travel around uk in 10 days

10 Day England Itinerary: The Best Sights And Attractions In England

This 10-day england itinerary takes you on a tour of the most famous sights in the country, plus a few hidden gems.

If you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom, it’s hard to know where to start. The first big decision is do you fancy spending all of your time in England, or perhaps venture to Wales or Scotland too? While Britain isn’t a huge island (you could drive from Land’s End in the south to John O’Groats in the north in under 15 hours) the scenery is varied and you’ll want to take your time.

If it’s your first visit, I’d recommend focusing on England, and spending at least a week travelling around. You can move at a fast pace and visit a new place each day, but if you fancy a more leisurely trip, you’ll probably want to allow a minimum of 2 days in some of them, especially when you factor in the travel time.

Coming up is a 10-day England itinerary packed full of the best sights in the country. I’ll admit it’s been really difficult to choose where to include. There are SO many other places that are equally as beautiful, but this route gives you a nice variety.

From London’s museums and iconic landmarks, to the epic beauty of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Bath’s history and the landscapes of the Lake District, this itinerary has it all! If you want to wander through streets that could feature in Harry Potter or soak up the romance of where The Holiday was filmed, there are some iconic movie locations on this route too.

The easiest way to travel around England is by car. It’ll give you the flexibility to get off the beaten track, visit some unique destinations and pack as much into your trip as your time allows. However, if you’d rather use public transport, all of these locations are accessible by trains or buses too.

10-Day England Itinerary: The Best Sights And Attractions In England

2 days in london.

There’s SO much to see in the UK’s capital, you could easily spend a week exploring the city. For this 10-day England itinerary I’ve suggested you spend 2 days in London and pack in as much sightseeing as you can.

If it’s your first time in London you can’t miss the key landmarks. Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, see London from a different angle from one of the 32 pods on the London Eye, check the time at Big Ben, explore Westminster Abbey, wave to Nelson in Trafalgar Square, see Tower Bridge open for a tall ship, see the crown jewels sparkling inside the Tower of London and step inside St Paul’s Cathedral. It sounds like a lot, but you can see so many sights with a long walk along the River Thames.

One of the best ways of doing all of this is on a bus tour. We really like this vintage open-top bus tour which is just oh so quintessentially British. This tour has a guide explaining all the top sights.

Alternatively, another tour we love is this half-day bike tour . In 4 hours you get to ride around London taking in all the sights – it’s a really cool way of seeing London, especially on a bright sunny day.

If you love museums, take a trip to South Kensington and venture inside the impressive Natural History Museum and Science Museums. They both have lots of interesting interactive exhibits and are great for families.

For tasty food, take a wander through Borough Market or Camden Market. If you love architecture, how about a little tour of Notting Hill. The pastel coloured houses are like something out of a kid’s book. Or for a great view, walk to the top of Primrose Hill. It’s one of our favourite spots on a sunny day. 

The easiest way to get around London is using public transport. You can either pick up an Oyster Card (a contactless travel card) or use your own contactless bank card.

1 Day In Brighton

After a great few days in London, it’s time to escape to the coast. Brighton is one of the best seaside day trips from London by train (journey takes one hour) and a gorgeous place to explore on foot.

There’s the pier which is crammed full of fun rides, amusement arcades and food outlets wafting the sickly scent of donuts through the air. There’s a mammoth pebbly beach, lined with little art galleries, gift shops and restaurants.

For a great view of Brighton, you could take a trip on the i360 – a tourist attraction which offers great views of the area. Plus, there are some gorgeous hotels on the seafront if you want to stay overnight.

One of our favourite things about Brighton is the shopping scene. The Lanes and North Laine are full of character, and are THE place to visit for independent stores, quirky cafes and restaurants. This is a great place to shop for vintage jewellery and bohemian clothing.

Once you’ve done all of that, you’ll definitely have earned some fish and chips on the beach. Just watch out for the seagulls overhead – they’re always hungry!

1 Day In Dorset

I was debating whether to recommend two days in Cornwall, or break up the journey with one day in Dorset. Needless to say, Dorset won! I visited last year for the first time and would definitely suggest you include a stop there on your 10-day England itinerary.

Dorset is known for its dramatic coastline, known as the Jurassic Coast. I’d recommend the clifftop walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door – England’s iconic rock arch. If you have time, you could also do the walk from Studland Bay to Old Harry Rocks. It’s another beautiful spot, with huge chalk stones standing in the water.

Alternatively, if you fancy a more relaxing day you could drive to West Bay to see the enormous limestone cliffs, which show the falling sea levels from over 175 million years ago. Or enjoy the adorable English villages of Milton Abbas or Abbotsbury.

Both have main streets lined with charming thatched cottages, many decorated with pretty plants and flowers. It’s got a quaint English charm! 

Alternatively, if you’re basing yourself in London for your England itinerary, then this is an amazing 5 day tour of Dorset and Cornwall . On this tour EVERYTHING is taken care of for you, so you don’t need to worry about transport, tickets or anything else like that.

1 Day In Cornwall

Cornwall is one of my favourite parts of England. This southern region of mainland Britain is where you’ll find a spectacular rugged coastline, top surf beaches and some of the best fresh seafood in the country. It’s a walker’s paradise, and a great place for day hikes along the South West Coast Path .

The Cornish coastline is stunning – it’s no wonder it’s one of the top places for people to go on holiday in UK. For beach time head to Fistral Beach (Newquay’s famous surf beach), Bedruthan Steps (epic rock views), Pedn Vounder (might have you fooled for the Caribbean) or Kynance Cove (with its incredible rock formation).

Alternatively, you could focus on Cornwall’s food scene. There are lots of great restaurants dotted around the county, but the most famous town for gastronomy is Padstow .

Legendary chefs Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth have launched a culinary empire in the town, and there’s a nice mix of high-end to budget friendly options. Most of them involve fresh fish and seafood brought in daily by fisherman in Padstow Harbour. Read our guide to the 13 best places to eat in Padstow before you go! 

1 Day In Bath

Bath is one of England’s prettiest cities. Most buildings here are constructed from Bath stone – a beige limestone which gives the city a certain uniformity. It’s a very walkable city, and one of my top recommendations would be to get lost in the pretty streets.

There are a few highlights not to be missed. If you’re a lover of history, the city of Bath offers a lot. First time visitors must visit the Roman baths . It’s incredible to learn about the ancient ways of the Romans and their impact on modern civilisation.

For the best views, I’d recommend climbing the tower of Bath Abbey (bookable as part of a guided tour). It’s a tiring climb up, but well worth it once you see the stunning cityscapes from the top.

Alternatively, an evening cruise on the water with a glass of prosecco is a great way of seeing the city too!

If you’re craving relaxation after a busy few days of travelling, you could spend some time enjoying the soothing waters of Thermae Bath Spa. There are several pools, saunas and steam rooms. One pool is on a roof terrace and offers lovely views of the city too!

Bath is a sophisticated city, with great places to eat and drink, lovely independent shops and plenty of history, so it’s s great addition to your 10-day England itinerary!

1 Day In The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is one of the most picturesque regions of England. If you’ve grown up watching films set in cute English villages, you can bet 99% of the time they were filmed in this area! You know, the beautiful snowy Christmas scenes in The Holiday and Bridget Jones? Yep, they were filmed in the Cotswolds.

If you’re only spending one day in the area as part of a bigger 10-day England itinerary, I’d recommend visiting Bibury and walking down Arlington Row. After that, head to Moreton in Marsh, Bourton on the Water, Upper and Lower Slaughter and Broadway.

The best way to enjoy this area is on a little road trip, stopping off at towns and villages, then having a little country walk before enjoying a traditional cream tea. There are a number of beautiful accommodation options in this area too, from adorable B&Bs to huge country manor houses.

Alternatively, if you want everything taken care of for you, then this is one of the most popular tours of the Cotswolds from London . It is packed full of all the top things to do in the area, and it’s one of the most recommended Cotswold tours out there!

2 Days In The Lake District

After spending time in The Cotswolds, it’s time to head north. It’s a long journey, so it might be best to add in a travel day at this point if possible.

The Lake District is England’s largest national park and covers 912 square miles. It’s stunningly beautiful, with rolling hills, pretty lakes and some of the best restaurants in the country.

With just two days in the area, we’d recommend a mix of hiking, water activities and good food. There are lots of Michelin starred restaurants in the Lake District , so you could treat yourselves to an extra special meal. Our favourite was Cottage in the Wood, but there are a few others including Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume that we’d love to visit one day!

In terms of hiking, one of our favourite routes is up to Cat Bells. The views from up there are absolutely incredible. We also really enjoyed the hike from Pooley Bridge to Aira Force waterfall . The route passes high over the hills, with epic views of Ullswater from the top.

If you like getting out on the water, then there are plenty of opportunities in this area. You could kayak, hire a sailing boat, try stand up paddle boarding, go canyoning or enjoy a leisurely journey on board the historic Ullswater Steamer.

Another fantastic Great British tour is of 10 lakes in the Lake District . Here you get to hop from each lake seeing which one is your favourite – it’s a

1 Day In Cambridge

You’ve made it to the final day of your 10-day England itinerary, and it’s time for a trip to Cambridge. History lovers will adore walking the grounds of famous university colleges here. The architecture is amazing and feels very grand. The city centre has plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy too.

One of the top things to do in Cambridge is go punting . It’s not an activity that goes on in other cities really – Cambridge is THE place for it. There’s nothing quite like gliding down the River Cam learning all about the history of Cambridge while on a punting tour.

As you relax on board the boat you get to see some of the sights that are tricky to view properly from the banks of the river, including the spectacular Bridge of Sighs, the Mathematical Bridge and the back of King’s College.

As another thing to do, it’s really popular to take a tour of the colleges too for that real Cambridge university experience.

It’s a beautiful city to explore, and a great place to round off an exciting and varied 10 days in England.

Fancy going further afield? Head to Scotland and visit Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile or venture out into the stunning Scottish Highlands.

Alternatively, you could cross the border into Wales and visit Snowdonia or the Gower Coast. There’s so much to see in Britain – who knows where you’ll end up!

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1 thought on “10 Day England Itinerary: The Best Sights And Attractions In England”

Excellent article with lovely pictures. Very informative.

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UK Trip Itinerary: Travel Around the UK in 10 Days

We’ve both lived in the UK for pretty much our whole lives and there’s a very good reason why we’ve stayed all these years. It’s because it’s such a beautiful country!

Over the years, we’ve seen nearly every corner of the UK together and now we’re here to share this UK trip itinerary with you.

In order to see more than just London, we’d recommend you travel around the UK in 10 days or longer by car. This itinerary will focus on some incredible places you should make an effort to see during your road trip .

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Days 1 & 2: London

No trip to the UK would be complete without a visit to the capital, London. Plus, the chances are very high that this is the city you’re going to be flying in to.

Although you could easily spend the full ten days of this itinerary wandering around London and still not see it all, we’re on a mission to prove that there’s a whole country to explore outside of the capital city, so we recommend you spend your first 48 hours in London, followed by a fun UK road trip.

If it’s your first visit to London, you should make an effort to see all the top spots and attractions such as Buckingham Palace , the Houses of Parliament , Westminster Abbey , Tower Bridge , the Tower of London , the London Eye and Trafalgar Square , as well as popular shopping districts, Oxford Street , Regent Street , Camden Market and Portobello Road Market , all of which look stunning at Christmas time .

READ MORE:  17 FAMOUS STREETS IN LONDON YOU MUST SEE!

For those of you who have already seen all of these top spots, you can start venturing off the beaten path a little bit in order to see places like the pretty Mews Streets , Sky Garden , Belgravia (including the Peggy Porschen cafe ), the Prime Meridian Line , Holland Park , Little Venice , Mayfield Lavender Field , the Cutter & Squidge tea room , and loads more.

For lots more off the beaten path places to visit in London, you should definitely make it your mission to read Pretty City London: Discovering London’s Beautiful Places by Siobhan Ferguson.

It’s full of inspiration and run by the same woman behind the hugely successful Pretty City London and The Pretty Cities Instagram accounts. Get the book here >>>

Discover even more recommendations (from a London local) in this blog post! >>>

Day 3: Oxford

Taking less than 90 minutes to drive to Oxford, a truly iconic UK city , this is usually a popular day trip idea from London.

In this particular itinerary, it serves as the perfect halfway point between London and the South West, plus it’s a beautiful city so rightly deserves its place among the best here.

You can easily see the best of Oxford within one day, such as the Radcliffe Camera , Oxford Castle , Bridge of Sighs , University of Oxford Botanic Garden , Port Meadow , and a long walk along the canal before making your way across to the Cotswolds area for the next few days of this itinerary.

Day 4: Cheltenham

Found in the north of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham is one of the most historic towns in the UK as it’s the most complete Regency town .

Cheltenham was once the place to be in the 18th century after its spa waters were discovered and commercialised. Wealthy Londoners saw it as the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle (and smog!) of the capital.

Nowadays, the stunning stucco facades and ripe history are blended with the modern including a newly established street art scene.

As Cheltenham is quite a small town, you only need to spend one day here in order to see the best of it, including the town’s many beautiful parks and gardens , Pittville Pump Room , historic Regency architecture and the Promenade .

For more fun things to do in Cheltenham, take a look at this blog post >>>

Day 5: The Cotswolds

Thatched-roof cottages, rolling green hills, stone buildings and farmlands evoke the ultimate vision of the quintessential English countryside.

And often, it’s the villages found in the stunning Cotswolds that evoke these thoughts and inspire travellers to visit the UK, which is why there should be no surprise for the Cotswolds to make it onto this UK trip itinerary.

It’s recommended that you spend a full day exploring some of the best Cotswolds villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water , Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold , which are all fairly close to one another, oh so beautiful and just what you imagine when thinking of a Cotswold village.

Read more about these Cotswolds villages and what to see and do in each one here >>>

Day 6: Bristol

Considered to be one of the most fun, vibrant and relaxed cities in the UK, there are lots of very good reasons why you should make an effort to see Bristol during your trip.

It’s a fairly small city so is really walkable, and offers so much beauty, intrigue, colour and fun along the way.

Some of the city’s most iconic landmarks include the Clifton Suspension Bridge , SS Great Britain , the Matthew , the Harbourside and the old part of the city centre, while there’s also plenty of more unusual places to visit for those of you after something a little more unique during your trip as well.

For more Bristol inspiration, take a look at our one day in Bristol itinerary >>> Or check out all of our Bristol blogs here >>>

Day 7: Brecon Beacons

While you’re in this neck of the woods, it makes sense to see some of the Brecon Beacons in Wales… especially if you’re an outdoors adventure lover like us.

The Brecon Beacons are an iconic image when thinking about the UK and easily one of the most beautiful places owned by the National Trust .

There are so many different kinds of walk you can take – from hiking across the grassy plains , to walking behind waterfalls , to rambling near reservoirs .

In order to see all of the best parts of the Brecon Beacons, it would easily take you the full ten days of this itinerary. So with only one day devoted to it, your best bet would be to drive through some of it and do an easy day hike as well.

Two of our favourite walks (ever) have been in the Brecon Beacons.

The first is the Four Waterfalls Walk near Ystradfellte , which involves woodland walks and the opportunity to walk behind a large waterfall (for free)! This is a lot of fun … and very wet, obviously!

Our second favourite walk in the Brecon Beacons is around Pontsticill Reservoir .

The water is a stunning shade of blue, and there are little secluded areas by the waters edge, perfect for picnicking in. You can also walk across the bridge in the middle of the reservoir to get perfect 360 degree views of the reservoir.

Good luck picking just one of these walks to do!

For more Brecon Beacons inspiration, check out our hiking guides:

• Pontsticill Reservoir
• Four Waterfalls Walk

Day 8: Bath

With the whole city declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 and depicting the very essence of English idyll, Bath is one of our most favourite of European cities.

The entire vibe is like something out of a Jane Austen novel. From the Bath buildings, to the stunning abbey, to the Ancient Roman baths, this entire city is a cultural and historical wonder.

As a walkable city, it’s easy to see the highlights of Bath in just one day (without rushing). Some of the top attractions to see are the Roman Baths , Bath Abbey , Royal Crescent , The Jane Austen Centre , Assembly Rooms , as well as The Botanical Gardens in Victoria Park.

To find out how to spend a perfect one day in Bath, click here >>>

Day 9: Stonehenge & Salisbury

Stonehenge is possibly one of the most iconic landmarks in all of the UK.

Thought to have been constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC, archaeologists believe it could have once been a burial ground.

T oday, it’s a marvel to walk around as you wonder how our Neolithic ancestors were able to construct such an incredible monument without modern machinery.

From Bath, it’ll take you just short of an hour to drive to Stonehenge, and you’d want to spend around 1-2 hours at Stonehenge itself. From there, it takes just 20 minutes to drive to Salisbury, which we highly recommend doing to make a day of it .

Salisbury is another of the UK’s historic cities, albeit a slightly less popular one with global tourists.

Inside Salisbury Cathedral , you’ll find one of four original Magna Carta documents, while the city of Salisbury offers so many other historic landmarks including a pub ( The Haunch of Venison ), which dates back as far as 700 years ago. Plus, their food is pretty damn delicious!

For more interesting things to do in Salisbury, take a look at this blog post >>>

Day 10: London

Your final day is probably going to be spent making your way back to London to catch your flight.

If you’ve followed this itinerary, then you’re looking at a two hour drive from Salisbury to the centre of London.

You may want to spend a few final hours continuing to explore London (depending on what time your flight is)… for anything you didn’t have time to do during your first two days in the UK.

ALTERNATIVELY…

Popular with UK locals and tourists alike the world over, the pretty counties of Devon and Cornwall are also well worth a visit.

If you’ve got an extra few days to spend in the UK in order to make this a 2 week UK trip itinerary instead, then you should definitely take a slight detour through Devon and onto Cornwall to see places like Exmoor National Park , Dartmoor National Park , the Eden Project , the Lost Gardens of Heligan , Lands End and some of the best Cornwall beaches .

You could easily do this detour after visiting Bristol or Bath if you’re following the above itinerary.

Get some tips and inspiration in our Cornwall road trip itinerary post >>>

Alternatively, you could also skip Oxford, Cheltenham, the Cotswolds and Bristol in order to head straight to Devon and Cornwall from London if preferred. If you do this, you should set aside around 3 or 4 days to see the best of these two counties.

Is this UK itinerary not quite what you were after? We also offer custom travel planning services !

Where to Stay in the UK for this 10 Day Itinerary

As you’ll be spending a couple of days in London as part of this itinerary, it makes sense to spend your first few nights here.

Generally speaking, London can be quite expensive compared to the rest of the UK, however, you can still get a decent night’s sleep within a mid-range budget if you stay in and around North London, such as Hampstead or Islington.

Here are a few of our hotel recommendations in London:

• Langorf Hotel : Housed within a traditional townhouse, Langorf can be found in Hampstead Borough, and has easy connections to London’s city centre via a 10 minute tube ride. The rooms are spacious with en-suites, while the communal areas are traditional, yet stylish.
• Haverstock Hotel : Haverstock Hotel can be found a 4 minute walk from Belsize Park Tube Station, which has direct connections to the centre of London, taking just 12 minutes. The rooms are all lavishly decorated, while the communal areas are understated, yet useful.
• Best Western Swiss Cottage Hotel : Best Western Swiss Cottage Hotel is also housed in a traditional townhouse, and is just metres away from the local tube station, which is on the Jubilee line, ensuring a trip into London’s centre takes less than 15 minutes. The rooms have all been traditionally decorated, while the communal areas look just as elegant.

The picturesque Cotswolds is a great area to stay in as it’s close to Cheltenham and Bristol, while it also only takes around 90 minutes to drive to the Brecon Beacons, making this area a perfect base for days 4 to 7 of this itinerary.

Covering over 800 square miles, the Cotswolds is a big area, so we would recommend you stay near Stroud in order to be as central as you can and close to the M5 motorway.

Here are a few of our hotel recommendations near Stroud:

• The Bear Of Rodborough Hotel : Found just a few minutes south of Stroud, The Bear Of Rodborough is housed within a former 17th century coaching inn, which means the communal areas have plenty of character. The rooms themselves have been elegantly renovated, while maintaining as much of the inn’s character as possible.
• Burleigh Court Hotel : Also found a few minutes south of Stroud, Burleigh Court Hotel is also steeped in history and character; this time inspired by its 18th century manor house roots. The rooms are all incredibly spacious and full of period charm.
• Wild Garlic Bistro & Rooms : For a more modern stay near Stroud, the Wild Garlic Bistro & Rooms is a great place to stay as a couple. The restaurant beneath the rooms is superb and the rooms themselves are all clean, bright and airy.

Bath is such an important part of UK history, and ridiculously pretty, so it’s highly recommended you spend a night in Bath if you can.

