Best Places to Travel in England
The ultimate England bucket list
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There are so many places to see and things you absolutely have to do while visiting England.
Here is the ultimate England bucket list!
Quick tip: As you are exploring England, you might choose to spend more than just a day in each location. I recommend checking out the local hostels for accommodation.
Both Independent Hostels and YHA hostels are amazing options for not only young people who are travelling but they offer a budget-friendly base for people of all ages. If shared accommodation is not your thing, many hostels have a variety of room options, both private and shared.
Let’s get into it! Here are the best places to visit and things to do in England. The majority of these places are easy to get to via public transportation.
1. York
I’ve been to York a number of times but one of my favourite memories of this city occurred when a friend from the US came to the UK on a university tour one summer, we decided to meet up in York. We spent the day catching up and exploring the cobblestoned streets of this gorgeous ancient city. There is so much to see and do here. One of my favourite things to do in York on a summer day is to grab an ice cream and relax in the York Museum Gardens under the medieval ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey.
York, England
2. Liverpool
Liverpool is a vibrant city that offers a perfect collaboration of modern and historical narratives. Home of the Beatles, you will find an overwhelming amount of things to do and see in this busy northern city.
One summer memory in Liverpool included spending some time in one of my favourite places in the world - the Liverpool Library. As you enter this building, you will find gorgeous modern architecture. Standing on the ground floor, you can look up and see the winding spiral that makes up each of the 6 levels that house many books.
The magic comes as you continue to explore and find all of the rooms within the library. The Picton Reading Room will take your breath away as you step into a different historic era. This is the perfect place to sit and have a quiet reading or writing sesh during the summer months (and during term time if you are going to any of the unis in Liverpool and fancy a new place to study).
3. Bath
Bath is absolutely oozing with history. I recommend checking out one of the many walking tours guided by locals.
Check out all of the movie and television filming locations, The Jane Austen Centre, or the historic Roman Bath Houses. That only scratches the surface of the amount of things to do in this gorgeous part of the UK.
Check out One Day in a City’s blog post for the perfect itinerary for 24 hours in Bath (written by a local).
Roman bath house, Bath, England
4. Newcastle
Newcastle is a perfect day trip or weekend getaway. In city centre, make sure to stop by Chinatown, the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, and Newcastle’s Castle (which is ironically anything but new, having been built in 1177). There are plenty of things to see and do in this coastal city, including the beautiful beaches that highlight the beauty of northern England.
While visiting Newcastle, England, check out the castle!
5. Hiking the Cleveland Way
If you are looking for an epic UK adventure, try hiking the Cleveland Way! There are various routes along this gorgeous coastal trail. Check out this guide to walking from Whitby to Scarborough, taking you through Robin Hood’s Bay, Ravenscar, and through 26 miles of breathtaking ocean views.
Check out the full guide to hiking Whitby to Scarborough here.
The perfect summer adventure in England involves hitting some of the beautiful coastline hiking trails such as this one in Whitby, England!
6. Yorkshire Dales
Looking for more summer outdoor adventures in England? Venture into the Yorkshire Dales!
Hikes such as Ilkley Moor, Marsden Moor, the Yorkshire Three Peaks, and Todmorden, not only offer a bit of nature’s respite but you will also get to experience the charm of Yorkshire’s villages.
I recommend stopping in one of the village pubs after your hike. Even if you don't drink, grab a soda or hot chocolate and enjoy the atmosphere.
Check out Marsden Moor, an estate in the South Pennines. The trailhead is easy to access via train or other public transport.
7. Hebden Bridge
Speaking of England’s charming villages, Hebden Bridge is a quaint market town up north between Manchester and Leeds. This town is full of gorgeous art, delicious food, and down-to-earth people.
Hebden Bridge can be visited throughout the year but summer is when the village and surrounding area comes to life.
Visit the nearby hiking trails at the Hardcastle Crag National Trust site or admire the riverside cottages and their fairytale-like gardens.
When visiting Hebden Bridge, check out Hardcastle Crags and the old Gibson Mill that is now being sed as a cafe.
8. Leeds
Leeds is a youthful destination with a large variety of things to do throughout the summer such as exploring ancient abbeys, taking a stroll in one of the many beautiful parks, sipping iced coffee along the dock, or going for a cheeky shopping spree at Trinity Shopping Centre.
Make sure to stop by Kirkgate Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Europe. There is nothing better than sweet strawberries and a picnic in one of Leeds' many parks during the summer months (one of the popular being Hyde Park). At Kirkgate Market, you will find all types of local, fresh produce - I got some of the tastiest strawberries I've ever eaten here last summer.
Check out a full list of Things To Do in Leeds, England here.
9. Brighton
Brighton is a seaside resort town with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Here, there is a fun mix of things to do such as hiking the many coastal hiking trails or visiting the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.
Check out Visit Brighton for more information on this fantastic summer destination.
10. Manchester
I have visited Manchester countless times and still haven’t explored everything there is to see in this great city. Some must-visit places include the Gay Village, Chinatown, the Manchester Library, and the Manchester Art Gallery.
The Manchester Library is a gorgeous building, inside and out.
11. Haworth
Haworth is another small village that is full of charm. If you are a literature lover, this is a UK destination that you must add to your summer bucket list. Home of the Bronte sisters, Haworth is situated in the middle of the Pennines. You can spend the day visiting the home (now museum) of the late Bronte sisters, exploring the various local shops and restaurants, or enjoying some of the best pubs in Yorkshire.
Haworth, England has a myriad of independent shops full of specialty items and don’t forget the traditional pubs with an amazing atmosphere, especially in the summer.
Check out 4 other charming Yorkshire villages you should visit during your summer holidays in England.
12. Cornwall and the Southwest Coast
Cornwall is one of the best holiday destinations in England. With beautiful coastline hiking trails, a myriad of sandy beaches, and dainty fishing villages to explore, Cornwall offers visitors a beautiful summer escape in southwest England.
For more inspiration and information about this gorgeous location, check out this great blog article on The World Was Here First. Maggie Turansky beautifully guides us through the perfect 3-day itinerary for Cornwall, England. She goes over everything from visiting The Eden Project to recommended restaurants.
13. The Lake District
This list would not be complete without a recommendation to visit the Lake District during your summer holiday, the "great outdoors" of England. This is the only destination on this list I would recommend taking a car for. Although the Lake District is very possible to explore via public transportation (the towns in Cumbria are well connected through the bus system, rail, and even boat!), some of the more rural/ mountainous areas are well worth bringing a car to explore if you have access to one and can.
There are so many things to see and do in the Lake District but there is nothing quite like sitting out by the lakes on a warm day with a refreshing drink, enjoying the sun and summer bliss.
I go over a full guide and 5-day itinerary in a blog post here.
Summer in the Lake District is a memory you will never forget
In conclusion, England offers an array of experiences for international students looking to make the most of their summer break. From quaint seaside towns like Bridlington to vibrant cities like Liverpool, there's something for everyone. Whether you're into history, nature, literature, or simply soaking up the atmosphere in charming villages, England has it all. So grab your bucket list, hop on public transportation, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of England's summer.