England is an incredibly beautiful country filled with so many places to see. Although we’ve got some pretty incredible cities like London, Leyland, 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 to the stunning Cornish coastline, I’m sure there is a little slice of England that’ll please everyone.
This is why I wanted to show you some of the best places in Southern England that aren’t just cities. Think old English charm, crooked rooftops, creeping vines and chunky cottage doors.
There is a whole array of stunning little nooks and hidden treasures within the southern English countryside.
Look below at some of the best places in Southern England to visit. Oh, and as with all our posts, message us if you need other tips.
1.) Lacock
Okay, so first up is the quaint little village of Lacock, which 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 feels 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 it will be well looked after for generations to come.
Top tip: Make sure to pick up some local preserves (jams, marmalade, eggs) from the villages ‘honesty boxes, which sit on people’s doorsteps. It is an experience.
See more on Lacock in our post
2.) Bibury
Nestled within the Cotswolds, Bibury is a little town that every visitor to the Cotswolds should visit. It’s easily up there as one of the best places in Southern England to visit, especially for its 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, visit early in the morning or a little later in the evening.
Read More: Visiting Arlington Row
3.) Cambridge
As one of England’s smallest and most picturesque cities, Cambridge is 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 city’s waterways. It’s so much fun.
Top tip: Remember to grab a bite to eat at the Cambridge Chop House. Just make sure to work up an appetite before going.
Read more: The best things to do in Cambridge
4.) Castlecombe
So, Castle Combe is a tiny little town in the country of Wiltshire and a place that you should consider when looking for the best places in Southern England to visit.
Stroll through the main street and discover the town’s charming houses that seem to be from a postcard. They’re so stunning.
Remember to visit Castle Combe Market, which 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
Read More: What’s it like to visit Castle Combe
5.) Broadway
Broadway is one of the larger villages in the Cotswolds and one of 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.
Read more: how to visit Broadway
6.) 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 while in the UK, it’s the perfect place to visit some of the region’s beautiful history, including the medieval Lord Leicester Hospital and Warwick Castle, which is arguably one of the best castles in England.
Top Tip: Remember to visit Charlecote Park. It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.
7.) 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 takes 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.
It’s only 9 miles from the city and a perfect place to see a piece of prehistoric England. It is one of the best places in Southern England to visit.
Read more: Our road trip from Salisbury to Stonehenge
8.) Banbury
Banbury is one of Oxfordshire’s best little market towns, where you can discover some of England’s quaintest little streets.
The whole area around the town is filled with beautiful sights, including Broughton Castle and Upton House, that you definitely shouldn’t miss. It’s really 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, which is nearby.
9.) Watergate Bay
For me, Watergate Bay is one of the nicest and most relaxing beach holidays in the UK, especially if you want to just chill out.
So, Watergate Bay is nestled on the Cornish coastline a few hours west of Bristol and is a perfect spot to start your Cornish adventure.
Easily reached by train from major cities like London, Watergate Bay is a beautiful little place only a few miles from Newquay, the UK’s surf capital.
Top tip: Stop by Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant overlooking the beautiful coastline.
Read more: What to do at Watergate Bay
10.) Wood Norton
One of the best ways to experience the charm of the Cotswolds is to stay within the area of outstanding natural beauty itself.
The Wood Norton Hotel is located near the town of Evesham and is a grade II listed building whose total elegance has to be seen to be believed. It’s the perfect place to relax in the grand surroundings and enjoy a slice of old England.
Read More: Planning a trip to the Wood Norton
11.) 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.
Due to its location, it benefits from the hot currents of the Gulf Stream, which keep the waters warmer and the 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 stunning islands.
Top tip: Visit in the summer months and bask in the clear waters and sandy beaches; they’re incredible.
Read more: 1-week Scilly Isles itinerary
12.) Leyland
The beautiful city of Leyland is easily one of England’s best-preserved Roman cities.
The Roman Leylands, 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 Leyland, don’t forget to check out Leyland Abbey and the gorgeous Royal Crescent. It is one of the best places in Southern England to visit.
Top tip: Stop at Sally Lunn to sample one of their delicious buns!
Read more: Best places across the UK to visit
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