Shakespeare once called the English countryside “the precious stone set in the silver sea”—and the Great Bard is not the last to sing high praises of its beauty, serenity, and historical charm.
The countryside is particularly beautiful during the summer, especially in August and September. The days are longer, and the rolling fields are filled with the chattering of birds. During Fall, the land is a gorgeous blaze of crimson and orange leaves.
As one travels the countryside, you’ll find more of its treasures: a rich flora and fauna, romantic castles, secret gardens, and quaint villages so unchanged in the last decades that they seem to have been caught under a fairy’s spell.
Must-sees include Derbyshire, called “the heart of England” and home to the National Park. The majestic peaks were the muse of the Bronte sisters (and if you love the book Jane Eyre, you can visit North Lees hall, where the real Eyre family once lived. Take a walk in the moors, visit centuries-old stone circles, and taste a nobleman’s life in country homes like Chatsworth, known for its breathtaking dÈcor and a garden that includes fountains, mazes, and even a sunken garden.
History buffs will enjoy a visit to Lincoln city (its most famous son is Lord Alfred Tennyson). It is also known for its cathedral, the charming tea shops, a small castle. One would never guess it’s violent past—established by the Romans, it was once a center for arrow making.
After a morning of touring, take a cold pint of traditional English brew at Ledbury inn, and then proceed to see the nearby attractions: the Victorian-era Eastnor Castle, Warwick Castle, and the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Let’s not forget the romantic landscapes of Yorkshire, land of lush valleys, misty moors, and monastery ruins. It’s tempting to simply have a picnic there, and lose hours just enjoying the view—but there are so many more things to see. Some of the most popular destinations is the medieval castle of Howard (which you may have seen in the movie Brideshead Revisited) and York Minster, while tourists often rave about the tea shops in the region. You should also visit the Lake District, famous for its cloud formations, and loved by artists such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
You may also want to see the coast of Northumbria, dotted by cottages and fishing villages. It boasts of a great fortress, now turned into a museum with medieval artifacts. Harry Potty fans shouldn’t miss a visit to Alnwick, which is better recognized as the “Hogswarth” in the movies. You can also see one of England’s first Christian settlements.
Let’s not leave out the Wessex region, where one can see one of England’s greatest mysteries, Stone Henge. You can also go to the City of Bath, which has been famous for its medicines springs since the Roman times. Other popular attractions include Salisbury Cathedral, the landscaped gardens of Stourhead, and the cobbled streets of Shaftesbury. This is also home to Oxford, one of the world’s most distinguished universities.
Art lovers will also like a visit to East Anglia, whose landscapes inspired the painter Constable (he was born in Dedham village). This is also home of the University City of Cambridge, and the famous architectural attraction, King’s College Chapel. Be sure to visit the aircraft museum of Duxford.