From remote islands and wild moors to slow canals and starry skies, England offers a wealth of summer escapes beyond the capital. Travel writer Paul Bloomfield, who has explored the country extensively on foot, highlights six destinations that showcase the nation's diverse beauty.
The Isles of Scilly, 25 miles off Cornwall's coast, are among the sunniest and mildest spots in the UK. Each of the five inhabited islands has its own character: St Mary's boasts golden sands and ancient sites, St Agnes has England's most south-westerly pub, St Martin's offers white beaches and watersports, Tresco features subtropical gardens, and Bryher has a wild, windswept ambience. Access is via ferry from Penzance or flights from several airports.
The Welsh Marches, along the border with Wales, are rich in medieval history. Summer days are ideal for exploring castles at Ludlow, Clun, and Goodrich, as well as timber-framed villages known as the Black and White Villages. Ludlow is famed for its culinary scene and late-summer food festival.
Other recommended destinations include the North York Moors, the Norfolk Broads, the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, and the Lake District. Each offers unique landscapes and activities, from hiking and cycling to sailing and stargazing.
Bloomfield notes that England's compact size—roughly 400 miles from Land's End to the Scottish border—makes it easy to experience a variety of terrains and histories in a single trip. Whether seeking beaches, castles, or countryside, these destinations provide memorable summer experiences.
