Summary
England encompasses a diverse array of attractions within its compact geography: charming towns and villages, bustling cities, idyllic countryside adorned with castles and historical landmarks, alongside dramatic landscapes and expansive coastlines. The following five itineraries provide a framework for crafting an ideal trip, each designed for a week. However, you may choose to extend your stay at various destinations or combine them with other itineraries for a personalized journey.
Regardless of your destination, history is omnipresent, complemented by atmospheric pubs to conclude your day. Traveling by car affords the most flexibility, while rail and bus networks connect larger cities and towns effectively.
Tour the Highlights of Southern England
Duration: 7 days; Distance: 270 miles (434 km)
For those with limited time, this circuit of southern England’s highlights begins in the capital. Following your exploration of London’s museums and monuments, you shall venture through seaside towns, remarkable historical sites, and some of England’s most beautiful cities, with opportunities to appreciate the scenery en route.
London (2 days)
London is replete with attractions, including an array of complimentary museums, impressive monuments, royal artifacts, vibrant nightlife, exceptional shopping, and diverse dining options. Moreover, you will find expansive green spaces to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Dedicate a day to the British Museum and the Kensington museums, enriching your understanding of this historically significant island.
Next stop: Brighton is accessible via a short train journey from London; board the Gatwick Express (one hour) or Southern train service (80 minutes) at London Victoria. Alternatively, from Farringdon, take the Thameslink for an 80-minute ride.
Brighton (1 day)
The English seaside experience is vibrant, characterized by its colors and sounds that resonate both on and off the beach. Amidst the seagulls and amusement machines, Brighton showcases some of England’s most lively and inclusive nightlife, and you may find moments to gaze upon the sea.
Next stop: Collect a rental car in Brighton. The journey to Stonehenge takes approximately two hours.
Stonehenge (1 day)
Stonehenge may no longer deliver the same spiritual experience as in ages past, yet this monumental ring of standing stones persists as a remarkable testament to England’s historical evolution. For an unforgettable encounter, visit during the summer solstice, when the site is at its most captivating. Consider a detour to explore the nearby Avebury, located a scenic 40-minute drive north, to delve further into neolithic history away from crowds (allocate approximately three hours for this visit).
Next stop: From Stonehenge, the drive to Bath takes about one hour.
Bath (1 day)
Crafted from soft, golden limestone, the UNESCO World Heritage–designated city of Bath showcases remarkable charm. The Romans initially harnessed the hot springs bubbling beneath Somerset’s hills, but the Georgians elevated Bath’s streets into a hub of opulence. Despite bustling crowds, a visit feels reminiscent of stepping into an English historical narrative.
Next stop: From Bath, embark on a 1.5-hour drive to Oxford.
Oxford (1 day)
For an authentic English experience, journey to Oxford. Within the city, attention remains focused on the historic colleges, featuring ancient chapels, treasured libraries, and unique traditions. Rent a bicycle to navigate the city and absorb the atmosphere of an Oxford scholar for a day. Beyond the city lies a tapestry of picturesque villages in the Cotswolds.
Next stop: Drive through charming Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon-Avon, approximately one hour away.
Stratford-upon-Avon (1 day)
Successfully leaving Stratford-upon-Avon without procuring a Shakespearean token is an impressive feat. As the birthplace of England’s most illustrious playwright, the town capitalizes on its literary legacy, allowing visitors to explore the half-timbered residences where the Bard lived and through a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company at its home venue.
Explore the Best of Northern England
Duration: 7 days; Distance: 350 miles (563 km)
Northern England possesses a rich tapestry of history that rivals the south, complemented by stunning landscapes that have witnessed significant historic events, from the Wars of the Roses to the Industrial Revolution. It is advisable to be prepared for the weather—adequate walking gear and a raincoat are essential as the northern terrain is best explored on foot.
