Where to Go in England Besides London: The Country's Most Beautiful Places
Table of contents
- Why are tourists increasingly choosing England outside of London?
- The Isles of Scilly: Britain’s tropical paradise with snow-white beaches
- The Welsh Marches: a region of ancient castles and a medieval atmosphere
- York: A City of Vikings and Medieval Streets
- Cornwall: the region with England’s most beautiful coastlines
- The Lake District: one of the most picturesque regions in Great Britain
London remains the UK’s top tourist destination, but more and more travelers are seeking out less crowded and more atmospheric destinations. From islands with turquoise waters to medieval towns and picturesque coastlines, England has far more to offer than meets the eye. Learn more about the country’s most interesting places to add to your itinerary in 2026
According to data from British travel platforms and regional travel rankings, the popularity of so-called “slow travel”—travel outside major cities, with a focus on nature, local culture, and authentic experiences—continues to grow in England in 2026. That is why many tourists are increasingly choosing small towns, islands, and coastal regions over London.
Some corners of England can surprise even those who have visited the UK many times before. Here you can find beaches reminiscent of the Mediterranean, ancient castles, towns with a fairy-tale atmosphere, and some of Europe’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
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Why are tourists increasingly choosing England outside of London?
London remains one of the most visited cities in Europe, but in recent years, tourism trends in the UK have been shifting noticeably. Due to high prices, long lines, overcrowded public transport, and a constant stream of tourists, many travelers have begun seeking out more peaceful and atmospheric destinations. Small towns, coastal regions, and natural locations have become particularly popular.
Another reason is the popularity of slow travel. Tourists increasingly want to spend more time in picturesque places, enjoying nature, local cuisine, and the authentic British atmosphere, rather than trying to “see everything in two days.” That is precisely why the popularity of Cornwall, the Lake District, York, and the Isles of Scilly has skyrocketed.
In addition, regional England is often cheaper than London. In many cities, accommodation costs 30–50% less than in the capital, and restaurants, transportation, and entertainment are more affordable for tourists. This is particularly important given the general rise in travel costs across Europe in 2025–2026.
Today, tourists are drawn to:
- Ancient castles and medieval towns
- Dramatic ocean coastlines
- National parks and hiking trails
- Small fishing villages
- Less crowded beaches and natural locations
That is why more and more travelers are using London only as a starting point for further travel through England.
Learn more about Europe’s best beaches for a summer vacation in 2026 by following the link.
The Isles of Scilly: Britain’s tropical paradise with snow-white beaches
The Isles of Scilly are one of England’s most unique destinations, one that many tourists haven’t even heard of. The archipelago is located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 45 kilometers off the coast of Cornwall, and resembles a Mediterranean resort more than typical Britain. Here you’ll find turquoise waters, white beaches, and a mild climate, thanks to which even subtropical plants grow on the islands.
The largest island is St. Mary’s. This is where most tourists arrive, but the true atmosphere of the archipelago is revealed on the small islands of Tresco, St. Martin’s, and Bryger. There are almost no cars here, but there are narrow paths along the ocean, small harbors, and old stone houses.
One of the main features of the Isles of Scilly is its wild nature. Seals, dolphins, and rare seabirds can often be spotted off the coast. And thanks to the crystal-clear water, snorkeling and boat trips are popular here.
You can reach the islands by plane or ferry from Cornwall. The best time to visit is from May to September, when the temperature here is much more comfortable than in many other regions of Great Britain.
In our previous article, we discussed affordable European countries for a vacation in 2026.
The Welsh Marches: a region of ancient castles and a medieval atmosphere
Despite the name, the Welsh Marches is not a separate country but a historical border region between England and Wales. It was here that conflicts between English and Welsh rulers raged for centuries, which is why the region is now known for its vast number of fortresses, castles, and medieval towns.
The main feature of this destination is the atmosphere of old Britain without crowds of tourists. Here you can see stone fortresses from the 11th–13th centuries, old pubs, narrow streets, and green hills that look like the backdrop to a historical film.
Some of the region’s most famous sites include:
- Ludlow Castle—one of England’s best-preserved medieval fortresses
- The city of Hereford with its massive cathedral
- The Wye Valley—a picturesque region for road trips and hiking
- The historic market towns of Ross-on-Wye and Leominster
Tourists are also drawn to the local cuisine. The region is known for its farm-fresh produce, cheeses, cider, and traditional British pubs, where dishes are often prepared using old recipes.
The best way to explore the Welsh Marches is by car. This is the best way to see small villages, old bridges, viewpoints, and natural sites that are usually not included in popular tourist routes.
Find out more about the best cycling routes in Europe in 2026 by following the link.
York: A City of Vikings and Medieval Streets
York is considered one of England’s most beautiful historic cities. It is over 2,000 years old, and throughout history, it has been home to Romans, Vikings, and Anglo-Saxons. Today, the city attracts tourists with its medieval English atmosphere, narrow streets, and ancient architecture.
The main attraction is York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Equally popular is Shambles Street, often called the inspiration for the Diagon Alley from “Harry Potter.” It features small shops, cafes, and 15th-century houses.
Must-sees in York:
- The city walls, which are nearly 700 years old
- The Jorvik Viking Museum
- Historic pubs dating back several centuries
- The River Ouse and walking paths along it
The city is ideal for a short 2–3-day trip. You can get here by train from London in about 2 hours.
Learn more about the best European cities for a short budget trip by following the link.
Cornwall: the region with England’s most beautiful coastlines
Cornwall is located in the southwest of England and is known for its cliffs, ocean beaches, and small fishing towns. This is where Brits often go for their summer vacations instead of heading to resorts abroad.
The region is especially popular among surfers and road trip enthusiasts. There are dozens of scenic viewpoints along the Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches, and coastal walking trails.
Cornwall’s most famous places:
- St. Ives – a resort town with art galleries and beaches
- Land’s End – the westernmost point of England
- St. Michael’s Mount Castle on the island
- Kynans Cove Beach with its turquoise waters
Cornwall has also gained popularity following the TV series “Poldark” and “House of the Dragon,” which used local landscapes for filming. As a result, the flow of tourists to the region has significantly increased in recent years.
The best time to visit is from June to September, though even in summer the weather here can change quickly due to the oceanic climate.
In our previous article, we talked about 5 underrated European cities that can truly surprise you.
