London is not all there is to England. The country has many other amazing cities and places you will find fun discovering. These places usually get few visitors, like the more-touristy parts of the country. Nonetheless, they are charming, and you will enjoy visiting them. If you are a food lover, look out for places known for serving exquisite dishes.
Liverpool
At first, Liverpool may not seem like a secret to you, considering how popular the city is. Many people visit Liverpool yearly, but you should not miss the opportunity to visit the place for all its artistic influence. Apart from being the home of the Beatles, Liverpool boasts a large number of museums and galleries. If you love all art forms, you should take advantage of a visit to Liverpool.
Arts in Liverpool are not limited to historical monuments and relics of the past. The city also has an active music scene that is evident in clubs and other spots that will make you forget that you are not in London. You stop for coffee at Panna between visiting museums and galleries and taking in the outdoor sights. It is a taste you will come to associate with your visit to the city. You can plan the trip as a day one since a London to Liverpool train takes only 2 to 3 hours to reach its destination.
Suffolk
Suffolk is a favorite to those who prefer to get away from the bustle of the popular tourist spots in England. There are so many secret places you can go in Suffolk to feel like you have a piece of the world to yourself. Walberswick is a top consideration for many birdwatchers and walkers who want to spend some time with nature. The place used to be a small trading port until its harbor silted up. Now, it serves as a retreat for reclusive individuals who want to have a piece of nature to themselves.
Another top place in Suffolk is Bury St Edmunds, known for its exemplary cuisine. The historic market town has Suffolk’s only Michelin-star restaurant, Pea Porridge. The restaurant has existed for over two centuries but continues to evolve. It has a diverse menu that includes influences from different parts of the world, such as North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
Norfolk
Norfolk will steal your breath away with its stunning landscape. Norfolk is away from the radar of most tourists looking to complete their bucket lists. It offers a relaxed environment where you can let off steam and take long walks. You should talk to the locals and enjoy traditional cuisines in the restaurants around.
While in Norfolk, you should spend some time in Hunstanton, where you can see the picturesque red and ginger cliffs. The cliffs are just a walk from the beach at the Victorian resort of Hunstanton. You should plan your visit to view these cliffs at their most beautiful moment – the sunset.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a town many Shakespearan lovers would like to visit. It is the birthplace of the legendary writer and is now a place of pilgrimage for those who adore his works. The best things to do here include visiting his birthplace to learn more about his life. Other spots that will catch your interest include Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the theatres of the Swan and Royal Shakespeare, and a few other interesting attractions.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
In between visits to these great spots, you should take some time to enjoy the scenery of the English countryside. Take a stroll along the streets and pop into a pub along the way. They serve delicious meals and good drinks that may surprise you if it is your first time tasting them.
Northumberland
This city is a well-kept secret among those who know of it and its stunning landscape. The top place to visit in Northumberland is the Ross Back Sands, which is very challenging to get to. The deserted sandy pit stretches from Budle Bay to Lindisfarne, with the only access through a 1.5 km-long footpath through Ross Farm and the dunes. The trip’s stress dissuades most travelers who venture near it, and only a few people stick through to the end.
If you decide to be one of those, prepare to witness a stunning sight of the sky, sea, and sand blending into one picturesque view. The highlight is the Lindisfarne Castle on one end of the Sands, Bamburgh Castle, and the Farne Islands on the other. Take your time to bask in the glow of the place before taking your camera out to record some memories.
There are so many little pockets of land in England that some will make you feel like you are the first to see them. Apart from the relaxed atmosphere, the locals are friendly, and the food is delicious.