Summer Stories from England: Markets, Villages & Coastal Views

Late summer in England was everything I’d hoped it would be—beautiful, inspiring, and full of moments that reminded me why I love to travel. We spent three wonderful weeks wandering through it all—beginning in the colorful streets of Notting Hill, drifting through the storybook villages of the Cotswolds, tracing history in Bath, and ending along the wild, windswept Jurassic Coast.

What started as a trip built around our son’s soccer camp became a family adventure I’ll never forget. It had been twelve years since our last visit, and this time, I wanted to truly sink into the rhythm of the country—to explore beyond the familiar sights, linger in small shops, and take in the beauty of everyday English life.

Everywhere we went, I found myself drawn to the details—painted doors, stacked stone walls, overflowing flower boxes, the artful way food and design intertwine here. England has a quiet charm that’s impossible to rush, and I left feeling both inspired and grounded.

Join me as I share our journey through England—the villages, markets, and moments that made this summer one to remember.

 London

Our London adventure began in Notting Hill, a neighborhood as charming and colorful as the postcards promise. We spent the first couple of days wandering its leafy streets, popping into beautiful little shops, and exploring Portobello Market — a treasure trove of antiques, art, and curiosities. I could have spent hours photographing the doors alone — each one painted a different shade of joy, framed by old brick and overflowing window boxes. The English really don’t shy away from color, and I love them for it.

Our stay at the Portobello Hotel was every bit as delightful — cozy, quirky, and full of character. Later, we checked into The Zetter Clerkenwell, another gem tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. Both are small boutique hotels, beautifully designed and brimming with personality. If you love uniquely decorated interiors and places that feel a bit off the beaten path, these are worth bookmarking.

London truly captured my heart this time. There’s something so inspiring about how the city blends old and new — from grand architecture and cobblestone alleys to modern shops and restaurants, everything feels beautifully layered and thoughtfully curated.

Covent Garden was a particular favorite — packed with unique boutiques and design-forward stores. The presentation everywhere was exquisite; every shelf and counter looked styled to perfection. The same could be said for the city’s sweet shops and bakeries — everything looked like edible art.

We ate exceptionally well in London — Quilon, Dishoom, Hoppers, and the unforgettable Chutney Mary, which tops my list. Each meal was an experience in itself, delicious and beautifully presented. Honestly, we didn’t have a single bad meal.

Of course, we couldn’t resist the city’s food markets. We loved the energy — the sounds, the colors, the movement — maybe even more than the food itself! Borough Market was packed shoulder to shoulder, but the atmosphere made it all worth it. Camden Market and Spitalfields were also highlights — the latter especially if you enjoy handicrafts and one-of-a-kind finds. (I came home with a lovely Scottish wool blanket… among other things.)

Design inspiration was everywhere. At Liberty London, I was absolutely blown away by the plate wall in the home section — now I’m dreaming of creating one of my own. At Fortnum & Mason, I stocked up on biscuits and cookies and even caught the whimsical clock show at the top of the hour — such a treat!

One of the unexpected joys of the trip was discovering that the Devol Kitchens showroom was right across from our stay at the Zetter. I couldn’t resist a leisurely visit — it was every bit as beautiful as I imagined, filled with craftsmanship and warmth.

Our days in London ended on the perfect note — with a night at the theatre watching Mamma Mia! It was pure joy — colorful, nostalgic, and such a lively celebration of music and design.

On Sundays, London sparkles with vintage and flower markets. We wandered through Leadenhall’s Vintage Market, Camden Passage (a must on Wednesdays for the best vintage finds), and the ever-charming Columbia Road Flower Market, bursting with blooms and chatter. These moments — the colors, textures, and people — reminded me why I always come home from trips like this with a head full of inspiration.

The Cotswolds

This was truly the highlight of our entire trip! I’ve been dreaming of visiting the Cotswolds for so long, and it finally happened this summer.

We started our countryside adventure with lunch at the famous resort Thyme — the food was delicious, but it was the setting that stole my heart. The grounds were beautifully kept with an understated elegance that felt calm, refined, and endlessly inspiring.

We checked into The Manor House in Moreton-in-Marsh, a lovely village that served as our home base for exploring the region. The old cottages and buildings across the Cotswolds are all built with a distinct golden limestone, mined locally. The warm honey tones of the stone change with the light — glowing at sunrise and sunset — giving the whole area its signature charm.

To make the most of our time, we booked a local guide who picked us up from the hotel and took us on a private tour through some of the most beautiful villages. Each one felt like stepping into a painting — from Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water, to Upper and Lower Slaughter and Chipping Campden.

