Top England Itineraries
Day 1: London
The capital is just the jumping-off point for this trip, so choose a few highlights for one day here. If it's the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, check the ceremony time to be sure you catch the pageantry. If Westminster Abbey appeals to your sense of history, arrive as early as you can. Pick a museum (many are free, so you needn't linger if you don't want to), whether it's the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, the British Museum in Bloomsbury, or Tate Modern on the South Bank. Stroll through Hyde Park or take a boat ride on the Thames before you find a pub or Indian restaurant for dinner. End with a play; London's theater scene is world-renowned.
Day 2: Windsor
Resplendent with centuries of treasures, Windsor Castle is the Queen's favorite residence, and has been home to many of her ancestors. A tour will give you an appreciation of the monarchy's history and power. The State Apartments are open if the Queen isn’t in residence, and 10 kings and queens are buried in the magnificent St. George's Chapel on the grounds. Time permitting, take a walk in the adjacent Great Park. If you can splurge for a luxurious stay (as opposed to taking a day trip from London), head to Cliveden, the Thames Valley's most upscale hotel.
Logistics: Trains from Paddington and Waterloo stations leave about twice hourly and take less than one hour. Green Line buses depart from the Colonnades opposite London's Victoria Coach Station.
Day 3: Salisbury and Stonehenge or Stourhead
The soaring spire of Salisbury Cathedral is visible for miles around and is a marvel of medieval engineering. The cathedral itself contains one of the original copies of the Magna Carta in its Chapter House. Walk through the town to the water meadows to see the view John Constable immortalized in his painting. While here, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit nearby Stonehenge (reachable by car or tour bus). Entry is by timed ticket, so make sure to book in advance to guarantee seeing this extraordinarily fascinating and evocative site. It's usually at its least crowded early or late in the day. If Stonehenge isn't your thing, visit the gardens of Stourhead instead, a superb example of the romantic, naturalistic 18th-century landscaping for which England is famous. Save some time to tour the grand Palladian mansion on the site as well.
Logistics: For trains to Salisbury from Windsor and Eton Riverside, head back to London's Waterloo to catch a train on the West of England line.
Day 4: Bath
Bath's immaculately preserved, golden-stone Georgian architecture transports you back to the world of the late 18th century. Take time to explore the city on foot; check out the harmonious Royal Crescent (and the period interiors of No. 1) and sample the Pump Room's sulfuric "curative" water, just like Jane Austen's contemporaries would have. Originally established by the Romans when the city was an outpost of empire, the baths have been restored and expanded as the Thermae Bath Spa and today you can relax in the mineral waters fed by hot springs much like the Romans did. There's plenty to do here in the way of museums, shopping, and theater.
Logistics: Trains and buses leave hourly from Salisbury to Bath.
Day 5: The Cotswolds
Beloved for its mellow stone villages and dreamy green landscapes, the Cotswolds have much to offer a visitor, whether you're after antiques (try charming Stow-on-the-Wold) or just feeding ducks in a picturesque setting (the brook in Lower Slaughter). Choose a rainy or off-season day to visit lovely Broadway or risk being stuck in jams of tourist traffic. To really experience the bucolic landscape, take a walk on the Cotswold Way or any local path.
Logistics: You'll need a car to explore the beautiful countryside. Alternatively, opt for a guided tour bus.
Day 6: Oxford and Blenheim Palace
Join a guided tour to get the best access to Oxford's glorious, centuries-old quadrangles, chapels, and gardens. This leaves time for an excursion to Blenheim, a unique combination of baroque opulence and naturalistic parkland, the work of the great 18th-century landscape designer Capability Brown. For other classic Oxford experiences, rent a punt or go on a pub crawl around town.
Logistics: Hourly trains depart from Bath for Oxford. Buses frequently depart from Oxford's Gloucester Green for Blenheim Palace.
Day 7: Stratford-upon-Avon
A place of pilgrimage for Shakespeare enthusiasts, in Stratford-upon-Avon you can visit the Bard's birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage where the future Mrs. S grew up (walking there is a delight), and then finish by taking in a memorable performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company's magnificently renovated main stage. Start the day early and be prepared for crowds.
Logistics: From Oxford, trains involve one or two changes; there is less-frequent Stagecoach bus service.
Day 8: Shrewsbury to Chester
Head north to see the half-timber buildings of Shrewsbury, one of the best preserved of England's Tudor towns, and best experienced on foot. The architecture in Chester is very similar (if not always authentic), but don't miss the impressive city walls or the Rows, a terrace of two-story shops with medieval crypts beneath. You can walk part or all of the city walls for views of the town and surrounding area.
Logistics: For Shrewsbury, change trains at Birmingham. The train ride to Chester is less than an hour.
Days 9 and 10: The Lake District
The lakes and surrounding mountains extending north beyond Kendal and Windermere in the area known as the Lake District are renowned for their beauty and peacefulness despite the crowds of hikers in summer and on weekends; rent a car so you can seek out the more isolated destinations. Take a cruise on Lake Windermere or Coniston Water, or rent a boat for another classic Lakeland experience. If you have time for one Wordsworth-linked site, head for Dove Cottage, where you can have afternoon tea, too.
Logistics: Take the train to Oxenholme with a change at Warrington Bank Quay. At Oxenholme you can switch to Windermere.
Day 11: York
The highlight of this historic cathedral city crammed with 15th- and 16th-century buildings (especially in the Shambles) is York Minster with its stunning stained glass and soaring Gothic architecture. Explore the city's Viking past in one of the many museums or unwind with afternoon tea at Betty's or a pint at a pub. A walk along the top of the medieval walls offers excellent views.
Logistics: By train from Oxenholme, switch at Manchester Piccadilly, or from Carlisle change at Newcastle or Leeds.
Day 12: Cambridge
Spend the afternoon touring King's College Chapel and the gardens and sprawling meadows of the Backs, then refine your punting skills on the River Cam. A visit to the excellent Fitzwilliam Museum, full of art and antiquities, is another option, as is the Polar Museum.
Logistics: For train service, switch at Peterborough. Trains leave Cambridge for London frequently.