Birmingham (1 day)
England’s second-largest city, Birmingham, is pulsating with a vibrant urban revitalization that has transformed former factories and aging civic structures into contemporary shopping and artistic hubs. The city boasts a thriving nightlife, ranging from fine Indian dining in the historic Jewellery Quarter to lively microbreweries and venues for emerging musical talent.
Next stop: A one-hour drive takes you to Ironbridge.
Ironbridge (1 day)
The birthplace of British iron-making, Ironbridge serves as an enjoyable base for venturing into the heart of the Industrial Revolution. After exploring the numerous museums that detail its history, you can recharge in the serene hills, far away from urban crowds. Additionally, delightful small towns that benefited from England’s industrial progress await exploration.
Next stop: The journey from Ironbridge to the Peak District takes approximately two hours.
Peak District National Park (1 day)
Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the majestic purple moorlands of the Peak District, where towns with stone walls and repurposed disused railway lines provide easy access to breathtaking English vistas from elevated areas. Scattered amidst the hills are exquisite stately homes whose elegance stands in stark contrast to the industrial heritage enveloping the region.
Next stop: Drive 1.5 hours to Liverpool.
Liverpool (1 day)
Visit Liverpool for its Beatles legacy, but remain to appreciate grand architectural landmarks, maritime history, and a diverse array of museums. Football fans immerse themselves in the passion of the local game at Anfield, while culinary enthusiasts explore a burgeoning dining scene. If time permits, consider an additional day for a 55-mile, three-hour ferry from Liverpool to the Isle of Man, noted for its dramatic coastline, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Plan for five hours on the island.
Next stop: From Liverpool, drive 1.5 hours to York.
York (1 day)
Historic York offers an impressive display of Yorkshire’s rich heritage—including history, inviting pubs, an impressive cathedral, Tudor and Viking relics, as well as the country’s finest railway museum. Furthermore, it boasts convenient access to the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. You may wish to use York as a base for exploring nearby attractions, such as Castle Howard (30 minutes’ drive) or Fountains Abbey (also a 30-minute drive), allowing four hours for each visit.
Next stop: The drive from York to the Lake District National Park takes approximately 2.25 hours.
Lake District National Park (2 days)
The Lake District is famed throughout England for its stunning natural beauty, ensuring that the influx of visitors does little to diminish its splendor. The park is renowned as the ideal locale for walking, so anticipate sharing the trails leading up Helvellyn, Scafell Pike, and the Old Man of Coniston. Visiting during spring or autumn enables you to experience this remarkable scenery with reduced crowds.
Unwind in Green and Pleasant England
Duration: 7 days; Distance: 528 miles (849 km)
Heeding the variable weather, England’s temperate landscapes are a marvel. From the coastal cliffs of the south to the expansive beaches of North Norfolk, the countryside is dotted with cycling paths, walking trails, and scenic backroads, often ending your day’s excursions with a delightful pint.
Dartmoor National Park (1 day)
Embark on your adventure into England’s wilderness at one of the midst’s most enchanting national parks, characterized by dramatic landscapes of stunted forests, exposed highlands, and intricate granite formations. Within a day trip, you can explore Devon’s beaches and Cornwall’s surf locales; Dartmoor is an ideal setting for exhilarating walks complemented by a refreshing drink in an inn filled with local artifacts on the park’s periphery.
Next stop: Travel by car to Lymington (a three-hour drive) to board the ferry to Yarmouth (30 minutes) on the Isle of Wight.
Isle of Wight (1 day)
Ferrying across to the Isle of Wight sets a leisurely holiday pace. Queen Victoria popularized England’s offshore escape, with her lemon-yellow Italianate Osborne House, and modern visitors still indulge in similar traditions. The island boasts 67 miles of coastline featuring beaches, steep white cliffs, and tranquil sand dunes, as well as untamed areas to explore, particularly its west coast, where the jagged Needles rocks rise dramatically from the sea.
Next stop: From Ryde on the Isle of Wight, board a ferry to Portsmouth (eight minutes), then drive for approximately 1.75 hours to reach South Downs National Park.
