The Traveling Taylors

Travelers often ask, “Where’s the prettiest place in England?” Locals, of course, have their opinions—and they don’t always point to London. From seaside escapes to lush national parks, this list ranks the most beautiful England regions according to the people who know them best. Whether you’re craving coastal charm, countryside walks, or historical gems, this guide will help you plan a trip that’s as scenic as it is unforgettable.

1. South West England — Wild Coastlines & Rolling Hills

Why Locals Love It: Home to Cornwall and Devon, this region is a dream for coastal walks, cliffside views, and picturesque fishing villages.

Highlights:

• St Ives & Port Isaac: Storybook fishing towns
• Jurassic Coast: Fossil-hunting meets dramatic cliffs
• Dartmoor & Exmoor: Windy moorlands perfect for hiking

Pro Tip: Visit outside of peak summer to enjoy quieter charm and stunning golden-hour light. If you plan to rent a car for day trips outside the city, a hands-free phone mount like this one can make it much easier to follow GPS directions safely while driving.

2. Yorkshire and the Humber — Dales, Moors & Timeless Towns

Why Locals Love It: Yorkshire is often called “God’s Own Country” by locals, and it’s not hard to see why.

Highlights:

• Yorkshire Dales National Park: Green valleys, stone villages, and sheep-dotted hills
• North York Moors: Windswept heather and coastline
• York: Medieval walls, cobblestone lanes, and Gothic architecture

Best For: Photographers, hikers, and anyone chasing that classic English countryside vibe.

3. North East England — Castles, Coast & Wide-Open Skies

Why Locals Love It: Remote, underrated, and full of rugged beauty.

Highlights:

• Bamburgh & Alnwick Castles
• Holy Island of Lindisfarne
• Durham Cathedral: A UNESCO gem

Local Secret: Sunrises along the Northumberland coast are jaw-dropping—and rarely crowded.

4. Lake District (Part of North West England)

Why Locals Love It: Technically a national park, but many lump this into the North West for regional travel. It’s pure nature, poetry, and mountain air.

Highlights:

• Windermere, Keswick, and Grasmere
• Scafell Pike: England’s highest peak
• Lake cruises and stone cottages

Best For: Romantics, hikers, and anyone who wants to disconnect.

5. East of England — Quiet Beaches & Historic Villages

Why Locals Love It: Think windmills, beach huts, and thatched-roof homes.

Highlights:

• Norfolk Broads: Peaceful boat trips
• Southwold: Charming coastal escape
• Cambridge: Punting and gothic spires

Worth Knowing: Less touristy than the South West, but just as lovely—especially in late spring.

6. South East England — Royal Roots & Rolling Countryside

Why Locals Love It: Easy day trips from London, but still full of postcard views.

Highlights:

• White Cliffs of Dover
• The Cotswolds (borders region)
• Windsor Castle and surrounding woodlands

Pro Tip: Take the scenic route between Oxford and Canterbury for the best variety. Getting around the city is fairly straightforward thanks to its extensive public transportation system, and many travelers like using a secure phone holder like this one so they can easily follow navigation directions while walking or riding around.

7. London — Hidden Beauty in a Concrete Jungle

Why Locals Love It: Yes, it’s a city—but London has pockets of beauty everywhere.

Highlights:

• Hampstead Heath: Skyline views from Parliament Hill
• Richmond Park: Wild deer and ancient oaks
• Canals of Little Venice

Hidden Gem: The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park—an oasis in the middle of Kensington.

8. West Midlands — Historic Halls & Unexpected Greenery

Why Locals Love It: Often overlooked, but full of stately homes and green belts.

Highlights:

• Warwick Castle
• Malvern Hills: Overlook historic spa towns
• Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare’s birthplace

Best For: History lovers and off-the-beaten-path explorers.

9. East Midlands — Quiet, Classic England

Why Locals Love It: Rolling fields, hidden abbeys, and a slow pace of life.

Highlights:

• Lincoln Cathedral
• Peak District (shared with the North)
• Stamford: One of the prettiest market towns in England

Ideal For: Travelers who want a low-key, uncrowded version of the Cotswolds.

England Regions: Beauty Beyond the Big Cities

While London often steals the spotlight, locals know the most beautiful England regions lie beyond the capital. Whether you’re driving the coast of Cornwall or wandering the heather-covered hills of Yorkshire, England rewards those who explore deeper. If you’re traveling between multiple destinations, packing cubes like these can help keep your suitcase organized so you can easily find what you need during transit.