Everyone had told us that Bibury was the most beautiful village, but I have to admit — it was a bit of a disappointment. If you’re short on time, you can skip it! The others were far more charming and full of character.

Between village visits, we stopped at local stores and found wonderful boutiques for home, garden, and lifestyle. One standout was Daylesford Organic in Moreton-in-Marsh — a huge, upscale destination for food, flowers, and design. I found so much inspiration there in their simple but elevated aesthetic — effortless yet luxurious.

Another pleasant surprise was the lavender fields in Broadway. The scent, the light, the rows of soft purple — it all reminded me so much of our visit to the South of France years ago. It was the perfect ending to a dreamy few days in the English countryside.

Bath, Stonehenge & The Jurassic Coast

We drove through the historic town of Bath and spent a lovely afternoon touring the Roman Baths. The ancient architecture, steaming pools, and echoes of history make it such a fascinating stop. The nearby abbey and surrounding village are charming and well worth a stroll — it truly feels like stepping back in time.

From there, we continued on to Stonehenge. My husband had booked the late-night Inside the Circle tour — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We braved the cold winds and drizzle to stand within the ancient stones under the night sky. The stories and history shared by the guides were captivating, but honestly, just being inside the circle, feeling the weight of all that history, was unforgettable.

Our final destination in the south of England was the Jurassic Coast. We stayed at the most beautiful inn with thatched roofs — The Masons Arms in Branscombe — straight out of a storybook. The setting was idyllic, with winding country roads leading to the rocky beach (no sandy shores here!). Our kids loved hunting for fossils along the shores of Charmouth, where we joined a morning guided fossil walk with a local group.

Nearby, Lyme Regis stole our hearts — a completely charming seaside town with colorful houses and a cheerful promenade that feels almost timeless. Another favorite stop was Bridport, where I suddenly realized the massive seaside cliffs looked familiar — it was where one of my all-time favorite crime dramas, Broadchurch, was filmed! A happy coincidence that made the visit even more special.

From the wild coastal cliffs, we made our way north toward the rolling green countryside of the Ribble Valley — ready to explore another corner of England, rich with warmth, heritage, and endless charm.

Ribble Valley, York & Windsor

From the southern coast, we journeyed north by train from London to Lancashire, where we spent a few relaxing days with family in the Ribble Valley. The change of pace was exactly what we needed — gentle hills, stone cottages, and that peaceful English countryside charm. Mornings were slow and quiet, filled with long walks and cups of tea overlooking fields dotted with sheep.

One day, we took a day trip to the ancient city of York — and it truly felt like stepping into another century. The historic streets, especially The Shambles, were wonderfully preserved, with crooked timbered buildings and quaint shopfronts that looked straight out of a storybook. A guided tour of York Minster was another highlight. Standing beneath its soaring ceilings and intricate stained glass, you can’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship that has stood the test of time.

Another memorable stop was Tatton Park in Cheshire , a grand estate that feels almost frozen in time. The Manor House interiors were beautifully preserved, but what really fascinated me was the historic kitchen downstairs. Seeing the massive stoves, copper pots, and scullery details made me realize just how deeply the English kitchens we design today are inspired by these spaces — simple, functional, yet utterly elegant.

As we made our way back south, we stopped in Birmingham for a private factory tour of Armac Martin — a definite highlight for me as a designer. Seeing the artistry and precision behind their exquisite brass hardware gave me an even deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that defines their brand.

We ended our journey in Windsor, spending a peaceful evening exploring the town and visiting Windsor Castle before heading back to London for our final days. It was the perfect way to close our summer adventure - a trip that reminded us why we love England so much: its timeless beauty, thoughtful design, and the feeling that every village, field, and street has a story to tell.

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As I look back on our time in England, what stays with me most aren’t just the places we visited, but the feeling of it all—the unhurried pace, the layered history, the simple pleasures woven into daily life. Whether it was a quiet walk through a sun-dappled village, a beautifully set table in a cozy café, or the timeless craftsmanship in a centuries-old home, inspiration was everywhere.

One of my favorite moments was capturing family memories in the Cotswolds. We worked with a talented local wedding photographer, Tanli Joy Weddings, who helped us create a few special portraits amidst the storybook villages and rolling hills—photos that I’ll treasure forever.

Travel, for me, has always been as much about observation as exploration. It’s in these moments—seeing how others live, decorate, and preserve beauty—that I find fresh perspective for my own work and home life. England reminded me that good design, like good living, is about balance: old and new, refinement and comfort, history and heart.

I came home with a full heart, a camera roll brimming with memories, and plenty of ideas for future projects. Most of all, I came home grateful—for the chance to wander, to see, and to be inspired.

Happy Travels!

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