5 Places to go in England (besides London)

Don't get me wrong, I love London. It's a sifted blend of cultures, history, modernism, art, and literature wrapped up into one charming (and large) city. However if you're going to England and are looking to do more than just stick in the city of London, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to go. 

After living in North England and visiting many times since, I often get asked what are my recommendations of other places to see while on holiday. Hence I decided to create a list of some of my favorite spots in England that are - bonus - accessible without having to rent a car (if you're just not feeling brave enough to drive a car on the other side of the road). 

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Town: Bath, UK

Length of Stay: 1-2 full days

Travel: accessible via train from London Paddington to Bath Spa here

Favorite things to do: 

•          Touring Bath Abbey (free for inside, but pay the few pounds and do the private tour to the top- worth the incredible views)
•        Tea at The Roman Baths https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/afternoontea
•          Tour of the Roman Baths  https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/
•        We did a private Jane Austen tour which was just absolutely incredible. It was a historian who now does tours and we did a whole tour around the region via car and we even stopped at an adorable pub for lunch.

 Looking for a place to stay? For absolutely luxury and the most exquisite breakfast stay at The Kennard http://www.kennard.co.uk/ or if you’re looking for something that is a bit more affordable I’d recommend the Windsor http://www.bathwindsorguesthouse.com/

   

Town: Windsor, UK

Length of Stay: 1 day

Travel: accessible via train. Two stations: Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside
Favorite things to do:

• Windsor Castle. Don't short change yourself, this is fascinating and a stunning piece of history. You'll spend most of the day here (more info here)
• Walk around the actual town of Windsor and enjoy the modern shopping in an old world village. Be on the lookout for famous spots like the Crooked House of Windsor
• I had one of the best meals of my life in Windsor! It was a traditional Sunday supper where King Charles mistresses once lived and there are secret underground tunnels that went into Windsor Castle – Drury House Restaurant

Town: York, UK

Length of Stay: 1-2 days

Travel: accessible via train York Station 

Favorite things to do:

•           If you’re heading up to Scotland this is a fantastic stop. York Minister is one of the most fabulous cathedrals I have ever seen, it rivals the madame herself Notre Dame! Do the tour to the top and on clear days you can see Scotland from the top of the tower.
•           Stop for tea in the tea room Betty’s https://www.bettys.co.uk/tea-rooms/locations/york an iconic and historic tea spot
• Spend time getting lost in the catacomb streets of York that is sure to transport you back to another time and place. Pie shops, tea rooms, cafes, wool shops, antique shops galore in this quaint little village. 
• Take a tour (or a self guided walking tour) of the city walls 

Town: Newbury 

Length of Stay: 1 full day 

Travel: train + cab/bus - Newbury station (15 min cab ride), or Basingstoke (25 min cab ride) or Whitchurch (10 min cab ride)

Favorite things to do:

Highclere Castle

          If you’re a Downton Abbey fan then this is NOT to miss. However visiting here can be tricky and must be pre-planned. As noted on the website (here) they only have a number of "public" pre-reserved tickets and they are usually sold out months of years in advance. When I first saw this I was devastated and thought maybe I wouldn't be able to visit the background of my beloved show. But alas, hope was renwed when I email the Tourism center of Highclere Castle (yes, I'm that person) and inquired about visiting even though I didn't have a ticket.

Basically how it works is on public days (which isn't even day, so pay attention to their calendar), they have a select number of 'walk up' tickets available to purchase at the gate house. However once they're gone, they're gone. So my suggestion is get here as early as possible and stand in queue to reserve your spot. I was the first person in the queue (again, yes I'm that person) and I think they were either highly impressed or laughing at me because they let me into the grounds 30 minutes early. I literally had the entire state grounds to myself (minus the grounds keeper) and I was in h-e-a-v-e-n.

It's absolutely magical both inside the Castle and on the grounds. I spent hours in both and then ended my lovely Downton experience by stopping into the cafe and shop and getting a pot of tea and scone to enjoy outside in the garden. I had to pinch myself to really believe it was real. 

