England's best places to visit in 2023

Make 2023 the year to explore our beautiful country of England. Here are 15 of our favourite places to visit this year.

Southwold

Southwold is regarded as the jewel in the crown of East Suffolk seaside resorts. Its famous pier makes it a popular destination for those wanting both invigorating sea air and a tranquil sunny haven. The beach has been recognised as a Blue Flag beach, meaning the clean water is great for swimming. The pier is 620ft long and includes an eclectic collection of modern coin-operated novelty machines designed and constructed by the inventor Tim Hunkin. Dotted along the coastline are the colourful beach huts, iconic of any British seaside town.

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The Suffield Arms, Norfolk

Don’t be fooled by its rural setting and elegant demeanour, inside The Suffield Arms is a heady concoction of styles that commands yourattention. With its flamboyant artwork, old-school bar, Mediterranean tapas restaurant and sultry Saloon Bar, The Suffield has taken thevillage of Thorpe Market by storm.

Mousehole

Mousehole (pronounced Mowzal) is one of Cornwall's most picturesque and charming fishing villages. This harbourside location is foodie heaven and local dishes often take inspiration from the sea, with shellfish in abundance. Beautiful views over the Mousehole Harbour and the pretty fishing boats transport you back to a different, slower-paced time. Granite fishermen's cottages line the narrow roads and invigorating walks through the surrounding countryside take in the heavenly coastal views.

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Boconnoc, Lostwithiel

Enveloped by ancient woodland and sprawling gardens, Boconnoc boasts a stunning setting on a Georgian country estate. Filled with grandeur and centuries-old history, the building was first recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086.

The Ribblehead Viaduct

Just beyond the Cumbrian border with Yorkshire and a short drive from Ingleton, Ribblehead Viaduct maintains an imposing presence over the surrounding moorlands. Comprising a massive sequence of 24 stone archways rising 100 ft above the ground, the Viaduct most resembles a Roman aqueduct. This impressive product of Victorian engineering, however, cost the lives of hundreds of navvies toiling on its completion. So great was the death toll that the Settle-Carlisle Railway actually paid for an extension to the local graveyard.

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The Farrier, Scarborough

Hugged by the North Yorkshire Coast between Scarborough and Filey in thehandsome village of Cayton, The Farrier is blessed with a dramaticsetting and more history than you can shake a stick at. Fusing the richequestrian heritage of the village with traditional hospitality, thisfamily-run inn sees no stone left unturned when it comes to luxury andcomfort.

Kynance Cove

Sparkling azure water and powdery sand greet you at Kynance Cove, one of the prettiest locations in Cornwall on the west side of the Lizard. Owned by the National Trust, a steep walk takes you down to the beach below, and at low tide you can view the distinctive serpentine rock formations, caves and rock stacks. This idyllic location makes it one of the most popular beaches in Cornwall and its beauty draws the crowds in the summer months. The more adventurous visitors leap from some of the rock pinnacles, but be aware that the currents are strong and there are no lifeguards. A popular beach café operates during the summer months.

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The Old Inn Mullion

At the heart of the idyllic coastal village of Mullion, The Old Inn is a traditional 16th-century pub that has retained its old-world Cornish charm. Think thatched roof, parquet flooring and cosy nooks and crannies with sash windows and exposed wooden beams.

Knaresborough

Overlooking the River Nidd, Knaresborough is a picturesque market and spa town with medieval walkways and cobbled alleys. Knaresborough Viaduct straddles the Nidd Gorge and is a prominent feature of the town, towering over the river that weaves down to Mother Shipton’s Cave. The famous cave and its petrifying well opened in 1630 and are among the main attractions of the town. Mother Shipton was a famous prophetess who predicted that the world would end in 1991. Knaresborough Castle is another notable landmark, and its museum is a great place to learn about the local heritage. Just moments away is Bebra Gardens, a leafy green space that offers a calming sanctuary away from the town.

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The Marazion Hotel, Cornwall

The unassuming façade of the Marazion Hotel is reminiscent of itsancient Cornish past where it originally started out as an 18th-centurycoaching inn. But step inside to discover an elegant lounge, sleekrestaurant and coastal inspired bedrooms with views over one of the mosticonic sights in the whole of Cornwall – St Michael’s Mount.

Goathland

Goathland is a refreshing moorland village in the centre of the North York Moors National Park. The village has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination due to its role as Aidensfield in the TV series Heartbeat, and features lots of old cars and business names that are the the same as in the series. More recently, Goathland Train Station was used as the station for Hogsmeade in the first Harry Potter films. You can arrive in the village in the same manner as the students via the steam train before taking in the sights.

