Summary

The author, a Canadian expatriate living in England, shares their personal favorite destinations across the country, including London, Tynemouth, Bath, Oxford, and the Lake District, emphasizing the diversity and charm of English landscapes and cities.

Abstract

Having moved to the Northeast of England from Canada, the author has taken the opportunity to explore the country extensively, discovering a variety of landscapes, cities, and beaches. They highlight London's vibrant energy and culinary scene, the quaint charm of Tynemouth's seaside, the historical significance and modern-day relaxation of Bath, the enchanting architecture and academic atmosphere of Oxford, and the natural beauty of the Lake District. The author's experiences are enriched by their dog Ginny's enjoyment of these places, particularly Tynemouth and the Lake District, which are noted for their dog-friendliness. The article encourages readers to explore beyond England's well-trodden tourist spots to uncover the country's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Opinions

The author is captivated by London's dynamic character and considers it one of their favorite cities globally, despite preferring not to live there.
Tynemouth stands out as a beloved destination for both the author and their dog, with its appealing beaches, eateries, and market.
Bath is praised for its historical Roman spas, exquisite architecture, and contemporary spa experiences, along with its excellent dining options.
Oxford's university town ambiance and the oldest Botanic Garden in Great Britain leave a lasting impression on the author.
The Lake District is celebrated as a haven for nature enthusiasts and dog owners, offering extensive hiking opportunities and picturesque villages.
The author believes that England, despite its size, offers a remarkable diversity of experiences and landscapes, encouraging travelers to venture off the beaten path.

My Favourite Destinations in England

A wonderful country to explore

The author exploring Bath (photo by author)

Almost two years ago, I was lucky to move from Canada to the Northeast of England. Knowing that my time here was limited (a 2 or 3-year posting maximum), I wasted no time exploring as much of the country as possible.

I was amazed by the diversity of places I was able to discover. England is home to eclectic cities, beautiful natural landscapes, and incredible beaches.

While I’ve seen only a fraction of what there is to see in this country and I’ve focused on the Northeast as this is where I live, here are a few of my favourite places to add to your to-see list.

London

This one may seem obvious but I have loved getting the opportunity to explore and learn to know London a bit better. It’s truly an incredible city, vibrant and full of energy. I’ve eaten some of the best meals in my life in London and had the opportunity to see many shows. While I’m not sure I would want to live there, I never pass up on an opportunity to visit London and I discover something new every time I do. It’s truly one of my favourite cities in the world.

Tynemouth

Tynemouth is a coastal town near Newcastle, home to sandy beaches, delicious restaurants, and cute little independent shops, as well as a lovely market on Saturday and Sunday mornings

Adventures with my Dog in North-East England: Tynemouth

Walks on the beach, fish and chips, and castle ruins

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It’s Ginny’s (my dog) favourite place in the whole world. And it’s definitely one of mine.

I spent most of my summers growing up on the Atlantic Coast of France, which I believe is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with some of the most incredible beaches. When I moved up here, I was told that the Northeast Coast of England was famous for its beaches and I did not think I would be charmed. But I was. There is something about the British seaside.

I recommend discovering it if you can and Tynemouth, and the Northeast Coast in general, is a great place to do so.

Bath

Bath (pictured at the top of the article) is an incredible town with a rich history. It’s famous for its mineral-rich waters, which is why the Romans built thermal spas in this town.

Nowadays, it’s a lovely town with incredible architecture, delicious food (we had a delicious vegetarian dinner at Acorn), and lovely little stores.

There are also spas where you can experience the thermal waters for yourself. I recommend booking in advance or arriving early because it’s first-come, first-serve and it’s in high demand.

Oxford

I was immediately seduced by Oxford. There is something magical and other-timely about the city and its architecture combined with the energy of a student city.

Home to its world-renowned, 12th-century university, Oxford is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

My best memory in Oxford was visiting the Botanic Garden, which is the oldest in Great Britain.

The Lake District

The Lake District National Park is the largest national park in England. Situated in the Northwest of England, it is definitely worth a visit.

The Best Place to Take your Dog in England

Is there a dog-friendlier place than the Lake District?

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Between mountains, lakes, and forests, this national park is a nature-lover’s dream. You could spend weeks exploring all the beautiful hikes possible in this area. And, the little villages and towns that dot this park are charming and offer great food options and gorgeous shops.

It’s also an incredibly dog-friendly place, which is amazing when travelling with your dog.

For such a small country, England is incredibly diverse, both in its architecture and landscapes. Most people limit themselves to a few well-known places when they visit England but it’s worth exploring beyond that and discovering all the beauty and history that this country has to offer.