernmost county in England and one that shares a border with Scotland, Northumberland is a historically in-demand property, one fought over by kings, natives, and invaders. Nowadays, it’s a county dotted by castles and ruins and bursting with seasonal beauties, from puffin flocks in spring to dark sky stargazing in winter. Follow in the footsteps of Romans along Hadrian’s Wall, wander the halls of ancient castles—from the grand halls of Alnwick to the sculpture-dotted trails of Warkworth Castle—and ramble through the sweeping hills, cascading falls, and rugged landscapes of the scenic countryside.
Where to Stay: Add a magical touch to your stay in Northumberland with a luxury glamping experience at Hesleyside Huts, which puts visitors right in the heart of the English countryside’s beauty and serenity.
Cheshire
Far from being the most popular county in England, Cheshire falls a bit under the radar. It doesn’t possess the glitz of the Cotswolds, the rural beauty of Somerset, or the natural wonder of Devon. Nevertheless, it’s a land of character and charm boasting picture-perfect countryside scenery, from quaint towns to sprawling green pastures. Whether in the industrial north or the farmland south, Cheshire is rich with culture and history. Explore the canals that cut through Cheshire’s forests, lakes, and meres. Walk the 34-mile Sandstone Trail for dramatic views. And, of course, delve into the land’s history, from ancient buildings to the importance of salt. Cheshire has enough magic to bewitch even the most staunch of nonbelievers.
Where to Stay: Treat yourself like royalty with a stay at Peckforton Castle, a 19th-century castle in the heart of Cheshire with enchantingly styled rooms and easy access to the beautiful English countryside.
North York Moors
The Yorkshire Dales get their share of love, and deservedly so, but their neighbor is another northern gem that’s not to be missed. The North York Moors are a vast expanse of verdant valleys, rugged moorland, dramatic cliffs, and so much more. In summer, the heather moorlands bloom with color, creating a magical landscape ripe for exploration. Visit the town of Whitby and see the ruins which inspired Bram Stoker’s literary classic, Dracula. Travel through time and the moors on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. And dive into adventure, from climbing the peaks of the North York Moors National Park to cycling through Dalby Forest. The North York Moors are an intoxicating mix of adventure, natural beauty, and classic countryside charm.
Where to Stay: Experience enchantment at Glendale House Goathland, a Victorian home boasting spacious rooms, a classic English breakfast, and picturesque scenery right outside the door.
