England is made up of historic counties, each with its own landscapes, towns, coastline and cultural identity. Travelpillar is gradually building a collection of detailed county guides, beginning with some of the most popular visitor regions in southern England. These include classic holiday counties such as Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, as well as historically rich counties including Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
These county guides provide a more complete introduction to each area, including the best places to visit, historic sites, beaches, countryside, family attractions and useful travel inspiration. More county guides will be added in the future, including Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Norfolk.
Cornwall
Cornwall is one of England’s most distinctive counties, known for its dramatic Atlantic coastline, sandy beaches, fishing villages, Celtic heritage and famous landmarks such as St Michael’s Mount, Tintagel Castle and the Eden Project. It is one of the country’s classic holiday destinations, especially for coastal walks, surfing, seafood and scenic harbour towns.
Devon
Devon offers a rich mixture of coast and countryside, from the beaches of the English Riviera and the rugged north Devon coast to Dartmoor National Park and historic cities such as Exeter. With seaside towns, fishing villages, moorland landscapes and family attractions, Devon is one of England’s most varied counties for visitors.
Dorset
Dorset is best known for the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Chesil Beach and fossil-rich cliffs. Inland, the county offers attractive villages, historic market towns, castles, country houses and rolling countryside, making it one of southern England’s most rewarding counties to explore.
Somerset
Somerset combines historic towns, rural landscapes and some of England’s most atmospheric landmarks. Highlights include Bath, Wells, Glastonbury, Cheddar Gorge, Exmoor National Park and the Somerset Levels. The county is also known for cider, traditional villages and a slower pace of travel that suits relaxed countryside exploration.
Wiltshire
Wiltshire is one of England’s most important historic counties, famous for Stonehenge, Avebury, Salisbury Cathedral and a remarkable collection of prehistoric monuments. Its landscapes include chalk downs, ancient trackways, market towns and peaceful villages, making it especially rewarding for visitors interested in archaeology, history and countryside walks.
Hampshire
Hampshire combines maritime heritage, historic cities, countryside and coastline. Highlights include Winchester, Portsmouth, the New Forest National Park, Beaulieu, Jane Austen’s House, Portchester Castle and the Solent coast. The county also provides easy access to the Isle of Wight, making it an excellent base for exploring southern England.
More county guides will be added in the future, including Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Norfolk.