England isn’t all cream teas and royal pageantry. Scratch the surface and you’ll find a country packed with character, contradictions, and plenty to keep you busy. From major landmarks to lesser-known corners, the best things to do in England aren’t always the ones on the postcards. This list cuts through the clichés to bring you 20 experiences worth your time, real, memorable, and anything but boring.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to England, your essential guide for visiting England.
The Lake District is one of the best places to visit in England, vast, varied, and anything but dull. With sixteen major lakes and more peaks than you can count, it’s made for walking boots, woolly hats and windswept selfies. The country’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, towers over it all, but there’s plenty to do down in the valleys too.
In a week, you can make a loop through some of the most rewarding parts. Start at Windermere, where the towns of Bowness, Ambleside, and Windermere itself cluster around the lake. Then head west to Coniston, a quieter spot with excellent trails and views of The Old Man of Coniston. Grasmere is worth a detour, both for its Wordsworth links and famous gingerbread, and nearby Hawkshead keeps the old-world charm alive. Further north, things get wilder around Keswick and Ullswater, where the scenery turns up the drama and the crowds thin out.
Come in summer, and this is one of the best summer experiences in the UK. You’ll find wild swimming spots, beer gardens with views, and walking trails that lead to proper pint-worthy climbs.
Ullswater Lake curves through the mountains of the English Lake District at Glenridding © Joe Dunckley/Shutterstock
Dartmoor is Southern England at its wildest: bare, windswept, and strangely beautiful. This granite plateau of mossy boulders, fast-flowing streams, and wide-open moorland is a dream for hikers, cyclists, and anyone who wants space to breathe. Walkers and riders have near-total freedom here, with open access across huge stretches of land.
But this landscape wasn’t always empty. Stone circles, Bronze Age settlements, and the ruins of 19th-century tin mines are scattered across the moor. The Duchy of Cornwall still owns much of it, but today, the public can roam freely, so long as they follow the rules. Wild camping is allowed, but tents must stay out of sight of homes and roads. Fires are banned, vehicles can’t go more than fifteen yards off-road, and overnight parking is only allowed in designated spots.
If you're planning a trip to England that includes time outdoors, Dartmoor delivers something different: rugged, raw, and refreshingly untouristy.
Dartmoors landscape at sunset © EvolvePhoto/Shutterstock
A visit to the Houses of Parliament is one of the top things to do in England, especially if you’re into history, architecture, or just curious how the UK actually runs. This is where laws are debated and decisions made, often loudly, and you can watch it unfold from the public gallery when Parliament’s in session.
Big Ben, the bell inside the famous clock tower, is back to its regular bongs after four years of silence for repairs. Most of the palace you see today was rebuilt in the 19th century after a fire destroyed the original. Only Westminster Hall, dating from the 11th century, survived the flames.
Summertime tours get you inside the grand rooms and corridors where power plays out. And once you're done indoors, you're in prime walking territory: follow the Thames past the London Eye or cut through St James’s Park to Buckingham Palace, two of the best walks in London if you want big landmarks without the crowds.
Staying nearby puts you within easy reach of it all. Westminster, Victoria, and South Bank are among the best areas to stay in London if you want to walk to most of the major sights.
River view of Big Ben and Houses of Parliament © S.Borisov/Shutterstock
The Cotswolds aren’t just for tea rooms and antique shops, though there are plenty of those. This region, stretching between Oxford and Gloucester, is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. It’s also a top contender for one of the most calming places you can escape to.
The appeal is simple: golden stone cottages, gently sloping hills, and villages that look like they haven’t changed in centuries. That same local limestone is used in everything from pubs to churches to dry-stone walls, giving the whole region a quiet, lived-in charm.
There’s more to do than just admire the views. One of the best things to do in the Cotswolds is to explore its smaller, quieter corners. Skip the crowds in Bourton-on-the-Water and head for the prettiest Cotswold villages to visit, try Naunton, Stanton, or Snowshill for a more peaceful take on Cotswolds life.
Peaceful Cotswolds scenery makes travelling here one of the best things to do in England © iPics/Shutterstock
If you like your history with a side of sea spray and drama, Northumberland delivers. With its string of medieval strongholds guarding the wild northeast coast, the region is home to some of the best castles in England.
Bamburgh Castle is the big one, literally. Perched on a basalt outcrop above a vast stretch of beach, it looks like something out of fantasy fiction. Its roots go back to the Anglo-Saxon period, though centuries of neglect left it battered by storms and salt winds before its dramatic restoration.
