[Updated: 22 July 2021]

1. Cheshire

A lot of visitors coming to Cheshire have two things in mind- grinning cats and cheese. Did you know that this English countryside vacation spot is James Bond star, Daniel Craig’s birthplace? The serene gardens here are delightful and blend perfectly with the sublime collection of stately homes. Go to Cheshire and explore its sweeping vistas, cosy country inns and ‘The Castle on the Rock’ – Beeston Castle and Woodland Park that is set on a hill.

2. Essex

Famous as ‘Constable Country’, as painted by John Constable. Essex is speckled with inspiring villages, picturesque towns and rolling landscapes. There are a lot of parks, spectacular gardens and over 3,500 miles of byways and public rights of way. This place is perfect for an English countryside vacation.

3. Dorset

Did you know Dorset is where the famous Thomas Hardy’s make-believe world is based? A large portion of this countryside has been designated as an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is also where about 5% of England’s protected ancient monuments are located. Be sure to see some of the great landmarks in Dorset, including the Gold Hill in Shaftesbury and Cerne Abbas Giant while on your English countryside vacation.

4. Yorkshire

This part of England has a lot of chalk streams, hidden valleys, miles of quiet countryside and bustling market towns. Wake up in this unspoilt countryside and search for the rabbit that got Lewis Carroll inspired to write Alice in Wonderland at St Mary’s Church.

5. Brontë Country

Countryside image with a distant view in the background, taken in the Bronte country, near Haworth, in West Yorkshire, England, where the literary Bronte sisters lived. This is one of the most beautiful places in Britain, which attracts thousands of Emily Brontë’s fans to see where some of her novels were set. If you are not a book fan, then the ruined farmhouse and Haworth Moor are definitely worth checking out.

6. Hampshire

You must be wondering why a lot of famous writers escape to England’s countryside to draw inspiration for their writing. A place like Hampshire proves that it is one place where you can go to think creatively.  Pride And Prejudice came alive because Jane Austen spent most of her life here. There are a lot of hidden treasures for you to discover on your English countryside vacation to Hampshire.

7. Kenmore, Perthshire

Photo Source: Nora on Flickr

Think of a destination in Scotland with a gaggle of whitewashed homes that are scattered around a river and Kenmore, in Perthshire, will come to mind. This beautiful place has its special lochside beach that is great for fishing and sailing.

8. South Cambridgeshire

It is here you would see some of the rarest birds in eastern England. Plan your English countryside vacation to South Cambridgeshire and look forward to the evenings as you watch the dragonflies do their magic and the barn owls hunt while you take a romantic walk down the rural roads as twilight meets the night.

9. Lancashire

Blackpool is Lancashire’s best seaside resort that attracts plenty of people to enjoy this  English countryside vacation. Lancashire boasts great attractions, such as Arnside and Silverdale, and the Forest of Bowland, which is in the heart of Lancashire. Lancashire bristles with country inns, castles, B&B, spas, and walking festivals.

10. Hadrian’s Wall Country

Whether you are searching for a bistro or a tearoom, Hadrian’s Wall, in Brampton, has it all for you. A visit to the Roman Army Museum will transport you back in time with artefacts and pictures. The village at Vindolanda and the Roman Castle are some of the lovely destinations for you to visit when you are in Hadrian’s Wall Country.

11. Cornwall

Cornwall is an iconic gem for an English countryside vacation. It’s famed for its seaside scenery, wild upland landscapes, serene beaches and a wide variety of water activities. If you love nature, you will enjoy walking around while exploring the wide-ranging options it offers.

12. Lake District

The Lake District is renowned for its natural beauty, unruffled landscapes, fascinating mountains and beautiful lakes. Some popular towns and villages in Lake District are Ambleside, Keswick, Kendal and many others. Lake District offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, what more could you want for your English Countryside Vacation?

13. The Cotswolds

If you want to enjoy the beauty of nature and experience the simple pleasures of the English countryside, the Cotswolds is the place to go. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds offers picturesque countryside, from rolling hills, bustling market towns and wildlife parks to peaceful towns and villages. If you enjoy walking or taking pictures, there are endless walking routes in the Cotswolds region.

14. Oxfordshire

One perfect place to make a rural English Countryside escape is Oxfordshire. There are a lot of places that you would love here, such as Henley on Thames, Wallingford, Ashbury, Abingdon, Burford, Bampton and Woodstock. Visit the Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’saisons for a treat specially created by chef Raymond Blanc.

15. Yorkshire Dales 

Pack your boots and head to Yorkshire Dales, an ideal destination for sightseeing, walking, biking or cycling. Yorkshire Dales is a historic county offering plenty of exciting activities to indulge in for the ultimate English Countryside Vacation. You will see beautiful small villages, limestone caves, river valleys, superb landscapes, Roman relics and rocky backdrops in the countryside.

If you have visited any of these destinations, share your experience with us in the comments below.

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All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of outdated or incorrectly noted information.