Blackbirds chirp from the hedgerows, stone church spires tower over pretty villages and fords dare you to drive through water and come out unscathed. The English countryside is ancient, eccentric and full of treasures.
The natural landscape of the English countryside is a draw for all ages. Catching a glimpse of deer in a sun-dappled medieval forest is a memory that will stay with you forever. Finding a way to lose the crowds is the best way to get a feel for it all.
Here are my favorite tried-and-tested destinations, plus places to take the kids in the English countryside.
The 7 Most Beautiful English Countryside Vacation Spots
1. Somerset
Sleepy villages with thatched roof cottages are scattered between rolling green farmlands in this quiet corner of south west England. The home of the world-famous Glastonbury festival and the historic city of Bath, it’s a picturesque region that’s well worth a visit.
What to Do:
Take the kids on a historic trip on the East Somerset Railway for a journey back in time.
Where to Stay:
The Somerleaze Residence – located just outside the beautiful town of Frome, complete with cobbled streets and creative independent shops.
2. New Forest
Visiting the New Forest is like taking a trip to another country. Wild horses and donkeys roam the fields (and sometimes even the towns!) and colorful heather grows over the windy heathland, creating a completely unique landscape.
What to Do:
The New Forest National Park itself is 220 square miles of protected land with biking trails, walking routes and rare wildlife to explore.
Where to Stay:
The Hay Barn – located just outside the New Forest National Park and also within easy reach of Hampshire’s south coast beaches.
3. The Cotswolds
A popular weekend escape for Londonders, this picturesque area of natural beauty is home to honey-stone architecture, historic villages and grand stately homes (not to mention some of the English countryside’s most exclusive restaurants and hotels).
What to Do:
Spend a day in the village of Broadway, which boasts a children’s playground, cute toy shop, luxurious delis and independent local boutiques.
Where to Stay:
The Burford Street Residence – located in between the postcard-perfect historic villages of Burford and Bibury.
4. Cornwall
Londoners are happy to endure the 5-hour journey to this most south-western tip of the UK for its Caribbean-standard beaches and spectacular rural scenery. It’s a great part of the country for surfing, as well as sampling some of the country’s best fish and seafood restaurants.
What to Do:
If you can drag yourself away from the spectacular rocky coves and sandy beaches (Gwythian is most definitely worth a visit), take the kids for a day out at the Eden Project.
Where to Stay:
The Churchtown Residence – located right on the scenic South West Coastal Path and within easy reach of the Land’s End landmark.
5. Suffolk
Suffolk is the place for traditional fish-and-chips, British pebble beaches and quaint pastel-colored cottages. In recent years it’s become an enclave for artistic types and those seeking more deserted coastlines for their windy walks.
What to Do:
Wander round the medieval village of Lavenham, which kids will recognise as the setting for Godric’s Hollow in the Harry Potter films.
Where to Stay:
The Brook Farm Residence – located close to the famous seaside town of Southwold, known for its beer brewing history.
6. Sussex
Just an hour or so from London, East and West Sussex counties are home to everything from vineyards, beaches, the South Downs National Park and the lively LGBQT+ capital of the UK, Brighton.
What to Do:
Jump on the train down to the bright lights of Brighton, where there’s an old-fashioned pier with arcades, a Victorian-era aquarium and endless seafront playgrounds (plus splash parks in summer). Think Santa Monica, but colder.
Where to Stay:
The West Wittering Beach House – located close to the beaches of East Wittering and West Wittering – two of West Sussex’s most famous shorelines.
7. Wiltshire
Wiltshire is home to the ancient site of Stonehenge and the neighboring Woodhenge, as well as the white horses carved into the chalk hills. Parents may also like to know that it’s famous for its cider farms.
What to Do:
Visit Longleat Safari Park and its historic mansion house. The drive-through safari is great for younger kids who’ll get tired of walking, and the zoo area at the end has some fun amusements and boat rides to a gorilla island.
Where to Stay:
The Henge Estate Residence – for a short drive to visit the prehistoric site of Stonehenge.
1 Week English Countryside Itinerary
If you can spend a week exploring the English countryside, you can cross the country from east to west, taking in the family-friendly sights of England along the way.
- Day 1: London
Start your journey in the capital, where you can find all manner of exciting things to do in London with kids. This is a great spot to jump off from, to start your trip in the South East of England.
- Day 2: Sussex
Take the family for a walk over the South Downs, before enjoying a drink (or a juice) at Ridgeview Wine Estate – this region is fast becoming the UK’s answer to Napa Valley.
- Day 3: Hampshire
Take a stroll around the pretty town of Brockenhurst, in the New Forest, where kids can walk alongside wild donkeys in the street or visit the nearby magical fairy woodlands, Furzey Gardens.
- Day 4: The Cotswolds
Head up to The Cotwolds where you can visit Cotswolds Wildlife Park (for the kids) and Daylesford Farm restaurant (for grownups).
- Day 5: Wiltshire & Somerset
Choose a day trip in Frome, Bruton or Bath to experience these up-and-coming creative hubs in the south west.
- Day 6: Devon
Go surfing on the sandy north coast, or visit Dartmoor Zoo within the national park. This is also the home of the traditional English afternoon cream tea!
- Day 7: Cornwall
Visit the magical Kynance Cove along the Lizard peninsula. If you can’t make it that far West, stick to a traditional Cornish pasty and ice cream in one of Cornwall’s quaint fishing villages like Charleston.
Booking Your English Countryside Vacation
The essence of historic England is in the countryside, beside babbling brooks, undulating hills and in little village tea rooms. It’s definitely worth exploring with kids to make some magical memories.
Explore our range of family vacation homes in the English countryside or if you’re planning a multi-stop trip to the capital, find out more about where to stay in London with kids.
You can visit the English countryside at any time of year. Spring and Autumn are particularly picturesque, and Christmas feels super cozy in the pretty English villages. It’s great to spend your days outside and experience the late sunny evenings, so Summer is always a good bet, but this is peak season, particularly for coastal counties. Cornwall and Devon are notoriously busy in July and August: June and September should offer you more availability, great prices and good weather too.
If your kids love to swim or surf, the best parts of the English countryside can be found in Cornwall and Devon. If you’re looking for more of a historic trip, with woodland adventures and cozy country pubs, head for Hampshire, Somerset or The Cotswolds. For single day trips from London, you can’t beat the quick transport into Sussex.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/wiltshire/the-henge-estate-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/suffolk/the-brook-farm-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/lechlade/the-burford-street-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/new-forest/the-hay-barn-at-gambledown
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/somerset/the-somerleaze-residence