Just inland is Chillingham Castle, which began as an 11th-century tower and grew into a sprawling, eccentric pile. Left to decay for decades, it was brought back to life in the late 20th century with a good dose of character. It now claims to be Britain’s most haunted castle, and you can even stay overnight, if you’re feeling brave.
Don’t miss Alnwick Castle either. It’s still lived in, features lavish gardens, and has made cameos in everything from Harry Potter to Downton Abbey.
If you're mapping out things to do in England beyond the usual London circuit, Northumberland’s castles offer windswept views, ghost stories, and a serious dose of medieval might.
Visiting Alnwick castle is surely the adventurous thing to do in England © Gail Johnson/Shutterstock
Oxford lives up to the hype. With its golden-stone colleges, cobbled alleys, and academic traditions that stretch back nearly 1,000 years, it's one of those things to do in England that delivers.
Yes, the university dominates the city, physically, culturally, even spiritually, but there’s more to Oxford than scholars in gowns. Explore inside colleges like Magdalen, Christ Church, or New College for a hit of architectural drama, then dive into the Ashmolean Museum or the Museum of Natural History for something less cloistered.
The city’s industrial past still rumbles in the background, especially in Cowley, where Britain’s first mass-produced cars rolled off the line in the 1920s. These days, Cowley’s more about street food and indie shops than factory floors.
To cap off your visit, squeeze in a few Oxford pubs, some are centuries old and come with literary backstories or Tolkien connections, while others just serve a good pint in a quiet courtyard.
The Radcliffe Camera© Pajor Pawel/Shutterstock
Less famous but far more immersive than Stonehenge, Avebury is one of Britain’s most extraordinary prehistoric sites, and you can walk right through it. The village itself sits inside a massive stone circle, surrounded by ditches, banks, and avenues of ancient stones that stretch across the Wiltshire landscape.
Built around 2500 BC, the circle is thought to have had religious or ceremonial uses, though no one knows exactly what went on here. What’s certain is its scale: the earthwork around the main ring is 20 feet high and 1,400 feet wide, with four causeways leading in and two avenues branching out across the fields.
Unlike Stonehenge, there are no ropes or fences here. You can stroll among the stones, picnic beside them, or grab a pint at the pub that sits right in the middle of the circle. The whole site feels more open, more mysterious, and far less commercial.
Stones in Avebury © Marc Cid/Shutterstock
Hadrian’s Wall once marked the edge of the Roman Empire. Now, it’s the backbone of one of the best hikes in the UK. This 84-mile National Trail runs coast to coast, from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west, tracing the line of Britain’s most iconic Roman monument.
The full route takes about seven days to walk. You’ll pass ruined forts, milecastles, and long stretches of wall cutting across sheep-filled fields and windswept ridgelines. It’s dramatic, remote in parts, and steeped in history.
If you’re not up for the whole thing, no problem. Day hikes are easy to arrange; some of the best sections are near Housesteads, Chesters, and Steel Rigg. From mid-April to October, a dedicated bus service runs along the wall, helping you link up shorter routes. Between May and October, you can also take part in the Passport scheme, collecting stamps at various points along the trail as a memento of your walk.
Hadrian’s Wall Path © Dave Head/Shutterstock
Newquay is England’s surfing capital, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything else. Perched on the cliffs above a string of golden beaches, this laid-back resort on Cornwall’s north coast draws wave-chasers, festivalgoers, and sunseekers in equal measure.
The town’s main beach, Fistral Beach, is one of the best in the country and regularly hosts international surf competitions. Come in August and you’ll catch Boardmasters, a festival that blends big-name music acts with skate and surf culture. It’s loud, lively, and pure Newquay.
Beyond the surf, this is one of the best bases for coastal adventures in the southwest. From beach walks and clifftop trails to sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, there’s no shortage of things to do in Cornwall if you want to stay active. And if you’re ticking off classic things to do in England, paddling out into Atlantic swells counts.
Surfers on the beach at Newquay © Mick Blakey/Shutterstock
Few cities do history and indulgence quite like Bath. Famous for its Roman ruins, Georgian terraces and natural hot springs, it’s long been a place to come for both culture and a proper soak.
At the heart of it all is the Roman Baths complex, one of the UK’s best-preserved ancient sites. You can’t swim in the original pools, but you can tour the ruins and see the still-steaming spring that made Bath famous in the first place.
For a modern version of the experience, head to Thermae Bath Spa. Heated by the same thermal waters, this rooftop complex lets you bathe with a view of the city skyline. There’s also a large indoor pool, steam rooms, and a long menu of spa treatments if you want to unwind.
