England is MASSIVE and there is so much charm to be found outside of London. Traveling outside of London can be quite easy with accessibility to many trains and busses. You may also want to consider renting a car for the ability to make stops along the way and enjoy the scenic views with flexibility. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite trips outside of London that are sure to make any trip to England feel complete.
1. The Jurassic Coast
Exploring the Jurassic Coast could possibly be one of my favorite things to do in England. There is so much to experience in this area and you’ll take countless pictures!
- Old Harry Rocks – You may have heard of the White Cliffs of Dover, but these cliffs rival any other white cliffs in the country. In fact, they appear to be the whitest chalk cliffs in the country. These particular white cliffs also resemble an unfinished jigsaw puzzle, and their stark white beauty is absolutely breathtaking against the rolling green fields. You can enjoy a picnic on these daunting cliffs or grab a meal in the nearby village of Studland (many places offer coastal views and plenty of outdoor seating). Hike along the cliffs or even mountain bike along the trails. Learn about the history of these amazing cliffs and the WW11 pilots who used the stacks for target practice.
- Corfe Castle – This is perhaps my favorite castle I’ve ever visited. Perched on a hill, this castle offers incredible views of Corfe Village and the surrounding farms. Built in the early 12th century, only the ruins remain, but the site and ruins are well-preserved, allowing your imagination to picture what it may have been like to live there.
- Durdle Door – Settled alongside other white cliffs, you’ll find the famous and natural limestone archway known as Durdle Door. There’s a footpath that leads to the pebble beach below, and as you walk along the beach, you can spot several caves. This coastline was designated as England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It’s truly a work of natural art you won’t want to miss!
2. Stonehenge
Stonehenge is perhaps one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments. This incredible structure is estimated to have been built about 5,000 years ago. While it’s unclear who built Stonehenge, research suggests it was used as a cemetery and a religious site. It is believed that these stones were placed to represent a temple aligned with the movement of the sun. These were places used to honor their ancestors and mark important moments in the calendar.
Stonehenge is located away from major tourist sites or cities. I would recommend visiting while en route to another destination. While you can see the stones from the road, in order to get a clear view and learn the incredible history associated with these stones, I highly recommend taking a tour. The tour is packed with interesting information and artifacts that have been found. However, as mentioned before, it might involve a fair amount of travel if seeing the stones isn’t at the top of your bucket list.
3. Oxford
Known as ‘The City of Dreaming Spires,’ Oxford stands as one of the most famous universities in the world. I highly recommend taking the train or using the park and ride to get into Oxford. Don’t forget to check the colleges’ opening and closing hours, as these can change often. While in Oxford, you can enjoy the Bodleian Library, The Radcliffe Camera, Christ Church College, Christ Church Meadows, Magdalen College, Keble College, The Bridge of Sighs, New College Cloisters, St. Mary’s Church (to see the Narnia door and the inspiration for the Narnia lamppost), and take a Harry Potter tour.
Many movies have been filmed at Oxford, with the most famous probably being Harry Potter. You can take a Harry Potter tour that will point out all of the filming locations used in the movies, as well as provide additional noteworthy information. For a self-guided tour, follow the short itinerary below. Keep in mind that there are entrance fees to see the following locations.
- Christ Church College: At Christ Church College, the Bodley Staircase is instantly recognizable, as it was used in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. You’ll remember Professor McGonagall welcoming first years to their very first day at Hogwarts! These stairs are also featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
- Christ Church College Dining Hall: Inspiration for the Harry Potter dining hall.
- Christ Church College Cloisters: At Christ Church College Cloisters, you can see the filming location used in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when Hermione shows Harry his father’s trophies that he won during his time at Hogwarts.
- Bodleian Library- Divinity School: This can only be accessed on a tour. It is known as the infirmary in several Harry Potter films. Additionally, it appears as the hall in which students practice dancing during the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Bodleian Library- Duke Humfrey’s Library: This library can only be accessed on a tour. It was used as the Hogwarts library and the restricted section in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
- New College- Cloisters: This location was used several times in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. While exploring these cloisters you will feel like you’re in Hogwarts!
- New College- Courtyard/Tree: Perhaps my favorite place we visited on our self- guided Harry Potter tour. You will instantly recognize this as the location where Mad-Eye Moody transfigures Malfoy into a ferret in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Another point of interest worth exploring near Oxford is Blenheim Palace. This palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features many beautiful estate rooms, striking stonework, and wonderful gardens. It is most famously known as the birthplace of Winston Churchill and is definitely worth a visit!
4. Cambridge
If we are going to talk about Oxford, we must talk about Cambridge as well! Oxford has more of an urban feel, while Cambridge is more picturesque. On your outing to Cambridge, I highly recommend either taking the train or using the park and ride to get into the city. There is very limited parking within the city center, and parking tickets can be expensive!
One of the best things to do in Cambridge is to book a private punting tour. You can take a leisurely stroll along the river while listening to your guide point out important places, people, and interesting historical facts. This is not only romantic but also a fun experience. Be sure not to miss King’s College, King’s Chapel, the Mathematical Bridge, Botanical Gardens, Corpus Christi College, Trinity College, Newton’s Apple Tree, and the Round Church. Notable people who attended Cambridge University include Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Isaac Newton, Alan Turing, and many more. Finish your day by grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant.
5. Lavenham & Framlingham Castle
Lavenham is a unique and spectacular town, best known as a medieval wool village, although this quaint town has a history dating back to Saxon times. Most of the buildings were constructed during the 15th century, and it was known as one of the wealthiest villages. The town grew so quickly that many houses were built hastily, causing the timbers to warp and bend in many distorted ways. It’s incredible that most of the houses are deemed safe and are in working order! You can indulge in traditional afternoon tea at Lavenham Blue Vintage Tea Rooms, which we found to be the best afternoon tea experience we’ve had in England!
Note for Harry Potter fans: While walking the streets of this adorable town, see if you can spot the inspiration used for Harry Potter’s house in Godric’s Hollow, as seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
Framlingham Castle isn’t as famous as some of England’s other castles; however, I found this castle and its nearby town absolutely charming. In fact, it is so charming that Ed Sheeran referenced this castle in his song ‘Castle on the Hill.’ You can walk along the walls of this incredible structure and admire the Tudor chimneys crowning every tower. The views are amazing!
6. Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens
Sissinghurst Castle is worth visiting while heading southeast. The Tudor buildings were used as a prison for up to 3,000 French sailors during the Seven Years War in the 1700s. In the early 1900s, the property was purchased by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, who had a romantic vision for the estate. The gardens are magnificent. Thanks to Vita, Harold, and the National Trust, Sissinghurst has been well preserved and beautifully maintained. It feels like you’re entering a fairy garden!
7. Windsor Castle
Just outside of London lies the fabulous Windsor Castle, used today by the Royal Family. You can easily spend a day touring the castle and grounds. See St. George’s Chapel where Prince Harry and Meghan were married, and where many English kings and queens were buried. Tour the State Apartments (when the King is not residing there) and explore the royal collection of armor, art, and striking gold rooms. The guided tour is very comprehensive! If you visit Windsor Castle on a Thursday or Saturday, you may be able to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which is quite the sight to see (the schedule is subject to change, so check out the British Army website for details). If the weather permits, take a stroll on the Long Walk, a 2.6-mile tree-lined path that stretches from the castle to Windsor Great Park. This walk offers one of the best views of Windsor Castle.
Non Rev Roamer 