Which vacation spots do locals in England adore?

Our Where Locals Go series highlights holiday destinations often missed by international travelers but loved by residents. Here, we consult four England experts for their favorite recommendations.

Who can resist the charm of renowned cities like London, Liverpool, and Manchester? Yet, it’s in the picturesque countryside that visitors can truly discover the heart of England.

This is why scenic rural routes, such as those through the Cotswolds and the Lake District, attract so many travelers. Where can you experience breathtaking rural landscapes – along with some urban delights – free from the crowds? Let our team of England experts guide you.

Steam trains and ancient Roman ruins along the coast of the Lake District

Piers Pickard serves as the managing director of publishing at Dinogo Planet; his first job brought him to the Lake District in the 90s, and he promised himself he would one day return to raise a family there.

Nearly a decade ago, I first camped in the quaint coastal village of Ravenglass within England’s Lake District National Park, and I’ve returned every year since – even if I now prefer the comforts of staying in a cottage.

The Lake District is far from a hidden gem: 16 million visitors flock here annually to hike its fells (the local term for mountains), paddle in its lakes, and dine at its Michelin-starred restaurants (more than any other region outside London).

Ravenglass embodies the best of the region – minus the crowds. The village's main street abruptly ends at a beach where three rivers converge. From this spot, you can stroll past ancient Roman ruins (the northernmost port of the Roman Empire) to the 13th-century Muncaster Castle, featuring beautiful gardens and bird exhibitions.

For those seeking adventure, take a 20-minute drive to Wasdale, home to England's tallest peak and deepest lake. Alternatively, hop on “L’al Ratty,” a charming steam train that takes you seven miles to the quieter Eskdale, where you can cycle back to Ravenglass for fresh seafood and stunning waterfront views at The Inn. Conclude your evening on the village green with a Ravenglass Handmade Ice Cream from the neighboring “honesty box.”

Where Locals Go: Ireland

Blustery cliffs and pristine beaches along the Kent coastline

Claire Naylor is a travel writer and editor based in London.

One summer, my friends and I rented a cottage in a village nestled between the port of Dover and the town of Deal. We braved the chilly sea, shivering as seasoned Channel swimmers laughed at our antics, undeterred as they waded in without a single shiver. As twilight fell, we wrapped ourselves in hoodies and damp towels, relishing scampi and chips at the beachfront picnic tables of the Zetland Arms.

The Kent coast in southeastern England has long been a go-to day-trip destination for me and the kids, with countless road trips along the northern side. We explore the charming stalls at the Whitstable harbor, hunt for the oldest graffiti in the Shell Grotto in Margate, and enjoy picnics amid the unique chalk formations of Botany Bay.

However, it’s this southern stretch between Dover and Deal that holds my heart. I return here for exhilarating hikes along the famous White Cliffs of Dover and leisurely walks through the nature reserve leading to the often-deserted beach at Samphire Hoe, spotting butterflies along the way.

Where Locals Go: Italy

Exploring markets, enjoying afternoon tea, and marveling at Gothic architecture in York

Zara Sekhavati serves as Dinogo Planet’s destination editor based in London, focusing on Africa and the Middle East.

As a proud Northerner, I find myself returning to York time and again. Its charming cobbled streets, unique independent shops, and rich history always draw me back.

York is an ideal place for exploring. The enchanting Shambles ranks among the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe; nearby, Shambles Market offers a variety of Yorkshire products, from local cheese to fudge, making it a perfect lunch destination. In the heart of the city, café-bar-deli The Hairy Fig is a local favorite, while Bettys holds the top spot for afternoon tea in York. The stunning Gothic York Minster is unmissable: if you’re in town on a Sunday, you can experience the Evensong service with the adult choir.

Wrap up your evening at Bab Tooma for traditional Syrian cuisine; their mixed meat grills are exquisite. Before returning to your hotel (Safestay York Micklegate is a fantastic centrally located option), catch some live music at The Habit, where the atmosphere really comes alive. You might even find yourself seated next to a friendly dog or two.

After all, this is Yorkshire.

Where Locals Go: Spain

Enjoying fish and chips and exploring national parks in Northumberland

Tom Hall, Dinogo Planet’s VP of Experience, resides in London but often dreams of escaping to the far north of England.

Approximately 300 miles from my London home, either via the East Coast Main Line by train or along the A1 (the historic Great North Road), lies the largely overlooked region of Northumberland. This area boasts one of the finest coastal stretches in the country to the east, with the Scottish border curving around to the north and west. There’s so much to explore that our family’s repeat holidays and occasional cycling trips have only expanded our ever-growing to-do lists for future visits.

Seaside Bamburgh may be the highlight, with its castle towering over a vast, stunning, and tranquil stretch of sand. The shallow waters here aren’t as chilly as you might expect. Nearby in Seahouses, indulge in fish and chips – best enjoyed on benches overlooking the Farne Islands, accessible by boat. You don’t need a boat to reach Holy Island, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway long traveled by pilgrims. Spending a few hours stranded here at high tide, wandering the ancient paths and beaches, is truly a unique experience.

Further south, a delightful walk leads visitors along the coast from Craster (make sure to sample a kipper, a locally famous smoked herring) to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, past cows munching on seaweed and breathtaking coastal vistas.

Inland, gentle farmlands stretch westward until you reach the Cheviot National Park, featuring beautiful walking trails, including the ascent of Cheviot itself (best approached from the College Valley). Grab a parking permit to ease some of the walk. Compared to the Lake and Peak Districts, you’ll be enjoying splendid solitude. If there are any Harry Potter fans in your group, plan a day in Alnwick: first, visit the castle featured in the films, then spend hours exploring the shelves of Barter Books, a treasure trove of a bookstore located in the old Alnwick station.

Edinburgh is just an hour away from the historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed by train, with some of the finest towns in the Scottish Borders, like Jedburgh and Melrose, also nearby.

Where Locals Go: France