Your best bet would be to stay within the city’s historic centre. You may pay a little bit more, but you’ll definitely increase your chances of staying within a stunning period property.

Here are a few of our hotel recommendations in Bath:

• No.15 Great Pulteney : Found right in the middle of all of Bath’s action (just a 3 minute walk from the Roman Baths and Abbey), No.15 Great Pulteney is so luxurious. If you’ve ever wondered what it may have been like to live in an old Georgian manor house, then this is your chance!
• The Gainsborough Bath Spa : Housed above a lavish spa, The Gainsborough Bath Spa is able to offer the epitome in luxury and relaxation. In fact, it’s the only UK hotel with access to naturally heated thermal waters within its Spa Village. The rooms are charming and spacious, while access to the spa is well worth the money by itself.
• Abbey Hotel : Just two minutes from Bath Abbey, the Abbey Hotel is a large hotel, housed within a typical Georgian building. The rooms are all traditionally decorated, while the communal areas are lavish and elegant. This hotel is sure to give you a flavour of just what Bath is really about.

We hope you find this itinerary useful! Are you excited to travel around the UK for 10 days? We’d love to know what you’re most excited to see…

Don’t forget your UK packing list! Here’s what you should wear in the UK >>>

Need help planning your trip to the UK? Check out our UK travel planning guide now!

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Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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SUCH a good itinerary! Been to a couple of these places, London being a highlight since we lived there. Need to see some more of these beautiful places!

Thank you! We’re pleased to hear you like our itinerary so much! 100% agreed – there’s far too many incredible places to visit here, I hope you get to see more of them one day 🙂

You mean 10 days in England! The U.K is comprised of 4 countries, not just one.

Hi Mable, Thanks for taking the time to comment! Although this blog post does focus on England a lot, I do have to point out that we included a day in the Brecon Beacons in Wales on the seventh day, which is why we labelled this as a UK trip itinerary. I appreciate that being able to see more of the UK would be tricky in just 10 days though 🙂 Best, Justine

Why do you suggest visiting Bristol on Day 6 and Brecon Beacons Day 7? Doesn’t it make more sense inverted?

Thanks for commenting! We suggested visiting Bristol before the Brecon Beacons as we thought it would help to break up the driving on the first leg into Wales as Bristol is closer to Bath. However, we agree that you could do this part of the itinerary either way around as there isn’t that much to change up should you wish to 🙂

The Ultimate 10-Day England Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on January 3, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the perfect England itinerary can get a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re looking at exploring the country outside of the capital. There is so much to see and do in England that you can be forgiven if you feel slightly dazed when trying to figure out how to pack everything into a short period of time. However, if you’re planning to spend 10 days in England, there are tons of options available for you that can take you all over the country.

Far too many visitors to England set their sites only on London and fail to realise all that lies elsewhere in the country, from beautiful beaches to historic towns to stunning natural vistas — England has it all.

So if you’re interested in mapping out the perfect 10-day itinerary you’ve come to the right place. We’ve lived in and travelled around England extensively and have a lot of knowledge about where to go and how long to spend in each amazing destination in this beautiful country.

Table of Contents

Getting To & Around England

The road and rail systems in England are well-developed, but it can still take some planning to figure out how you want to get around.

First and foremost, you need to figure out which airport or city you will be flying into. If you’re planning on including London on your trip to England (or even if you’re not), then it’s probably easiest to fly into the capital, however, it is worth noting that there are a total of six international airports that serve the greater London area – these include Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, London City and Southend.

If you are coming from any further than continental Europe, then it is likely you will only fly into Heathrow or Gatwick, located to the southeast and south of Central London respectively. Getting to central London from any of the area’s main airports is straightforward and easy, as there are many different options available.

Once you’ve figured out your plan to get to England, you need to find out how you plan to get around. As I mentioned earlier, the public transit system in the vast majority of England is incredibly well-developed and easy to navigate.

As a general rule, if you’re planning on spending a good amount of time in cities, you can plan to rely solely on the public transport system and your own two feet to get around. This holds especially true for London, but can apply to most major metropolitan areas in England.

When you venture outside of the capital or other cities to enjoy the countryside and rolling hills of England, is when you may want to consider renting a car. While you don’t really need a car in the cities, having your own vehicle when exploring national parks or smaller villages is generally preferable as it can give you an infinite more amount of flexibility and control over your itinerary.

Driving in England is safe and easy, as the roads are in fantastic condition and people are generally very courteous drivers.

Keep in mind for those coming from abroad that they do drive on the left-hand side of the road in England and while this may seem daunting for those who are not used to it, it takes surprisingly little time to get the hang of it — especially if there is other traffic on the road!

If you’re planning on hiring a car while in England, we recommend booking through Rentalcars.com. This platform aggregates prices across many major car hire companies, ensuring that you get a great deal for your rental car.

It’s also worth considering taking out an excess insurance policy through a third party like iCarHireInsurance which will typically be cheaper compared to taking out the equivalent insurance through the car rental company.

If you don’t want to rent a car for your England road trip itinerary or just plan to get one for a couple of days but not for the entirety of your trip, then you’ll likely be wondering what the best way to get between cities is in England.

The rail network is going to be the most comfortable and efficient way to travel between English destinations and the system is extensive and incredibly easy to use. However, trains can be quite expensive in England if not booked far enough in advance. To avoid overpaying on a train ticket, we suggest using Omio to book your journeys well in advance.

If you want to save some money during your trip to England, then the bus is your best bet. Coaches in England are frequent and extensive and can cost a fraction of the same route on the train, however, they are not as comfortable and can be a fair bit slower depending on the route. Again, you can book coach routes online here.

London and Southwest Itinerary

This first itinerary for England has you exploring London and some of the most vibrant regions and cities to the west and along the coast. Though this itinerary can be done by public transport, it would be best done if you rented a car on the fourth day when leaving London.

Days 1-3: London

The best place to begin any trip to England is in its historic and vibrant capital city, London. As one of the largest cities in Europe, London is packed in the brim with cool and interesting things to see and do and there is no way that you will be able to pack it all into a mere three days , so it’s best not even to try.

Instead, concentrate your first day on the sites of central London, including Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, Green Park, the Palaces of Westminster, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Take a walking tour if you want to get your bearings and get some historical context for all the sites you’re seeing.

On your second day, visit the Tower of London, gaze in awe at the Tower Bridge, walk across the ultra-modern Millennium Bridge to the Tate Modern and visit St Paul’s Cathedral and Borough Market.

And on your third day in London, visit the incredible British Museum (the Egyptian exhibit is particularly fascinating if you ask me!), before browsing the shops on Oxford Street and in Covent Garden before wandering through the eclectic and trendy SoHo neighbourhood.

For visitors who plan to visit a lot of paid attractions, buying a London Go City Pass will save you money on entrance fees.

If you’re not interested in seeing more of the city, you could opt for a day trip to countless places including Windsor Castle, Oxford, Cambridge , Bath, the Seven Sisters or even to York. You can visit these places independently via coach or train or take a day tour if you’d prefer a guide.

Though three days in London won’t really allow you to venture past the city centre and to see anything much past the main tourist sites, it can still give you an excellent feel for the city (plus plenty of this to visit when you inevitably return!)

Where to Stay in London

Hotel Edward – A great mid-range option in Paddington, west London, this is a great place to stay if you want to be situated close to central London. They have countless great rooms available.

Sanderson Hotel – A hip luxury option in SoHo, this hotel is located only a quick dash away from Oxford Street. They have countless plush rooms on offer and a number of other amenities including a restaurant/bar, gym, spa and many others.

Astor Hyde Park Hostel – This hip hostel is perfect for budget and solo travellers in London. Located centrally close to Hyde Park, it is well situated to explore a lot of London’s top attractions, has fantastic common areas, and offers both dorm and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more London hotels!

Days 4-5: Bristol

From London, it’s time to head west to the trendy city of Bristol. This city is often overlooked by tourists and it really is a shame — it really has so much to offer. Though you can easily visit Bristol as a day trip from London, it is worth spending a night here, especially because you can spend your first day exploring all of the amazing sites on the way to the city.

On your way to Bristol, make sure to make a number of stop-offs and detours in order to really pack a lot of the highlights of West England into a short period of time.

A short detour from the motorway to Bristol will lead you to the iconic neolithic site of Stonehenge and a bit further afield, you can visit Salisbury with its famous cathedral.

And just a bit before you hit Bristol proper, make sure to spend a good amount of time exploring the beautiful city of Bath . This historic spa town has been an important settlement since Roman times and there are lots of cool things to see and do here.

Once in Bristol, there are lots of things to see and do in order to really get to know the city, but you can pack in into one day easily, you can take a guided tour or go about independently.

Learn about Bristol’s history at the fantastic M Shed museum or learn more about its maritime history at Brunel’s SS Great Britain museum.

If you’re interested in street art, you will be delighted to hear that the famous artist Banksy got his start in Bristol and it has a thriving arts scene. Bristol also has a wonderful food and craft beer scene and it can be enjoyed while exploring the revitalised area of Wapping Wharf.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Victoria Square Hotel Clifton Village – A plush boutique hotel located in Bristol’s lush Clifton suburb, this is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a mid-range option in the city. They have a range of rooms available and a hearty breakfast included in the nightly price.

The Bristol Hotel – The ideal luxury hotel in Bristol, this place is located within easy walking distance of the city’s top attractions and they have a number of clean comfortable and chic rooms on offer.

The Full Moon Backpackers – An ideal option for those solo and budget travellers amongst us, this hostel is a great choice in Bristol. They have a number of dorms and private rooms available, fantastic common areas and a fantastic laid-back vibe, perfect for exploring Bristol!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bristol hotels!

Days 6-8: Cornwall

On your sixth day of this itinerary, it’s time to drive even further southwest to one of the most beautiful and sunny places in England – Cornwall!

The southwestermost region of the country, Cornwall has long been a favourite holiday destination for locals but foreign tourists rarely venture this way, and it’s incredibly hard to see why — there is so much see and do!

Cornwall is most famous for its beaches, but there is a lot more to it as well. If you’re a nature lover, there are countless walks to go on. If you want to try your hand at surfing, make sure to hit the waves in Newquay, the capital of the sport in England! History buffs will delight in the castles and ruins that dot the region as well.

One of the most famous castles is St Michael’s Mount, just outside of Penzance, which is situated on its own island accessible by a causeway that appears as low tide. If you’re a fan of Arthurian legend, then make sure to visit the dramatic ruins of Tintagel, rumoured to be the birthplace of this legendary British ruler.

Spending two or three days in Cornwall is enough to really see a lot of the region and get a good feel four it, but there is always more to see if you spend more time!

Where to Stay in Cornwall

Palma Guest House – Situated in the heart of St Ives, this is an excellent place to base yourself in Cornwall. They have a number of comfortable rooms available and are located within easy walking distance of all this artsy town has to offer!

Selkies NQY   – Located in Newquay just a few hundred metres from the beach, this is a fantastic luxury option for those visiting Cornwall. Great for a romantic couples getaway, they have a number of luxe rooms available.

Lifeboat Inn – Situated on the bay in the lovely artist’s town of St Ives, this is a great place to stay for couples or families alike. They have a number of spacious rooms available and an option to include breakfast in the room rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other places to stay in Cornwall!

Days 9-10: Brighton

And finally on this 10-day southwestern England route, round out your time in the lovely coastal city of Brighton ! Located due south of London, Brighton is about a five-hour drive from Cornwall, but we recommend taking an entire day on the journey as there are so many incredible stops along the way .

Take the time to enjoy such places like Dartmoor National Park in Devon, the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, the beautiful seaside city of Bournemouth, the historic port city of Portsmouth or even the lovely New Forest in Hampshire before arriving in Brighton.

Once in Brighton, take the time to explore the city centre and the lovely, albeit rocky, beach. Of course, no trip to Brighton would be complete without enjoying yourselves at the iconic Brighton Pier.

If you want to get a bit more active and are not interested in exploring the city much, then the iconic walk along the Seven Sisters cliffs is easily accessible from Brighton. This is one of the most beautiful day hikes in the UK and will take you along the stunning rim of the famous white cliffs of this region of England.

Conveniently, Brighton is located only about a thirty- to forty-minute train ride from Gatwick Airport and other London area airports are easy to access from the city as well, so it makes for a perfect place to end your trip to England.

Where to Stay in Brighton

Artist Residence, Brighton – This quaint boutique hotel is perfect for those looking for something a bit more hip and trendy while staying in Brighton. They have a number of great rooms available, a great location and fantastic amenities including great common areas and a tapas restaurant on site.

Seadragon Backpackers – A great backpackers hostel perfect for budget travellers, they are well-located and have both dorm and private rooms available. They have great common areas and a central location perfect for exploring the best of what Brighton has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Brighton hotels!

London and North England Itinerary

If you’re interested in visiting London and then heading up north during your ten days in England, then this is the perfect itinerary for you. Exploring the historic cities and natural areas of the North, you’re sure to enjoy this route through England.

Again, this is another itinerary where it may prove helpful to have a car for some of it, especially for the bit through the Lake District National Park . If you want to save some money, consider renting a car for a few days from York before continuing on an England by train itinerary.

Spend your first three days of this route in the capital of London, following the same daily activities as mentioned in the Southwest England route above.

Days 4-5: York

From London, hop on a train or hire a car and drive north to the lovely walled city of York. If you do happen to drive (and it is recommended!), then make sure to spend the day stopping off at all of the incredible sites along the way and enjoying the gorgeous English countryside.

Some of these include the lovely university city of Cambridge , the historic city of Worcester, Warwick Castle, Robin Hood’s home of Nottingham or even the incredible Peak District National Park in Derbyshire in central England. You could, perhaps, even make a stop in Oxford or at the incredible Blenheim Palace. Or you could detour to Stratford-upon-Avon – the hometown of Shakespeare!

On the next day, plan to spend it exploring the city. You can see a lot of York in one day and some of the highlights include walking along the city walls, exploring the incredible York Minster, taking in the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey in the Museum Gardens, wandering along The Shambles and learning about the city’s history at the York Castle Museum.

If you’d rather get out into nature, then explore more of rural Yorkshire with a trip to the North York Moors National Park or the Yorkshire Dales National Park — these parks are perfect for nature lovers and Bronte fans alike!

Where to Stay in York

The Queens Hotel – A great boutique option, this place is centrally located, has a number of comfortable rooms on offer and a great and hearty full breakfast is available at an additional cost.

The Grand, York – This is the place to stay in York if you want to be in the lap of luxury during your time in the northern city. They have many plush rooms to choose from, countless luxurious amenities, and a great location for easy sightseeing.

Astor York – An excellent, highly-rated hostel in York, this place is perfect for budget backpackers and solo travellers. They have a range of both private rooms and dorm beds available and are located within ten minutes of York’s historic centre.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more York hotels!

Days 6-7: Lake District

If you didn’t get out and enjoy the natural splendours of Yorkshire, it’s time to do so now in one of England’s most famous national parks — the Lake District. Located in Cumbria, this beautiful area is filled with incredible lakes, mountains and charming villages.

You can spend your time here going on countless walks — there are walks for all skill and fitness levels. There are also countless charming and historic villages to explore, classic pubs to warm up in, and just some absolutely beautiful scenery to enjoy.

Even if you’re not much of an outdoor lover, there s something for everyone in the Lake District and it is well worth taking the time to head out here before heading down to your final destination on this 10-day route through England.

Where to Stay in the Lake District

The Cavendish Arms – A cosy, mid-range option in the Lake District is this historic pub, located in the lovely village of Cartmel. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available and a great breakfast available to enjoy each morning.

Embleton Spa Hotel – If you are after a luxury stay in the Lake District, then this is the perfect choice for you. Located in an 18th-century farmhouse in the beautiful countryside, they have a number of plush rooms available, private apartments, and countless amenities to make your stay a great one.

Kendal Hostel – A great option if you’re travelling on a tight budget or solo, this hostel is one of the best-rated in the Lake District. Situated in a historic Georgian townhouse in the town of Kendal, they have a range of dorm and private rooms available and good self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Lake District hotels!

Days 8-10: Liverpool

And finally on the North England route, end your trip in the historic, vibrant and wonderful city of Liverpool .

Perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of a little-known band called The Beatles, there are plenty of Fab Four-centric sites to see in this city, however, there is so much more in this historic city.

Liverpool has seen a bit of a resurgence in recent years, especially around the newly refurbished Royal Albert Dock which is packed full of trendy restaurants and shops.

You can also learn about Liverpool’s seafaring history as a port city at the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Also worth a visit is the harrowing International Slavery Museum.

Football fans will rejoice in the chance to tour Anfield Stadium , the home to Liverpool FC and Fab Four fans are sure to enjoy the Beatles Story or even a Beatles Tour.

You can even take the time to take a day trip to the nearby city of Manchester if you want to see more Northern English cities.

Where to Stay in Liverpool

The Dolby Hotel – A good option for mid-range travellers. this hotel has a great location overlooking the River Mersey. Located within easy walking distance of the top sites of the city, they have a number of rooms to choose from and breakfast included in the price.

Titanic Hotel Liverpool – If you want a luxurious stay in Liverpool, then look no further than this swanky hotel. Situated a stone’s throw from the top attractions in the city, they have countless amenities and wonderful, comfortable rooms available.

YHA Liverpool Albert Dock – A fantastic backpacker’s hostel, this is the perfect choice for solo and budget travellers. It is located in the centre of the city close to the top attractions and sites, they have both dorm beds and private rooms available and great common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Liverpool .

Northern England Itinerary

If you’ve been to London already and would rather spend your ten days in England somewhere outside of the capital, then this is a great route for you. Still beginning and ending in London, this route is great for those who are planning a trip to the other parts of England and don’t want to concentrate on the capital city.

Day 1: London

Begin your itinerary in London and take a day to explore an area of the city that you haven’t had the chance to yet — there is always something to see and do in London. Take in the street art in Shoreditch, stuff your face at Broadway Market if it’s a Saturday or get lost in the expansive Kew Gardens or Richmond Park .

There are far too many things to do in London that it’s worth spending at least a day in the city even if you’ve visited before.

Days 2-3: York

From London, it’s time to head to York. Follow the suggestions in the itinerary above for the ideas for how to spend your time in York.

Days 4-5: Lake District National Park

From York, head out into the great wide open and enjoy the lovely scenery and villages of the Lake District National Park for two full days.

Days 6-8: Liverpool

And from the Lake District, head to historic Liverpool and enjoy all of the fun things there are to see and do in this historic city.

Days 9-10: Cotswolds

On your final two days, it’s time to head back down south to explore an incredibly charming area of England within easy reach of London – the Cotswolds .

This region, located to the northwest of London, is famed for its quintessentially English towns with thatch-roofed homes and historic pubs. It is the perfect place to end your England itinerary.

Take the time to explore quaint villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Painswick, Burford, Chipping Campden and countless others. These are some of the most beautiful towns in all of England and are sure to transport you back in time.

If you want to get out into nature, then make sure to check out the Cotswolds AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty) which is full of walking trails and lovely, bucolic vistas.

If you’re looking for a quaint and quiet place to round out this epic route through England, you seriously cannot go wrong with spending some time in the Cotswolds before flying home from London.

Where to Stay in the Cotswolds

The Lamb Inn – This charming pub located in the village of Bourton-on-the-Water is the perfect place to rest your head in the Cotswolds. Oozing with charm, they have a range of comfortable and clean rooms available and a great pub downstairs to grab a pint a great bite to eat.

The Fleece – Located in the village of Witney not too far from Oxford, this is a great boutique hotel to stay at in the Cotswolds. T hey have a range of cosy and comfortable rooms available and a fantastic breakfast cooked each morning.

The Old Stocks Inn – Situated in the charming village of Stow-on-the-Wold, this lovely inn is the perfect place to stay if you’re on the hunt for a luxury stay in the Cotswolds. They have a number of beautiful rooms to choose from and lots of other amenities to make your stay fantastic.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Cotswolds hotels!

There are so many options of places to visit and things to see during your 10 days in England but, hopefully, these three great routes are able to help you plan the trip of your dreams! From historic cities, gorgeous natural scenery, inviting pubs and a wonderful coastline, England has so much to offer visitors — so make sure to see more than just London!

Are you planning a trip to England? Have you visited before? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi I am planning to ciné to the uk Dec/Jan 20 days

My plan so far is London 4 days 29/12-2/1. Then Bath as a base to tour the south. Can you recommend how many days in the south based at Bath then where in the North or ? I was planning on hiring a car in Bath or London.

Also open to any addition suggestions like quick visit to Ireland or Scotland if you feel it is with timeframe.

