Britain is steeped in history and offers something for everyone. When you’re visiting good old England, you’ve got to be prepared. Not to worry, we’ve got you sorted. With all the must-see tourist attractions meandering around the countryside, our jam-packed 12-day itinerary will help you make the best of your time.
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While this itinerary is based on giving you something to do every day, it's largely filled with historical landmarks, but you're not limited to only doing what's set here. Customize this plan to your liking and fill in some days with what you prefer. Here's our two-week itinerary:
Where else would you start your English adventure other than in the heart of London? When finding accommodation, find a cozy place to stay as central as possible to make exploring the city easier. Depending on when you fly in, we'd suggest you rest and refresh yourself before hitting the streets of London. Maybe pop into a few cafes or look for a place to have dinner before doing the rounds.
You can only do so much sightseeing on foot, so we suggest hopping on the iconic London tour bus for day two to get the best London experience. This tour will take you around London, showing you:
Get ready to dive into history on day three of your trip because the next stop is visiting Oxfordshire, the home of the prestigious Oxford University and Blenheim Palace. Explore the halls Winston Churchill walked in at Blenheim Palace and see the Temple of Diana, where Churchill proposed to his wife. For all the Harry Potter fans, Oxford is home to Christ Church College, one of the iconic spots where Harry Potter was filmed.
Day four is the perfect time to visit Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Here, you can get a small glimpse into one of the greatest playwrights of all time, including visiting the Swan Theatre or the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
For those who aren’t completely enamoured by the Bard and prefer to surround themselves with the beauty of nature, you can head to Stratford-upon-Avon’s Butterfly Farm and the Bancroft Gardens.
Last but not least, for those looking for a little bit of luxury in Stratford-upon-Avon, don’t miss out on dining in the Countess of Evesham, otherwise known as Stratford’s ‘Orient Express’.
Day 5 is a great time to plan a day where there’s nothing on the agenda and allow yourself to leave some space for spontaneity. Leaving a day unplanned can allow the unlikeliest things to happen. So sleep in, have breakfast at a cafe, and enjoy where the day takes you.
Now, we're getting to some more intriguing landmarks. Visit Lincoln and check out the castle and other impressive architecture around the area. At Lincoln Castle, you can see one of the original Magna Cartas.
On day seven, you’re going to head out to Manchester and the beautiful Peak District. Start by exploring the dramatic landscapes and villages of the Peak District National Park. Don't miss Chatsworth House, a grand stately home with stunning gardens. Check out historic sites like Manchester Cathedral, Castlefield, and the John Rylands Library in Manchester.
For those history boffins, you’re going to love York. Just walking down the streets of York will make you feel like you’re experiencing a part of history. You can stroll along the Shambles, walk along York’s city walls and visit the breathtaking Gothic cathedral, York Minster. An activity that shouldn’t be missed out on is climbing up to Clifford's Tower for epic, panoramic views and learning about its gruesome roots.
On day nine, we'd suggest heading to the Lake District, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty. You can start your day with a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Windermere, England's largest lake or chill on the side and relax. In Grasmere, visit the home of poet William Wordsworth at Dove Cottage and stroll through Wordsworth's Daffodil Garden. Don't forget to stop by the Grasmere Gingerbread shop before continuing to Keswick, a lovely market town.
Before you come to the end of your journey, you need to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Housesteads Roman Fort. This epic destination is the best-preserved Roman fort in Britain. You can spend the majority of the day walking along the wall, looking at the beautiful scenery, stopping over at Milecastle 37, or taking a picture of one of England’s most photographed trees – the Sycamore Gap Tree.
The day before you head home or go to another destination is not one that you want to spend running around the countryside. So, take day 11 to visit a few other cafes, shop for a few souvenirs, or even watch a football match if you can. The choice is yours! Just try not to venture too far.
It’s time to bid England farewell and head on home or to your next adventure. Always ensure you’re at the airport with enough time to make it through security and keep your passport and necessary documents close at hand.
When you visit England, we suggest doing your research properly and doing what you'd enjoy doing. Whether Down Town Abbey inspires you to see the beautiful historical estates or is more inclined to explore the cafes of London, the choice is yours.
