England in summer is a captivating tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and histories, offering a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As an avid traveler and lover of the English countryside, I've explored many of the country's hidden gems, and I'm thrilled to share some of my favorite destinations for those seeking a break from the typical tourist trails. From remote islands to wild moors, England's diversity is truly remarkable, and these six destinations encapsulate all that's best about the country in the warmer months.
The Isles of Scilly: A Time-Forgotten Paradise
If you're seeking a traditional seaside escape, the Isles of Scilly are a must-visit. These five inhabited islands, located 25 miles off Cornwall's coast, are like something out of a fairy tale. The largest island, St Mary's, boasts three golden beaches and a charming capital, Hugh Town. But it's the ancient sites that truly captivate, from chambered cairns to historic defense structures, all best discovered on a leisurely hike around the island. St Agnes, with its south-westerly pub, The Turk's Head, offers a delightful blend of local charm and stunning views. St Martin's, on the other hand, boasts the whitest sand and excellent watersports, while car-free Tresco exudes sophistication and family-friendliness. Bryher, the windswept island, adds to the sense of remoteness and tranquility.
What makes the Isles of Scilly so special is the feeling of being transported back in time. The mild climate, sunny days, and the sense of isolation create an atmosphere that's truly unique. It's a place where you can unwind, relax, and reconnect with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Welsh Marches: A History-Lovers' Road Trip
For history enthusiasts, the Welsh Marches offer an incredible journey through time. The border between England and Wales has a rich and contested past, marked by Offa's Dyke and the stone bastions of the Normans. Summer is the perfect time to explore this border country, with long days allowing for castle-hopping and wandering through picturesque market towns. Clun, Goodrich, and Wigmore are just a few of the fairytale-like castles that dot the landscape, each with its own unique story and architectural marvels. Stokesay Castle, with its fortified manor, and Croft, a stately home, add to the allure.
The Marches are also renowned for their culinary delights, with Ludlow being the culinary capital. Summer food festivals and tasting tours showcase the best of Herefordshire and Shropshire, from beef and asparagus to strawberries and cheeses, not to mention the spectacular ciders of Herefordshire. It's a foodie's paradise and a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Exmoor National Park: Wild and Romantic
Exmoor is England's most wild and romantic corner, offering a rewarding walking experience. The park, straddling Devon and Somerset, boasts craggy coastlines, raw uplands, and wooded combes, all within a network of trails stretching over 600 miles. Dunkery Beacon, the highest point, offers breathtaking views, while the South West Coast Path provides some of the finest stretches of walking in the country. The park is also home to red deer, Exmoor ponies, and, from this summer, white-tailed eagles.
What makes Exmoor so special is its dramatic scenery and the sense of solitude it offers. The park's remote shoreline and high sea cliffs provide a sense of being at the end of the world, while the babbling streams and oakwoods create a peaceful atmosphere. It's a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.
Norwich: An Alternative Cultural City Break
Norwich, England's first Unesco City of Literature, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern charm. The city's medieval lanes, 900-year-old market, and leafy parks make it a delightful place to explore on foot during long summer days. The city's outstanding medieval monuments, including the Romanesque cathedral and William the Conqueror's castle, reflect its prosperous past. The Sainsbury Centre, designed by Sir Norman Foster, houses an impressive modern art collection, while the South Asian Collection provides a deep dive into art, crafts, and living traditions.
Norwich's hip independent boutiques, bars, and restaurants add to its allure, making it a vibrant and welcoming city. It's a place where you can discover hidden gems, immerse yourself in local culture, and enjoy the city's rich history and modern charm.
The Kennet and Avon Canal: Slow Travel at its Best
For those seeking a slow and leisurely escape, the Kennet and Avon Canal is a perfect choice. This network of liquid byways, lacing England with narrowboats and barges, offers a deliberately unhurried pace. Summer is the ideal time to explore, with swans leading their fluffy cygnets and balmy evenings filling pub beer gardens with happy chatter. The canal's engineering heritage, including soaring aqueducts and historic pumping stations, adds to its charm.
Hiring a narrowboat with Drifters is a unique way to experience the canal. With no license or previous experience required, it's an accessible and enjoyable way to explore the canal's beauty. The Kennet and Avon Canal is a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the waterways.
Northumberland: Celestial Solitude
For travelers seeking space and scenery, Northumberland is one of England's great summer escapes. The country's northernmost county is its least densely populated, with wide skies, big horizons, and not a single city. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the windswept walking trails along the coast are must-visits, while inland, you'll likely have just wildlife for company. The real sky jewels emerge after sundown, with Northumberland International Dark Sky Park offering superlative stargazing. The park's negligible light pollution and wide-open spaces make it a perfect place to admire constellations, meteor showers, and the Milky Way.
What makes Northumberland so special is the sense of solitude and the opportunity to connect with nature. The park's wide skies and big horizons create a sense of being at the end of the world, while the dark skies and long, quiet evenings add to the allure. It's a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the night sky.