Town: Devonshire 

Length of Stay: 1 day 

Travel: train + cab/bus

Favorite things to do: 

• Visit Mr. Darcy’s “Pemberly” a.k.a ChatsworthHouse Lord and Lady Devonshire still live there! It’s stunning. You can spend the whole day wandering the house and gardens. Make sure you check out the beautiful scenery outside and walk up to the small chapel. 
• Make a reservation for afternoon tea in the lovely modernized carriage house

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Cape May: What to do Solo in the Off-Season

In continuation of my no-plans-just-go weekend, I ended up in Cape May. I was in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes Beach, Delaware and discovered that they had a ferry that could bring me across the bay to Cape May. Naturally, I decided I must venture to this cute little town full of Victorian homes and sandy shores.

The ferry process was super simple. I pre-booked my car passage on the website for the exact time I wanted. They suggest you get to the ferry lot about 30 minutes ahead of departure which was plenty of time to check-in, park my car in the onboarding lane, and walk around. Due to the fact that I was visiting during the off season, the restaurant On the Rocks was closed. However there are lots of places to sit and enjoy the warm sunshine! Or you could stop inside the welcome center for a snack and a stop into the restroom before you set sail.

I watched the ferry arrive and then the attendant came over the intercom and told all drivers to return to their vehicles for boarding. A little man came around and scanned my ticket and within a few minutes we were pulling onto the ferry! Not going to lie- I was a little excited because this was my first driving ferry experience :) 

If you want more information about the Lewes/Cape May ferry, click here. I definitely recommend taking the ferry to get over to Jersey if you're looking for a lovely trip and mini-day adventure. 

Since I was visiting during the off season, it definitely wasn't warm enough to dawn by bathing suit and get a tan, but that's okay! I found plenty to do for a day trip to this charming little gem. 

First: lunch at Beach Plum

I can't rave enough about this adorable establishment. It's a cafe, shop, farm fresh grocer and just all together an adorable place to spend hours daydreaming and soaking up the scenery. 

I got a bite to eat and enjoyed it on one of the numerous picnic tables sprinkled around the grounds. Then I spent some time walking around to the chicken coup, the green house, through the gardens, and sitting by the fire. I even grabbed my laptop and worked a bit in the warm and cozy greenhouse with a glass of home-brewed tea! 

After peeling myself away from this freaking cute place, I headed towards 'downtown' Cape May. If you're looking for an address in your GPS, look for anything along Beach Ave. 

I rolled the windows down, but on "The Lucky One" soundtrack and weaved my way down the boulevard until I hit a dead end. After taking in the sights I doubled back and pulled off here and there for pictures of the grand Victorian queens that stood proud and tall along the boardwalk. Being a historical hopeless romantic, I could just imagine back in her hayday when Cape May was dotted with high society ladies in day gowns and men in hats. Sigh.

After taking (way too many) pictures, I got a coffee at a little cafe along the drive. I'd suggest Madison Bakery or Coffee Tyme at the Beach. Then take your treat and head to the beach and feel the cool soft sand shift and change under your toes. 

This is my happy place. This is my calm place. The sound of the waves crashing to shore; seagulls sqwaking, the soft breeze rustling the hair around your face. Pure bliss.

I brought a towel and a book with my coffee and just sat. Just be. It was a bit nippy in mid-April so bring a jean jacket or extra blanket for your shoulders, but the sun shone bright and it ended up being a wonderful and peaceful afternoon.

After dusting the sand off my feet, I spent the last moments walking down the boardwalk which will bring you back towards the main downtown portion. Or you could head in the opposite direction and go towards the end of the strip where it's just you and the Victorian ladies looking on fondly.

A stop in Cape May would not be complete without a stop at the heiress herself: the Cape May lighthouse. Though by the time I dragged myself off the beach it was closed to walk to the top, it was still cool to see and there's a small park next to the beach. 

Thus, just like that, my little day adventure was complete in Cape May. I opted not to get dinner here and instead hit the road and started driving towards my next destination. Off to another city, another day and another adventure. However, please go to Cape May, even if just for a day! You won't be disappointed. Cape May: a coastal town kissed with historical elegance and grace.

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