Thank you A

Hello Maggie, enjoyed your article on visiting England. Our family is planning to visit England from July 9 through July 20. We are from Boston, MA. Wanted your recommendation as we would also like to visit Scotland. How should I plan my iteneray.

Thank you, Khuzema Safri (Khuz).

Thanks for your comment! If you want to visit Scotland, you may find this article helpful in planning your trip: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/london-scotland-ireland-itinerary/

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

10 Days in England Itinerary for First-Timers

The UK is filled with historical and cultural destinations as well as a whole host of stunning landscapes so it would be a shame to just stay in one location when visiting England. In order to get a real taste of what England is all about, you want to travel the length and breadth of the country, visiting sights such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the Roman Baths, Oxford University, and Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-Upon-Avon. This jam-packed England itinerary does just that with visits to London, Bath, Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and York.

Spending 10 days in England is enough to give you an insight into the country’s cuisine, culture, and community spirit and allows you to tick off some real bucket list destinations. While you’ll still only scrape the surface of what England has to offer in this 10-day itinerary, it is a great whistle-stop tour of some of the best bits and it will certainly make your England-loving friends and family back home jealous!

This itinerary perfectly balances a range of destinations with some stints of travel, so you don’t feel as though you’re spending the whole time on the road but are not just stuck in one place either!

Read on to find out more about this 10-day England itinerary so you can start planning your trip…

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Table of Contents

TRAVEL TIPS

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✈️ Book your flight in advance

To find the cheapest flights and most suitable option, use WayAway

🧾 Get your tickets and tours

with Viator and get the most out of your journey

10 days in England: Day One  – Arriving in London

You’ll likely be tired after your journey but make the most of every hour you have and get yourself out onto the streets to explore the most iconic locations of good old London Town!

Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square

Make your way to Trafalgar Square where you’ll find Nelson’s Column towering 52 meters into the air and guarded by four stone lions. Take some moments to admire the other statues, especially ‘Fourth Plinth’, before making your way down the famous tree-lined street ‘The Mall’ for your first glimpse of Buckingham Palace – Be sure to get your timing right so you can witness the famous Changing Of The Guards ceremony too!

Don’t just admire the Queen’s home from the outside though, during the Summer and selected days in Winter and Spring, when the Queen is not at home, you can go on a guided tour of the State Rooms and garden.

Love the Royals? Skip a visit to Churchill’s War Rooms and visit the Royal Mews, a working stables where the royal horses and carriages are kept, and The Queen’s Gallery which displays an array of artwork from the Royal Collection on a rotating basis.

Opening Times:

Changing Of The Guard – 10:40 am (for 11 am) daily during Summer. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays Spring, Autumn, and Winter. (Weather Permitting)

The State Rooms 9:30 am to 7:00 pm (closes at 6:00 pm in September)

The Royal Mews 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (closes 5.00 pm March to November)

The Queen’s Gallery 10.00 am to 5.30 pm (opens 9.30 am in the summer)

You might be interested in: – Changing of the Guard & Buckingham Palace Tour – Buckingham Palace: The Queen’s Gallery Entrance Ticket – Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms Entrance Ticket – Buckingham Palace: The Royal Mews Entrance Ticket

Churchill’s War Rooms via St James’ Park

From Buckingham Palace, enjoy a stroll through St James’ Park and make your way to Churchill’s War Rooms, the labyrinth of corridors and rooms located below the streets of Westminster where history was made. As well as seeing where the Prime Minister and his war cabinet ran the government (and directed the war) during the bombing raids, you’ll be able to learn more about the life and legacy of Winston Churchill at the museum.

Visit Churchill’s War Rooms and immerse yourself in the rich history of World War II on this enriching and emotionally stirring tour of London Westminster with a knowledgeable guide

Admission: £21. Included in London Pass

Opening hours: 9.30am to 6.00pm (1 July-31 August: 9.30am to 7pm)

Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey

Parliament Square is just a short walk from the Churchill War Rooms and contains the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben.

Travel Tip – Big Ben is undergoing major repair work and will be covered in scaffolding with the bell only chiming for special events and 24/7 until 2021 – Delay your trip if you want the iconic shot in front of Big Ben looking its best!

Westminster Palace (the site of the Houses of Parliament) was built in 1840 and is a truly impressive building – You can book a 90-minute guided tour to see inside the 1,000-year-old Westminster Hall with a visit to the House of Commons and the Lords Chambers whilst learning how parliament works.

Westminster Abbey (the church where William and Kate got married) is located next to the Houses of Parliament and has been the site of all of the royal coronations since the time of William the Conqueror. It is the final resting place of 17 monarchs including Henry V, Mary I (Mary Tudor), Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots as well as notable historical figures Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, and Rudyard Kipling.

If you have the time and want to learn more about this historic Gothic church, guided tours are available.

Houses of Parliament £28 (cheaper if booked in advance)

Westminster Abbey £22. Included in London Pass. Tour costs an additional £5

Click here to book your Westminster Abbey entry tickets.

Cruise the River Thames

End your first day in London by cruising down the River Thames – There’s no better way to see the city as you cruise past Big Ben, the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

A range of cruises are available, get the basic sightseeing cruise if you’re on a tight budget, or splash out a bit with a Music Cruise by City Cruises where you can dance the night away as you pass by London’s most iconic sights. If that sounds a bit too strenuous, go on one of the more traditional dinner cruises – You can’t go wrong no matter which you choose.

I recommend: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise.

10 days in England: Day Two – London

The second day of our England itinerary takes us sightseeing along the river Thames, checking the major sights.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

  Rebuilt in the Baroque style after The Great Fire of London in 1666, St Paul’s Cathedral cannot just be admired from the outside. Pass through the historic doors and admire the view across London from the Stone and Golden galleries then, with your traveling partner, try out the Whispering Gallery where, due to the architecture, you can whisper on one side of the dome and be heard on the other. If you’re into architecture, stop to see the exhibition on Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of St Paul’s, and learn about the challenges he overcame with his unique design.

Admission: £18 including a guided tour. Included in London Pass

Opening hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Click here to book your fast-track tickets to St. Pauls’s Cathedral.

The Tower of London

This 900-year-old castle and fortress is most remembered for being a prison. Guarded by the Yeoman wardens (aka the Beefeaters, kitted out in their regal red and black uniforms emblazoned with ER), the tower is made up of 3 buildings; the Jewel House where the Crown Jewels are stored, the Royal Armories located in the White Tower, and the ‘Bloody Tower’, the prison where Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh, the Two Princes, Lady Jane Grey, and even Guy Fawkes were all imprisoned.

Hear the history and stories from the Beefeaters on a guided tour as you see the ravens, the crown jewels, the Royal Mint. Also explore the bloody side with instruments from the torture chamber and Tower Green, the place where the prisoners were executed.

Admission: £26.80. Included in London Pass

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 5.30 pm

Click here to book your Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket .

Tower Bridge

You can’t visit London and not have your photo taken in front of this iconic landmark! Walk across the bridge and then admire the view from the banks of the River Thames below.

If Tower Bridge has always fascinated you, go beyond admiring the view and visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition, as well as learning about the engineering of this historic bridge you’ll get to see the old engine rooms and can walk the glass walkway 44 meters above the River Thames.

Admission: £9.80. Included in London Pass

Click here to book your tickets to the Tower Bridge. 

Measuring in at 309.7 meters high, this 95-floor skyscraper towers above the city with views reaching out for 40 miles on fine days. Go see the city of London from a different angle at the two viewing platforms, one on the 69 th floor and one on the 72 nd floor (the highest viewing platform in London). Splash out if you can afford it and enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, or a romantic dinner at The Shard. Wondering if it’s worth it? Read about my Shard experience here.

Admission for The View from the Shard: £30. Included in London Pass

Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm Sunday to Wednesday

Click here to book your tickets to The Shard. 

The Southbank

Make your way to the River and take a scenic stroll down the dynamic tree-lined South Bank, the heart of London’s cultural scene, passing some of the most iconic London sights on the way. This pedestrianized riverside pathway is lined with street food vendors, cafes, and pubs, fairground rides, and so much more. Pass by London Bridge, Southwark Bridge, the Tate Modern, Oxo Tower Wharf, Waterloo Bridge and so much more. If you’re good for time you might choose to stop off at Borough Market or the Tate Modern before making your way further round the river to the London Eye.

The London Eye

Keen for more aerial views of the city? Hop on one of the pods at the London Eye, England’s most popular paid attraction and the tallest wheel in Europe and enjoy the 360-degree view above Westminster. Pods have audio commentary so you know exactly what you’re looking down upon with views reaching as far as Windsor Castle (25 miles away!) on clear days. You can read about my London Eye experience here.

Click here to book your tickets to the London Eye. 

Admission: £27

Opening hours: dependent on the season, check online for details.

10 days in England: Day Three – London

Spend the day enjoying London’s finest museums. You won’t be able to see them all (unless you stick to Kensington and pop in to see the best bits of the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert, and the Science Museum) so pick one or two to focus on based on your interests, and know that you’ll have to come back to London to cover all of the top museums!

The British Museum

One of the best museums in the whole of the UK, the British Museum displays over 2 million years of human history with arts and antiquities from around the world – Indeed, a visit to the British Museum can allow you to travel to all corners of the world without leaving London! See the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian Mummies, the Parthenon Marbles, Roman Mosaics, and so much more not forgetting the temporary exhibitions.

Admission: Free

Tate Modern

If modern and contemporary art is your thing, lose yourself in the massive Tate Modern gallery where you’ll not only find paintings but photography, film, performance, and live art exhibits too. Galleries are organized by movement I.e surrealism, minimalism, abstract art, pop-art, etc with works by Dali, Miro, Picasso, Matisse, Cezanne, Pollock, Warhol, and many others.

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm (closes at 10 pm on Friday and Saturday)

Natural History Museum

Beloved for its dinosaur exhibition, the Natural History Museum teaches you everything about planet Earth (and beyond) and how human’s evolved. Learn about earthquakes and get on the earthquake simulator to see how it feels to have the earth truly move, see chunks of moon rock, a dodo skeleton, the largest gold nugget in the world and so much more. The museum is divided into 4 zones: Green for birds, insects, fossils, and minerals. Blue for dinosaurs, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Red for Earth, the planets, and the universe. Orange (only April-October) for the Wildlife Garden. Plan what areas to focus on before you go to make the most of your time!

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 5.50 pm

V&A Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum, known affectionately as ‘The V&A’ is the place to go if you want to indulge in decorative arts and design. Its 7 miles of galleries contain ceramics, textiles, post-classical sculptures, glass, jewelry, furniture, and more. Highlights include Tipu’s Tiger, the earliest known photograph of London from approximately 1839, The Great Bed of Ware (mentioned in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night), Raphael’s Cartoons (not cartoons as we know them but a series of tapestries commissioned by Pope Leo X) and more.

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 5.45 pm

Science Museum

Discover the history and technology of medicine, nuclear power, electricity, and transportation including the space age at this fascinating hands-on museum with a 3D IMAX cinema, an interactive flight simulator, and discovery motion theatre alongside all the exhibits. See the oldest surviving steam locomotive, the first jet engine, a full-scale model of the Beagle 2 Mars lander, a replica of Sputnik 1, the Apollo 11 flight plan, proto-computors and so much more.

Opening hours: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

The West End

End your day of culture by heading to the West End to see a show. Enroute you can window shop at Oxford Street and Covent Gardens and get a selfie in Leicester Square, perhaps there will be time for a drink in Soho before or after the show too.

The West End is London’s equivalent of Broadway and is home to more than 40 theatres so there are plenty of shows to choose from including the long-running classics such as Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Les Misérables (the Queen’s Theater), and Mousetrap (St Martin’s Theatre) plus comedy and an array of other shows and entertainment. The London Palladium is the most iconic and quintessential West End theatre whilst the London Coliseum is one of the largest theatres in London, no matter where you go or what you see, be sure to dress up!

10 days in England: Day Four – Bath

It’s time to leave the bright lights of London behind and head South-West to the historical city of Bath, the former home of  Jane Austen. Famed for its history, literature, art, and Georgian architecture, the UNESCO World Heritage city was founded in the 1 st century by the Romans who built a reservoir to control the natural thermal spring water, building the city around the baths from which Bath gets its name.

How To Get from London to Bath  

Train: Direct trains go from London Paddington to Bath Spa (just a few minutes walk from the city of Bath) approximately every 30 minutes.

Time: 1.5 hours

Cost: From £15.50

Bus/Coach: National Express has coaches departing every 90 minutes from 7.30 am until 11 pm from Victoria Coach Station to Bath Spa bus terminal (located next to the train station). Megabus also run a service from Victoria Coach Station to Bath.  

Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Cost: From £5

You might be interested in: Bath: 1.5-Hour Walking Tour with Blue Badge Tourist Guide

The Roman Baths

Considered one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world, allow yourself 2 hours to explore the Roman Baths which consist of the Roman Bath House, the Roman Temple, the Sacred Spring, and the museum. You’ll see the Great Bath, the saunas and plunge pools, even the changing rooms. There is an audio tour to help you understand what you’re seeing but during peak times a free guided tour takes place on the hour, every hour. Try the natural water from the spa water fountain (if you dare!) at the end of your visit.

Admission: £14.40-£19.80 depending on the time of year.

Opening hours: November-February: 9.30 am-6 pm. March-October 9 am-5 pm with selected late opening until 7 pm over Easter and 9 pm end June-August.

Located next to the Roman Baths, the 7th-century abbey towers above the city and is one of the finest and largest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in the West Country.

Step through its historic doors to admire the interior with its stunning stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings (accessible when there are no services taking place), and be sure to climb the 212 steps to the top of the tower to admire the view across Bath whilst also getting to see the ringing chamber and bell chamber and getting to sit behind the clock face. If you want to get an in-depth understanding of the abbey, guided tours are available lasting 45 minutes.

Admission: Tower £8

Opening hours: Monday 9.30am-5.30pm, Tuesday-Friday 9am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 1pm-2.30pm and 4.30pm-6pm

Afternoon Tea

You simply must stop to enjoy afternoon tea in Bath, there are numerous quaint and historic tea rooms around the city but Sally Lunn’s is a must if you can get in. This tearoom is located in the oldest house in Bath (circa 1483) and serves the famous ‘Sally Lunn Bun’ which is a semi-sweet bread roll though they also serve cakes, scones, and those quintessentially British cucumber sandwiches!

Royal Crescent

One of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, walk in the footsteps of Bath’s high society as you see the 30 terraced Georgian houses built in a 152-meter long sweeping crescent facing an attractive green. Though the cars spoil the scene somewhat, the Royal Crescent will likely look familiar to you if you’re a fan of period drama for it has been a film location for the 2008 film The Duchess and the ITV Drama Persuasion.

Optional Extra – Learn more about the Royal Crescent whilst seeing what these houses would have looked like inside during the 18th century with a visit to the Bath Crescent Museum.

The Jane Austen Centre

Learn all about the famous author Jane Austen and the time she spent in Bath at the Jane Austen Centre, a museum located in an original Georgian townhouse. Fans will know that Bath featured within several of her novels and played an important part in her life and her writing, here you can learn more about the life and works of Austen from experienced Regency-dressed characters.

Admission: From £11

Opening hours: 9.45am-5.30pm

10 days in England: Day Five – Salisbury and Stonehenge

Getting from bath to salisbury and stonehedge.

Train: Take the direct train from Bath Spa to Salisbury train station with South Western Railway or Great Western Railway and then jump on the hop-on-hop-off Stonehenge Tour Bus which leaves the station every 30-60 minutes calling at Salisbury Cathedral, Old Sarum, and Stonehenge.

Time: 1 hour (to Salisbury Train Station)

Cost: Train From £11, Stonehenge Tour Bus from £10

The order in which you see/do things will depend on your timed entrance to Stonehenge and whether you’re making your way independently to Salisbury or are part of an organized trip to Stonehenge.

One of the most iconic landmarks in England, Stonehenge is a mysterious place with its huge standing stones that measure 4 meters tall and 2 meters wide. Though the stones of this prehistoric monument can no longer be touched, and a walk around will be some distance away unless you buy a special ticket, its magical mysterious history will still rub off on you and you wonder what were they for, and how did they move them?!

At the nearby visitor center (a free shuttle bus moves visitors between the visitor center and the Stone Circle but you also have the option to walk) you can gain a lot of insight into the history and meaning of Stonehenge. Reconstructed Neolithic houses enable you to see how people lived 4,500 years ago when Stonehenge was being created and you can see the finds from archaeological digs in the area, finds including pottery, tools, jewelry, and human remains.

Admission: £17.50 when booking in advance – You will be given a 30-minute time slot in which to arrive so be sure you arrive in plenty of time.

Opening hours: 9.30 am to 7.00 pm  

Click here to buy your Stonehenge Admission Ticket.

Salisbury Cathedral

Whether you take an official tour to learn the history of this English Gothic cathedral or just pop in on your own, Salisbury Cathedral is well worth a visit! With beautiful cloisters and stained glass windows, its tower is Britain’s tallest spire and it’s possible to climb the 332 steps to look down on the city of Salisbury from above as part of a ‘Spire Tour’. Meanwhile, the Chapter House contains the Magna Carta – One of four original copies that remain in good condition dating from 1215.

Admission: Recommended donation £7, £13.50 Tower Tour

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday Main Cathedral 9 am-5 pm, Sunday Noon-4pm. Magna Carta and Tower are open at different times, check the website for details.

Salisbury wasn’t always located in its current location – prior to the 1300s, it was located here, uphill from modern-day Salisbury at Old Sarum. Originally an Iron Age hill fort, 2,000 years of history can be traced at this site with Roman, Norman, and Saxon activity. See the hill fort with the deep ditch that was originally the moat, castle ruins (the Medieval castle built by William the Conqueror in 1070), and the foundations of the original Salisbury Cathedral.

Admission: £6

Opening hours: 10am-6pm Summer, 10am-4pm Winter

10 days in England: Day Six – Oxford

How to get to oxford from bath.

Train: There is a regular train service with Great Western Railway from Bath Spa to Oxford via Didcot Parkway from 5.45 am through until 10.45 pm.

Time: 90 minutes

Cost: From £14.50

Bus: National Express has buses departing Bath Spa University to Oxford (Gloucester Green bus station in the center of the city) every 2 hours during peak hours.

Time: 4.5 hours

Cost: From £10

Known as the city of dreaming spires, Oxford is a beautiful historical university city that is compact meaning you can easily see all of the sights on foot. Admire the colleges as you walk in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde and C.S. Lewis, just watch out for the cyclists during term time!

I highly recommend: Oxford University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide .

Oxford Castle

Built in the 10th century, Oxford Castle became a prison from the 14th century and was a working prison right up until 1996! Today, visitors can take a guided tour, led by a character guide, to learn the history of the 1,000-year-old castle/prison complex with access to the crypt, parts of the prison (other parts have been turned into a hotel!), St George’s Tower (great city views), and the Motte (the big earth mount opposite the building).

Admission: £12.50

Opening hours: 10am-4.20pm

Christ Church College and  College Cathedral

The most famous college in Oxford and one of the grandest also featuring one of the most beautiful gardens, a look inside Christ Church College is a must! See some of the halls, the picture gallery, the cathedral, the inner courtyards, cloisters, and the gardens whilst learning the history of the college and about student life today. Lewis Carroll (real name Charles Dodgson) lived and worked here so you may note some things that inspired Alice in Wonderland as you wander around.

If you’re more of a Harry Potter fan, you aren’t imagining things when you see the dining hall for this was the inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall and its entrance was used as the film set in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone when Professor McGonagall met the 1 st years.

Admission: £17 garden tour, £10 general admission. Free entrance to the college cathedral for services.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday only. No access July-August. Tickets are available 1 week in advance from the website .

Punting on the River Cherwell

When the weather is fine there’s nothing more quintessentially English than punting along the river passing the beautiful University buildings and grounds out into the Oxford countryside. Take a guided tour so you can enjoy the ride or grab a pole and do it yourself.

Admission: From £18 per hour do it yourself or £30 for 30 minutes chauffeured.

Opening hours: Mid March – Mid October

The Tower at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin

The spiritual heart of the oldest university in England, this simple yet historic church is visited and loved for the views it offers from its tower. Climb 127 steps to admire the view of the colleges and Radcliffe Camera – One of the best views in the city.

Admission: £5 for Tower

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9.30 am-5 pm, Sunday noon-5pm (6 pm July and August)

Covered Market

The historic covered market has outstanding Victorian architecture dating back to the 1770s and is filled with indie shops, craft stalls, and food/drink stands. Be sure to stop in for a fresh fruit juice or a less healthy smoothie as you take a look around – Perfect if you need to duck out of the rain.

