The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Great Britain's Countryside

Anglophiles flock to England for the foggy capital, castles, and kilts, but Great Britain has so much more than just London. It also has gorgeous countryside, awe-inspiring landscapes, and fascinating history.

The Lake District is a must-see with its crystal clear lakes, sweeping views, and charming villages. Take in the scenery by car or stroll the lanes.

Manchester

Manchester has long been a popular destination for tourists and the city's attractions have been enhanced by recent investment. You can find reminders of its past as a textile powerhouse throughout the city, from the redeveloped Castlefield conservation area and canal system to the interactive Museum of Science and Industry. The revitalized Salford Quays dockyards house the Daniel Libeskind-designed Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry cultural center.

A trip to Manchester would be incomplete without visiting its famous Cloud 23 Bar, which offers stunning views over the city and its surroundings from a platform at the top of the city's tallest building. The bar is a favorite among visitors and locals alike and is a great place to enjoy the nightlife.

During your stay in the city, you should make sure to visit the Manchester Central Library, a beautiful and historic landmark. This two-story neoclassical structure is one of the finest buildings in the city and has a spectacular portico entrance. The Manchester Museum is also located here and features an impressive collection of art, with a focus on British artists as well as many European masters.

Football fans can get a close-up of their favorite team at the world-famous Manchester United Stadium, or witness a live game at Emirates Old Trafford. The Manchester Cathedral, which was elevated to a cathedral in 1847, is another must-visit site. It's plain exterior belies its ornate interior, which is decorated with fine Victorian carvings and a unique Expressionist-style Stations of the Cross. The cathedral is open daily, but certain areas may be closed for services or used for events such as gin festivals. If you plan to visit, be sure to check the website for updates.

It's possible to travel to England on a budget by using Travel Voucher Codes to save money on flights, accommodations, and activities. Look for deals on websites such as AllOverCoupon, Expedia, or Travelocity, and consider staying in hostels or Airbnb rentals instead of hotels to save on lodging expenses. Additionally, take advantage of free activities such as visiting museums or exploring parks to minimize costs.

Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is one of the UK’s top natural attractions, a sprawling area of limestone valleys and mighty mountains. Stroll beside the rivers, hike over the moorlands, or cycle the bridleways and you’ll feel the world melt away.

The region is dotted with picture postcard villages, each with its character and charm. Some are larger than others – for example, Leyburn is an old market town that’s home to a range of historic stone buildings. Others are more intimate – like Pateley Bridge, which sits in Nidderdale and is a great base from which to explore the surrounding scenery.

This region also boasts a wealth of wildlife, from herds of cattle to teeming rivers and streams. It’s also a popular destination for stargazing, with several Dark Sky Areas located within the park.

For a little more adventure, the Yorkshire Dales is a mecca for cavers and climbers. Its limestone hills are honeycombed with caves, allowing visitors to venture into a subterranean wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites, cathedral-sized chambers, and underground rivers. Beginners can test their skills at Twistleton Scar, while experts can take on the more challenging climbs at Malham Cove or Gordale Scar.

Steeped in heritage, the Yorkshire Dales is home to a wide variety of historic castles and country houses. From the medieval Skipton Castle to Pendragon Castle, which legend has was built by King Arthur’s father, there’s no shortage of places to learn about the region’s past. And when it’s time to relax, the ivy-clad pubs and cozy fires are perfect for warming up with a pint of ale or a hearty meal.

Lake District

With its sweeping mountains and stunning lakes, the Lake District is one of England's most awe-inspiring natural landscapes. The region is home to the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, as well as 16 major lakes and countless dales, which are perfect for exploring on foot or via boat.

Until the eighteenth century, however, the area was little more than a wild and desolate wilderness, described by writer Daniel Defoe as "the most wild, barren, frightful and uninhabited region in England." Wordsworth and his fellow poets Coleridge, Southey, and Blake began to promote the beauty of the Lake District, and it became popular for visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of London and other cities.

