Jan and John Maggs Antiques
Travel Tips for the Visitor to England
On the other hand, if you prefer a more rural landscape, there is almost no part of England that is not scenic. Even the industrial midlands present an urban landscape that is different enough from that of the US to be interesting.
But, in our opinion, the three most beautiful areas of England are:
The Cotswolds, a large area between Oxford and Gloucester, marked by rolling hills and dotted with tiny villages populated by cottages made of native "Cotswold" stone. Well-maintained roads connect these villages, affording expansive views of pastures and fields, delineated by stone walls and hedgerows. Our favorite villages include Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Burford, Chipping Camden, Moreton-in-Marsh, and Stowe-on-the-Wold. Try to resist the temptation to photograph everything beautiful; you'll never get anywhere!
Near Chipping Camden, in the Cotswolds
In stark contrast, the West Country, especially the counties of Devon and Cornwall, are rugged and dramatic. Take the A38 and the A390 to St. Austell, then wander along the coast on smaller roads, avoiding the larger towns. Visit villages like Penare, Lizard, Mousehole, Treen, Tintagel, and Poundstock, but don't hesitate to follow whims and explore any of the hundreds of tiny hamlets that dot the craggy landscape.
Rock cliffs at Tintagel, in Cornwall
The Parish Church of St. Winwaloe, in Poundstock, Cornwall
The Lake District, home of Beatrix Potter, offers breathtaking views of the Cumbrian Mountains. Take the M6 to Carnforth and explore.
A lake amid the Cumbrian Mountains