12 Best Places In Southern England To Visit
England is an incredibly beautiful country that’s filled with so many places to see. Now, although we’ve got some pretty incredible cities like; London and Norwich, there are many more amazing and best places in southern England to visit that aren’t just focused on city life.
From the little Hamlets in the Cotswolds the stunning cornish coastline, there is a little slice of England that’ll please everyone, I’m sure.
This is why I wanted to show you some of the best places in Southern England to visit that aren’t just cities. Think old English charm, crooked rooftops, creeping vines and chunky cottage doors.
There really is a whole array of stunning little nooks and hidden treasures within the southern English countryside.
Take a look, below, at some of the best places in Southern England to visit. Oh, and as with all our posts, pop us a message if you need any other tips.
1.) Bibury
Nestled within the Cotswolds, Bibury. is one little town that every visitor to the Cotswolds should visit. It’s easily up there as one best places in Southern England to visit, especially for it’s most famous street, Arlington row.
It’s arguably one of England’s prettiest little streets and a destination in its own right.
Top tip: To avoid the crowds at Arlington Row, make sure to visit early in the morning or a little later in the evening.
2.) Castlecombe
So, Castel Combe is a tiny little town in the country of Wiltshire and a place that you should certainly consider on your lookout for the best places in Southern England to visit.
Take a stroll through the main street and discover the town’s charming houses that seem to be from a postcard. They’re so stunning.
Don’t forget to visit Castle Combe Market that happens occasionally in the town hall… think local crafts, beautiful antiques and local produce.
Top tip: Grab a bite to eat at the local pub, a great place to try some typical English grub.
3.) Warwick
Now, Warwick is a relatively small city between London and Birmingham and one of the best places in Southern England to visit if you want to explore a little history.
Easily reached by train whilst in the UK, it’s the perfect place to visit some of the regions beautiful history, including the medieval Lord Leicester Hospital and Warwick Castle, that is arguably one of the best castles in England.
Top Tip: Don’t forget to visit Charlecote Park, it’s the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.
4.) Banbury
Banbury is one of Oxfordshire’s best little market towns to discover some of England’s quaintest little streets.
You see, the whole area around the town is filled with beautiful sights to see, including Broughton Castle and Upton House that you definitely shouldn’t miss. It’s really is one of the best places in Southern England to visit, especially if you’re on a trip between London and the Cotswolds.
Top tip: If you’ve got time, make sure to visit the lovely Sulgrave Manor that’s close by.
5.) Wood Norton
Now, one of the best ways to experience the charm of the Cotswold’s is to stay within the area of outstanding natural beauty itself.
The Wood Norton Hotel is close to the town of Evesham and a grade II listed building whose total elegance has to be seen to be believed. It’s the perfect place to just relax in the grand surrounding and just enjoy a slice of olde England.
6.) Bath
This beautiful city is easily one of the best-preserved Roman cities in all of England.
The Roman Baths, situated right in the heart of the city still stand and can be visited to see what the city was like almost 2,000 years ago.
Whilst in the city, don’t forget to check out Bath Abbey and the gorgeous Royal Crescent, too. It really is one of the best places in Southern England to visit.
Top tip: Make sure to stop at Sally Lunn to sample one of their delicious buns!
7.) Lacock
Okay, so first up is the quaint little Village of Lacock which really is tiny! Perched in the English county of Wiltshire, it’s one of the best places in Southern England to visit if you want to experience some of that olde England lifestyle.
To be honest, Lacock is the kind of place that you visit and feel like you’ve stepped back centuries in time. Imagine lots of crooked houses, historic cottages and a gorgeous abbey.
Plus, the whole village is protected and owned by the National Trust, which means that the village is well looked after for generations to come.
Top tip: Make sure to pick up some local preserves (jams, marmalade, eggs) that are all available from the villages ‘honesty boxes’ that sit on people’s doorsteps. It really is an experience.
8.) Cambridge
As one of England’s smallest and most picturesque cities Cambridge is truly one of the best places in Southern England to visit.
Only 45 minutes by train from the centre of London, it’s the perfect place to unwind, see King’s College and try your hand at punting upon the cities waterways. It’s so much fun.
Top tip: Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at the Cambridge Chop House, just make sure to work up an appetite before going.
9.) Broadway
Broadway is one of the larger villages in the Cotswolds and the best places in Southern England to visit on your trip around the Cotswolds.
Take the day to explore the many independent shops and antiques that Broadway has become known for.
Top Tip: Don’t forget to take a short ramble up Broadway Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds.
10.) Salisbury
Salisbury is home to one of England’s most magnificent medieval cities and a place that should be missed.
Visit mid-morning and discover the beautiful streets, the 14th Century town clock that sits pride of place, and the iconic Salisbury Cathedral.
Top tip: Don’t forget to partner your trip to Salisbury with a trip to the beautiful stonehenge. To be honest, it’s only 9 miles from the city itself and a perfect place to see a piece of prehistoric England. It really is one of the best places in Southern England to visit.
11.) Watergate Bay
For me, the Watergate Bay is one of the nicest and most relaxing beach holidays in UK. Especially if you want to just chill out.
So, the Watergate Bay is nestled on the Cornish coastline a few hours west of Bristol and a perfect spot to start your Cornish adventure.
Easily reached by train from major cities like London, watergate bay is a beautiful little place that’s only a few miles from the surf capital of the UK, Newquay.
Top tip: Make sure to stop by Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant that overlooks the beautiful coastline.
12.) Isles of Scilly
These, almost tropical, islands are one of England’s best-kept secrets (especially for people visiting the UK for the first time).
Only 30 miles from the Cornish coast, the Silly Isles is one of England’s most lush landscapes and easily a contender as one of the best places in Southern England to visit.
Now, due to its location, it benefits from the hot currents of the gulf stream that keep the waters warmer and air a little hotter. This all means that many tropical plants can grow on these lush islands.
Take a boat from Cornwall or a flight from Exeter or New Quay to discover these absolutely stunning islands.
Top tip: Visit in the summer months and bask in the clear waters and sandy beaches, they’re incredible.