Today, the Lake District is the most visited national park in the UK, attracting around 16 million people each year. The scenery is breathtaking, but it's also incredibly diverse, with everything from the mighty summit of Scafell Pike to the peaceful shores of Windermere offering a unique experience.

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The region has also provided endless inspiration for artists and writers. Wordsworth was a resident for much of his life, and his home in Grasmere is now the Lake House, a museum where you can get a taste of what the poet loved about this beautiful region.

The area is dotted with castles and manor houses, many of which are open to the public. For example, Hawkshead Castle is a medieval ruin with a warren of narrow alleyways and overhanging gables, or you could visit Wray Castle, a Victorian neo-gothic castle on the shores of Windermere with an exciting program of events throughout the year.

Cornwall

The UK’s southwestern county of Cornwall is an evocative mash-up of golden sand beaches, ancient tin, and copper mines, and a storied Celtic language. It’s also the ideal spot for a UK staycation, thanks to its relaxed ambiance and gorgeous coastal scenery. In the summer, hordes of Brits make a beeline for its shorelines, but out of season, Cornwall’s attractions range from Tudor castles to prehistoric ruins and seal sanctuaries.

The largest town in the county is St Austell, a former mining and China Clay hub. It’s a great base for exploring the region’s lush hinterland and low-slung yet dramatic cliffs, which are perfect for coasteering experiences. For something less challenging, try Newquay, a surfers’ paradise whose dazzling sandy beaches stretch to the promontory at Land’s End.

On the Lizard Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find plenty of wild beauty and get-away-from-it-all charm. With limited road access and little development, it’s teeming with fascinating geology and hidden coves like Kynance Cove, accessible by a 2-mile coastal walk.

The picturesque fishing village of Padstow is one of the most popular places to visit in Cornwall. Whether you want to devour fresh seafood in a wooden-clad pub or just stroll around the pretty houses and boats in the harbor, this is an essential stop on any trip to the county.

Wales

As one of the smaller parts of Britain, Wales packs a lot of punch in terms of attractions and experience. This northern gem boasts sweeping coastal views and jaw-dropping national parks. The country’s capital, Cardiff, is a charismatic melting pot of culture and history. From here you can walk to castles, see UNESCO-listed ruins, and brush up on Welsh culture at a language museum.

The sandstone peaks of the Brecon Beacons are another highlight. It’s a hiker’s paradise here, but you can also follow biking trails or take a scenic train ride to explore the area’s scenery and rich culture. There’s even a zipline in the park!

To the north, Snowdonia is a nature lover’s dream. It’s home to a national park of the same name, and you can scale its highest peak or visit some of the region’s quaint villages. In Conwy, check out some of the UNESCO-listed ruins and explore the smallest house in the world (it’s only 10 x 6 feet).

The charming town of Llandudno is also worth a visit. It’s home to a stunning promenade free of the usual seaside shops and cafes, and it offers stunning coastal walks and an impressive aqueduct. You can also venture underground to tour the Great Orme Mines, a network of Bronze Age tunnels that are now open to visitors. Lastly, make sure to stop in Bath to take in the Roman spas, tour the regal Bath Abbey, and sample some Sally Lunn buns.

Conclusion

Lake District With its sweeping mountains and stunning lakes, the Lake District is one of England’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes. Until the eighteenth century, however, the area was little more than a wild and desolate wilderness, described by writer Daniel Defoe as, the most wild, barren, frightful, and uninhabited region in England. Wordsworth and his fellow poets Coleridge, Southey, and Blake began to promote the beauty of the Lake District, and it became popular for visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of London and other cities. For example, Hawkshead Castle is a medieval ruin with a warren of narrow alleyways and overhanging gables, or you could visit Wray Castle, a Victorian neo-gothic castle on the shores of Windermere with an exciting program of events throughout the year.