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Judge’s Lodging, York

As grand and imposing as many of York’s iconic buildings, this Grade Ilisted Georgian townhouse blends in seamlessly with the city. Judge’sLodging not only boasts a beautiful façade, but its interior is equallyas striking.

Corfe Castle

For more than 1,000 years, Corfe Castle and Castle Town have shared an eventful history. Overlooked by the castle’s dramatic silhouette, Castle Town seems cut from the same fabric of grey Purbeck limestone as the castle. And yet there is more to the town than just being a castle offspring - this once medieval village has been home to everything from a military garrison to a royal estate. Today, visitors to the town can enjoy a scenic stroll along its waterline or sample fine food and drink at one of Corfe’s impressive pubs and restaurants. And, of course, there is always the castle.

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The Red Lion, Skipton

Flanking the River Wharfe and lying beneath the gaze of dramatic fells, Burnsall plays host to The Red Lion, a former 16th-century coaching inn. Blessed with the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, this boutique inn with rooms makes a great base for exploring the great outdoors.

Dartmoor

Dartmoor National Park’s 386 square miles of vast wilderness gives you numerous opportunities to explore some of England’s most untamed countryside, with its streams and rivers, granite tors, wildflower meadows, ancient oak forests and fern-covered hillsides. Whether you’re a land or water lover, this is the place to try wild swimming, hiking, cycling and kayaking. Its beauty is more brooding than dramatic, but Dartmoor provides a special habitat for the wildlife that thrives here. Salmon and sea trout migrate up the rivers to spawn and kingfishers and otters can be spotted within the protected and cherished landscape.

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The Golden Lion

Behind the unassuming façade of this 17th-centurycoaching inn awaits a rustic interior that celebrates The Golden Lion’sYorkshire heritage. Still retaining much of its original charm, you’llfind beautiful oak flooring, inglenook fireplace and tweed fabrics.

Oxford

Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires, offers a blend of rich history and modern innovation. Its globally renowned university, with colleges dating back to the 13th century, exudes an age-old charm and intellectual legacy. Each corner of Oxford teems with architectural marvels, from the Radcliffe Camera to the Bridge of Sighs. The city also boasts wonderful gardens, lively markets, and cultural festivals. Plus, you can enjoy punting on the River Cherwell, a quintessential Oxford experience. Oxford is not just a place, but a journey back in time with a lively cultural scene that makes it a must-visit destination.

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The Iron Mongers, Norfolk

Overlooking the ancient Aylsham market square and drenched in history,The Ironmongers offers unique boutique accommodation. As you step intothis old Elizabethan townhouse, there’s a real sense of history thatfloats through the air.

The Lake District

The Lake District, a region in England's northwest corner, captivates with its mesmerizing landscape. Majestic fells rise into the sky, while serene lakes reflect the area's untouched beauty. It's a place where nature's poetry unfolds through shimmering waters, rolling hills, and verdant woodlands. Every season paints the district with unique colors, from spring's fresh blooms to autumn's russet tones. The area's quaint villages, rich history, and timeless charm add an extra allure. The Lake District’s enchanting allure isn't just in its visual beauty, but also in the serenity it brings to the soul.

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The Pheasant Hotel, Yorkshire

Exuding a timeless elegance that wouldn’t look out of place in a glossymagazine, The Pheasant Hotel has all the hallmarks of a luxuriouscountry house. From its beautiful bucolic setting to the antiquefurnishings and roaring log fires, this is exactly the kind of place youdream of when planning an escape in the Yorkshire countryside.

The Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site stretching along 95 miles of England's southern coastline, is an unrivaled geological wonder. Its cliffs and beaches act as an open history book, revealing 185 million years of Earth's past across three geological periods. Fossil hunting here is an exciting journey back to the era of dinosaurs. Striking landmarks like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Old Harry Rocks exemplify the coast's dramatic beauty. Whether you're interested in geology, enjoy coastal walks, or simply appreciate natural beauty, the Jurassic Coast is a fascinating destination that stirs the imagination and spirit.

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The Crescent, Ilkley

Taking centre stage in the heart of the spa town ofIlkley in the Yorkshire Dales, The Crescent is an iconic buildingdating back to 1860. The curved walls wrap around a more modern interiorwhich mingles effortlessly with its rich heritage.

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Yorkshire's Most Beautiful Places to Visit

Yorkshire is ahistoric county in northern England, known for its rolling hills,stunning coastline, and charming towns and villages.

Cornwall's Most Beautiful Places to Visit

Cornwall is acounty located in the southwest of England, known for its stunningcoastline, picturesque villages, and unique cultural heritage.

Norfolk's Most Beautiful Places to Visit

Norfolk is a county in the East of England, known for its stunning coastline, charming towns and villages, and rich history.