Are you looking for a beautiful destination in England for the summer holidays? You’ve come to the right place!
With fabulous seaside resorts and rolling rural countryside, there is something for everyone in England.
While it’s true that it’s always nice to go abroad, exploring our own country is also a fabulous thing to do.
In this article, I tell you everything you need to know about the best summer destinations in England.
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1. Peak District, England
Located in North West England, Peak District was the very first national park in the UK and an excellent choice if you are looking place where you can go hiking and relax.
You’ll be surrounded by beautiful mountains, waterfalls and quaint villages.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to walking but the most famous are Mam Tor and Kinder Scout.
You will also enjoy walking around the beautiful reservoirs such as Dovestone and Ladybower.
In terms of food, you should opt for a meal or afternoon tea in the cute villages of Edale, Castleton and Bakewell.
Finally, make sure to also visit Chatsworth House. It’s one of the most beautiful National Trust Properties in Northern England.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE PEAK DISTRICT:
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Bakewell Pudding is a quaint cottage, ideally located near Chatsworth House. It has 3 bedrooms and can sleep up to 6 guests.
It’s a great option for a family staycation in the Peak District.
2. Westward Ho!, Devon
Located in North Devon, Westward Ho! is one of the cutest towns in southern England.
It’s known for its surfing opportunities but also its proximity to some of the best of the best places to visit in North Devon in summer.
Going to Westward Ho!, it’s choosing the ultimate British summer staycation.
You can go surfing, walking with your dog in Northam Burrows Country Park, get an ice cream on the promenade, play arcade games and of course, get fish and chips.
It’s also very easy to go on day trips to Clovelly, Appledore or Ilfracombe.
WHERE TO STAY IN WESTWARD HO!:
The Waterfront Inn is a beautiful bed and breakfast in Westward Ho!. It has amazing reviews and is ideally located by the beach.
3. Cornwall
One of the obvious locations for a summer holiday in England is Cornwall.
If you are after beautiful beaches, gardens, parks and delicious food, then Cornwall is the place to be.
Places to consider would be Padstow and St Ives. You can also opt for lesser-known but beautiful spots in Cornwall such as St Agnes and Charlestown.
Cornwall can cater for any sort of holiday, so if you love to camp or stay in beautiful hotels, you will find something to suit your needs.
However, Cornwall is the perfect location for campervan lovers, as there are so many places you can stop off to explore and stay in.
WHERE TO STAY IN CORNWALL:
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Zareba is a sumptuous beach house located in St Ives. The sea views are absolutely breath-taking and will make you forget you are in the UK for a while!
There are 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms which is suitable for a family or a group of friends.
It’s very close to all the main attractions and you will find everything you need in the house, including a fully equipped kitchen.
4. The Jurassic Coast, Dorset
The Jurassic coast is a world heritage site on the English Channel coast in Southern England. It is a beautiful stretch of coastline that spans 96 miles.
Starting at Exmouth and through to Dorset. On the beaches, you might be lucky enough to find fossils which is where The Jurassic coast gets its name from.
Not only do you have stunning beaches to explore, but there is rugged countryside, plenty of walking trails and things to see.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE JURASSIC COAST:
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Located in the cute small town of West Bay, this beautiful 4-bedroom house is perfect for a family holiday!
The home decor is both modern and rustic which gives it a very unique style and feel.
You will be very close to the Jurassic Coast and all its wanders.
5. Scarborough
Located on the Yorkshire Coast, Scarborough is an all-time favourite when it comes to seaside holidays in England.
It’s known for its beautiful beaches, seaside vibe and colourful beach chalets.
Summer is the best time of the year to visit in terms of weather but it can get pretty busy. If you can head there in June or September, you’ll still be able to enjoy the beach while staying away from the crowds.
The town centre is very cute and full of hidden gems.
If you are visiting with kids, make sure to walk along the promenade and get ice cream. There are many ice cream parlours along the street.
Scarborough is also an excellent place to eat fish and chips!
If you are into history and culture, make sure to walk all the way up to Scarborough Castle. The views from there are stunning and it’s an interesting place to visit. Nearby, you’ll also find the grave of Anne Bronte.
WHERE TO STAY IN SCARBOROUGH:
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This cute holiday house in Scarborough is ideally located on the top of the hill, near the castle and between the two bays.
This means you get to enjoy the views over both the North and South Bay.
It’s one of the best places to stay in Scarborough as it’s a quiet place but very well located.
The amenities are also worth mentioning as it is a gorgeous little place with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
6. The Lake District
No list of English summer destinations would be complete without mentioning The Lake District.
There are so many fabulous places to explore in the area including Grasmere and Windermere. The options in terms of water activities are endless here.
If you like hiking, make sure to go to Scafell Pike. It’s one of the best hikes in the UK.
You’ll also find several National Trust properties such as Allan Bank, Wray Castle and the famous Beatrix Potter Gallery.
This place can suit any sort of summer holiday from a boutique hotel stay to a back-to-basics camping trip.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE LAKE DISTRICT:
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Bouquet of Roses is a beautiful and historical 3-bedroom house in Windermere. The location is excellent for those who want to explore the Lake District but also for a relaxing UK holiday by the lake.
