I will totally admit that when I used to think about England the only thing that really came to mind was London. Terrible I know. Don’t worry this has all changed thanks to Sara from Of Golden Roses.
If you haven’t met Sara yet here is what you need to know, she is from Texas, was an expat in the UK until her recent move back to Texas, she just graduated with a masters in medieval English history and has joined team international love. She is basically just adorable and I know you will all love her too.
Take it away Sara!
Hey y’all! I’m Sara and Of Golden Roses is my little corner of the web. Born and raised in Texas, I moved to England and called it home until very recently. I’m here to tell you there’s more to England than Big Ben and Buckingham Palace! In fact, there is a lot to see in England outside of London! Here are seven cities/towns/villages you should visit in Southwest England that are worth the trip outside the capital!
BRISTOL | I’m pretty biased when it comes to Bristol. Bristol was home to me, and without a doubt I was extremely happy with my move to this city. I moved having never visited, which was kind of crazy but oh so worth it. Bristol has the small town feel with all the conveniences of a big city. I’ll leave you with my favorite quote, one that describes Bristol perfectly. “I love Bristol because it knows who it is. It’s cool and cosmopolitan and it doesn’t compete with other cities. Bristol is happy dancing to the beat of its own drum.”- Stephen Merchant
BATH | Stepping off the train in Bath is like stepping through a time machine. Instantly you feel as if you are in a Jane Austen novel. Bath is England’s most romantic city. It happens to be the home to some of England’s oldest history as well. Visit the Roman Baths, then Bath Cathedral just a few steps away. If you’re looking for something slightly less touristy, get lost on one of Bath’s many little streets and alleys. Every little street in Bath offers something unique and beautiful!
WELLS | The smallest city in all of England, Wells is the setting for the hilarious movie “Hot Fuzz”. Although small, Wells is home to my favorite cathedral in England as well as a beautiful medieval palace. A quick bus ride away from Bristol or Bath, Wells is the perfect spot for a quick trip off the beaten track.
BRADFORD-ON-AVON | Just 8 miles southeast of Bath, this tiny town is commonly nicknamed “Little Bath”. While the architecture is similar, the atmosphere of Bradford-on-Avon is completely different. Off the beaten track, this town is perfect for capturing true English village life. Home to one of the oldest surviving Norman churches in England, Bradford-on-Avon is covered in unique history and true beauty.
CHEDDAR | Famous for being the home of Cheddar cheese, Cheddar is more than just cows and milk. One of the most beautiful towns in England, Cheddar offers cute tea shops, whiskey for days, caves and cavemen, and the largest gorge in England. The only problem? Public transportation to and from Cheddar is extremely difficult to master, so make sure you have plenty of time allotted for travel!
CASTLE COMBE | The prettiest, tiniest, most English village I have ever visited. Consisting of one main road, a church, and a couple of pubs, Castle Combe the perfect picturesque English village. Visit in the morning when the tourist aren’t out and you can easily imagine yourself calling Castle Combe your home.
GLASTONBURY | Glastonbury Festival may be one of the biggest and best festivals in England, but the city of Glastonbury isn’t too shabby either. The alleged location of King Arthur’s tomb, Glastonbury is full of superstition and legend. A quick bus ride from Wells, this tiny city is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in England.
Want to learn more about these amazing spots? Check out all my posts!
Bristol | Bath | Wells | Bradford-on-Avon | Cheddar