8 scenic English countryside escapes, from dramatic cliffs to charming villages


Looking to get out of the city? A weekend vacation in England's countryside will recharge you with its fresh air, sprawling landscapes, and historic sites. As you stroll along cobbled streets and wander around lush greenery, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. From rolling moors to rugged coastlines, there are a variety of English countryside getaways you can choose from. Here are 8 of the best spots in the English countryside to add to your itinerary.
1. The Cotswolds

Best for: Stunning scenery
Getting there: 2-hour drive from London
Stretching over 787 square miles, the Cotswolds offers the quintessential English experience. Rolling hills, honey-colored houses, and lowland slopes characterize this region that was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966.
If you’re short of time, you can visit the Cotswolds on a day trip from London, but we recommend spending a few days exploring the quaint villages scattered around the area. Watch rhinos graze in front of a Gothic manor at the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, wander through Hidcote Manor Garden in Chipping Campden, and enjoy a day out at the WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Fans of Harry Potter mustn’t miss Gloucester Cathedral, where some scenes from the films were shot.
Where to stay:
- Whatley Manor, an eco-friendly hotel with its own bee colony and a restaurant with a Michelin star
- White Hart Royal Hotel, conveniently located in the market town of Moreton-in-Marsh
2. Southend-on-Sea

Best for: Beach getaways
Getting there: 1-hour train ride from London
Fancy an English countryside escape near London? Southend-on-Sea is a coastal city in southeastern Essex. Home to the longest pier in the world, Southend is full of entertainment venues, from Sea Life Adventure to Adventure Island, a theme park with free admission. Hoping to get away from the crowds? Head to Shoebury East Beach or stroll along the sea walls at Wallasea Island, a wetland bird reserve. Old Leigh, a historic enclave by the water, is full of pubs and cafes selling fresh seafood.
Where to stay:
- Roslin Beach Hotel, just a mile from Southend Pier
- Family-owned boutique property, Camelia Hotel
3. Cheshire

Best for: Fun-filled family trips
Getting there: 30-minute train ride from Manchester
Not just the name of Alice in Wonderland’s grinning feline, Cheshire is a rural county known for its architecture, cheese, and gardens. Lewis Caroll was born here in Daresbury and named the Cheshire Cat after his hometown. Explore Chester with a gladiator, once the largest Roman fortification in Britain, and make a new furry friend at Chester Zoo. Walk right into a fairytale at Little Moreton Hall, a Tudor gem in the Cheshire countryside, or enjoy some retail therapy at Cheshire Oaks, the largest designer outlet in the United Kingdom. The sweeping Walton Hall and Gardens offers fun for the whole family, with a small petting zoo, meticulously-kept gardens, and a golf course.
Where to stay:
- The Alexandra Court Hotel, a cozy guesthouse with 14 individually-designed rooms
- The Royal Oak Hotel, a boutique hotel set in a Tudor home
4. Hampshire

Best for: Animal lovers
Getting there: 30-minute drive from Southampton
Boasting meandering trout rivers and two national parks, Hampshire is a tranquil county on the coast of the English Channel. Spot abundant wildlife in the New Forest National Park, which is known for its ponies and deer, journey through Winchester’s prosperous past, or take a walk in Jane Austen’s footsteps and see the house where Pride and Prejudice was written. Your little ones will love feeding the baby animals at Longdown Activity Farm and marveling at the spectacular flying demonstrations at the Hawk Conservancy Trust.
Where to stay:
- Cottage Lodge Hotel, an eco-conscious hotel in the heart of the New Forest National Park
- South Lawn Hotel, a charming English cottage
5. North York Moors

Best for: Expansive greenery
Getting there: 2-hour train ride from London
Covering 554 square miles, North York Moors National Park is one of England’s most breathtaking landscapes. In fact, the 840 bus route that runs through the North York Moors was voted Britain’s most scenic bus route. There are plenty of hiking trails in the area, but you can always channel your inner Catherine or Heathcliff and wander around the wild moors in search of gems like Mallyan Spout and Boggle Hole. This full-day tour will take you from York to the countryside and coast, including a steam train ride across the moors.
Where to stay:
- The Mallyan Spout Hotel, a family-friendly property surrounded by nature
- Victoria Hotel, a 100-year-old hotel overlooking Robin Hoods Bay
6. Bath

Best for: Historic atmosphere
Getting there: 1.5-hour train ride from London
Since Roman times, Bath has welcomed travelers looking to rejuvenate their body and soul. The Romans built baths surrounding a natural hot spring, and the Georgian Era sealed Bath’s reputation as a spa town. Today, Bath is a day trip away from London and is home to numerous museums, theaters, and tea houses. Stroll along an 18th-century bridge lined with shops, enjoy the fresh air at Royal Victoria Park, or admire the stained glass windows at Bath Abbey. Budding writers must pay a visit to the Jane Austen Centre, which celebrates Bath’s most famous resident. Don’t miss out on a mineral-rich soak in the Thermae Bath Spa—after all, you can’t leave Bath without taking a…bath.
Where to stay:
- The Roseate Villa, a Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best hotel overlooking Henrietta Park
- Dukes Bath, a Georgian building situated on a famously handsome street
7. Dorset

Best for: Dramatic landscapes
Getting there: 3-hour drive or train ride from London
From steep limestone ridges to rugged coastside cliffs, Dorset offers a variety of stunning landscapes fit for any countryside escape. With over half the county designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s best to spend a few days exploring Dorset. Lounge on clean golden sand at Bournemouth Beach or Weymouth Beach, admire the stunning Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door and go hunting for fossils along Jurassic Coast. Whatever you do in Dorset, you’ll feel like the main character of a Thomas Hardy novel.
Where to stay:
- Summer Lodge, a luxurious countryside hotel boasting an indoor pool and tennis court
- The Kings Arms Hotel, housed in a restored Georgian building with a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant
8. Lake District

Best for: Quaint villages
Getting there: 1.5-hour drive from Manchester. Read our guide for the best ways to get from London to Lake District.
Most Britons looking for a countryside escape make a beeline for the Lake District. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to idyllic villages, majestic fells, and, of course, tranquil lakes. You can do a quick tour of all ten lakes on a full-day trip, but we recommend spending more time immersing yourself in the Lake District’s peaceful atmosphere. Windermere, home to England’s largest lake, is one of the district’s most popular towns, with a bustling High Street. Take a boat over to Ambleside and visit Beatrix Potter’s House, which looks like something out of the Peter Rabbit stories, or head over to Grange-over-Sands, a charming seaside town famous for its sea breeze and local spring water.
Where to stay:
- Cedar Manor, a luxurious country house that offers a generous afternoon tea spread
- Grasmere Hotel, an elegant Victorian property overlooking a verdant garden
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