There are 3 bathrooms which makes it perfect for a family or a group of friends.
7. Cambridge
Cambridge is well-known for its famous university, but it is also a beautiful city to explore in summer.
It is built around the River Cam which gives it a very bucolic feel.
You can explore the university buildings and learn more about history here but there are also loads of summer activities to consider.
For example, you can hire a boat and sail along the river leisurely taking in the city from a different perspective.
WHERE TO STAY IN CAMBRIDGE:
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Retroeur is a super cute townhouse located in central Cambridge (only a couple of minutes walk from the station). There are 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an adorable back garden where you will love having dinner and drinks in summer.
It looks like you are staying in the countryside, but yet, are very much in town!
8. Whitby
Whitby is a traditional seaside town located in North Yorkshire.
Not only has it got a great seaside, but you will find fabulous boutique shops, the abbey to explore, and plenty to see and do for the whole family.
It is a great location for camping or staying centrally. You just can’t beat a portion of fish and chips or enjoying an ice cream on a typical English beach.
If you fancy taking a great day trip, make sure to also visit Robin Hood’s Bay. This little fishing village is a true British gem! It’s an easy 20 minutes drive from Whitby so don’t miss out!
WHERE TO STAY IN WHITBY:
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This beautiful 2-bedroom house is located directly on the beach! You can’t get any closer than that!
It sleeps up to 4 guests making it the perfect Yorkshire staycation for a couple or small family.
You’ll be very close to the main attractions in Whitby and can easily reach them on foot.
9. Yorkshire Dales
Located in Northern England, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is the perfect summer destination for outdoor lovers.
Quaint villages, friendly locals, walks, waterfalls… it has it all!
If you like exploring on foot, you will be in for a treat! There are so many walking opportunities.
I recommend staying in the beautiful village of Malham. Not only is it a typical Yorkshire village but it’s also home to a lot of natural landmarks including the famous Malham Cove.
Malham Cove is one of the most beautiful places to see in England and if you are a fan of Harry Potter, you’ll be happy to know that it is one of the Harry Potter filming locations in Yorkshire!
Malham Tarn, Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar are also worth checking.
You can also easily reach the other cute villages for more walks or just to get afternoon tea. Settle is a great place to visit as well.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES:
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Rose Cottage is ideally located in the heart of Malham. It is a very cute local place that will give you a feel of what Yorkshire is really like.
From there, you can easily start all your walks in Malham.
There are 2 bedrooms and it can sleep up to 4 guests making it a great staycation for couples or a small family.
10. New Forest
New Forest is an excellent choice for people who want to stay in the South but like the idea of a quieter location (compared to Devon or Cornwall).
This beautiful open heathland and forest is perfect for outdoor lovers and families.
You will find many walking opportunities but one of the best things to do is cycling. You can rent a bike from one of the local shops (it’s pretty cheap, under £20 per day) and explore the forest.
You’ll get to see wild horses, beautiful scenery and can also stop at one of the local pubs for a pint or meal.
There are also many activities for kids including the Exbury Gardens and Hurst Castle.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE NEW FOREST:
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Simple Gifts is a beautiful 200-year old cottage located near Brockenhurst. You will be in the heart of the New Forest and can easily explore from there.
It’s also a great place to stay if you want to go on day trips to the seaside.
The cottage has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms which is ideal for a family or group of friends.
11. Bath
Located in the county of Somerset, near Bristol, Bath is the perfect staycation for people who want to relax and are history buffs.
It is mainly known for its unique Roman baths but is also a very cute small city to visit.
Visiting the Roman baths are a must-do however, you have to make sure to book in advance. It’s a pretty popular attractions.
You’ll also enjoy roaming around town and along the River Avon. If you like cycling, rent a bike and go along the river. It’s very pleasant.
You can also opt for a few days trips including to Stonehenge.
WHERE TO STAY IN BATH:
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The Magnetic is a modern and stylish 1-bedroom flat in the heart of Bath. It’s an excellent place to stay for a couple looking for a romantic staycation.
The views over the rooftops and the Abbey are beautiful!
You can easily access the main attractions on foot and the station is less than 10 minutes walk from there.
12. The Cotswolds
Looking for quaint villages in England for your next summer holiday? The Cotswolds will be your paradise then!
When it comes to beautiful English village, it really doesn’t get any better than that.
Located in South West England, the Cotswolds are an excellent place for a weekend away. They are also popular day trips from Bristol or Birmingham.
They are spread over 6 counties including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, south Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Wiltshire and Bath & northeast Somerset.
There are many things you can do here including:
- Visiting Castle Combe, England’s prettiest village
- Discovering the market town of Burford
- Visiting England’s ‘little Venice’, Bourton-on-the-Water
- Going for afternoon tea in Broadway
- Visiting the National Trust properties such as Snowshill Manor and Garden
WHERE TO STAY IN THE COTSWOLDS:
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The 99 Yew Trees is a beautiful holiday rental located in the town of Painswick. It’s an excellent base in the Cotswolds as you can easily reach all the main attractions and cute villages.
The property itself has 3 bedrooms and can sleep up to 6 guests. It is so pretty and authentic. You’ll also love the garden!
Map of the Best Summer Destinations in England
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