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-5.30pm, Sunday 10am-4pm

The Radcliffe Camera

The most iconic building in Oxford, the beautiful, neoclassical, Radcliffe Camera is part of Oxford University and was built in 1737 to house the Radcliffe Science Library making it one of the world’s oldest libraries. There’s no camera here, the word ‘camera’ comes from Latin meaning ‘building’ or ‘vault’ therefore, this building is a reading room comprising 2 reading rooms (upper and lower) and a gallery. Bibliophiles can take a 90-minute guided tour inside.

Admission: £14

Opening hours: Selected times, tickets available 2 weeks before – Check website for details.

Bridge of Sighs aka Hertford Bridge

This covered bridge, reminiscent of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, rises above New Lane joining the Old Quad and New Quad of Hertford College together. Sadly, unless you’re a student at Hertford College, you can’t cross the bridge but it’s an iconic piece of architecture well worth passing by.

The Sheldonian Theatre

This 350-year-old building with its masterpiece of a roof is the official ceremonial hall of the University of Oxford. It was the first major design completed by architect Sir Christopher Wren who also designed St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Impressive from the outside with its funny ‘Emporer Head’ sculptures, step inside to be truly astounded and admire both the painted ceiling and the 360-degree panoramic views from the Cupola.

Admission: £3.80 (£8 guided tour)

Opening hours: 10 am-4 pm unless in use by the University

The Eagle and Child Pub

Otherwise known as ‘The Bird and Baby’, end your day of sightseeing at one of London’s most famous pubs , a regular meeting place during the 1930s and 1940s of J.R.R Tolkien, C.S Lewis, and friends who together were nicknamed ‘The Inklings’. Whether you just want a pint or stay for food, step inside to see the memorabilia hanging on the walls but breathe in, it’s tiny! Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to pen your own fantasy novel!

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am-11 pm, Sunday noon-10.30pm

10 days in England: Day Eight – Stratford Upon Avon

How to Get from Oxford to Stratford Upon Avon

Train: There are 19 daily trains departing Oxford train station to Stratford Upon Avon, the fastest route going via Leamington Spa as there are no direct trains. An alternative route goes via Leamington Spa and Dorridge but it’s better to only change trains once if you have lots of luggage with you.

Cost: From £14

Coach: National Express has a direct, non-stop, service from Oxford to Stratford Upon Avon leaving daily at 11am – If that time works for you it’s the faster, easier, and cheaper option compared with taking the train.

Time: 70 minutes

This quaint medieval market town (often shortened to Stratford but not to be confused with the London district) is located along the banks of the River Avon and along with its iconic half-timber Tudor houses is famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The entire town is a living history to the life and times of Shakespeare, a must-visit destination for anyone interested in British history.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Visit the timber-framed Tudor house and gardens where William Shakespeare spent a good chunk of his life, being born and raised here alongside his siblings as well as living here for 5 years with his wife, Anne Hathaway until he was 23 years old. The house, now a fascinating museum, is full of exhibitions with costumed guides bringing 450 years of history to life plus resident actors performing Shakespeare Aloud in which you can ask them to perform parts from any play!

Admission: £17.50

Opening hours: Spring-Autumn 9am-5pm, Winter 10am-4pm

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

This 600-year-old thatched farmhouse with garden is as sweet as a chocolate-box! Make the journey 1 mile outside of Stratford to Shottery to visit the childhood home of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife as you learn more about their love story. Step inside to see personal effects and other items dating back to Anne’s childhood including the original oak Hathaway bed. Don’t miss out on the sculpture trail if it’s a fine day!

Admission: £11.25

Opening hours: Spring-Autumn 9am-5pm, Winter 10am-3.30pm

Shakespeare’s New Place

Located on the site of Shakespeare’s last home where he lived from 1579 (once he was an established playwright, it thought that he would have written The Tempest during this time) until his death in 1616, ‘New Place’ is a new exhibition center that opened in 2016. It houses rare artifacts from Shakespeare’s life and includes a beautiful garden containing artwork. The original home was sadly demolished in 1759 but the new build follows the footprint of the original home.

Opening hours:  Spring-Autumn 9am-5pm, Winter 10am-4pm

Optional Alternatives

Fascinated by the life and times of the Tudor’s but overdosed on Shakespeare? Skip Shakespeare’s New Place and/or Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the life and times of the Tudor’s. Or, if that’s still too much history to keep your family happy, break your day with butterflies at the butterfly farm or indulge in mechanical art and design at the interactive MAD museum.

Tudor World – £6 – 10.30am-5.30pm

Stratford Butterfly Farm – £7.25 – 10am-5pm or 6pm

MAD Museum – £7.80 – 10am-5pm

Take a River Boat Trip

See Stratford-upon-Avon from a different vantage point as you sail/cruise/row/paddle down the picturesque River Avon – Pedal boats, canoes, motorboats, electric boats, and punts are all available to rent and there are also sightseeing tours with a barge tours that go through the town’s historic working lock plus a river cruiser tour.

  Admission: 45-minute Cruiser Tour: £6, 45 minute Barge Tour £6, a DIY boat trip from £7 per hour.

Watch One Of Shakespeare’s Plays

  End the day by watching one of Shakespeare’s plays performed by the RSC whether that’s Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet, or one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known plays. There are two theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon where the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) performs, The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and The Swan Theatre.

Admission: From £10

You can combine the sightseeing to Stratford Upon Avon with a visit to nearby Warwick Cast

How to get from Stratford Upon Avon to Warwick

Train: There’s a regular service from Stratford upon Avon to Warwick Parkway train station with trains departing roughly every half an hour from 6 am – 11pm. Some trains are direct, others require you to change at Dorridge which increases the journey time by a further 30 minutes.

Time: 25-30 minutes

Cost: From £7

Warwick Castle

This castle truly brings history to life for the whole family. Originally built as a wooden motte and bailey fort in 1068 for William the Conqueror, the stone castle seen today dates back to the 1100s with its conversion to a country house taking place in the 1700s. Enjoy numerous exhibitions and a live-action walk-through with actors and special effects along with the largest trebuchet in the world and birds of prey display. You can also visit the dungeons if you purchase an extended ticket.

Admission: From £21

Opening hours: 10 am-4 pm or 5 pm depending on the season. Some special openings until 9 pm, check website for details.

Click here to buy your Warwick castle entrance tickets.

Always wanted to stay in a castle? You can book the luxury Tower Suites in the 14 th century Caesar’s Tower. Cheaper options include a stay at the castle’s Woodland Lodges or Medieval Glamping!

The Mill Garden

Located beneath Warwick Castle, this delightful cottage garden with woodland area provides visitors with a tranquil oasis that covers half an acre. Follow the meandering footpaths by the river Avon and photograph the views of the castle, the ruined medieval bridge, Castle Millpond, and Victorian summer house.

Admission: £2.50

Opening hours: 9 am-6 pm April-October only

10 Days in England: Day 9 – York 

How to get from warwick to york.

Train: To get from Warwick Parkway station to York, there is a minimum of 2 changes with passengers needing to not just change trains but also change stations getting from Birmingham Moor Street station to Birmingham New Street station whether on foot, by bus, or by taxi for the onward journey to York.

Time: 3.5 hours

Cost: From 21.50

Bus: National Express work in collaboration with the coach company the Yorkshire Coastliner with a daily service departing Warwick at 9.30 am arriving into York at 4.30 pm (dependent on traffic). You must change coaches (and companies) at Leeds coach station where there is a 45 minute wait time.

Time: 7 hours

A visit to York, with its quaint cobbled backstreets, gives you a glimpse into the best of British history with its Roman, Anglo Saxon, Viking, Norman, Tudor, and Victorian influences all leaving their mark on this fabulous city plus there are many interesting things to do in York. 

I recommend: The York City Pass: Access 20 Attractions for One Great Price .

York Minster Cathedral

Officially known as the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York, this is one of the largest cathedrals not just in England but in all of Northern Europe. An icon of the city, a church has stood on this site since 627 but the stunningly ornate Gothic building seen today dates from 1291 and took 60 years to complete. Take a free 1 hour guided tour to learn the history of the cathedral whilst visiting the undercroft and seeing the Great East Window which has the largest expanse of stained glass in the UK. An optional extra is a climb up the 275 tower steps to admire the panoramic views across the city and surrounding countryside.

Admission: Church: £11 Interior + Tower: £16

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-4.30pm, Sunday 12.30pm-3pm

The Shambles

Like a real-life Diagon Alley (and what is thought to have inspired J.K. Rowling) The Shambles is the most photographed street in the city filled with quaint shops located within 14 th century overhanging timber-framed buildings with even tinier alleys (called snickways!) veering off of it. The perfect place to wander, you’ll come across 3 Harry Potter shops, a year-round Christmas shop, Viking shops, as well as the famous ‘The Shop That Must Not Be Named’.

Betty’s Tea Rooms

The most famous tea rooms in York, Betty’s is a must-visit (despite it being a busy tourist attraction now) so that you can try their legendary Fat Rascal Scones. These scones aren’t the usual kind, they’re crunchy on the outside and chock full of calories but should be tried at least once but you can enjoy a classic afternoon tea experience if you prefer.

Opening Hours: 9 am-9 pm

Jorvik Centre

End your first day in York with a journey beneath street level to discover what life was like in York when it was a Viking village. A mix of archaeological finds displayed in an exhibition center and an indoor theme park ride (you travel in a cart) through a lifelike Viking village complete with authentic smells, the Jorvik Centre really brings Viking history to life for the whole family.

Admission: £11

Opening Hours: 10am-5pm (4pm in Winter)

10 days in England – Day Ten – York to London

Clifford’s tower.

The last part of York Castle that still remains, climb to the top of this 13th-century tower (used as a prison and a Royal mint) and admire the panoramic view of York including the view of York Minster.

Tip – Best visited in Spring when the tower is surrounded by daffodils.

Admission: £5.40

Opening Hours: 10 am-6 pm

York Castle Museum

Don’t judge a museum by its name! Next door to Clifford’s Tower (on the site of the old castle) you’ll find the York Castle Museum which contains a weird yet wonderful mixture of things to see and do including the cells of the old York prison, a replica Victorian street, and a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions including Toy Stories which has a 100 year old carousel which is sure to take you back to your childhood, The Sixties exhibition with iconic objects of the era, and a 1914 exhibition showing you how the world changed forever.

Admission: £12

Opening Hours: 9.30 am-5 pm

Chocolate Museum

Skip lunch and head to The York Chocolate Story, a chocolate museum that takes you on a 90 minute guided tour to unwrap the history of some of Britain’s famous confectionery companies for Rowntree’s, Terry’s and Craven’s were all started in York. With chocolate samples to taste in just about every room and a chocolate lollipop to make before you leave, you’ll learn that Terry’s created a chocolate lemon and a chocolate apple before landing upon that staple of Christmas, the chocolate orange and so much more.

Admission: £12.95

Opening Hours: 10 am-4 pm

National Railway Museum

Across the river, from the Yorkshire Museum, you’ll find the largest railway museum in the world. York’s National Railway Museum contains 100 trains on display so if you’re a train buff, you might want to skip a couple of the previous museums and spend more of your day here. Highlights include The Mallard; the world’s fastest steam locomotive, Queen Victoria’s Royal Train including her favorite carriage, the only Japanese bullet train on display outside of Japan and an original Eurostar train.

Admission: Free!

Now it is time to head back to London for your flight home.

How to get from York to London

Train: Trains depart approximately every 15 minutes from York to London King’s Cross station (direct) with an average of 30 trains per day making your return journey to London hassle-free. Book in advance to get the best prices on this 174-mile journey.

Time:  2 hours

Bus: National Express coaches depart York for London Victoria Coach Station every 1-2 hours throughout the peak daytime hours with more limited service at night. Some coaches are direct making for a hassle free journey, others require you to change at Leeds Coach Station with a 30-minute change over time.

Time: 6 hours

Cost: From £7.50

How to Get to and from Central London to The Airport

From heathrow airport.

The largest airport in the UK, Heathrow is located 18.5 miles from the city of London and covers the majority of long haul flights plus scheduled European flights. It is the hub for British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, American Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. With 5 terminals, pay attention to which terminal you’ll be arriving in to help plan your onward journey into the city center.

Heathrow Express Train

The fastest way to get from the airport to central London, the Heathrow Express train departs for London Paddington every 15 minutes from terminals 2-3, and 5 with the first train at 5 am (6 am on Sundays) until 11.30 pm. If arriving into terminal 4, use the free shuttle train to transfer between terminals. Don’t worry about terminal 1 – It closed in 2015!

Time: 15 minutes

Price: From £16.50 when booked online in advance

Cash Saving Tip! The TfL Rail service (formerly known as the Heathrow Connect) also takes passengers to London Paddington, the journey takes longer (35minutes) due to stopping at other London stations including Ealing Broadway and Southall but the ticket price is cheaper.

Underground Train

Heathrow Airport is connected to the London Underground at terminals 2-3, 4, and 5 with the Piccadilly line taking passengers directly to central London. It is possible to use Oyster and travel cards for this journey to save money on a single cash fare. Trains run every 10 minutes from approximately 5 am until 11.30 pm with the exception of Friday and Saturday when the underground operates a 24-hour service. Note – There is no night train service to terminal 4, leave the underground train at terminals 2-3 and take the free shuttle to terminal 4.

Time: 50 minutes

Price: £6.00 single cash fare

National Express runs regular services from Heathrow Airport (terminals 2-3, 4, and 5 ) to London Victoria coach station. Coach services run every 30 minutes during peak hours with the first coach departing at approximately 3 am and the last at midnight.

Time: 35 minutes

Price: From £5

A classic black cab can be hailed from outside each of Heathrow’s terminals. A surcharge of £2.80 is added for fares starting from Heathrow airport but there is no extra charge for luggage.

Time: 30-60 minutes

Price: £48-£90

From Gatwick Airport

Located 29.5 miles South of London city center, Gatwick airport is the UK’s second busiest airport and handles international long haul flights as well as many European charter flights. It’s a hub for Easyjet, Thomas Cook, and TUI along with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.  

Gatwick Express Train

The Gatwick Express train is the fastest option for reaching central London with non-stop trains departing the South Terminal (take the free shuttle train from North to South terminal if needed) to London Victoria train station every 15 minutes during peak hours. The first train departs at 5.40 am and the last train departing shortly after 11 pm.

Time: 30 minutes

National Rail Trains

Regular trains also depart the South Terminal. Thameslink runs services from Gatwick airport to London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon, and St Pancras International whilst Southern Trains go to London Victoria train station via Clapham Junction and East Croydon.

Time: 30-45 minutes

Cost: From £8

National Express has regular services departing from both the North and South Terminals for London Victoria coach station with stops along the way. Coaches run 24/7 every 20-60 minutes.

Time: 1.5-2 hours

Alternative Option – On a tight budget and staying in West London? Check out easyBus with fares from as little as £2 each way going to Chelsea.

Luton Airport

Located 34 miles from London city, Luton Airport handles a lot of low-cost airline flights from around Europe being a hub for Ryanair and Wizzair. It does not have a train station connected to the airport, therefore it’s often easier to get the coach into London.

Up to 4 coaches depart Luton airport every hour with two routes, A1 goes to Victoria coach station whilst A2 goes to Paddington. Both routes have several stops on the way.

A shuttle bus (price included in the train ticket price when you select LUA/Luton Airport as your starting point rather than Luton Airport Parkway) takes passengers from Luton Airport to Luton Airport Parkway train station every 10 minutes during peak times with limited night trains. Regular train services run to London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farrington, and London St Pancras.

Time: 40 minutes

Cost: £13-£18

Stansted Airport

Located 42 miles North East of London, the Stansted airport is a hub for Easyjet, Jet2, Ryanair, Tui, and Thomas Cook primarily serving European destinations with either holiday charter flights or budget flights. It has a train station on-site giving travelers easy access to London.

Stansted Express Train

The fastest way to get into London, the Stansted Express Train departs every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during the night for London Liverpool Street station with some trains stopping at Tottenham Hale underground station on the way to give passengers access to the Victoria underground line. The first train departs Stansted at 5.30 am and the last at 00.30.

Time: 47 minutes

On a budget? Compare the price of the regular Greater Angular train service with the Stansted Express – Both trains go to London Liverpool Street station in the same amount of time.

National Express coaches run 4 different services to central London every 30-60 minutes. Service A6 calls at Baker Street, Paddington, Marble Arch, and Portman Square. Service A7 goes to Victoria Coach Station via Whitechapel, Southwark, Waterloo, and Victoria Train Station. Service A8 goes to King Cross via Shoreditch, Liverpool Street, and Farringdon. Service A9 goes to London Stratford.

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Travel * Lifestyle * Planning

10 Day UK Trip Itinerary: 5 Beautiful Itineraries For Your Visit

• Wednesday, Sep 12th, 2018

If you are thinking of traveling to the UK, you may be wondering what to include in your trip.  If you have just ten days, it’s near impossible to see everything you want to explore, and making choices is challenging.  But fear not!  We’ve put together a selection of 10 day itineraries tailored to different interests and tastes.  Here you’ll find a 10 day UK trip itinerary for you.

• 1 10 Day UK Trip Itinerary: How Best To Enjoy It
• 2 What Do You Want From Your UK Trip?
• 3.1 London to Edinburgh
• 3.2 From York to Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon
• 3.3 The Cotswolds, Oxford, Bath And Stonehenge
• 4.1 Culloden and Loch Ness
• 4.2 The Road To Skye
• 4.3 Mallaig, Fort William and Oban
• 4.4 Glasgow and Edinburgh
• 5.1 Jurassic Coast
• 5.2 Bath, Stonehenge and Avebury
• 5.3 Walking In The Peak District
• 5.4 Windermere And The Lake District
• 6.1 Birmingham
• 6.2 Hereford And The Black And White Villages
• 6.3 Ludlow and the Shropshire Hills
• 6.4 Shrewsbury And Chester
• 7 Option 5:The Celtic Connection
• 8.1 Exploring London
• 8.2 Day Tripping From London
• 9 How’s Your 10 Day UK Trip Itinerary Looking?

10 Day UK Trip Itinerary: How Best To Enjoy It

When I was researching this article to sift out my best recommendations, I found a variety of suggested itineraries.  One in particular had me puzzled.  In one day it featured both Cardiff and York.  Now both are fine cities, but in practice, a day like that will feature an early start, late finish and a lot of motorway services.  In my youth, I worked evenings in a hotel in Exeter.  Tour buses full of US visitors would arrive at around 7pm.  At that time, all that was left for them to do was to stroll around Cathedral Yard, taking in the Guildhall, the beautiful cathedral and Tudor Mol’s Coffee House.  Then dinner, bed and on the road again.  To my mind, that’s no way to travel.

So buckle up for our slower paced options.  There’s no doubt that some of them will involve long days.  But I’ve aimed to give you at least four hours to savour in every spot.  Real hours, not ones where all you can do is fit in a quick walk, dinner, shower and bed.  Here’s how to visit the Brits and enjoy the experience.

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What Do You Want From Your UK Trip?

The starting point for your itinerary is always going to depend on your preferences.  For that reason, I’ve put together a number of different itineraries based on some common interests.  You’ll notice that some destinations tick many boxes.  That’s great if you are traveling as a group with different interests.  You can pick and mix to your heart’s content.

I’ve also made different itineraries for different styles of travel.  If spending hours on the road makes your bones crunchy, and the stress of driving on a different side of the road is a chore, then there are choices here for you.  We’ve checked out  the best way to find affordable public transport in the UK too.

Do you like to get under the skin of fewer places, or skim the surface of all the best things?  Both options are entirely feasible.  So let me set out the buffet of tasty UK treats for your 10 day itinerary.

Option 1: UK’s Greatest Hits: A Fast Paced Trip To The Most Visited Places

London, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds, Oxford, Bath & Stonehenge

Chosen from the cities and sites most loved by overseas visitors, this itinerary will have you taking in a broad sweep of the UK.  You won’t get much rest on this trip, but I promise you’ll see a lot of the highlights.  Consider this a box of chocolates from which you’ve picked your favourites and had to leave the rest.

London to Edinburgh

Having flown in to London, the first night sees you taking the overnight sleeper train from London Euston to Edinburgh Waverley , an experience in itself.  Don’t forget your neeps and tatties for dinner.  Arriving bright and early at breakfast, there’s time to visit Edinburgh Castle, wander Princes Street and the Royal Mile and explore Holyrood Palace.

From York to Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon

On the morning of Day 3, take the train to York (around two and a half hours).  You’ve got time to meander The Shambles, investigate the old city walls and York Minster and check out the railway museum.  You might want to fit in a very English afternoon tea at Betty’s.  On the morning of Day 4, pick up your hire car for your journey to Stratford-Upon-Avon.  You should be there by lunch time, ready to explore Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the rest of the Tudor town.