Bath also delivers beyond the spa. You can walk the Royal Crescent, one of England’s finest Georgian terraces, or browse independent shops in the artisan quarter around Walcot Street. It’s compact, walkable, and easy to enjoy in a weekend.
Roman baths in Bath © RnDmS/Shutterstock
Set inside a reclaimed clay pit, the Eden Project is a bold mix of environmental education, futuristic design, and subtropical plant life. It’s Cornwall’s most ambitious attraction, and a sharp contrast to the region’s more traditional seaside draws.
You won’t see much from the entrance, but once you descend into the site, the view opens up. Two massive geodesic biomes dominate the landscape, built from hexagonal Teflon-coated panels. One houses a full rainforest environment, with towering trees and dense humidity. The other simulates a Mediterranean climate, complete with olive groves, citrus trees, and desert plants.
Outside, you’ll find pathways winding through themed gardens planted with crops like tea, hops, and hemp, alongside wildflower meadows and sculpture trails. In summer, the central lawn becomes a live music venue, with past acts ranging from Van Morrison to Foals. In winter, the same space transforms into an ice rink.
The Eden Project © Shutterstock
The New Forest is one of southern England’s best escapes: open, peaceful, and full of wildlife. Once a royal hunting ground, it now draws walkers, cyclists, and campers looking for slower days and car-free trails.
Covering around 220 square miles, it’s a mix of ancient woodland, heath, and open pasture. You’ll spot wild New Forest ponies almost everywhere, grazing on roadsides, trotting across trails, even wandering through villages like Burley and Brockenhurst.
A highlight for many is the Knightwood Oak, one of the oldest trees in the forest, measuring 22 feet around. But the real appeal is just how much space there is to roam. Waymarked trails wind through beech woods and across open heath, and you’ll find campsites tucked into quiet corners, some with little more than a stream and a compost toilet, others with hot showers and electricity.
New Forest ponies © Shutterstock
Windsor Castle doesn’t do subtle. Sitting high above the Thames, this sprawling fortress of stone walls and turrets is one of the grandest and oldest royal residences still in use. If you’re ticking off major things to do in England, this one ranks near the top.
Inside, the State Apartments are lavish to the point of overload: paintings, gold trim, chandeliers the size of cars, but it’s the details that impress most. Keep an eye out for masterpieces from the Royal Collection dotted along the walls, often overlooked in the blur of velvet and gilt.
Just as striking is St George’s Chapel, a late medieval gem where ten monarchs are buried, including Queen Elizabeth II. The fan-vaulted ceiling and intricate stonework give Westminster Abbey a run for its money.
If the weather’s good, leave time for a walk through Windsor Great Park, once royal hunting grounds, now open to the public. You’ll find ancient oaks, open heath, and long views down to the castle, plus fewer crowds than inside the gates.
Windsor Castle © Shutterstock
St Ives isn’t just a beach town, it’s one of the best seaside towns in the UK for mixing sea air with serious culture. Once a fishing port, it became an unlikely artist haven in the early 20th century, and that creative legacy still runs deep.
The Tate St Ives sits just above Porthmeor Beach, showcasing modern British art with a strong local focus. A few minutes’ walk away, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden gives you a more intimate look at one of Britain’s most influential sculptors, her former studio, preserved just as she left it.
For beachgoers, St Ives delivers on every front. Porthmeor draws surfers with reliable rollers, Porthminster offers softer sand and gentler waves, and the compact Porthgwidden is tucked away and sheltered, ideal for a quieter swim.
It gets busy in peak season, but with good reason: St Ives is a classic choice for summer holidays in the UK, offering laid-back beach time, cliff walks, galleries, and fresh seafood, all within walking distance.
Porthmeor Beach, St Ives © ian woolcock/Shutterstock
A flat-bottomed boat with no paddle and a long pole to steer it? Punting may not be the most efficient way to travel, but it’s easily one of the most memorable things to do in England, especially along the River Cam in Cambridge.
This is the classic Cambridge experience. Glide past the manicured lawns and stone bridges of The Backs, with college buildings rising grandly behind them. It’s scenic, slow, and slightly chaotic: first-timers tend to zigzag or get caught in “punt jams,” especially in summer.
You can rent a punt at several points: Mill Lane, Magdalene Bridge, and Garret Hostel Lane are all good starting spots. Go DIY if you’re up for a challenge, or book a guided punt and let someone else do the work (and the falling in).
