Where to Stay in England: Best Areas and Tips for Every Traveler

Choosing where to stay in England depends on what draws you most, whether it's royal history, literary landscapes, or simply a perfect cup of tea in a centuries-old pub.

This guide will help you navigate England's diverse regions and find your ideal base.

Should You Stay in One Place or Move Around?

If you're drawn to London's museums and theater scene, staying put makes perfect sense. But England's true character reveals itself beyond the capital: medieval towns where time seems frozen, coastal paths with sweeping sea views, and countryside pubs that have welcomed travelers for centuries.

Many visitors choose to combine a London stay with regional exploration, moving between accommodations to experience England's varied landscapes and cultures. This approach lets you witness how dramatically the scenery and local character can change within just a few hours' drive.

Best Places to Stay in England by Region

London

• Best for: First-timers, culture enthusiasts, theater lovers, history buffs.

• Why stay here: World-class museums, royal palaces, diverse neighborhoods each with a distinct personality.

• Good to know: Excellent public transport makes day trips to Windsor, Canterbury, or Brighton easily manageable.

The Cotswolds

• Best for: Romantic getaways, countryside lovers, those seeking quintessential England.

• Top spots: Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold.

• Why stay here: Honey-colored stone villages, rolling hills dotted with sheep, and pubs where locals still gather around open fires—this is England as many imagine it to be.

• Good to know: Best explored by car; public transport is limited between villages.

Bath and Southwest

• Best for: Architecture enthusiasts, spa lovers, literary fans.

• Top spots: Bath, Bristol, Glastonbury, Devon's coastal towns.

• Why stay here: Georgian elegance meets Roman history, with coastal adventures and mysterious legends nearby.

• Good to know: Bath makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas.

Lake District

• Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, poetry enthusiasts.

• Top spots: Windermere, Grasmere, Keswick, Ambleside.

• Why stay here: Wordsworth's landscapes come alive with misty lakes, dramatic fells, and charming market towns tucked between the mountains.

• Good to know: Weather changes quickly; pack layers and waterproofs.

Yorkshire Dales and Moors

• Best for: Walkers, photographers, those seeking authentic rural England.

• Top spots: York, Harrogate, Yorkshire Dales villages, Whitby.

• Why stay here: Medieval York anchors a region of stone-walled fields, heather-covered moors, and valleys where sheep outnumber people.

• Good to know: York provides urban amenities while accessing rural beauty.

Peak District

• Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, those wanting easy access from major cities.

• Top spots: Bakewell, Castleton, Buxton, Hope Valley.

• Why stay here: Dark gritstone edges and green valleys offer dramatic contrasts, all within reach of Manchester and Sheffield.

• Good to know: Popular with day-trippers; stay overnight for quieter moments.

Cornwall

• Best for: Beach lovers, food enthusiasts, artists, surfers.

• Top spots: St. Ives, Padstow, Falmouth, Tintagel.

• Why stay here: Wild Atlantic coastline meets charming fishing villages, with some of England's finest seafood and most dramatic sunsets.

• Good to know: Summer accommodation books early; spring and autumn offer better value.

Canterbury and Kent

• Best for: History buffs, garden lovers, those wanting easy London access.

• Top spots: Canterbury, Dover, Royal Tunbridge Wells, historic castles.

• Why stay here: The "Garden of England" combines Canterbury's spiritual heritage with stunning castles and gardens.

• Good to know: Excellent transport links to London and Europe via Dover.

Where to Stay Based on Type of Traveler

Budget Travelers

• Youth hostels in major cities and national parks

• B&Bs in smaller towns offer great value

• University towns provide affordable options during the holidays

Couples

• Cotswolds cottages for romantic retreats

• Boutique hotels in Bath or York

• Coastal inns in Cornwall or Devon

Families

• Lake District for outdoor adventures

• Seaside resorts along the coast

• London for museums and attractions

History Enthusiasts

• York for medieval architecture

• Canterbury for religious heritage

• Stratford-upon-Avon for Shakespeare connections

Nature Lovers

• Lake District for mountains and lakes

• Peak District for hiking

• Norfolk Broads for wildlife and waterways

How to Get Around England

• Train: Excellent network connecting major cities and towns

• Car rental: Best for exploring the countryside and smaller villages

• Bus: Budget-friendly option with extensive coverage

• Tours: Good for specific interests or short stays

When booking accommodation, consider checking reviews for vio.com and reading traveler experiences, including discussions about vio.com on Reddit, to ensure you're using reputable booking platforms.

Best Region to Stay in England: At-a-Glance Guide

Region	Best For	Highlights	Season
London	Urban culture	Museums, theaters, history	All year
Cotswolds	Romantic escapes	Villages, countryside	Spring-Fall
Lake District	Outdoor adventures	Lakes, mountains, hiking	All year
Cornwall	Coastal experiences	Beaches, seafood, art	Spring-Fall
Yorkshire	Authentic England	York, dales, moors	All year
Bath/Southwest	Architecture, spas	Georgian buildings, Roman baths	All year

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to stay in England for first-time visitors? London provides the classic introduction, but combining it with Bath or York gives you both urban sophistication and historic charm.

Where to stay in England in summer? Peak season means booking early! Cornwall, Lake District, and Yorkshire are particularly beautiful but busy in July-August.

Where to stay in England for a week? Consider splitting your time: 3 nights in London, 2 nights in the Cotswolds or Bath, and 2 nights in York or the Lake District.

No matter where you choose to rest your head, England will surprise you, perhaps with morning mist over a Cotswold valley or the unexpected grandeur of a cathedral spire appearing through medieval streets. Pack comfortable walking shoes, an umbrella, and an appetite for discovery, and let England's stories unfold around you.