England

Exploring England: Day Trips and Hidden Gems

We've been lucky enough to enjoy multiple day trips across England. It's funny how, when you live in a country, you sometimes forget to seek out adventures close to home. In the beginning—especially when we moved to different parts of the UK—there was a sense of novelty in exploring new areas. But it wasn’t until the pandemic, when we stopped traveling abroad, that we truly began to appreciate places like North Devon and Cornwall.

England has so many beautiful spots worth visiting. If you're planning to explore popular tourist areas, a helpful tip is to start your day early or travel out of season—especially if you're not tied to school holiday schedules. It can make all the difference in your experience.

There are countless worthwhile destinations in the UK, and it's easy to find reviews and recommendations online. Here are some of our favourite adventures (many of which are pictured in our posts):

• Harry Potter Studio Tour – A huge hit for fans of the series

• North Devon – Bude Beach, Lydford Gorge

• Cornwall – Mousehole, Glendurgan Garden (a maze the kids loved!), Tintagel, Minack Theatre, St Austell (Eden Project), Sennen Cove, Boscastle, Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount

• Derbyshire – Chatsworth House

• The Cotswolds – Bourton-on-the-Water

• Wiltshire – Lacock

• London – Always a classic

• Rutland – Burghley House, Rutland Water

• North Norfolk – Sheringham Forest, Wells-next-the-Sea (The Happy Huts), Blickling Estate, Sandringham

• Suffolk – Aldeburgh, Ickworth, Jimmy’s Farm

• Nottinghamshire – Sherwood Forest, Clumber Park

When we lived in the UK, we had a National Trust membership, which was perfect for our lifestyle. We'd take the day van—or later, the motorhome—pack a picnic and our bikes, and head off to the countryside. We always looked for places with parking, a coffee shop, and wide-open spaces where the kids could roam freely.

One of their all-time favourite spots was Glendurgan Garden, thanks to its fantastic maze.