Cambridge itself is quieter and more compact than Oxford. While the town center is lined with grand college facades, the real charm is around the river. Exploring the city by water is one of the top things to do in Cambridge, but leave time to stroll through courtyards, poke around bookshops, and stop for a pint in a wood-beamed pub.
Cambridge University © Shutterstock
The Natural History Museum is a London classic. Housed in Alfred Waterhouse’s soaring mock-Romanesque building, it’s as impressive on the outside as it is inside. Part research institution, part full-on spectacle, it’s easily one of the best family-friendly museums in the country.
Walk into Hintze Hall and you’ll be greeted by a 25-meter blue whale skeleton, suspended mid-dive from the ceiling. From there, the museum splits into four color-coded zones. The Blue Zone is the star attraction for most, home to the ever-popular Dinosaur Gallery, think fossils, skeletons, and life-sized animatronic beasts that still manage to terrify small children (and a few adults).
If you're exploring England with kids, this place is a must. The Green Zone is packed with interactive exhibits like the Creepy-Crawlies section and the Investigate Centre, where kids aged 7-14 can get hands-on with microscopes and real specimens.
It’s busy, especially on weekends and school holidays, but well worth it, just book ahead if you can.
Statue of Charles Robert Darwin in Natural History Museum, London © Shutterstock
York Minster dominates the skyline of one of England’s most atmospheric cities. It’s the largest Gothic church in the country and one of the most significant religious buildings in Europe, with a thousand-year history carved into its walls and windows.
The current structure grew from foundations laid in the late 11th century by Thomas of Bayeux, the first Norman Archbishop of York. Over the centuries, it evolved into the grand, soaring cathedral you see today: vaulted ceilings, intricate carvings, and enough spires and pinnacles to make your neck ache.
Inside, don’t miss the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country. York Minster holds around half of all the medieval stained glass in England. For a better view of the city, climb the 275 steps to the Central Tower, the highest point in York.
York Minster © Jez Campbell/Shutterstock
Southwold gets a lot of love, and for good reason. With its wide sandy beach, vintage pier, and rows of brightly painted beach huts, it’s one of Suffolk’s most appealing seaside towns. George Orwell hated it (his parents lived here), but don’t let that put you off.
Perched on low cliffs just north of the River Blyth, Southwold is polished but not flashy. There’s still a working fishing fleet bringing in herring and cod, but the town’s main trade is now slow-paced weekends and family holidays. You won’t find arcades or neon signs here, just a long promenade, proper pubs, a lighthouse, and a brewery that’s been around for over 150 years.
If you're after a quieter coastal break, spending a few days here is one of the best things to do in England. Swim, browse the independent shops, walk the beach at sunset, and grab fish and chips without the chaos of bigger resorts.
Getting out for a relaxed day at one of the many seaside towns is a top thing to do in England © Shutterstock
Stratford-upon-Avon may be world-famous, but at its core it’s still a small market town with half-timbered houses, quiet side streets, and a river that glides slowly past it all. That quiet charm only breaks in summer, when tour groups descend to see where Shakespeare was born, and to buy the fridge magnet to prove it.
Yes, Shakespeare’s Birthplace is the headline attraction, but it's far from the only draw. The Royal Shakespeare Company puts on consistently excellent productions, while the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust manages several sites worth exploring: from Anne Hathaway’s Cottage on the edge of town to the more reflective Hall’s Croft, where Shakespeare’s daughter lived.
If you skip the busiest spots and wander the riverside paths or quieter streets behind the main drag, you’ll find a slower pace and fewer queues. The shops skew touristy, but there are still decent pubs and cafés if you steer clear of the obvious.
William Shakespeare's Birthplace at Henley Street, in Stratford upon Avon © Alicia G. Monedero/Shutterstock
The limestone arch of Durdle Door is one of the Jurassic Coast’s most dramatic sights, and it’s not just for snapping photos. This stretch of coastline near Lulworth Cove is made for swimming, hiking, and just sitting with a sandwich while staring at the sea.
From the Lulworth Cove car park, a steep path climbs over the cliffs before dropping down to the beach at Durdle Door. It’s a shingle bay, not sand, but the water is clear and the views are unbeatable. Come early or late to avoid the midday crush.
East of Durdle Door is St Oswald’s Bay, a less-visited spot with more steep steps and a quieter stretch of beach. You can swim out to a few offshore rocks, though currents can be strong: check conditions and don’t go alone.
This bit of the South West Coast Path is a stunner, with trails that climb high above the sea and link to nearby coves and clifftops. You don’t need to go far to escape the crowds, just walk.
Durdle Door at the beach on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, UK © Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 14.07.2025
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