Surely, white-sand beaches with clear blue waters can’t possibly exist in England, right? Oh, but they do. England isn’t only made up of London and ancient castles dotted throughout its fields. It’s also beautiful coasts, mysterious old cities and areas made up of rolling hills.

Here, I’ll tell you about a few of my favorite lesser known places in England perfect for including in your next English road trip!

1. Cornwall
   Cornwall is a county located on the southwestern tip of England. It is filled with incredible coastline and beaches. The little villages that make up this area certainly do not lack charm. It’s a great place to visit for beautiful water & beaches (although maybe too cool for us North Americans to do any swimming), but people come from all over to surf in these waters! We even had one of the best sandwiches ever(!) from a little cafe in Cornwall.
   
2. York
   York, an ancient city in the middle of England, is a treasure. The city is famous for its street of very close and crooked buildings (yes, the street that inspired J.K. Rowling!) called the “Shambles.” This medieval shopping street is one of the best preserved in all of Europe!
   
3. Newcastle
   Newcastle is a city that sits along the River Tyne. Located in the north of England, it is a great “base” for exploring this part of the country, or stopping point on your journey to Scotland. In Newcastle, you’ll find a castle (fitting, huh?), lots of shopping, dining and bars.
   
4. High Weald Area of Natural Beauty
   The High Weald Area of Natural Beauty is an area in the southern part of England famous for it’s variety of colors during the Autumn months. Lots of incredible castles call this area home- Scotney Castle, Bodiam Castle, and Hever Castle (the childhood home of Anne Boleyn), just to name a few.
   
5. The Peak District National Park
   The Peak District lies almost in the center of England and is a great place for hikes and immersing yourself in nature! This is a beautiful area to explore, and spend a few days “relaxing” in. The Peak District is conveniently located between the cities of Manchester and Sheffield.
   
6. The Lake District
   One of my favorite areas of England, The Lake District is home to England’s highest mountain. It is full of incredible lakes, roaming sheep and the most quaint little villages. There are a few incredible castles to explore: Lowther Castle and Wray Castle. The World of Beatrix Potter is also here, as well as Castlerigg Stone Circle, a stone circle with free entry!