Cathedrals and Cottages: Exploring England's Prettiest Locations
Updated: Sep 3
The iconic steel-grey London skyline lives in the hearts of all those who visit but still, there’s much more to England than its capital. The country is sprinkled with elegant cathedrals and quaint cottages straight out of a Jane Austen novel — literally (you can visit filming locations for film adaptations). In this article, we introduce you to England's prettiest locations, all of which are conveniently located within a couple of hour’s drive of London. Perfect for an expertly guided day tour or an extended itinerary featuring stays in country estates, cottages, or even a prestigious university college. Read on to find out the prettiest places to visit in England in 2024.
Visit England’s Prettiest City: Oxford
It’s home to Oxford University
Having been home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities since the 13th century, Oxford was destined to become England’s prettiest lcoations. Situated just 62 miles northwest of London, it’s a treasure trove of listed (protected historic) buildings sandwiched between a national preserve and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Of course, its main draw is Oxford University itself, which was largely built in intricate Gothic and Baroque styles in the 15th to 19th centuries. Made up of more than 30 colleges plus libraries, churches, and museums, this hauntingly beautiful university complex has created an enamoring Gothic cityscape unlike any other in the world.
It has an exciting sense of history and knowledge
Yes, Oxford is one of England’s prettiest locations to visit, but it’s so much more than that too. Etched into the intricate Gothic and Baroque facades and hidden within the walls of Oxford, is a history and worldly knowledge that lends to a feeling of wonder as one walks through it. If only the walls could speak, they would have many a fascinating story to tell. After all, they’ve contained some of the planet’s most influential people from world leaders like Bill Clinton to authors like Oscar Wilde and scientists like Stephen Hawking.
Things to do in Oxford
Christ Church Cathedral
Standing proudly amongst the regal Oxford University buildings is Christ Church Cathedral, one of England’s most venerable places of worship and a must-see on your Oxford trip. While it’s smaller than most cathedrals in the country, its geometric marble flooring, strong stained-glass window game, and quaint setting amongst equally historic buildings on the university campus give it a superior edge
Oxford University
Knowing better than to gatekeep its historic sights, Oxford University is largely open to the public. You can’t hang out in the dorm rooms or drop in on a lecture, but you can walk around the colleges and browse the library shelves. As such a large and mysterious place, guided tours are the best way to explore the university. Between the history and architecture tours and Harry Potter film location tours, an expert Oxford University guide will give you valuable context for your visit.
Warner Brother’s Studio Tour
Although you can visit Harry Potter filming locations at Oxford University, nothing comes closer to experiencing the wizarding world than the Warner Brother’s Studio Tour. It features all the original film sets including the Great Hall, Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley, and Platform 9 ¾ as well as a scale model of Hogwarts Castle, many original props, and character prosthetics. With so much to see, the studio tour deserves its own day so be sure to add it as an additional day to your Oxford itinerary.
Oxford’s Museums
Being home to some of the world’s best scientists, anthropologists, historians, and researchers, Oxford has naturally accumulated several prestigious museums. They give visitors the opportunity to be as studious, curious, and knowledgeable as Oxford University students. While the Ashmolean Museum introduces visitors to an incredible collection of curiosities, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History displays an astounding collection of extinct and living species.
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
When you think of England you either picture the smokey London skyline or the quaint countryside with stone cottages, thatched roofs, and rolling hills. Well, you’ll be pleased to know the idyllic picture you have of England really exists — and it’s in the Cotswolds. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds is as quaint as it gets with rambling hills, babbling brooks, and tiny old villages abound just 20 miles east of Oxford.
Cotswold Stone Cottages
Solidifying its distinctive beauty is the uniformed limestone masonry known as Cotswold Stone which gives the Cotswolds an earthy, historic charm. Everything from the churches to the pubs and houses is made from this light greige stone, making the area feel like an adorable movie set. Yet, from the old and crooked to the trendy and gentrified, each of the many small villages scattered throughout the AONB welcomes visitors with its own personality that competes for visitors’ time and attention. So, which Cotswolds locations are most worth a visit?
Things to do in the Cotswolds
Hiking through the countryside
As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s no surprise hiking is one of the main things to do in the Cotswolds. Its undulating horizon of pastures and woodland is perfect for both leisurely village-hopping and more challenging purpose-led hikes. Favourites include Wychavon Way which leads to a small village called Broadway, ‘the Jewel of the Cotswolds’, and Windrush Way, a picturesque route that passes Cotswolds highlights like Sudeley Castle, Westfield House, and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Go to a Country Pub
The Cotswolds is renowned for their quaint country gastropubs serving hearty English grub and top local ales. On a short tour of the Cotswolds, you’ll have the chance to sample one or two, but as a large part of rural British culture, a couple of extra days in the Cotswolds to do a pub crawl is recommended. To anyone born outside of Great Britain, a pub crawl is usually associated with excitable university students and rowdy stag dos but in the British countryside, it’s a relaxing weekend activity.
Cozy Cottage Stays
The Cotswolds is the welcome contrast you need from a busy London stay on your tour of aesthetic England locations. So swap your city-best clothes for your country cozies for a few days in rural England. The selection of English cottage, Georgian manor house, and farm conversion stays makes it one of the country’s most elevated and luxurious countryside destinations in the UK.
Visit England’s Prettiest Town: Stratford-Upon-Avon
The birthplace of William Shakespeare
Most people are familiar with Stratford for its claim to fame as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, a 16th-century playwright and poet with more influence over the British language, culture, and heritage than any other intellectual in history. The fact his birthplace, school, and many other significant 16th-century buildings from his life are still intact makes the market town all the more worth visiting.
Tudor timber frames
Walking through the town centre, you will pass many gorgeous black and white half-timber houses from England’s distinguished Tudor period (16th century). As if their architecture hadn’t already made them characterful, they’re now crooked from the weight of 500 years of use. While Shakespeare’s Birthplace provides a realistic example of what Tudor homes looked like, other half-timber buildings have been transformed into whimsical local pubs and restaurants. There’s nowhere better to experience Ye Olde England.
Things to do in Stratford-Upon-Avon
Shakespeare’s Birthplace & Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Take a tour of Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford town centre to get a glimpse of the playwright’s childhood as a middle-class Tudor boy. From the kitchen to the bedrooms, every piece of furniture and furnishing is placed as a true reflection of what life looked like in Medieval England and how it influenced Shakespeare’s genius. Afterward, head to his wife Anne Hathaway’s childhood home for a greater indulgence in Tudor life.
Go punting on the River Avon
The River Avon, one of England’s best-known rivers, winds around the end of Stratford High Street. It serves as beautiful scenery for the top restaurants, cafes, and street food stands lining it, although its wide grass banks are a perfect spot for a picnic too. After lunch, hire a punt and glide effortlessly along the river in true English style, passing stately riverside homes along the way.
Watch Shakespeare at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
No visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace is complete before honouring it with a visit to the local theatre to watch one of his legendary plays. Between poetic prose, take a moment to reflect upon Medieval Stratford and how it may have influenced his scenes more than previously known. Possibly the best theatre outside of London’s West End, the Royal Shakespeare promises a performance you won’t forget.
Start planning your luxury itinerary of England's prettiest locations today
Whether you want a bucket list day trip from London or an extended stay that indulges you in English life, it can be arranged through our England travel experts. We will create a bespoke itinerary that seamlessly weaves all of England's prettiest locations into one memorable trip. Contact a travel planner today and start your luxury journey to the UK and Ireland by clicking here.