The Cotswolds, Oxford, Bath And Stonehenge

Day 5 is a short drive out to the Cotswolds via Shipston-on-Stour; I’m recommending Broadway with its Tower and the beautiful Stow-on-the-Wold.  Day 6 has you driving south to Oxford, legendary city of dreaming spires.  If you’re feeling brave, take a punt (a flat bottomed boat) out on the river.  On day 7, you’re heading south to Bath, home to the legendary Spa, and a lot of beautiful Regency architecture.  Early the next morning, catch Stonehenge at its most beautful, then spend the rest of day 8, heading back to London for your final two days in the capital.

Option 2: Touring Scotland The Brave

Inverness, Isle of Skye, Fort William, Oban, Glasgow, Edinburgh

This is a trip for the most avid of scenery lovers.  For this trip, you can either fly in to the first and last cities, or let the train rock you gently on the overnight sleeper from London to Scotland and back.  If you’ve taken the overnight sleeper from London on Day 1, you’ll be in Inverness by early morning.  Spend the morning of that second day exploring the city, including its castle and cathedral.

Culloden and Loch Ness

On the afternoon of Day 2, pick up your hire car, and head off to Culloden to explore the historic battlefield and find the real flavour of Scottish history.   On Day 3 you’re on the trail of the legendary Nessie at Loch Ness.  If you want to drive all the way round the Loch, we’re talking 67 miles, so make your choices of a whole circuit or selected highlights.

The Road To Skye

On Day 4, it’s time to take the road to the Isle of Skye.  Don’t hurry this journey, as it’s truly one of the most beautiful to be had, traveling over the sea to Skye.  You’ll want to spend time at Kyle of Lochalsh on the way,  meeting the brooding and beautiful Eilean Donan Castle.

Mallaig, Fort William and Oban

On Day 5, it’s time to meander back to Mallaig, visiting Loch Morar and Loch Nevis.   Then onwards to Fort William, where you can take the Jacobite steam train as featured in the Harry Potter films.   Day 6 is for exploring Oban and its historic distillery, plus the War and Peace museum.

Glasgow and Edinburgh

Day 7 of this 10 day UK trip itinerary features a drive back to Glasgow, where you can return the hire car.  The city is famed for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, and is home to a lot of Scotland’s cultural institutions.  At whatever point you wish, catch the train to Edinburgh (taking around an hour) and spend the last part of your tour there.  Visit Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, explore Holyrood House, and maybe have dinner in the Cafe Royal.  On the night of Day 9, it’s time to board the sleeper train for London.

Option 3: The UK’s Big Outdoors

Stonehenge and Avebury, the Jurassic Coast, the Peak District, and the Lake District

If your heart is made glad by big open spaces, this is the itinerary for you.  To make the most of this itinerary, it is best to drive, giving you the greatest amount of time in each spot.

Jurassic Coast

On your first day, pick up your hire car and head west to Dorset and the Jurassic Coast.  Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Durdle Door, a natural rock formation.  Man O’War beach next door is also spectacular.  You have two days here to explore.

Bath, Stonehenge and Avebury

On the morning of Day 3, you’re on the road to Bath, enjoying the spa town that afternoon and evening.  Early next morning, you’re heading out to explore Stonehenge first, then Avebury, so see some of the UK’s most talked about sites.  Book your overnight stay in the glorious countryside here.

Walking In The Peak District

On the morning of Day 5, it’s time to drive north.  You’re heading to the Peak District, one of the UK’s National Parks.  Don’t forget to stop off in Bakewell, the famed home of the Bakewell Tart and the Bakewell Pudding, and a charming town in its own right.  You’ve got two days to explore here, maybe taking in walks on Mam Tor or visiting Kinder Scout.

Windermere And The Lake District

After breakfast on Day 7, you’re driving north west to enjoy the beauty of the Lake District, surely one of the highlights of this 10 day UK trip itinerary.  Take a steamer on England’s biggest lake, Windermere, or climb its highest peak at Scaffell Pike.  Late on day 9 or early on day 10, drop off your hire car in Carlisle, and then let the train take you back to the bustle of London on your last day.

Option 4: The UK’s Best Kept Secrets

Birmingham, Hereford, the Welsh Marches, Shrewsbury, Chester

If you’ve already visited the UK before and seen many of its famed attractions, maybe you’re looking for something a little different.  Walk this way!

Either fly direct or catch the train to Birmingham , England’s second biggest city.  Described as the city of a thousand trades, Birmingham is packed with Victorian architecture and a vibrant cultural pulse.  Your two days here are spend exploring and maybe taking the Tolkien Trail to see The Shire, inspiration for one of Birmingham’s most famous residents.

Hereford And The Black And White Villages

Pick up your hire car on the morning of Day 3 and it’s a gentle 90 minute drive to Hereford, maybe stopping off en route to enjoy the Malvern Hills.  Hereford’s cathedral is home to the Mappa Mundi, one of the oldest traveler’s maps in the world.  Also here you’ll find the Cider Museum, a tudor museum in the Old House and a lot of winding streets to explore.  On Day 4, you’re heading into the countryside on the Black and White Village Trail, full of timbered and half-timbered houses.  Spend that night in Ludlow, centre of the Welsh Marches and once the capital of Wales.

Ludlow and the Shropshire Hills

When you wake up refreshed on Day 5, you’ve got time to explore its Castle, once home to the Princes in the Tower.  Ludlow is a fine foodie destination, so be sure to enjoy all it has to offer.  Day 6 of this 10 day UK trip itinerary sees you heading north to appreciate the beauty of the Shropshire Hills.  Church Stretton is your point to access these walks, and you can also go hang-gliding or gliding here.

Shrewsbury And Chester

Day 7 is for Shrewsbury , the historic border town on the River Severn with a Welsh bridge and an English bridge.  Explore the fascinating narrow streets or shuts, take a boat trip or wander the cathedral.  On Day 8, you’re heading north again to Chester.  The city walls here are well worth exploring and the narrow shopping streets with “upstairs and downstairs shops”.  On your last day, drive back to Birmingham and drop off your car, ready for your flight home.

Option 5:The Celtic Connection

London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff

If you want your trip to cover all of the United Kingdom, then you’ve got time to country hop in 10 days.  There are many ways to put this itinerary together, so I’ve worked out my preferred option.  Here’s how to visit England and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 10 days.

On Day 1, you’ve got a flight from London to Belfast.  Here you’ve got the Titanic Museum, Carrickfergus Castle, Ulster Hall for music and W5 Science Centre to entertain you.  Fly across to Edinburgh on Day 3 of this 10 day UK itinerary, where you have until the Day 5 to take your fill of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia at Leith.

On Day 6, it’s time for your flight to Cardiff.  Check out the castle, the numerous beautiful Victorian arcades, and the sweet Norwegian Church on the waterfront at Cardiff Bay.   On Day 8, take the train back from Cardiff to London, a two hour trip.  It gives you a chance to see some of the countryside on your way to the capital.  All the charms of London are then before you until your flight home.

And A Final Bonus Option: London and Beyond

London with side trips to Canterbury, Brighton, Lincoln, Oxford and Birmingham

If the thought of packing and unpacking every night really doesn’t appeal, then I’ve got an alternative for you.  This itinerary means that you stay in one place, simply day tripping your way to some alternative destinations for a day at a time.  In between each trip, you get a day to explore London at your leisure.

Exploring London

I’d recommend choosing an area of London to explore on each of your 5 days there, and seeking out the attractions of that particular location on the day.  For example, choose Greenwich for a day for the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory.  Choose Southbank for Tower Bridge, walking the Thames and The Shard .

Day Tripping From London

In between you get to go day tripping.  I’ve recommended Canterbury, crammed with history, and a very walkable city.  There are the seaside treats of Brighton , with its pier and the opulent Royal Pavilion.  Birmingham has shopping to rival London, but on a much more compact scale.  Lincoln is woefully underrated, with its fine cathedral and one of the few copies of the Magna Carta.  And who could miss Oxford, legendary city of dreaming spires and with flavours of Hogwarts if you have Potterheads in your group.  All of these day trips are no more than an hour and a half on the train from London, giving you plenty of time to explore as part of your 10 day UK trip itinerary.  We’ve collected up more alternative day trips from London here.

How’s Your 10 Day UK Trip Itinerary Looking?

Has our UK trip planner been useful? Have we found all your favourite spots?  Added any new ones?  If you don’t have 10 days to spare, why not check out our recommended top 10 UK city breaks .    If you want more inspiration on places to enjoy in England, then check out these recommendations for Essentially English Experiences from some of our favourite travel writers.  If you’d like to delve a little deeper into new place to explore, I’ve shared some of my favourite hidden gems in England .

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19 thoughts on “ 10 Day UK Trip Itinerary: 5 Beautiful Itineraries For Your Visit ”

Wow wish I could spend 10 days in the UK!

Hey, what a great post, you have really picked some great options for travelling within the U.K. Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities and I’m glad it made it on to your list, however I’m a bit sad that Liverpool never made it, one of the best cities in England!

I was so tempted by Liverpool, what with the Maritime Museum, and the fantastically decorated Philharmonic pub with mermaids and mermen. Plus the Gormleys all looking out to sea at Crosby. I wonder if I can sneak it in…

All these itineraries sound amazing, especially the Scotland one! I would love to visit Edinburgh and Glasgow so thanks of all the travel inspiration! And all those pictures look stunning! 🙂

The Scotland one is based on a trip we did a while back, and I’d so love to do it again. I still remember that moment we headed across to Skye and the car went silent as we appreciated all that beauty before us.

Wow, love all the different options! Especially the Big OUtdoors and scenic Scotland ones. I did a 10-day just England trip last year. Spent 4 days in London and felt like we hardly scratched the surface!

The Big Outdoors really is lovely – so many treats for the eyes and all the rest of the senses. I need to get back to Scotland too.

Over a decade ago, two of my daughters and myself spent a week backpacking through the UK. We loved it! So much so that it sparked a hiking bug and two of us have since climbed many mountains, including Kilimanjaro! We hiked through Bath and Wells and fount the UK countryside to be quite beautiful. Thank you for a trip down memory lane with your photos of the areas we visited.

You picked some beautiful places! I remember going to see the comedy Hot Fuzz at the cinema and being totally frustrated at recognising its setting but not being able to place it. We had to Google as soon as we got out. Wells, of course!

This is a lovely itinerary! If my visa wasn’t rejected I would have been to UK already 🙁 Anyway saving it for the future trip to UK

I live in London and your posts inspired me to travel more in the UK. I have been to many of your suggested places (but I am sure I will go back again) but I have never done my way to the Isle of Sky. Thanks for the great ideas and I will use your suggestions for planning a nice trip up there.

Thank you for the inspiration you’ve provided 🙂 I would visit for 2 weeks to start, leaving lots of time to hikes in Scotland and ancient sites!

Bonus days! Hiking in Scotland is a massive treat for sure.

I haven’t yet been to the UK, but, wow, it looks like there is really a lot to see. And so much nature. While most of people visit only cities.

I’ve been in UK last year but for business purposes. I’ll be back and will see those places myself!

Thanks, dor sharing some important information about UK That I had never been visited my plans to the UK are still On-going hope to travel this month of August Meanwhile I will bookmark this page as this will be so helpful for my travel trips!

I do hope you can make it here in August. It will be a great time to explore, and you have so many choices to make about where to visit. Glad to be of help!

Is it possible to do any of these itineraries using only public transport? We have never driven on the left side of the road and are not sure we want to.

That’s a definite yes! Some will be easier than others, so I might suggest a couple of modifications. The bonus option – London and beyond – sees you day tripping out of London, and that is really easy to achieve by train. Have a look at some of the suggestions here for day trips from London: https://apackedlife.com/the-13-best-alternative-day-trips-from-london/ . You could manage anywhere from Cardiff to Oxford or Brighton – even Manchester if you were happy spending a little longer on the train. If you don’t want to haul luggage, you’d be able to store some of it in London and just take an overnight bag to make for some overnighters.

To get a flavour of the Celtic Connection (Option 5), it’s easy to fly to Belfast if you wish or fly/take the overnight sleeper train to Inverness. From Inverness you could make your way on the train to Edinburgh, rich in heritage, then continue your journey down the east coast to York for Vikings, and the magnificent Shambles before returning to London. You can reach Cardiff in around 2 hours from London by train (London Paddington) and that opens up more routes into Wales for further exploration… even up the coast to take a ferry to Ireland if that sounds good to you.

Option 4 – which I called best kept secrets – is really easy by train. Head straight to Birmingham by rail from either London Euston or London Marylebone. You have local train services which will take you to Hereford, Shrewsbury and Ludlow from there. The Welsh Marches train line runs from Shrewsbury to Hereford and there are lots of fascinating places served by small stations on the way. I’d highly recommend pretty Ludlow, full of foodie treats and with stunning architecture.

If there’s anything else I can help with, do let me know. I don’t drive due to an eye condition, so I’m always looking for public transport options.

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Best UK Itinerary 10 Days (England + Scotland)

Read a detailed day-wise UK itinerary 10 days with city-to-city commuting options, hotel stay options, things to do, vegetarian food options, adventure activities, and many more FAQs for first-timers to the UK. 

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UK Itinerary 10 Days

Read day-wise UK in 10 days – a perfect UK itinerary 10 days with all helpful information. 

Day 1: Arrival in London (UK Itinerary 10 Days)

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• Arrive at one of London’s airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, or City Airport).  
• Take a taxi, train, or bus to The Blackbird hotel in Greater London .

• Enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea .
• Overnight stay in London.
• Perfect London Itinerary 3 Days For Family (Hotels + Things To Do + FAQs)

Day 2: London Sightseeing

• Take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to visit famous attractions like the Houses of Parliament(Palace of Westminster) , Westminster Abbey , and the London Eye .

• Consider taking a river cruise on the Thames for a different city perspective .

👉🏼Ultimate UK Itinerary 2 Weeks + Best Things To Do & Tours (England Scotland Itinerary 2 Weeks)

Day 3: Day Trip to Oxford and Cotswolds

• Visit famous colleges like Christ Church and the Bodleian Library.
• In the afternoon, head to the charming Cotswolds region, known for its picturesque villages and rolling hills.
• Explore villages like Bourton-on-the-Water or Stow-on-the-Wold.
• Return to London for overnight stay.

Day 4: London to Edinburgh

ALSO READ: Best 5 Days In Scotland (Itinerary+Hotels+Nightlife+Vegan Food)

• Take a morning train from London to Edinburgh (approx. 4.5 hours) or consider a short flight.
• Arrive in Edinburgh and check into YOTEL Hotel .

• Explore the lively Grassmarket area and enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine with Scottish whiskey-tasting tours .
• Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 5: Edinburgh Sightseeing

• Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II.
• Attend a traditional Scottish show or enjoy live music in one of the city’s pubs.

Day 6: Day Trip to Loch Ness and Highlands

• Take a guided tour to visit Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands .
• Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle , and keep an eye out for the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
• Explore the charming Highland villages and learn about Scottish history and folklore.
• Return to Edinburgh for overnight stay.

Day 7: Edinburgh to York

• Explore York’s historic city walls, visit the magnificent York Minster, and walk along the narrow medieval streets of the Shambles.
• Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre for an interactive experience on Viking history.
• Overnight stay in York.

👉🏼Best UK Itinerary 3 Weeks (England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales Tour)

Day 8: York to Bath

• Take a train from York to Bath (approx. 3 hours) and check into the Z Hotel Bath .

• Explore Georgian architecture and visit landmarks like Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent.
• Relax in the Thermae Bath Spa, Britain’s only natural thermal spa.
• Overnight stay in Bath.

Day 9: Bath to Stonehenge and Salisbury

• Take a guided tour or rent a car to visit Stonehenge , a mysterious prehistoric monument (approx. 1.5 hours from Bath).
• Explore the visitor center of Stonehenge and learn about the history and theories surrounding Stonehenge.
• Continue to the nearby city of Salisbury and visit Salisbury Cathedral, home to the Magna Carta.
• Return to Bath for overnight stay.

Day 10: Bath to London Departure

• Take a train from Bath to London (approx. 1.5-2 hours
• Arrive in London and check into your hotel.

• Consider visiting museums like the Tate Modern or the Victoria and Albert Museum.
• Shop at popular areas like Oxford Street or Covent Garden for souvenirs.
• Enjoy a West End theater show or dine at one of London’s renowned restaurants in the evening.

Day 11: Departure from London

• Check out your hotel and go to the airport for your departure from the UK.

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Valuable Resources – UK In 10 Days

Read about some helpful things to know before you plan your UK itinerary 10 days.

City-to-City Commuting Options – UK Itinerary 10 Days

• Buses: National Express and other coach services provide affordable options for traveling between cities, though the journey times may be longer than trains.
• Flights: Domestic flights can be quicker for longer distances or time constraints. Airlines like British Airways and EasyJet operate flights between major UK cities.

Hotel Stay Options: – UK Itinerary 10 Days

• Edinburgh:  Look for accommodations in the Old Town or New Town areas, which are close to major sights and offer a range of options.
• York : Stay within the city walls near attractions like York Minster and the Shambles.
• Bath:  Choose a hotel in the city center, close to the Roman Baths and other landmarks.
• Consider booking accommodations in advance to secure the best rates and availability.

Things to Do During UK In 10 Days

• London:  Visit museums (British Museum, Natural History Museum), explore markets (Camden Market, Borough Market), enjoy a river cruise, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife.
• Edinburgh:  Explore the Royal Mile, hike up Arthur’s Seat, visit the National Museum of Scotland, and enjoy the Edinburgh Festival (August).

• York:  Explore York Minster, walk along the city walls, visit the National Railway Museum, and take a ghost tour.
• Bath:  Tour the Roman Baths, visit Bath Abbey, stroll along the Royal Crescent, and relax in the Thermae Bath Spa.
• Day Trips:  Consider visiting attractions like Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands, Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, or the University town of Oxford.

Things To Do In London for Kids (UK Itinerary)

London offers a plethora of exciting and kid-friendly activities that are sure to keep children entertained and engaged. Here are some top things to do in London for kids:

• The Natural History Museum:  Explore the dinosaur gallery, marvel at the enormous blue whale model, and discover interactive exhibits that showcase the wonders of the natural world.
• Science Museum:  Let your kids immerse themselves in hands-on and interactive science exhibits and watch a live science show or 3D movie.
• London Zoo:  Visit one of the world’s oldest and most renowned zoos, where children can see various animals, attend feeding sessions, and enjoy educational talks.

• KidZania:  Located in Westfield, London, KidZania is an interactive city designed for children to explore different careers and play in a realistic mini-city setting.
• The Tower of London:  Experience the medieval history and intrigue at the Tower of London, where kids can learn about kings and queens, see the Crown Jewels, and even encounter the famous Beefeaters.
• Diana Memorial Playground:  Located in Kensington Gardens, this playground is inspired by the stories of Peter Pan. It features a pirate ship, a sensory trail, and various play areas for children to enjoy.

• The London Transport Museum:  Explore the transportation history in London through interactive exhibits, vintage vehicles, and a play zone for younger children.
• Thames River Cruise:  Hop on a boat and cruise along the River Thames, taking in the sights of London’s iconic landmarks. Some cruises even offer special-themed tours for children.
• The V&A Museum of Childhood:  Located in Bethnal Green, this museum showcases a collection of toys, dolls, and childhood artifacts, allowing kids to learn about the history of play.
• Princess Diana Memorial Fountain:  Let kids cool off and have fun at this unique water feature in Hyde Park. The circular stream is perfect for splashing around on a warm day.

These are just a few examples, and London offers many more kid-friendly attractions and activities. From parks and playgrounds to theaters and interactive museums, there’s no shortage of things to do to make your visit to London memorable for the whole family.

Things To Do In the UK For Adventure Lovers

The UK is a fantastic destination for adventure lovers, offering many thrilling activities and outdoor experiences. Here are some top things to do in the UK for adventure enthusiasts:

• Coasteering in Pembrokeshire, Wales:  Dive, climb, and jump along the rugged coastline of Pembrokeshire. Coasteering combines cliff jumping, rock scrambling, and swimming, providing an adrenaline-fueled coastal adventure.
• Rock Climbing in Peak District, England:  The Peak District offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing, with its dramatic gritstone edges and limestone crags. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, there are routes to suit all levels.
• Surfing in Newquay, Cornwall:  Head to the surfing capital of the UK, Newquay, where you can catch some waves and enjoy the thrill of surfing. With several surf schools and beautiful beaches, it’s a fantastic spot for beginners and experienced surfers.
• Mountain Biking in the Lake District:  Explore the Lake District’s scenic trails and challenging routes on a mountain bike. With its varied terrain and stunning vistas, the Lake District offers a thrilling adventure for biking enthusiasts.
• Sea Kayaking in the Scottish Isles:  Discover the remote and wild beauty of the Scottish Isles by sea kayak. Paddle through crystal-clear waters, explore sea caves, and encounter diverse marine life while enjoying the tranquility of the remote coastal landscapes.
• Zip-lining in Snowdonia, Wales:  Soar through the skies and enjoy breathtaking views of Snowdonia National Park on a zip-line adventure. Zip World offers exhilarating experiences, including Europe’s longest zip line and the world’s first four-person zip line.

