The English countryside is really beautiful. Like every other countryside, it’s beautiful with stunning hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. When I was a little kid, I used to think they were mountains because of how grand and majestic they looked!
The most beautiful thing about the English countryside is the villages. The houses on the hills just make it perfect, creating a postcard-worthy view. If you see it, you’re going to want to live there – it’s just that breathtaking. Just giving you a warning!
The English countryside is also home to many historic sites, such as ancient stone circles, churches, and castles. These places tell incredible stories of the past and add to the charm of the landscape.
Let me tell you more about the villages – they just look so cosy and welcoming. The thatched roof cottages make the houses look so traditional, adding to their charm. It’s just amazing!
Now I’m going to tell you about the four countrysides you should visit if you’re in England.
The Cotswolds
This place is just… I don’t know how words can describe this place – it’s just amazing how beautiful this place is. You have to visit this place!
The Cotswolds has some of the best English villages. Villages like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Castle Combe are considered some of the most beautiful villages in England.
The Cotswolds is rich in history, like Belas Knap Long Barrow, a Neolithic burial mound over 5,000 years old, and Sudeley Castle, once home to Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII.
If you also love food, this place is for you as well. This place has fresh Gloucester cheese, Cotswold lamb, and artisan ciders. Many cosy pubs and tea rooms serve delicious traditional English food.
This place is also home to England’s oldest inn. The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold is England’s oldest inn – people say it was from 947AD.
Lake District
This place has mountains, and I remember going here when I was a little kid. The Lake District has beautiful, stunning lakes – hence the name. I don’t know for sure, but if I use my 30 IQ power, my brain says, “Yeah, that’s why it’s called the Lake District.”
Anyways, this place has the largest park in England – nine hundred and twelve square miles. The park’s name is Lake District National Park.
The lakes are big as well. The deepest lake in England is two hundred and fifty-eight feet deep. The lake’s name is Wastwater, and Windermere Lake is the longest lake at 10.5 miles.
The Lake District also has the tallest mountain in England, standing at 3,209 feet (978 metres). This place is also the wettest place in England.
Oh wow, you’re probably wondering if the Lake District has every top thing in England, but no, they don’t. But this place is really beautiful – like, who doesn’t like nature?
The Yorkshire Dales
This place is another beautiful place – nature can’t go wrong. It has really amazing hills and is home to over 20,000 sheep, so if you like animals, then this place is for you.
The Yorkshire Dales has more sheep than people! You’ll see them grazing everywhere, especially Swaledale sheep, which are iconic in the region.
Did you know a café in Ribblehead once created an ice cream cone over 6 feet tall? Perfect for a summer treat!
Many famous movies and TV shows have been filmed here, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and the beloved TV series All Creatures Great and Small.
A famous cheese comes from here – Wensleydale Cheese! It was even featured in the Wallace & Gromit movies, making it even more legendary.
This place is so beautiful you can see the Milky Way at night.
Apparently, there is a hiking challenge – the Yorkshire Three Peaks: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. Hiking all three (a total of 24 miles) in under 12 hours is a serious challenge!
Cornwall
If you love beaches, then Cornwall is the place for you. With over 300 miles of coastline – more than any other county in England – it’s packed with breathtaking cliffs, golden beaches, and hidden coves.
In fact, there are over 300 beaches to explore, so if you’re a beach lover, you’re in for a treat.
Did you know Cornwall is tied to the legend of King Arthur? He was said to be born in Tintagel Castle, perched on the rugged cliffs of the Cornish coast. Whether the legend is true or not, the castle ruins and dramatic coastal views make it a must-visit spot.
Cornwall isn’t just about beaches and legends, though. It has a rich cultural history, including its own language – Cornish. While English is widely spoken, Cornish is still kept alive by locals.
Oh, and here’s something cool – one of its towns is named after a famous witch! Cornwall is home to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, a fascinating place full of history, folklore, and all things mystical.
With its stunning coastline, legendary past, and unique culture, Cornwall is unlike anywhere else. Whether you’re after adventure, history, or just a perfect beach day, this place has it all.
Tips for Exploring the English Countryside
These countryside spots are amazing – you have to visit them if you love nature. I swear, they’re on another level. Maybe even better than Switzerland… I dunno, you decide.
If you’re heading to any of these places, make sure you bring the right gear.
First off, waterproof hiking boots – lots of these places get wet, especially the Lake District.
Now, onto clothing: layers are key. A waterproof jacket and a warm fleece? Perfect combo.
Before you go, download an offline map (apps like OS Maps or Komoot). Trust me, getting lost in the middle of nowhere with no signal is not the adventure you want.
A backpack is a must for your water bottle, snacks (because hunger is real), and anything else you might need.
Planning to film your trip? Bring a power bank.
And here’s a big one: cash! Not stacks of it, but enough, because many English villages are still in their “no card accepted” era.
So yeah, enjoy your trip to the English countryside. Hike, explore, eat a pasty, and try not to get chased by sheep.
Final Thoughts
I went to these places, and it was a lifetime experience. I imagined how it would feel to wake up to the roosters calling and a bright, sunny day.
You can swim in the lake if you want. I mean, it’s just really beautiful. Words cannot describe it; you have to experience it.
And trust me, you will want to move there if you just experience this.
If you have experienced it or have been to the English countryside after reading this, please tell us about it. We will be more than happy to read your experiences.