South Downs Way (1 day)
The South Downs Way connects Eastbourne to Winchester and stretches across rolling chalk hills, home to varied wildlife, including birds of prey that soar above and breathtaking coastal vistas from the elevated ridges. For the most scenic experience, focus on the segment between Eastbourne and Alfriston, where picturesque lighthouses embellish the landscape as it plunges into the resplendent sea at Beachy Head.
Next stop: Drive two and a half hours to Canterbury.
Canterbury (1 day)
The journey northeast reveals vineyard-lined countryside; this sunny part of England is renowned for producing remarkable wines, allowing for delightful stops for tastings. Continue on to Canterbury, where the iconic Canterbury Cathedral stands as a UNESCO-listed marvel, surrounded by narrow cobbled lanes, ancient city walls, and the largest surviving medieval gateway in England. Additionally, you may find charming riverside gardens amid a dynamic student community.
Next stop: Drive two and a half hours to the Dedham Vale National Landscape.
Dedham Vale National Landscape (1 day)
The idyllic scenery of the Dedham Vale National Landscape, with its gentle fields, wooded areas, and expansive skies, is a source of inspiration for the renowned painters Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable—both of whom hailed from this area, and the landscapes they depicted remain largely unchanged. Spend your time exploring on foot, by bicycle, or along the waterways, and enjoy accommodation in the charming inns dotted throughout.
Next stop: The drive to the Norfolk Coast National Landscape takes about three hours.
Norfolk Coast National Landscape (1 day)
Journeying north around East Anglia leads to the Norfolk Coast National Landscape, where extensive sandy beaches, backed by dunes, salt marshes, meadows, and forests, attract diverse and rare concentrations of resident and migratory birds, including oystercatchers, plover, curlew, and brent geese. In springtime, listen out for the distinct calls of bitterns. Numerous nature reserves enhance this area, with hides providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
Journey Through the East of England
Duration: 7 days; Distance: 450 miles (724 km)
This week-long journey through England’s east takes you to esteemed centers of academia, from the prestigious colleges of Cambridge to the magnificent cathedral and castle in Lincoln, a UNESCO Global Geopark, alongside a mesmerizing Dark Sky Park with a famous observatory, culminating in the sacred, ancient Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island.
Cambridge (1 day)
The picturesque university city of Cambridge features serene punts gliding beneath stunning stone bridges along its winding river, historic colleges, and gentle greens that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Nevertheless, it is also a vibrant hub of student activity, showcasing pubs, restaurants, and cultural venues, including the renowned Footlights comedy club. Remember, enchanting sights await just outside in the idyllic Cambridgeshire countryside.
Next stop: From Cambridge, it’s a two-hour drive to Lincoln.
Lincoln (1 day)
Navigate through the East Midlands to Lincoln. While it also features a vibrant student community along its waterfront, it is up the aptly named Steep Hill, lined with charming shops, that you’ll discover Lincoln’s cathedral, adorned with soaring Gothic towers and exquisite stained glass, along with Lincoln Castle, constructed by William the Conqueror and home to an original copy of the Magna Carta.
Next stop: A two and three-quarter-hour drive leads you to Whitby.
Whitby (1 day)
Whitby presents a delightful amalgamation of breathtaking scenery, significant history, and literary connections. Overlooking the stone-built harbor and long stretches of sandy beach, the haunting remains of Whitby Abbey attract literature enthusiasts, while the adjacent North York Moors National Park invites hikers and mountain bikers alike. Coupled with the finest fish and chips in the country, this experience makes for an extraordinary seaside day.
Next stop: A two and a half-hour drive takes you to the North Pennines.
North Pennines (1 day)
The North Pennines National Landscape showcases peaks, deep gorges, and windswept moors, designating it as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Scattered throughout this striking region are enchanting villages and towns, such as Alston, England’s highest market town, as well as numerous hiking trails, including ancient woodland paths and significantly challenging routes like the 268-mile Pennine Way, extending all the way to the Peak District.
Next stop: Drive two hours along Hadrian’s Wall to reach Kielder.