• Caving in the Mendip Hills, England:  Explore the subterranean world of caves and underground passages in the Mendip Hills. With experienced guides, you can crawl, climb, and squeeze through fascinating cave systems.
• Canyoning in the Brecon Beacons, Wales:  Descend waterfalls, swim through pools, and scramble across rocky terrain on a canyoning adventure in the Brecon Beacons. It’s a thrilling activity combining climbing, swimming, and sliding elements.

The UK’s diverse landscapes and natural beauty offer endless opportunities for adventure lovers to create unforgettable experiences. Enjoy these adventure sports with the guidance of experienced instructors and guides who can provide training and equipment rental. Remember to prioritize safety and ensure you have the necessary skills and equipment for each activity.

Best Time To Visit the UK

The best time to visit the UK depends on your preferences and the specific experiences you are seeking. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons and what they offer:

• Spring (March to May): Spring in the UK is generally mild, with blooming flowers and longer daylight hours. The countryside is lush and green, and you can enjoy outdoor activities without the peak summer crowds. It’s a great time to visit gardens like the famous Chelsea Flower Show in London.  

• Autumn (September to November):  Autumn brings beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures to the UK. It’s an excellent time for scenic drives through the countryside, exploring national parks, and visiting historic sites. Autumn also offers cultural events like the Last Night of the Proms and the Bonfire Night celebrations on November 5th.
• Winter (December to February):  Winter in the UK is cold, with shorter days and occasional snowfall. However, it’s a magical time to experience festive celebrations, Christmas markets, and ice skating rinks in cities like London and Edinburgh. The countryside can be particularly picturesque, especially in areas like the Scottish Highlands.

It’s important to note that the weather in the UK can be unpredictable at any time of the year, so it’s advisable to pack layers and be prepared for varying conditions. Additionally, popular attractions and cities may be busier during school holidays and major events, so plan accordingly and consider booking accommodations and tickets in advance.

Where to Find Good Vegetarian Food In the UK

There are many Indian restaurants in the UK where you can find the finest vegetarian food. And if you are looking for other cuisines, then here are some recommendations for vegetarian places to eat in the locations above:

London – 10 Days In UK

• The Gate: Known for its innovative vegetarian and vegan cuisine, The Gate has multiple locations in London. Their menu features a fusion of flavors and includes dishes like wild mushroom risotto and beetroot tart.  
• Vanilla Black : Located near Chancery Lane, Vanilla Black offers a sophisticated dining experience with its vegetarian and vegan tasting menus. Their inventive dishes showcase creative flavor combinations.
• Tibits:  Situated in the heart of London, near Regent Street, Tibits is a popular vegetarian and vegan buffet-style restaurant. It offers a wide variety of fresh, seasonal dishes worldwide.

Edinburgh – 10 Days In UK

• Henderson’s:  A longstanding vegetarian institution in Edinburgh, Henderson’s offers a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including hearty salads, soups, and their famous haggis.
• David Bann:  Located in the historic Old Town, David Bann serves contemporary vegetarian and vegan cuisine with international influences. Their menu features dishes like spiced chickpea pancakes and Thai curry.
• Holy Cow:  This vegetarian and vegan café, situated in the city center, serves delicious plant-based comfort food, including burgers, wraps, and cakes. They also have gluten-free options.
• Paradise Palms: An eclectic vegetarian-friendly bar and café in the city center, Paradise Palms offers a relaxed atmosphere, tasty vegetarian dishes, and creative cocktails.

Bath – 10 Days In UK

• Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen:  Located in the heart of Bath, Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen offers an exquisite dining experience with its gourmet vegetarian and vegan tasting menus featuring seasonal ingredients.
• Beyond the Kale:  A cozy vegetarian café near Bath Abbey, Beyond the Kale serves various plant-based dishes, including salads, wraps, and smoothies. They also have gluten-free options.
• Rooted Café:  In the city center, Rooted Café specializes in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, serving dishes like falafel wraps, Buddha bowls, and vegan cakes.
• The Green Rocket Café:  Known for its vibrant vegetarian and vegan menu, The Green Rocket Café offers a range of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including breakfast options, sandwiches, and burgers.

The UK has a growing vegetarian and vegan food scene, and these recommendations should help you find delicious plant-based options during your travels.

FAQs – UK Itinerary 10 Days

Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions for first-time visitors to the UK:

• What currency is used in the UK, and how can I exchange money?

The currency used in the UK is the British Pound (£). You can exchange money at banks and exchange offices or use ATMs (cash machines) nationwide. Notifying your bank before traveling is an excellent way to ensure your cards work abroad.

• What is the best way to get around the UK?

The UK has an extensive transportation network. For intercity travel, trains are often the fastest and most convenient option. Buses/coaches are also available for longer journeys. Public transportation systems like the London Underground (Tube) or buses are efficient in cities. Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely known as well.

• Do I need a visa to visit the UK?

UK Visa depends on your nationality. Some nationalities are visa-exempt and can visit the UK for tourism purposes for a limited period. Others may require a visa. Check the UK government’s official website or contact your home country’s British embassy or consulate for up-to-date visa information.

• What is the tipping etiquette in the UK?

Tipping is customary but only sometimes mandatory in the UK. In restaurants, a service charge may be included in the bill. If not, leaving a tip of around 10-15% is expected if you’re satisfied with the service. In bars, rounding up the bill or leaving loose change is appreciated. Tipping taxi drivers is also customary.

• What is the weather like in the UK, and what should I pack?

The weather in the UK can be unpredictable. It’s best to pack layers to accommodate varying temperatures and occasional rain. Bring a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.

• Are there any cultural etiquette or customs I should be aware of?

Queuing (waiting in line) is a cultural norm, so be patient and wait your turn. In the UK, it’s common to greet people with a handshake. British people appreciate politeness and saying “please” and “thank you.” It’s also polite to ask before taking photographs of people or religious sites.

• What are some emergency numbers in the UK?

In emergencies, dial 999 for police, ambulance, or fire services. For non-emergency medical assistance, you can call NHS 111.

Now you know the best places to visit in UK with this 10 days UK itinerary guide with hotel options, things to do, activities for all ages, and vegetarian food options. So plan your fun-filled 10 days in UK with this UK itinerary travel planner.

Download Travel Checklist to plan your UK itinerary 10 days

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10 Days In England: The Ultimate Itinerary 2024

With 10 days in England, you’re going to be spoiled for choice. Known for its history, rolling green hills, and quaint country villages (and rain, but we won’t mention that!), England is a varied and vibrant country to visit.

Adam and I grew up in England, and with our passion for travel, we have spent many weekends and holidays exploring our home country. From the Yorkshire Dales to the home counties, we’ve lived and worked all over, and couldn’t wait to get down this 10 day itinerary for you all!

10 days in England is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of it all. From bustling city life to quiet country lanes, this 10 days in England itinerary covers it all so that you can leave knowing you got the full English experience!

• Days 1 & 2 – London
• Day 3 – Brighton
• Days 4 & 5 – Bath
• Day 6 – Bristol
• Day 7 – Cotswolds
• Days 8, 9 & 10 – Yorkshire

10 Days in England – Days 1 & 2

England is a country known for its rich history, beautiful countryside, and lively cities. There are plenty of things to do in England, no matter what your interests are, and with 10 days here you can cover a lot of ground.

We’ve picked out the highlights so you can plan your trip knowing you’ve seen the very best England has to offer.

Where better to start your 10 days in England than in the country’s vibrant capital – London. The chances are you’ll be flying into London, so it’s the perfect place to begin your trip.

London’s founding can be traced to 43 CE, when the Roman armies began their occupation of Britain. Since then, London has been an important city for England and the place of many a historic event!

You’ll find beautiful old architecture mixed with modern art, 5-star hotels alongside street food cuisine, museums and castles, and some of the best evening entertainment around. Get ready to have your senses awakened!

With so much to do and see here that you couldn’t possibly pack it all into only a few days. That being said, two days is enough time to see the main attractions and get a real feel for this melting pot of a city. If you only have 10 days in England then make sure a couple of them are spent seeing London’s highlights.

We’ve listed the top sights, or you can check out our detailed guide on 2 days in London for an itinerary that takes in all the city’s highlights in the best order, including the best places to eat and drink, and some top nightlife ideas too! Make sure you check the London packing guide to ensure you have everything you need for your time here.

London’s Highlights

Don’t miss:

• Natural History Museum
• Buckingham Palace
• Big Ben and The Houses Of Parliament
• Westminster Abbey
• The London Eye ( book your tickets here )
• Thames river boat tour
• The Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• HMS Belfast
• St Paul’s Cathedral

Top tip: By far the cheapest way to see London’s top attractions is by buying a London Pass . For under £80 you get entry to over 80 attractions and a hop on, hop off bus ride for a day (which on its own is £40 , and totally worth it even if you don’t opt for the pass!).

Some of the popular attractions included are the View from the Shard, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London Bridge Experience, Tower Bridge Exhibition, and ZSL London Zoo.

We get a small percentage if you buy through our link, but that’s honestly not why we’re recommending it here. It will genuinely save you a lot of money if you plan on visiting even a few of London’s best attractions and it’s such an easy way to know you have tickets for London’s highlights.

Where to stay in London

London is absolutely packed with great accommodation options for every budget (though you will find prices a little steeper here as with every capital!)

Here are our top picks for staying in London for the first time .

We’ve also rounded up the very best London hotels with a view and the best hotels in London with a rooftop pool if you want to make your stay here really special.

If London is too pricey then consider using Brighton (below) as your base and taking the train into London to explore instead.

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel  – For budget travellers
• The Z hotel in Shoreditch  – great value in an upbeat and popular part of London with good dining options
• The Mandrake  – a beautiful boutique hotel in central London
• The Savoy  – True luxury, with a price tag to match! This is for special stays!

10 Day Itinerary for the UK – Day 3

Head to Brighton for day 3 of your trip to the UK!

With only 10 days in England, you won’t have time to explore a lot of the south, but we would recommend taking a day trip to Brighton from London so that you can experience a typical English seaside town.

Brighton is only an hour’s train journey away from London, so it’s the perfect day trip destination! Use The Trainline  to book tickets in advance, pack a picnic and rug, and head to the beach!

Brighton is one of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations, and it has a great mix of culture, fun, beach tackiness, and old charm. There are lots of things to do here including arcade games on the pier, bike tours around the city, taking in the views from the i360, or exploring the Brighton Lanes.

Where to stay in Brighton

If you have longer than 10 days in London then you might want to stay in Brighton for a few nights and enjoy the party scene. Or you could do the first part of the trip in reverse and use Brighton as your base, taking the train into London to sightsee.

Snooze: Each room here is individually decorated in an interesting and quirky style in fitting with Brighton’s trendy scene. If you’re looking for something a little different then head here!

✅ Check current availability and prices

Clarence Square: This wins for location, so if you only have one night in Brighton this is a good choice. If you’re staying for longer then this has cooking facilities so you won’t have to splash out on restaurants every night.

✅ Check availability and prices here .

10 Days in England Itinerary – Days 4 & 5

Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage City and well worth visiting on your 10 days in England. The architecture and history here make it one of the most beautiful cities in England and we can see why London’s Victorian gentry headed here for their holidays.

Start off your time in Bath with a walking tour (if you’ve read more of our travel guides you’ll know how much we love walking tours!) For lovers of Bridgerton, this is a must-visit destination, and you can swap your historic walking tour for a Bridgerton experience tour instead!

You should also visit the Roman Baths while you’re here, and Bath is a great shopping destination with some super cute vintage and art stores. For something a little different take a boat cruise along the River Avon and take in the city from the water.

It will take around 3 hours to get from Brighton to Bath on the train. Book your tickets in advance .

Where to stay in Bath

Bath is a lovely place to base yourself for a few days during your trip to England. It isn’t known for being a party capital but there is plenty of nightlife in Bath, and there are also some great restaurants. The real treat about staying in Bath is the beautiful accommodation on offer.

The Kennard, stay somewhere grand: Bath was after all the go-to place for London’s elite in the Victorian era. The Kennard will certainly impress, with its grand decor and comfortable surroundings.

✅ Check availability and prices here

The Roof Terrace: Trade traditional for views with a stay in this modern apartment. It’s in the centre of Bath and has a rooftop terrace that is worthy of opening a bottle of bubbly for!

✅ Check availability and prices here.

England Travel Itinerary – Day 6

Bristol is one of England’s most vibrant cities and everyone who visits dreams of living here. It has a small-town feel with big-city opportunities and there are lots of interesting things to do here that are a little different from your usual city sightseeing.

One day here is enough to take in some of the most famous sights, but the real pull of Bristol is just its atmosphere. If you like the sound of Bristol you could swap your two nights in Bath for two nights here instead!

While you’re in Bristol you should visit the suspension bridge and snap away at the views, and if you’re after even more history then visit Brunel’s SS  Great  Britain. You should also keep an eye out for Bristol’s famous graffiti as you walk around the city.

One of the things we love most about Bristol is the individual shops, bars, and restaurants here, so don’t pack your day too full of activities! Make some time to eat yourself silly at a vegan cafe, or try out the much loved Jerusalem Falafel .

Where to stay in Bristol

Hotel du Vin : The Hotel du Vin is purely luxurious, with dark wooden interiors and decadent bathtubs. In fact, a stay here might prevent you from getting out and exploring!

✅ Head here for availability and prices .

Berkeley Square BnB: If you opt for several nights in Bristol then you might want to opt for accommodation you can feel at home in. This BnB is in a great location and has all the creature comforts.

✅ Check availability and prices.

10 Days in the UK – Day 7

The cotswolds.

The Cotswolds is a rural area of England that covers parts of 6 counties. It’s famous for its beautiful little villages, stately homes, and churches, and is a very different side of England to the larger cities. It’s well worth spending a day or two of your 10 days in England itinerary visiting some quaint villages surrounded by countryside.

There are lots of options for places to base yourself while in the Cotswolds and where ever you do end up will be gorgeous. The best things to do while you’re here are to slow down. Take a day or so to recharge by pottering around old villages, eating scones and jam in tea rooms, and visiting national trust property gardens.

10 Days in the north of England – Days 8, 9 & 10

Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful places in the north of England (in our opinion anyway!) and it’s a great place to end your 10 days in England. From here you can fly out of Manchester, which has a large airport or travel back to London to head home.

Yorkshire covers quite a wide area and there are tonnes of different things to do here to suit all tastes. Some of the best UK National Parks lie in or within easy reach of Yorkshire and are well worth your time if you love the outdoors.

We’ve listed a few ideas of places to visit depending on what you want out of the rest of your trip!

One of the most beautiful cities in the UK and a true northern city too, York is a must-visit if you’re up there. York is atmospheric and moody, with its dark stone buildings, ancient alleyways, and fascinating history. It’s one of the few places that’s still beautiful in the rain, as the cobblestones glisten and the dark skies make it more mysterious than ever.

You could easily spend the whole three days here, visiting the York dungeons , taking a candlelit cruise up the River Ooze, or taking a steam train ride through the moors . One of the best things to do here is to simply wander and take it all in.

Where To Stay In York

✅ Avondale Guest House is full of English charm and only a 10-minute walk from the center of York. It’s a great option for couples and families alike.

Visit Haworth for a break from city life, and experience the true charm of an English village. Haworth is home to the famous Bronte sisters, English novelists who wrote classics such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.

It’s a tiny place, little more than a cobblestone street with fascinating shops and tea rooms, but it’s the perfect place for a night away from it all and has some great walks in the surrounding areas.

Go Walking in the Moors

No trip to Yorkshire would be complete without a walk or two through the breathtaking moorlands. Yorkshire is famous for its outdoor life, and the treks here are stunning.

You have a huge choice of treks to take while you’re here, but one of the most famous is the Malham Cove walk. The impressive scenery you’ll see from this hike will have you desperate for more time in the area, so it’s a great place to end your 10 days in England – planning your return!

We’ve detailed the Malham Cove walk for you, including the best places to park, the best route to take, and other important information! You’ll want to save a whole day for this hike, and you’ll need decent walking shoes and an outdoor jacket.

Is 10 Days In The UK Enough?

The UK is an incredible country with so much to see and do here. You could spend a whole month exploring London alone and still not see it all.

That being said, 10 days in England is enough to see some of the best cities and areas of natural beauty and to get a real feel for the country.

Simply follow this itinerary to see the best the UK has to offer!

Conclusion: 10 Days In England

Hopefully this article has helped you plan your 10 days in England, and we’ve no doubt that you’ll have the most incredible trip! Give us a shout in the comments section below if you have any questions about travel in the UK.

If you’re after more travel inspiration and tips then follow us on social media.

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An Epic 10 Day UK Itinerary for England and Wales

There are so many incredible things to see in the United Kingdom, it can be hard to decide what to include on a 10 day UK itinerary. When we first started planning our visit, we spent hours trying to decide whether to visit Scotland, spend the whole time in England, or visit Wales. We put this itinerary together this London to Wales tour based on that research and loved getting to spend some time in London and get out into the countryside for some hiking and exploring.

This 10 day UK itinerary in Wales and England is for you if you want to get a taste of London and then explore the more wild side of Wales including several hikes along the coast finishing with some time a small English countryside town. We did this itinerary as a family of 5 when our kids were 8, 11, and 11, but this would make a great trip with younger kids or just adults.

Some of the highlights of this itinerary include:

• Seeing the most famous sites in London
• Windsor Castle
• Pembrokeshire
• Hiking and biking in Snowdonia
• Visiting the Peaks District

Read more below on exactly how to take this 10 day England and Wales itinerary as well as general information to help you plan your visit to the United Kingdom . You can also find suggestions on how to lengthen or shorten this itinerary based on how much time you have. You can easily adjust this to a 9 day UK itinerary or add a few days to make an 11 or 12 day itinerary.

Overview of 10 Day UK Itinerary for England and Wales

Below is a snapshot of the itinerary broke up into days. This itinerary assumes that you will arrive in England the day before the itinerary starts. It is possible to arrive early on the first day, but you may have to adjust your plans a bit. This Wales and England 10 day itinerary also assumes that you will either leave in the evening of day 10 or the following day.

• Day 1: London
• Day 2: London

Day 3: Stonehenge to Tenby to Pembrokeshire

• Day 4: Pembrokeshire, hike,
• Day 5: hike Drive to Dolgellau
• Day 6: Hike Cadair Idris
• Day 7: Morning bike and explore to barmouth
• Day 8: Drive Dollgelau to Miller’s Dale – stop by Lakes
• Day 9: Chee Dale Stepping Stones – explore Miller’s Dale

Day 10 Windsor Castle

How to Use this England and Wales Itinerary

You can use this itinerary by booking this exact itinerary or select part of this trip. You can also use just the Wales portion of this trip if you are trying to put together a 5 days in Wales itinerary. This itinerary also assumes you will be visiting during the warmer months, but it is possible adjust to do this in the winter, you will just need to dress appropriately and keep an eye of the weather during your hikes.

Map of 10 Day UK Itinerary in England and Wales

Complete Details of this 10 day UK Itinerary in England and Wales

Day 1 and 2: london.

Start your 10 day UK itinerary with 2 full days in London. London is an incredible and large city, and it’s hard to see everything even with a week in town. With 2 days in London, you can see the highlights and most popular sites. Both days are very full, so you may decide to leave off one or more of the sites based on the time and your preference.

For your first day, start the morning at Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard.

If you have time before the ceremony, you can enjoy some time in Hyde Park. You will want to confirm that the ceremony is happening on the day you are visiting (you can see the schedule here ). After the changing of the guard, wander through Trafalgar Square and strop for lunch in Covent Garden. In the afternoon, head towards the Thames and cross Westminster Bridge. There are 4 good sites right nearby. Catch a look at Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Parliament or you can cross the river and take a ride on the London Eye.

At this point it is likely late afternoon. Hop of one of the Thames River cruises for a break from walking and to see some of the more famous sites from the river. Get off at the Tower of London. If there is still time, take a tour of the Tower of London and walk across Tower Bridge before grabbing dinner along the waterfront.

For day 2 in London , you will enjoy some of the museums, and markets. Start your day at Camden market before making your way to the British Museum. London has several excellent museums to choose from, many of which are free. The National Gallery is also a great choice.

In the afternoon you can choose from several activities. We suggest trying out one of the London High teas, or if you are visiting with kids you can go to the London Zoo or Harry Potter World or take a Harry Potter tour .

