areas to visit in England

England is a country of impressive diversity and variety, divided into nine distinct regions - each with its own unique personality for things to do and places to see. From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and bustling city life of Manchester to the charms of sleepy Cornish villages and dramatic coastal splendour of the North East.

Northwest

This is the region for city breaks, exploring famously-fashionable haunts, historic streets and buildings. It’s a region to walk, cycle and discover the landscapes and wildlife of unspoilt villages. 
There is always a feast of sporting entertainment including international cricket, championship golf courses and Premiership football.
England's Northwest is also bursting with cultural confidence, from outstanding national museums and galleries to magical sculptures and blockbuster theatre events.
There are great places to stay in chic city centre hotels, rural retreats, country houses and cosy pubs.
 

Heart of England

Like the rest of England, the Heart of England is charmingly individual, but the bonus is that the Heart of England is at the hub of Britain’s road network, so exploring every last bit of it is made very easy! You don’t have to fly into London because there is the international airport at Birmingham right in the centre of the region.  Birmingham is also now able to offer a world-class cultural scene, superb shopping, top attractions, fantastic nightlife, major international events and exhibitions

Take some time to visit the Cotswolds, taking in the many honey-coloured villages. The potteries of Staffordshire to the north of the region are juxtaposed with Shakespeare’s Stratford-on-Avon and the nearby lesser-known parts of Warwickshire. Close by lies the Black Country, and a visit here will reveal a rich seam of art, crafts, tradition and culture with modern architectural design sitting alongside villages from the Victorian era.

Explore the counties of Herefordshire and Shropshire along the beautiful borderlands of England and Wales, sampling the myriad of excellent restaurants and locally produced food. Don’t forget to discover the real taste of the countryside in Herefordshire’s famous cider.

In Worcestershire you can find fine churches, historic buildings and a thriving arts scene with internationally acclaimed festivals and events.
 

South East England

South East England is a region rich in experiences. It has something to offer every age group and every traveller. Whether you are looking at visiting for a weekend or a month this region has everything you could want.  

Over the years, authors of novels to writers of classics have lived in and gained inspiration from, the South East of England, with its rich mix of historical cities and wonderful sea bordered countryside. The stunning scenery and historical attractions have also provided the perfect setting for many movies and TV shows. 

The South East has played an important role in the military history of Britain from great naval battles to world wars there are sites across the South East that play tribute to this past. Strong royal connections, royal residences, stately homes, castles, fortresses and momentous events mean’s the region has seen many Royal visitors and residents.   

Relax in the tranquil settings of some of the most beautiful gardens and parks, stroll through the streets, villages, towns and cities and experience the architectural heritage on offer.
 

South West England

The South West is a region of contrasts - Wiltshire, where South West England begins less than an hour from London; Gloucestershire, home to the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds; Dorset, an area of outstanding natural beauty and bordered by the Jurassic coastline; Bristol and Bath, with centuries of history and culture; Somerset, a mix of heather covered Exmoor and the levels of Sedgemoor; Devon, with two coastlines and wide open spaces; Cornwall, bounded by the sea and steeped in Celtic tradition with the delightful Scilly Isles, each with its own features and attractions. 

Majestic cathedrals grace cities like Salisbury, Gloucester, Wells, Truro and Exeter while Bath boasts famous Roman remains and Georgian splendour. Maritime history features strongly in Plymouth from where the Pilgrim Fathers and Sir Francis Drake sailed. And for contemporary arts, Bristol, the largest city in the South West, is home to the wonderful Arnolfini. 

Wherever you go you will see spectacular scenery, wonderful countryside and a beautiful coastline. Walk the coastal paths, discover sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and picturesque fishing villages, or visit the larger and livelier resorts. Inland, visit prehistoric sites, villages with thatched, cob cottages and riverside pubs, stately homes with landscaped gardens or the wide open spaces of the wonderful National Parks, Exmoor and Dartmoor.

South West England

Yorkshire is your open door to so many different experiences. It’s big and boundless, a mix of magnetic landscapes, seductive seascapes and vibrant cities that change by the minute and the mile. 

Unwind in its quieter side among timeless green vales and dales dotted with traditional villages. Be part of the buzz of a fast-moving city scene. Feel sea breezes in your face and sand between your toes at charming seaside resorts and salty old harbours. Tuck into the best fish and chips you’ve ever tasted, then savour the finest sophisticated cuisine at award-winning restaurants and inns. Take a trip back in time at atmospheric castles, abbeys and historic houses. Or leap forward to the future at state-of-the-art attractions.

Yorkshire is a unique mix of influences and inspirational places. It’s restful and zestful, forward looking yet founded on a bedrock of traditional values. We’re a friendly, straight-talking lot in these parts. And we take great pride and pleasure in introducing visitors to Yorkshire’s many and varied faces.

Plain speaking may be part of Yorkshire’s character, but there’s nothing plain about this captivating part of Britain.
 

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