Kielder (2 days)
On your journey to the remote Kielder, you will travel along a segment of Hadrian’s Wall, the remnants of the formidable engineering marvel that marked the border between Roman Britannia and uncharted Caledonia. Allocate some time to stop at historical forts during your travels. This vast and largely uninhabited sector of England has earned designation as the country’s first International Dark Sky Park; consider an overnight stay to explore Kielder Observatory and witness the breathtaking night sky.
Next stop: It’s a two and a half-hour drive to Lindisfarne.
Lindisfarne (1 day)
Conclude your eastern expedition along the tranquil Northumberland Coast with a pilgrimage to Lindisfarne, or Holy Island—established as a priory by St. Aidan in 634 CE. You will find remnants of its 11th-century priory alongside the 18th-century Lindisfarne Castle. Reaching the island represents a pilgrimage in itself, as it can only be accessed via a tidal causeway; therefore, it is paramount to check tide times before your departure.
Discover England’s Royals and Rebels
Duration: 7 days; Distance: 495 miles (796 km)
This journey resonates with history, steeped in castles and intriguing narratives. Launching from spirited Nottingham, famous for its outlaw Robin Hood, you will traverse to Leicester, revealing the astonishing rediscovery of King Richard III. Your travels will then proceed to the New Forest and across to Windsor, concluding at the fortifications of Colchester, known as Britain’s oldest town, and the medieval streets of Norwich, famously dubbed England’s “City of Stories.”
Nottingham (1 day)
Commence your journey in the dynamic city of Nottingham. Engaging, history-laden Robin Hood tours by Ezekial Bone provide a comprehensive overview of the locale. Dive deeper into local legends at Nottingham Castle, and take a break at the atmospheric 1189 pub, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, situated within a cave where King Richard I’s forces once gathered prior to embarking on the Crusades.
Next stop: From Nottingham, it’s a one-hour drive to Leicester.
Leicester (1 day)
A brief drive south leads you to Leicester, rich in historical significance: Richard III, England’s last king to die in battle in nearby Bosworth, was missing for centuries until astonishingly, his remains were uncovered under a Leicester car park in 2012. At the KRIII centre, visitors can explore the discovery site, and nearby Leicester Cathedral houses his final resting place.
Next stop: Drive for three and a half hours to reach the New Forest.
New Forest (1 day)
On the edge of the New Forest (established by William the Conqueror), high on the cliffs of Dorset near Bournemouth’s expansive beach, Highcliffe Castle stands as a remarkable example of the Romantic and Picturesque architectural style from the early 19th century. Conversely, the New Forest also houses the impressive artillery fortress Hurst Castle, erected by Henry VIII.
Next stop: Drive two hours to Windsor.
Windsor (1 day)
Ascend to the Thames Valley, just west of London, where Windsor Castle stands as a monumental fortress. As the oldest and largest occupied castle globally, it has served as the residence for 40 monarchs since its establishment by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Upon completing your tour, visit St George’s Chapel, where Queen Elizabeth II rests, and enjoy the expansive grounds of the estate.
Next stop: From Windsor, a two and a half-hour drive will take you to Colchester.
Colchester (1 day)
As you veer north of London, Colchester reveals itself as the country’s oldest town, with origins dating back to the 5th century BCE. The Romans arrived in 43 CE, establishing Camulodunum, which was subsequently destroyed by Boudica less than two decades later. The prosperous market town that arose from the ashes would endure through the Norman Conquest, Reformation, and English Civil War.
Next stop: A two-hour drive from Colchester leads you to Norwich.
Norwich (1 day)
Journey to the site of another rebel leader, anti-privatization figure Robert Kett, who stormed into Norwich in 1549; he ultimately faced execution on the castle walls later that year. Presently, this charming city showcases some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in the country, including its notable cathedral, alongside myriad cultural and culinary experiences that form a fitting conclusion to your journey.
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This article was first published on May 12, 2022, and updated on October 7, 2024.
