Where you can go instead of London

In today’s episode of Mindful Travelling we will be exploring England from the eyes of a mindful traveler who would rather ditch the overcrowded and expensive streets of London and instead visit the off-beat, underrated, undiscovered places in England. This list will take you on a tour of fairly popular cities, but still let you have new and mindful experiences. So, yes, this list can be treated as a short, nondescript itinerary for England.

When people go to England, but skip places like these:

1. Canterbury

You start your day with exploring the stunning Canterbury Cathedral, take a river tour through Canterbury, end up strolling along the medieval streets, having a picnic at Westgate gardens. And then you find yourself grabbing a bite to eat at a local pub, where the people are friendly and will tell you anything you want to know about.

2. Painswick

Touring Painswick is going to be all about taking detours. Detouring to pubs and leafy Pope’s woods while on the way to the Painswick Beacon, or a detour to go see “donkey doors” while on your Painskwick heritage trail. Wander through the picturesque village, chat with the locals about Alpacas, and visit the beautiful Rococo Garden. Enjoy the sunset while enjoying a cream tea in one of the quaint cafés.

3. Isle of Wight

Catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight and embrace a day of mindful exploration! Start at the iconic Needles, take a gentle boat tour. Then, head to Cowes for a leisurely lunch of fish and chips by the waterfront. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Compton Bay, enjoying the beach and savoring some ice cream. As the sun sets, stroll through the charming village of Godshill, talk to locals about the town and find a cozy pub for a pint. End the day stargazing at the Isle of Wight.

4. Castle Combe

Castle Combe is honestly the most fairytale village can get, and also the most underrated tourist destination in England. Stroll through the Market and witness the village in all its otherworldly glory from the woodlands. The hike into the woodlands is full of wildlife and self-discovery. And when you reach the top, it’s like stepping back in time.

5. Hever Castle

Start your day at Hever Castle, the enchanting childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Wander through the stunning gardens and soak up the rich history. In the afternoon, find a serene spot by the lake for a relaxing picnic amidst the beautiful grounds.

6. Seven Sisters Cliffs

Pack your camera, sunscreen, your hiking boots, some snacks and a lot of water because this day is going to be very long and tiring for you. The walk encompasses all the attractions near Seven Sisters. You can skip it, and directly get to the beach in order to get to the cliffs. On the walk to the cliffs, you’ll get to walk alongside the Cuckmere river, and be able to visit the coastal hamlet of Birling Gap, in addition to The Cliff’s Edge, and Beachy Head. The natural beauty of the cliffs and the overlooking English Channel will blow you away; the scenery is unreal.

7. Lulworth Cove

Have unique experiences at the tranquil beaches of the cove, visit the famous rock arch in Go snorkeling in the rock reef at Man O’War Beach. Follow the steep walk down to the secret beach of St Oswald’s Bay. Explore the Lulworth castle and take detours from the grounds. Swim and picnic at Lulworth’s best kept secret, i.e., Mupe Bay. And end the day by having fish and chips and a pint at a local pub.