Best Attractions In England

Rolling countryside, stunning coastlines, quaint villages and a plethora of beautiful historic sites; England really does have it all. And whilst there are many incredible attractions to see in England’s capital, there is also so much more to be seen around the country. In this post, we’ll share the best attractions in England to visit.

The Roman Baths
Whitby Abbey
Durdle Door
Aira Force
Stonehenge
St Michael’s Mount

Visit The Roman Baths, Bath

The fascinating Roman Baths are located below modern street level, waiting for you to discover their 2000 year history. The terrace you come to when first entering the site overlooks part of the baths but doesn’t give you the whole picture. The site of the baths extends under nearby streets and squares, you wouldn’t even realise from the terrace above! It’s no surprise this is among the best attractions in England.

In Roman Britain, this site was one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world, where people would come to worship the goddess Sulis Minerva and bathe in the waters of the natural thermal springs. The waters still flow with hot water today!

The Roman Baths complex is made up of 4 main parts; the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and ‘finds from Roman baths’. You can even walk on the original Roman pavements and see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva as well as explore artefacts from the Baths.

It’s advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially during peak times.

Whitby Abbey, Whitby

Towering high above the seaside town of Whitby, sat atop the cliffs are the atmospheric ruins of Whitby Abbey. Undoubtedly one of England’s most famous historic attractions, this site was once one of the most important religious buildings in Anglo-Saxon England. Since its closure during the suppression in the mid 16th Century, the abbey house became a residence, with grand extensions, but both the house and the abbey later fell in to disrepair. However the beautiful ruins became a tourist attraction and a beacon of inspiration for many poets, artists and writers. Most famous of them was Bram Stoker, who made the town of Whitby one of the main settings in his novel ‘Dracula’.

It’s not essential to book your tickets in advance but it is advisable, especially during peak periods.

Whilst you’re there, don’t forget to head down the 101 steps in to the town itself and wander through the charming, cobbled streets. Also, try some of the best fish & chips you will find in England!

Durdle Door, Dorset

Durdle Door is the jewel of the Jurassic Coast and one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks. Created when the sea punched through the limestone around 10,000 years ago, this iconic beauty spot brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. In fact, this stunning coastline is of such geological importance, it was made England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.

There are beautiful coastal walks to be done in the area, as well as the pebble beach to stroll along. The access down is steep but it’s worth the visit. There is (chargeable) parking at the top but be advised the car park and surrounding area get very busy during peak times.

Aira Force

This 65 foot waterfall is set amongst the grounds of an 18th Century pleasure garden and was the inspiration for William Wordsworth’s poem ‘The Somnambulist’. The landscape is breathtaking to visit at any time of year, making it one of the best attractions in England, given the lack of guaranteed sunshine! In fact, Aira Force comes in to its own in winter weather because there is something about the moody vibe that really shows off the power of nature here. There are various trails to walk the grounds, with differing lengths, depending on your preference.

The site is run by the National Trust and includes a car park (charges apply), toilet and tea rooms on site, perfect to enjoy coffee and a cake after your stroll through this slice of enchanting, rugged Lake District terrain.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Probably one of the most famous pre-historic monuments in Europe, or indeed the world, Stonehenge is as historically and geologically important as it fascinating. There was a time when you could get up close to the stones but due to erosion and damage, it was fenced off in 1977. Now, you can visit the state of the art visitor centre and exhibition, which takes you through the fascinating history of the seemingly innocent stone circle. There are actually some engineering marvels at work here with the design and location of this sacred site that dates back around 5000 years.

Visits to the stones are timed so pre-booking is advisable. If you book the Stone Circle Experience, a guide will take you behind the fence and you can get up close to the stones. There is a cafe and facilities onsite as well as lots of parking.

St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall

This incredible tidal island sits off the coast of Cornwall. Legend has it that the Island was built by a giant who used to head to the mainland and steal livestock. Calls were made for a giant slayer and a young boy named Jack came forward! As for the Islands history, it said to have been a key trading port for England as far back as the Bronze Age and its importance has not wavered since, with the first warning beacon being lit warning the English of the incoming Spanish Armada. In 495, St Michael was rumoured to have been spotted by fishermen atop the island, cementing it as a major religious shrine by the 6th Century.

Today, you can get to the island either by ferry or during low tide, via the famous cobbled causeway. Visit the stunning 12th Century Castle and Garden, once a priory, then a fort and now home to the St Aubyn family, who have resided there since the 17th Century. Then, stroll around the harbour and the village and enjoy some warm Cornish hospitality.

Always check the tide times and the official website for up to date information, opening times and tickets.

England is certainly home to many incredible sights and with a quint charm that only England can provide, your day out is sure to be spectacular. We’ve listed some of the best attractions in England that are outside of London but of course, if you wish to venture in to the capital, you’ll find national treasures such as the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Hampson Court Palace, the London Eye, Camden Market and many more.

If you have visited any of these places, let us know what you thought in the comments. Even better, if you have any other suggestions of the best attractions to visit in England, share them in the comments below!

Sharing is caring so as always, share this with your friends and family and inspire them to visit amazing places in England.

Best Attractions In England