Few places in the world rival the cosiness and charm of the English countryside. Whether you’re drawn by a love of nature or a longing to step into a Pride and Prejudice fantasy, England’s quiet woods and sleepy villages remain an irresistible destination for travellers from around the world. And yet, visitors (and locals) too often overlook the variety of England’s landscapes and the distinct character of its different pockets. Here, we’re sharing our guide to the need-to-know spots of the English countryside – complete with the best restaurant and hotel recommendations to tick off on your next break.
The Bell and The Wild Rabbit are charming Cotswolds pubs owned by the Daylesford group. © Martin Morrel (L)/The Wild Rabbit (R)
West: The Cotswolds, for Quaint Cottages and Candle-Lit Pubs
If you’re looking for picture-postcard villages and manors so grand they could be taken straight from the TV phenomenon Downton Abbey, then the Cotswolds should be first on your itinerary. There’s no shortage of picturesque Instagram opportunities around here, such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter and Bibury, which artist William Morris proclaimed to be “the most beautiful village in England” – and rightly so.When you’re hungry, dive into the quintessential country pub experience at The Fox, The Wild Rabbit or The Bell, all beautifully restored village inns operated by the renowned Daylesford Organic Farm group. To make any occasion feel special, consider an overnight stay in the luxe, Two-Key Whatley Manor or Three-Key Lucknam Park, both of which come with MICHELIN-Starred restaurants. Extend your trip by visiting the nearby twin cities of Bristol and Bath. While the former is a bustling city and a hub of contemporary art, the latter is known for its quiet charm and Roman-era thermal springs. Both are home to top-class restaurants.
Grantley Hall provides Two-Key luxury, while The Angel is one of the best restaurants in the Yorkshire Dales. © Grantley Hall (L)/Tim Green (R)
North: The Yorkshire Dales, for Scenic Hikes and MICHELIN Stars
It would be a crime to visit England and not venture north of Leeds to the Yorkshire Dales. The weather may be chillier than in the Cotswolds, but what it lacks in warmth, it more than makes up for in natural beauty and spectacular walking routes – a ‘dale’ is a northern English word for a valley, which in turn means plenty of hills for challenging hikes leading to spectacular views. Want to push yourself? Try the 24-mile Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge – a trio of stunning climbs that is meant to be completed in just 12 hours.For a post-hike reward, head to pubs like The Sun Inn and The Sandpiper Inn, or enjoy pared-back MICHELIN-Star cooking at The Angel. As for hotels, the 17th-century charms of Two-Key Grantley Hall and its One-Star restaurant offer a truly special stay. The Yorkshire Dales also offers close proximity to the North York Moors, the windswept setting for the wild romance of Emily Brontë’s beloved novel Wuthering Heights.
A little east of the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll find the Howardian Hills, a foodie hotspot for which we’ve compiled a full guide.
L'Enclume holds Three MICHELIN Stars and is the jewel in the Lake District's crown. © Cristian Barnett
Northwest: The Lake District, for Unparalleled Countryside Cooking
If you tend to travel for the food, then the Lake District is for you. Located in England’s northwest corner, it’s packed with breathtaking lake views and MICHELIN-Starred restaurants – the region is home to 10 in total, including the Three-Star L’Enclume, as well as The Samling, Forest Side and SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel, all nestled inside MICHELIN-Key hotels.What’s more, our Inspectors recommend exploring the Lake District’s famed regional ingredients, such as Herdwick hogget (young sheep), plus local specialities like sticky toffee pudding – an indulgent treacle dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth. For fans of quaint English towns, Ambleside is just the ticket (and comes with great value dining at The Schelly). If you’re a hiker, few British peaks will be as challenging – or as rewarding – as Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. Music-lovers should visit in July for the Kendal Calling festival, with legendary British DJ Fatboy Slim among this year’s headliners.
Check out all the MICHELIN-Starred restaurants in the Lake District.
The Exmoor Forest Inn is one of the most sustainably run pubs in England. © Exmoor Forest Inn
Southwest: Exmoor & Dartmoor, for Natural Beauty and Wildlife Spotting
Nature-lovers should put this duo of National Parks at the top of their list; tucked away in the southwest of England, they’re just an hour apart and are renowned for their abundant wildlife and sweeping landscapes. Exmoor’s heather-strewn moors and dramatic cliffs create an untamed beauty, while Dartmoor’s granite rock tors and Bronze Age archaeology add a sense of history. Spotting free-roaming ponies is a must, and both parks offer easy access to the coast for even more scenic adventures.After working up an appetite, make your way to The Exmoor Forest Inn, a sustainably run pub that draws inspiration from the surrounding land. Near Dartmoor, Le Vin Perdu and Emilia – French- and Italian-inspired respectively – are delightful, affordable restaurants from the same super-friendly team. And if you want to end your trip on a high, there’s nowhere better than the magnificent, Tudor-style Gidleigh Park, a Two-Key hotel housing a One-Star restaurant.
The Hand and Flowers, near the Chilterns, is the UK's only pub with Two MICHELIN Stars. © Cristian Barnett
South: The Chilterns, for Fresh Air on the Edge of London
For a taste of country life within easy access of London, the Chilterns is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – known for its distinctive white chalk hills and trickling streams – on the doorstep of the big city. Alongside the rural beauty, you’ll find attractive market towns such as Amersham (easily accessible on the Metropolitan Line) and Marlow (under an hour from London by train); our Inspectors recommend the latter for The Hand and Flowers, a Two-Star pub where you’ll find traditional English dishes like a roast beef Sunday lunch elevated to exceptional heights, along with its younger sibling The Coach, a more budget-friendly option that’s one of the most accessible Starred spots in the UK.Amersham, meanwhile, with its charming and affordable coaching inn, The Crown, makes a great base – especially with the One-Starred Artichoke just across the road. Be sure to visit Henley-on-Thames too, the heart of English rowing and home to the famed Henley Regatta every summer. If your getaway wouldn’t be complete without a night in a proper aristocratic manor, look no further than the elegant Two-Key Cliveden House.
Hero Image: © The Wild Rabbit