Should you take a tour of London?

To see everything you want to see in London your days will be jam packed. If you want to make sure to see everything and you are willing to pay a little extra, taking a tour of London may be the best option. In fact, most tours will only cost a little more and can actually be a good deal. You can find lots of tours at Viator .

Where to Stay in London

London is large and there are many options for places to stay. The best place to stay with limited time is right downtown. You can search for a hotel downtown through booking.com , but we also recommend the London Marriot Hotel County Hall : This is a great location right along the Thames. You can easily walk to many of the most popular sites and you have great views right from the hotel. You can also find several other Marriot hotels in the city if you like Marriot.

On the third day of your 10 day UK itinerary, you will need to rent a car. You can do this right away when you arrive in London, but parking can be difficult, so if possible wait to rent a car until day 3. We had good luck finding rental cars through rentalcars.com .

Try to get an early start and head out of the city to Stonehenge. The drive takes about 2 hours depending on traffic. You will want to make sure you book your tickets to Stonehenge in advance. Try to reserve one of the earlier time slots to avoid the crowds. You should plan to spend about 2 hours at Stonehenge and in the visitor center.

After exploring Stonehenge, continue driving west into Wales to get to Pembroke. This drive takes about 4 hours and there are lots of interesting places to explore along the way if you have the interest and time, including Bath and Cardiff.

Once you arrive in Pembrokshire, you can check into your hotel and grab a bite to eat.

Where to Stay in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is the entire region of southwest Wales and you can find several great towns to use as a base for the next 2 nights. We stayed in Millford Haven, but recommend looking closer to Pembroke or in the cute town of Tenby.

The Burrows Bed and Breakfast : A great location and lovely hotel in Pembroke.

The Coach House Hotel: Once a medieval coaching inn, you can walk into Pembroke from this historic hotel.

There are many excellent places to stay in Tenby – you can see some of the best places here.

Day 4: Pembrokeshire

Start the day with an incredible coastal hike that includes a visit to Barafundle Bay and through the Bosherston Lakes. This is a roughly 6 mile hike and is one of our favorite coastal hikes anywhere. You can stop at the café for a mid-morning snack and even take a swim if you are feeling daring. After your hike, make sure to visit St. Govan’s Castle.

Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful village of Tenby. You can grab lunch here and visit the beach if the weather is warm. In the late afternoon visit Pembroke Castle. We attended a Shakespeare play in the castle and loved watching the sun set in the castle.

Day 5: Drive to Dolgellau

Get a morning start and head towards the Welsh town of Dolgellau. On the way stop for another coastal hike. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Hike follows the coast of Wales for 186 miles and you can find many incredible hikes along the route. We did a section of the Pembrokeshire Coastal hike from Cwmtydu Cove but truly any stretch of this trail is worth walking.

Finish the day by arriving in Dolgellau. We loved this little town and spent several days here. It is a small town, so if you are looking for more to do, you may want to consider one of the bigger towns in the area. We found Dolgellau the perfect jumping off point for exploring Snowdonia.

Where to Stay in Dolgellau

Most of the places to stay in Dolgellau are small apartments, houses, or glamping opportunities. Below are a few of the best options:

Farm Stay Snowdonia Coast:  This is a fun and unique stay on a farm.

Try Clamping on the Coast:  This is a fun alternative to camping – these little huts/pods are a beautiful place to stay

Dwy Olwyn : This is a lovely little hotel in the country with a terrace and a garden just a 10 minute walk from town.

Elden Row : These apartments are a great option and centrally located in town

Day 6 and 7 Hike Cadair Idris and Bike the Mawddach Trail to Barmouth

For your two days in Snowdonia, you will spend 1 day hiking and 1 day biking. You can switch up the days depending on the weather.

Cadair Idris is the second tallest mountain in Snowdonia and hangs right over the town of Dolgellau. This is an incredible mountain hike. There are several different trails you can take to reach the summit. We took the easiest route up the Pony Path.

Learn more about hiking Cadair Idris.

For your other day in Dolgellau, rent bikes right in town and bike to Barmouth of the Mawddach Trail. This 9 mile trail is wide and easy to ride and takes you through the Estuary to the town and beach of Barmouth. Once you arrive in this coastal town you can grab lunch and enjoy walking around and exploring the beach. We had a windy/rainy day so we spent part of the day at the arcade in town.

Day 8: Drive Dolgellau to Miller’s Dale

Today you will drive from Dolgellau to the quaint town of Miller’s Dale located in the heart of the Peak’s District in England. The drive takes about 3 hours but you can make a day of it by stopping at Cregennen Lakes or the city of Manchester.

Once you arrive in Miller’s Dale and settle in, you can explore the area on foot. There are many excellent walking trails in the area.

Where to Stay in Miller’s Dale

The best hotels in Miller’s Dale and small with loads of character. You can see a list of some of the best Miller’s Dale Lodging options here.

Angler’s Rest: This is a cute little spot in a great location. We didn’t stay here but we did eat here twice during our visit.

YHA Ravenstor: This is a beautiful hotel that sits on 70 acres overlooking the river.

Day 9: Explore the Peaks District: Chee Dale Stepping Stones

There are so many excellent hiking trail near Miller’s Dale. We loved the hike on the Chee Dale Stepping Stones and spent the morning here and the afternoon hiking some of the other nearby trails.

You can see more details on hiking the Chee Dale Stepping Stones as a loop Trail.

For your last day of this 10 day UK Itinerary, drive south and stop at Windsor Castle. The drive from Miller’s Dale to Windsor takes about 3.5 hours. You can stop in the town of Windsor for lunch and then take a tour of the castle. I recommend the audio tour to get the most out of your visit. You can see more about visiting Windsor Castle.

After your visit to Windsor, it’s time to head on your way. If you have a late day flight, you can head to the airport.

We did almost this exact itinerary during the summer of 2019 and have completely updated the information since then. We’ve now travelled extensively in Europe and my kids still remember this 10 day UK Itinerary as one of their favorite trips.

How to Adjust this Itinerary

How to shorten this 10 day uk itinerary.

If you don’t have enough days for this 10 day UK itinerary, it’s easy to keep the general locations and shorten it by one day. The first option is to spend only 2 nights in Dolgellau. After you finish the activities on the 2nd day in Dolgellau, simply leave mid-afternoon and drive straight to Miller’s Dale.

If you only have 1 week in England and Wales, you will have to cut out one of the smaller towns. After visiting Dolgellau – simply drive straight back to London instead of stopping at Miller’s Dale. If you have time, stop at Windsor Castle, otherwise head right to the airport.

How to Lengthen this to a 11 or 12 Day UK Itinerary

If you have more time, there are so many ways to make this into a longer itinerary. You can easily spend more time exploring Northern Wales or you could add some time on the southern coast of England. The final suggestion for lengthening your trip is to spend an extra day in London. There is so much to do here that 3 or 4 days in London is ideal.

5 Days in Wales Itinerary

Another option is to use just the Wales part of this itinerary as a 5 day Wales Itinerary. To do this, basically use the itinerary above for just the days 3-8. Plan to spend 2 days in Pembrokeshire and 3 days in Snowdonia. This gives you time to hike on both the Pembrokeshire Coastal Trail as well as some of the mountains and lakes in Snowdonia.

Things to Know When Visiting England and Wales

How many days do you need for an england and wales itinerary.

We love visiting countries for 10 days. With just a week it feels like by the time you get into the flow, the week is over. With 10 days, you can enjoy exploring London and spend a full week in the countryside. With 2 weeks, it’s possible to visit Scotland as well.

When is the Best time of Year for this 10 Day UK Itinerary?

The UK is a great year round destination, however if you are planning a lot of outdoor activities, the spring, summer and fall are best. Summer tends to be the busiest time of year in London and England in general. If possible visit during May/June or Sept/Oct.

We visited at the very end of August and found the temperatures comfortable and the crowds low.

Driving in England and Wales

For this itinerary you will need to rent a car. In the UK, you will drive on the left side of the road and you will also sit on the opposite side of the car to drive. Many of the rental cars are automatic so you will need to shift with your opposite hand if you are used to driving elsewhere. This is something to be aware of when you rent a car here.

In addition, many of the road (especially in Wales) were very narrow. It would be almost impossible to drive a large car on some of these roads. When you are passing other cars, take your time and you will be fine.

You can search for reasonable car rentals at rentalcars.com

What to Pack for this 10 Day UK Itinerary

Even if you visit during the summer, you will want to pack plenty of layers and rain gear for this 10 day UK itinerary. We had generally good weather, but hiking along the Welsh coast was often cool and were glad to have rain gear for warmth.

In general I would pack several pairs of hiking shirts , both long and short sleeved as well as shorts and pants. For London, you want some clothes that are comfortable to walk around town in.

For the hiking trails, you should have a pair of hiking boots and another pair of comfortable shoes if these get wet. Pack rain pants and a jacket and one extra warm layer. Don’t forget to pack a bathing suit in case you get a hot day and want to go for a swim!

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About the Author: Gretchen Stuppy Carlson

A passionate adventurer dedicated to getting families outside and exploring. Gretchen is an expert in adventure travel with 15+ years of experience working in outdoor education and travelling with her own family.

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Perfect 10 Days in England Itinerary to see it all

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Are you thinking about visiting England and wondering how you’ll get to see it all? This 10 days in England itinerary is just what you need. It covers everything from the most iconic landmarks to world-class museums, royal palaces, and beautiful quaint villages where you can learn more about England’s rich history.

You’ll see the country’s vibrant culture through its famous food, the bustling capital city, and historic towns, which are among the most beautiful cities in Europe . 

There are plenty of things to do in England that it’s nearly impossible to see and do it all. But with this England itinerary for 10 days, you can expect to see the country’s most famous sights and a few hidden gems worth adding to your next UK itinerary .

Ultimate 10 days in England itinerary to see it all

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10-day England itinerary | At a glance

From the depths of Central London to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Stonehenge, this ultimate 10 days in England itinerary shows you the best of this stunning country.

Here’s a glance at how you’ll be spending your 10 days in England :

• Day 1 to 4 of 10 days in England itinerary: Explore the best attractions and historical landmarks in London city
• Day 5 of 10 days in England itinerary: Take a day trip to Windsor
• Day 6 to 8 of 10 days in England itinerary: Experience life from a storybook in The Cotswolds
• Day 9 of 10 days in England itinerary: Spend the day exploring Bath’s rich Roman history
• Day 10 of 10 days in England itinerary: Explore the UNESCO-listed city of Stonehenge

Arrival in England, United Kingdom

You’ll be arriving in London either at Heathrow or Gatwick Airport, as those are the main international airports in the United Kingdom. We traveled from Canada and arrived at the Gatwick Airport, and flew back from Heathrow. 

Heathrow Airport is the country’s busiest airport, so chances are higher that your flight will land there from the United States. It’s about 25.7 km (16 miles) from Central London, so you can either get a rental car or book a private transfer to drive to your accommodation. 

There are many places to stay in the city center; try staying at one of the London hotels with river views for an unforgettable stay.  

Day 1 of 10 days in England itinerary: London’s best attractions and historical landmarks

England is more than just London, yes. But you can’t possibly see and experience the best of this country without visiting its capital. 

The first four days of your England itinerary will take you through the best attractions and landmarks in London. 

To make the most of your visit, grab the London Pass that allows you to save money on transportation as well as access to more than 85 top attractions, tours, and museums. 

It also includes one round of hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus tours at no extra cost.  Get your London Pass here

Where to stay in London:

London has many great accommodation options. From luxury to mid-range and budget hotels, you’re sure to find the one for you. Here are a few options you should check out:

• Vintry & Mercer: Enjoy being steps away from London’s most famous sights at this elegantly-decorated 5-star hotel. Book your stay here
• The Westminster London: Get stunning views of the River Thames while enjoying American steakhouse or Asian cuisine at this elegant hotel. Book your stay here
• Motel One London-Tower Hill: Get access to bustling eateries on Brick Lane and a vibrant Shoreditch nightlife without breaking the budget at this designer hotel. Book your stay here

London is the epicenter of England’s history and culture. This historic city is dotted with stunning cathedrals, palaces, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods. Here are a few things to do during your four days in London .

Tower Bridge

London’s Tower Bridge is one of the city’s standout landmarks. Standing at 800 feet across the River Thames, Tower Bridge is a suspension and bascule bridge, meaning it opens up to let big ships pass through. 

Walk across the bridge for great views of the HMS Belfast warship museum. If you would enjoy a Tower Bridge exhibition, consider booking a tour of the bridge , and get to its Victorian engine rooms and the glass walkway about 140 feet above the water.  

Tower of London

After crossing the bridge, make your way to the famous Tower of London. This historic castle sits on the north bank of the river and is most famous for being a royal residence during war times and a prison where prisoners were publicly executed.

There are a lot of interesting facts about the Tower of London, including that it’s home to the famous crown jewels. Take a Tower of London tour and get a warm welcome from the Yeoman Warders before visiting the Jewel House.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in England. This Anglican cathedral has one of the world’s largest domes and is a great place to admire London’s Neoclassical English Baroque-style architecture. 

If you’d like to see more than just the exterior, buy a St. Paul’s Cathedral entry ticket and get to see the cathedral’s ornate nave, crypt, and three galleries. You can also walk up to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city.

Trafalgar Square

This bustling public square is one of the most significant in London. Built as a celebration of the British victory against the French and Spanish in the Battle of Trafalgar , this square is also home to top attractions like the National Gallery.

Trafalgar Square is a popular tourist hotspot. The square’s two fountains and soaring monument guarded by lion statues are worth taking pictures of, so bring your camera. 

The Millennium Wheel, popularly known as the London Eye, is one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels. This monumental observation wheel is 443 feet long and has a diameter of 394 feet. You can catch a ride on the London Eye and get 360-degree views of London.

Big Ben is an unmissable landmark in London. It was renamed to “Elizabeth Tower” in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, but locals and tourists still call it Big Ben. 

This colossal clock tower stands at about 320 feet and is one of the most picturesque spots in London.

Day 2 of 10 days in England itinerary: Enjoy a royal experience in the capital city

As the capital, London has been home to many monarchs throughout the centuries. Spend day two of your 10 days in England getting a glimpse of the royal lifestyle.

Palace of Westminster

Your second day in England starts where the first one ended – at Big Ben. The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is a Victorian and Gothic structure, making it one of the most postcard-worthy sights in London.  

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic churches in the world. 

It’s best known for hosting coronations (including the upcoming coronation of King Charles III) and being a burial site for many monarchs like Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots .

You can buy an entrance ticket to Westminster Abbey and get to stroll through a thousand years of history with the help of an audio-guided tour. 

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is arguably the most famous royal residence in England. It has served as an abode for monarchs since 1837 and currently serves as the administrative headquarters. 

Marveling at the iron gates, the guards, and Buckingham Palace from the outside is a great experience, but there is so much more. You can also get a tour of the state rooms and browse the Royal Collection, which includes paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto.

Tip: If you’d like to see the Changing of The King’s Guard, make sure you get there early before the masses arrive. This ceremony starts at 10:45 am and lasts for about 45 minutes.

The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

After exploring the state rooms, head over to the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. These equestrian stables boast an extensive collection of royal carriages and coaches. 

On display, you’ll see the Gold State Coach – a 260-year-old gilded carriage that’s been used for every coronation since William IV. 

Also, keep your eyes peeled for horses that pull the carriages. The Windsor Greys are used by monarchs and their guests, while Cleveland Bays are used by high commissioners and ambassadors.

Day 3 of England Itinerary 10 days: Experience the best museums in Central London

London is home to some of the best museums in Europe. Outside of British history and culture, you’ll also get to see historical artifacts and relics from across the globe.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a must-see attraction in London, famous for its extensive range of specimen exhibits. 

From dinosaur skeletons to fossils, minerals, and rare plants, this museum boasts over 80 million specimens on display. And the best part is, it’s free!

You can take a private tour of the Natural History Museum to see highlights that you would have otherwise missed. You’ll also get to hear stories behind the exhibits from an expert guide.   

Victoria and Albert Museum

If you’re an art aficionado, this is the museum for you. The Victoria and Albert Museum is the largest in the world for applied and decorative arts, as well as design. 

It boasts over two million objects from various historical eras and cultures from across the world.  

The National Gallery

Art enthusiasts will also love the National Gallery. This art museum is home to about 2,300 paintings dating back to the 13th and 19th centuries. 

The National Gallery houses some of the world’s most famous masterpieces from the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso, Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Rembrandt.

If you’d like to learn more about the artworks, take a guided tour and see the best of the gallery’s marvelous pieces with the help of an art expert.

The British Museum

If you’re keen to learn more about human history, culture, and art, there’s no better place than at the UK’s largest museum. 

The British Museum boasts a vast collection of artworks from famous empires like ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. 

A guided tour of the British Museum takes you through the highlights, including the Rosetta Stone and the controversial Elgin Marbles. 

Day 4 of England Itinerary 10 days: London off-the-beaten-track attractions

Discover the best of London’s bustling city life at one (if not all) of these off-the-beaten-path attractions.

Little Venice

Located in West London, Little Venice is a charming canal neighborhood boasting quaint boathouses, as well as waterside cafes and pubs. It’s one of the most picturesque areas in London and definitely worth a visit. 

Kensington Palace

This stunning royal residence often gets overlooked by tourists, but they are missing out. 

Set in the beautiful Kensington Gardens, this palace is where Prince William and Kate live with their children, it also hosts a range of historical artifacts worth browsing.

Tip: Want to know more about the history of the palace and which monarchs have lived there? Book a Kensington Palace ticket and hear surprising stories about the royal family.

Stamford Bridge Stadium

If you’re familiar with football (or soccer in the US), you’ll know that England’s Premier League is one of the best-rated in the world. So unsurprisingly, football is a big part of English culture. 

Get a ticket and experience patrons chanting, singing, and coaching from the stands at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea FC’s home ground. You can also head west to see a Fulham FC game at Craven Cottage. 

Borough Market

The Borough Market is one of London’s oldest and largest markets. Many foodies will love browsing the more than 100 stalls and food stands of the market selling everything from cured meats to pastries, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables. 

The market opens Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 am (9:00 am on Saturdays) to 5:00 pm (4:00 pm on Sundays).

Tip: If you’d like to see more of London’s street food culture, you can take this secret food-tasting and walking tour around the city.

Day 5 of 10 days in England itinerary: Go on a day trip to Windsor

Windsor is a historic town about an hour’s drive from London. It’s home to the magnificent Windsor Castle, but there’s so much more you can do here. 

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the town’s most significant attraction, and that’s why many tourists take a day trip from London to see it. 

It is the world’s largest and oldest inhabited castle, and it boasts a vast collection of royal treasures, apartments, and paintings. 

You can get a peek into Windsor Castle with this admission ticket to a self-guided tour. 

St. George’s Chapel

St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle is a medieval Gothic-style building famous for being the burial ground for many English monarchs, including the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

It was also the venue for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. 

Note: The Windsor Castle admission ticket also gives you access to St. George’s Chapel.

The Long Walk

Lined with leafy oak, chestnut, and London plane trees on each side, the Long Walk is a nearly three-mile path stretching from the George IV Gateway at Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue. This is a great pathway to take a leisurely stroll after seeing the castle.

Windsor & Eton Brewery

Wrap up your day with a refreshing pint at Windsor & Eton Brewery. This quaint and rustic taproom offers a great selection of local craft beers. You can enjoy anything from ales to lagers and IPAs. 

Day 6 to 8 of 10 days in England itinerary: Live the fairytale life in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a magical place in the UK officially declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1996. It boasts idyllic villages, enchanting rolling green hills, and old buildings made from honey-colored limestone.

Where to stay in the Cotswolds:

Since you’ll be spending a few nights in the Cotswolds, here are a few accommodation options to consider:

• The Fleece at Cirencester: Situated in the city center, this 300-year-old building still has its original beams and log fires. Book your stay here
• The Old Stocks Inn: This 17th-century coaching inn overlooks a stunning green landscape and offers great al-fresco dining. Book your stay here
• The Broadway Hotel: Enjoy a regal stay at this 16th-century timber and Cotswolds-stone hotel and experience staying in their 19 individually-designed bedrooms. Book your stay here

Day 6 – Cirencester

Cirencester is often called the capital of the Cotswolds due to its central location in the region. 

It’s not a popular tourist attraction, but it’s a worthy addition to your Cotswolds itinerary as it has numerous interesting buildings, lodging options, and great restaurants.

You can start your day by visiting the Corinium Museum. You’ll find ancient relics from the region’s Roman heritage. Then head over to New Brewery Arts. This is a hub for visual and performing arts and crafts, situated in a Converted brewery. 

And if you’d like to buy a few trinkets or souvenirs to take home, you’ll find great options at the craft shop.  

