It's no secret that England has always been a place of grandeur. This green island can boast unparalleled brisk air and has an appealing and eccentric character that makes it endearing for visitors. While some get discouraged by the infamous rainy weather and fog in England, the whole place is worth a visit, especially if you're looking for a destination to work remotely from.
Why choose England?
While many have converted to digital nomadism to escape England's grey weather, others are comfortable working from Shakespeare's birthplace. England is, therefore, an excellent place for creativity thanks to its rich history depicted by numerous museums, its literary culture and galleries and exhibits that can be enjoyed in major cities. The natural beauty of the countryside and the various attractions have inspired many authors and composers.
Working remotely from England, you can enjoy world-class amenities, especially in cosmopolitan cities. Smaller towns, for their part, offer a quieter and relaxed atmosphere.
Visa requirements and legal considerations for digital nomads in England
The most important thing to be aware of is that England does not have a special visa for digital nomads. But that doesn't mean it isn't impossible.
To work as a digital nomad in England, you'll need a Standard Visitor Visa - aka, a tourist visa - which allows you to stay up to six months. With this, you can work remotely for companies outside the UK. You can't work for UK companies. Depending on where you're from, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to arriving in the country.
Due to the lack of a visa suitable for digital nomads, you can be one in England, but you must only work for foreign companies. Think of it this way: you're a tourist who happens to work on your laptop for your home country job while visiting England.
Here's a breakdown of what you can do:
- Work remotely for your overseas employer(s).
- Run your foreign business from England.
- Have video calls with international clients.
- Attend UK business meetings for your overseas company.
- Be a ‘tourist with a laptop'.
And what you can't do:
- Get hired by a company in England.
- Work as a freelancer for UK clients.
- Start a business in England.
- Make England your permanent work base.
If you wish to stay longer than six months, you can explore other visa options such as the Youth Mobility Visa (if you're aged 18 to 35 years old from certain countries), a Skilled Worker Visa (which requires a UK job offer and sponsorship), or a Global Talent Visa.
The cities to work from in England
London, the capital city, is Western Europe's largest and most dynamic city. You will become more productive if you can survive its hectic lifestyle. The city offers ample networking opportunities, world-class cultural attractions and excellent transport links that make commuting easy and quick when needed.
Still regarded as an up-and-coming city in England, Newcastle is another ideal place to live as a digital nomad. The vibrant nightlife, the business culture, the cultural heritage and the uniqueness of the art scene make it a perfect destination. Newcastle also offers a younger and hipper vibe, complemented by the drop of the well-preserved Geordie culture, all at a fraction of London's cost.
Brighton is worth considering, especially if you don't mind the occasional coastal winds. Brighton is even more beautiful thanks to the beach resort atmosphere just outside London. The experience here will be significantly different, thanks to its bohemian and creative vibe. It's also one of the best places for nightlife in England.
Alternatively, Manchester has emerged as a major digital hub with a thriving tech scene, excellent universities and significantly lower costs than London while maintaining excellent connectivity and cultural offerings.
Important:
Remember to budget between £2,000 and £3,500 per month to cover your living costs comfortably if you want to be a digital nomad in London. For other major cities like Manchester, Newcastle or Brighton, expect £1,500 to £2,200 per month.
The internet and coworking spaces in England
Internet speed is definitely something that will motivate you. According to Ofcom, the UK's average broadband speed in 2025 is 223 Mbps, up from 170 Mbps in 2023 - a significant improvement from the previous 11Mbps. This represents a 31% increase, largely due to widespread adoption of gigabit broadband and ultrafast options.
In major cities, you'll enjoy extensive free Wi-Fi coverage in cafes, coffee shops, pubs and public spaces. 99.7% of UK households now have access to superfast broadband, ensuring reliable connectivity even in rural areas, though speeds may be slower outside urban centers.
Most big cities offer several coworking spaces where you can work from. You also get to take part in nomad community meetups and conferences from time to time.
Good to know:
London has over 1,500 coworking spaces to choose from as of 2025. Coworking spaces cost anywhere between £250 and £500 per month, with day passes typically ranging from £25 to £40.
Useful links:
WeWork co-working and shared offices
Second Home Spitalfields in London
Premium flexible workspaces with Fora Space
The Racquets Court - co-working in Newcastle
Hubble HQ - find a co-working space in Newcastle
Leeds List - best co-working spaces in Leeds
Manchester's COLONY co-working
Bruntwood: coworking space in Birmingham
Leisure in England
As much as the English believe in hard work, they also appreciate leisure time. With the country's vibrant history, there are numerous attractions to explore. The iconic Big Ben, the historic Tower of London, Hyde Park and the mysterious Stonehenge are some of the must-sees.
The British countryside, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are perfect spots to explore if you want to venture outside England's major cities. Thankfully, the extensive rail network makes weekend trips easily accessible.
Pros and cons of being a digital nomad in England
Like any other country, becoming a digital nomad in England has its share of pros and cons.
On the positive side, the country's modern infrastructure and widespread access to high-speed internet make it an attractive choice for remote work. Major cities like London and Manchester offer co-working spaces, making finding a good spot to complete your job easy.
England's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes also provide many opportunities for exploration during your off-hours, guaranteeing a work–life balance. Additionally, English is a global language that eases communication and fosters networking.
However, the other side of the coin should also be considered. Living in England, particularly in major cities, can be expensive. Accommodation, transportation and dining out can strain your budget. England's unpredictable weather, characterised by gray skies and frequent rain, can be a downer for those accustomed to sunnier climates.
Additionally, England's work culture, which often features longer work hours and less emphasis on work–life balance compared to some other countries, might not align with the leisurely lifestyle you seek as part of your digital life.
While England has much to offer, you should carefully weigh these factors before embarking on your adventure.
Consider house-sitting opportunities or longer-term rentals outside Zone 1 to 2 in London for significant savings.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