Next, take a short drive to Arlington Row in Bibury, where you’ll find a stunning set of heritage buildings. The cottages on Awkward Hill are the most popular and picturesque collection of buildings, so remember to bring your camera. 

Day 7 – Bourton-on-the-Water & Stow-on-the-Wold

The Cotswolds has lots of stunning villages and old towns, and Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are two that you should not skip. 

Bourton-on-the-Water is a riverside village with charming stone houses and low-lying bridges. You can visit the town’s Cotswold Motoring Museum for a preview of cars from the 20th century. 

Next, you can visit the Model Village, where you can stroll through and take pictures of a miniature version of Bourton-on-the-Water.

Stow-on-the-Wold is an old town sitting atop an 800-foot hill, making it the highest town in the Cotswolds. You can enjoy various walking tours around town; famous attractions include the medieval St. Edward’s Church, where you’ll find the mesmerizing hobbit door.

Tip: If you’re not staying overnight in the Cotswolds, this full-day tour from London takes you through Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and the nearby city of Burford.

Day 8 – Broadway

Spend your last day in the Cotswolds on Broadway. This village lies at the foot of Cotswolds Hills and is dominated by a tree-lined street dotted with charming eateries, hotels, and shops.  

Spend your day roaming the idyllic streets and visiting museums like the Gordon Russell Design Museum and the Broadway Museum & Art Gallery.

Day 9 of 10 days in England itinerary: Explore the historical town of Bath

Spend one day in Bath , exploring the town’s elegant tearooms, cafes, and stunning Georgian and Neoclassical Palladian architecture. Bath is a very walkable city, and it has been famous since the Middle Ages thanks to its wool industry. 

Read : Is Bath worth visiting?

Roman Baths

The Roman Baths are, without a doubt, the most popular attraction in town. Dating back to 70 AD, this well-preserved complex of changing rooms and plunge pools gives you a sneak peek into how people socialized 2,000 years ago.

You can visit the Roman Baths interactive museum, where you’ll learn more about the history of the complex, and you may even get to dip your toes in the water. 

Afterward, you can head over to Bath Abbey to marvel at the magnificent Gothic architecture.

The Jane Austen Centre

Located just a short stroll away from Bath Abbey, and the Roman Baths is the Jane Austen Centre. The novelist spent several years living and writing in Bath, and visiting this centre is a great way to understand the times and how she lived. 

It will take about an hour to explore all the exhibits. You can click to buy a ticket here (all-day validity). 

Two of Jane Austen’s novels are set in the city – Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.

Sally Lunn’s House

Get a quintessential experience at the oldest house in Bath. Sally Lunn’s House is a historic restaurant and tearoom famous for the Sally Lunn Bun – a semi-sweet bread often served with tea. 

The restaurant is still functional, so you can enjoy a tasty breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner. You can also browse through their Kitchen Museum, where you’ll see the actual kitchen used by Sally Lunn .

Royal Crescent

Your final stop in Bath is the famous Royal Crescent. This half-moon-shaped row of 30 terraced houses is one of the most photographed buildings in England and an exquisite display of Georgian architecture.

After taking pictures, make sure you pop into the No. 1 Royal Crescent. This heritage museum is furnished with period-appropriate furnishings, household objects, and decor that captures what it would have been like living and working in these ancient buildings. 

Note : Plan to return to London by evening, stay here on nights 9 and 10.

Day 10 of 10 days in England itinerary: Marvel at Stonehenge

Stonehenge is an attraction in England that needs no introduction. This iconic stone circle in Southern England is a designated UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the world’s most extraordinary prehistoric monuments. 

Stonehenge Visitor Center

Start your day at the Stonehenge Visitor Center. This is where you’ll get all clued up about the unconfirmed origins of the stone circle. 

You’ll also find parking, restrooms, a grab-and-go cafe, and picnic areas with views of Stonehenge.

Stonehenge Complex

Catch a bus from the visitor center to get to the Stonehenge complex , which takes about 10 minutes. Make sure you download an audio tour from the visitor center to guide you through the complex.

Take your time strolling through the nearly 100 colossal upright sarsen stones, and see if you can figure out how the Neolithic builders constructed this complex – and why it took them nearly 1,500 years. 

Salisbury Cathedral

End your 10 days in England itinerary at the breathtaking Salisbury Cathedral in the city centre. This Gothic Anglican cathedral was founded in 1220 as a response to the worsening relationships between the clergy and the military. 

Fun Fact: Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of the four surviving Magna Carta documents from 1215.

Sightseeing Map: England 10 Day Itinerary

Alternate England Itinerary: Culture and Nature Lovers

We will share an alternate 10 days in England trip which is a perfect blend of city, culture, and nature activities. For this travel itinerary, plan to arrive in London, and spend 3 days here. 

• Day 1 to 3: London

Set aside the first day itinerary in exploring the city centre of London. Start with a tour of Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, before visiting the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. 

Then take a stroll through the awe-inspiring St Paul’s Cathedral and explore the world-famous British Museum. Don’t forget to take a boat tour along the River Thames, or an iconic red bus to explore London’s vibrant markets and unique shops.

Keep day 3 for special sightseeing activities – if you are a museum lover, visit all the iconic places such as the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum,  National Gallery, Tate British, Churchill Museum, etc. 

If you love to shop, hit shops on Regent Street, King’s Road, Oxford Street, Piccadilly, or Bond Street. 

For Harry Potter fans, you can also book the Warner Bros Studio tour from London. You will learn all the behind-the-scenes secrets of making the Harry Potter series, along with its whimsical sets, props, and costumes. Book the experience here

Day 4: Lake District

From London, you can take in some of England’s most iconic landscapes in the Lake District. 

Spend the day exploring its tranquil lake shores, traditional villages, and picturesque towns. 

Admire rolling hillsides, rocky outcrops, lush green valleys, and dramatic peaks. Visit the cultural home of authors such as Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter and soak up some of England’s most breathtaking views.

Note : You can travel to Lake District by train (London Euston train station) or embark on a road trip for the remainder of a one week itinerary, before traveling back to London to fly out. 

Day 5: York

The next stop is North Yorkshire where you can explore the ancient city of York with its superb cathedral, beautiful castle, and cobbled streets. 

Lake District to York train is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

Spend the day discovering its 2,000 years of history and uncovering tales of plague and devastation. 

Take in some of England’s best-preserved medieval architecture and visit the city’s many attractions including York Minster, York Castle Museum, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and The Shambles.

Day 6: Yorkshire Dales National Park

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, rugged valleys, and stunning countryside. By taking a day trip to this area (1.50 hours drive from York), you will be able to experience the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales first-hand. 

Head up to Malham Cove for some spectacular views across the valley or take a walk through one of the many limestone pavements. You can also admire the impressive Pen-y-ghent, a distinctive hill overlooking the dales.

Pen-y-ghent hike can be completed in 4 hours, and enjoyed by large groups and families alike. 

For those wanting to explore more of the countryside, you can take a guided tour around one of the many traditional villages that dot the landscape. 

Venture into Hawes for some unique shops and galleries, and learn about the history of the area. 

Day 7 to 9: Devon – Dartmoor National Park

After that, you can head south to Devon and journey through Dartmoor National Park. It will be a long drive from York, but it is worth it, and we recommend booking accommodation for the next few nights here. You can easily spend 2-3 days exploring the park.

At the Dartmoor National Park, explore the vast landscape of rocky tors, meandering rivers, and lush valleys. Take in views of the wild moors across from tranquil villages and discover hidden gems including ancient burial grounds, historic churches, and mysterious standing stones. 

Top spots to include: Haytor (home to the visitor centre), Black Tor, Brent Tor, and Brentor Church. 

The Tors are the reason why people visit Dartmoor, and Tors refer to the dramatic granite rock formations that are found dotted everywhere at the national park. 

Also, stop by the Postbridge Clapper Bridge, Lustleigh (village), and Bellever Forest for hikes and walks.

Day 10: Drive or travel to London

After exploring Dartmoor, plan to travel back to London to fly out the next day. 

Other sightseeing and travel tips for England Itinerary 10 days

You can further make adjustments to the above itinerary as follows:

• Day 4 to 5 : York

Spend 2 days in the English countryside visiting iconic cities and towns such as Bath, Stratford Upon Avon, and Oxford. You can also add 2 days in the Cotswolds and set aside one day for Stonehenge. 

Days 6 to 7 in Bath + Stratford Upon Avon and Oxford : 

Spend a day in Bath and then the next day visit Oxford and Stratford Upon Avon on a guided excursion. 

Explore ancient universities such as Oxford University, grand cathedrals, and stunning Georgian architecture, or journey through the English countryside on a vintage steam train ride. 

Days 8 to 9 in Cotswolds : 

Check off the Blenheim Palace, and later wander the beautiful villages of Cotswolds such as Castle Combe, Chipping Campden, Bourton On the Water, and beyond. 

Day 10 in Stonehenge : 

You can end your trip with a visit to Stonehenge, one of England’s oldest sites that still continues to fascinate visitors today. 

Gaze upon its iconic megaliths, standing tall and adorned with mystery – allowing you to marvel at the wonders of England’s ancient past.

Extending your 10 days in England Itinerary

By the end of your 10 days in England, you will have experienced some of its best sights and attractions – giving you a fantastic insight into the culture, history, and beauty that lies within this fascinating country. 

Want to explore more? We have a detailed United Kingdom itinerary for 10 days, which covers cities like Cardiff and Edinburgh in Scotland. 

If you wish to cover just the highlights of England with the UK , then you may like this sightseeing agenda, 

Day 1 – 3 : London and Windsor

Day 4 : Wales day trip. It is possible to explore Cardiff on a day trip from London, and visit the castle complex, sightseeing cruise, museums, and hang out at the Arcades

Day 5 – 6 : Cotswolds

Day 7 – 8 : Travel to the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh. Visit the Edinburgh Castle , Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens, and Arthur’s Seat

Day 9 – 10 : Scottish Highlands and beyond. You can keep Edinburgh as a base and take a day trip to explore Loch Ness and nearby areas. 

If you are a Harry Potter fan, you can also book a Hogwarts Express tour from Edinburgh  

Ultimate England Itinerary: 10 days to see it all | Wrapped up

England is a great destination to visit in Europe. Its numerous castles, palaces, and ancient city walls make it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. And if you’re into nature, England has spectacular rolling hills and national parks that you’ll love.

Art aficionados will appreciate England’s vast collection of galleries and museums, there’s even street art for you to enjoy. 

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in England, and that’s why you’ll need at least a week to 10 days to explore all of its landmarks and attractions.

Read more of our UK travel guides:

• One day in Cardiff itinerary
• One day in Edinburgh itinerary
• Scotland itinerary 4 days
• London bucket list

Pin: Perfect 10 days in England Itinerary

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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10 days in England itinerary

I have lived in many English cities including Manchester , Liverpool , London and York in my lifetime. I can’t wait to share my insights with you about my ‘home’ country. I would recommend that you take at least 2-3 weeks to travel England if at all possible, in order to see the sights and absorb the culture. However, 10 days in England still gives a good opportunity to see plenty. This blog outlines a good 10 day England itinerary with different versions for each taste (history buffs, party goers and shoppers!).

The Problem with London

London itself deserves a week or two at least. However, the problem with London is that it is extremely expensive. Follow my link to find out how to do London on a budget . To add London to any of these itineraries, simply extend your stay to 2 or 3 weeks in total. Compare hotels in London on Agoda.com or Hotels.com.

Transport in England

Remember that in England, it will be much cheaper if you book your train tickets in advance.

Virgin Train Travel in England – Book in advance!

Public transport is good between the main towns and cities, but if you are looking to do hiking (e.g. Lake District or Peak District) the transport links become more remote. You will need more time in England if you want to explore the rural areas. You may also want to rent a car to travel around England.

These simple 10-day itineraries allow you to get out of London and explore the other main cities, It will be cheaper and give you more access to local UK culture. They require you to be on the go a lot and fit in a great deal of travelling and sightseeing. If you want to take a more relaxing approach, do the below itineraries over 2-3 weeks.

10 days in England Itinerary

England itinerary #1 – cities of northern england.

Fly into Manchester for this exciting 10-days in England itinerary of cities of Northern England. This England travel itinerary is great for people who love to combine a party atmosphere with historical sightseeing.

Manchester has been featured by the Lonely Planet as one of the top world cities to visit in 2016. The beautiful city of York was once the capital of England under Roman rule and was also the ancient Viking capital.

Days 1-3 Manchester  – Cathedral, Town Hall, Palace Theatre, Central Library, Manchester Museum, Science Museum, Trafford centre). For more info, click here . Compare hotel prices in Manchester on Hotels.com or Agoda.com. Days 4-6 Liverpool – Albert docks, Beatles Story, Maritime Museum, Liverpool ONE, Cathedral. If you are up for a good night out and love the Beatles, you also have to visit the Cavern Club. For more ideas, read my article on 5 Reasons to LOVE Liverpool! Compare hotel prices in Liverpool on Hotels.com or Agoda.com. Days 7-10 York – York Minster, Viking Museum, City walls, Museum Gardens, The Shambles and the National Railway Museum Would you like to try English tea? Visit Betty’s or the Earl Grey Tea Rooms!

On day 10, it’s time for last minute shopping and preparing to fly home 🙁

England itinerary #2 – Historical Cities of England

Days 1-3 Bath – Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Parade Gardens, Pulteney Bridge, Great Pulteney Street, Holburne Museum, Royal Crescent, the Circus and the Avon Canal, For more, see www.visitbath.co.uk

Allow around 4 hours to travel from Bath Spa to Chester, and book your train in advance.

Days 4-6 Chester – Walk the city walls, Roman Amphitheatre, Cathedral, Eastgate Clock, Chester Roman Gardens and Chester Zoo.

Days 7-10 York – York Minster, Viking Museum, City walls, Museum Gardens, National Railway Museum.

On day 10 it’s last minute shopping time and preparing to fly home.

If you can extend your trip to 14 days, why not consider adding in the beautiful university city of Oxford ?

England itinerary #3 – Shopaholics Paradise!

Days 1-3 London – If you love to shop, and want to visit some of the best shopping centres in the UK, then this is for you. London can be crowded and overrated for shopping – outlet stalls and shopping centres in other parts of the UK can offer you stress-free shopping with designer labels at discounted prices!

Do spend a day or two in London if you love to shop – you kind of have to! But then move on to some other great cities and designer outlets.

Fly into London (or Manchester and rearrange the days) London – Shopping on Oxford Street. Trip to Westfield shopping centre (designer) or Camden Market (alternative fashion).

Day 4 Bicester Village – Get the train to Bicester North and a shuttle bus will take you to the shopping centre. This place is great if you love Designer Labels.

Days 5 and 6 Birmingham – City centre and Bull Ring.

Days 7 and 8 Manchester – Trafford Centre and Manchester City Centre including the Arndale Centre and Afflecks Palace (Northern Quarter) for alternative fashion. Day 9 and 10 – return to see more of London and prepare for the flight home.

I recommend booking your trains in advance, as walk-in prices can be very expensive in England. Book at least 3-7 days in advance. Have an amazing time when you do your 10 days in England itinerary. If you don’t have that long to spend then you should still consider a weekend in England – it’s worth choosing a popular destination for a couple of days. Here are some great places to go for a weekend in England .

It’s that time of year when everyone is Christmas shopping! You also might enjoy my article on the Top 10 UK Destinations for Christmas Shopping.

Further Reading on England

If you enjoyed this article on a 10 day England itinerary you might also like to read about…

• Churches in Leicester
• Vegan Edinburgh
• Historic Walk Instawalk in Black and White

Templeseeker

Hi, I'm Amy and I have over 25 years of travel experience. I love seeking out temples, Churches and other religious and historical buildings. My BA (Religions and Theology) and MA (South Asian Studies) were gained from the University of Manchester. When I'm not blogging about Europe, Asia and the Middle East you will find me at home in Liverpool with my husband and Blake the Patterdale terrier! Come and join me on my templeseeking journey around the world!

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

A One Week UK Itinerary

Last updated: February 2, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 69 Comments

Following on from my two week UK itinerary  post, I wanted to put together a slightly shorter itinerary for those of you with less time, but who still wanted to explore more of the UK than the capital city. And so, I present, our suggested itinerary for one week in the UK.

The idea of this 1 week UK itinerary is to take in some of the essential highlights of the UK, but also throw in a few curveballs – spectacular places that you would find hard to visit without your own wheels.

If this is your first time driving in the UK, I can also recommend checking out our guide to driving in the UK for tips.

Without further ado, here’s my guide for an awesome:

One Week UK Road Trip Itinerary

We’re going to kick off this itinerary in the UK’s capital, on the assumption that this is where you’re going to fly to when you arrive. There are flights from all over the world to London’s airports, so the chances are pretty high that this is where you’re going to be arriving.

Note that as with any itinerary, this one should be adjusted to your travel style. The itinerary as laid out is very busy, and has you moving quite quickly so as to take in the highlights. So feel free to adjust it to your specific preferences. It could easily be adjusted to accommodate a longer trip for example.

• Days 1 & 2: London

In general, having a hire car in London is A Bad Idea. What with the congestion charge, antiquated road system, and the fact that the traffic moves slower now on average than it did when horses and carts plied the roads – well, you get the idea.

This isn’t to suggest writing it off though. You have two options – pick up a hire car after your time in London, or stay a little outside the centre in a hotel with parking near a public transport hub. Now, on to London itself.

For your first day of exploration in London, I’d suggest spending your day seeing the essential London sights . London is an eminently walkable city, and you’ll be able to take in the majority of the key highlights, from the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace through to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London .

Then, on your second day, you can either continue to explore London, or you might consider heading out to some of the attractions outside of London.

Popular locations outside the city centre include Windsor Castle , or Hampton Court Palace – both eminently explorable, and easy to reach with a car or by public transport from the city centre.

If you want to save money on the above attractions, and will be visiting a few, then you should definitely consider investing in a London Pass . Available in 1, 3 and 6 day versions, the savings can really be quite impressive if you plan on visiting a few locations. You can read a full break down on if the London Pass is worth buying here , and buy one yourself here .

Finally, London has no shortage of accommodation options, something to suit pretty much every budget. Check out the options for London at booking.com , and here for Plum Guide if you’re looking for an apartment. We also have a guide to where to stay in London .

• Day 3: Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds

From London, I’m going to suggest you head west, and take in one of Britain’s most recognisable old monuments – the incredible Stonehenge . Visiting Stonehenge is a popular day trip from London, and I have a guide to visiting Stonehenge from London here .

Every year new evidence comes to light as to how these got here, and you can’t fail to be impressed at their massiveness, as well as their seeming impervious nature. Since the motorway was shifted a few years ago, and the fence around the stones moved, this has become a far more pleasant attraction to visit.

From Stonehenge, head along to the old town of Bath. A favourite of the Romans, this place has, as you would imagine, some baths to explore, where you can see how the Romans kept themselves clean, plus try some of the waters yourself.

It’s also worth taking the time to check out the Georgian architecture, including the Royal Crescent and the Circus.

You can either overnight in Bath, which might be preferable to driving any more today, or you can head into the Cotswolds. If you do the latter, find yourself a cosy little B&B in the countryside – somewhere you’d likely struggle to get to with public transport – and really take advantage of having your own wheels!

• Days 4 & 5: Warwickshire, The Peak District & Yorkshire

After a pleasant overnight in Bath or the Cotswolds, it’s time to turn North, and head up towards Yorkshire. This will be a bit of a drive, but there are some highlights on the way that I’d recommend stopping at to break up the journey.

First, I’d suggest stopping off at Baddesley Clinton , a moated manor house just outside of Warwick. This is a spectacular property, over 500 years old, which will give you an insight as to how the British aristocracy lived in the middle ages.

Highlights include the glorious moat that surrounds the building, and the priest-holes in the house itself, where the Catholic priests of the time would hide from persecution and execution.

If you’d prefer to explore an interesting town, then I can recommend dropping in to Warwick. There’s enough to do here to fill a day (especially if you decide to visit the Castle!), but I’d suggest at least visiting the Lord Leycester Hospital, and St. Mary’s Church .

The former isn’t, and has never been, a hospital, instead, for over 400 years it has housed military veterans of Britain’s various wars. It’s a fascinating cluster of houses, dating from the 14th century, and is basically everything you could hope for in a medieval construction.

St Mary’s Church is one of the largest churches (I thought it was a cathedral when I first spotted it) in the UK, home to a gorgeous medieval chapel, a magnificent view from the top of its tower, and 1000 years of worshipping history.

Alternatively, you could also choose to visit Stratford-upon-Avon , the birthplace of Shakespeare.

Once you’re done with the above, it’s time to leave Warwickshire behind, and head on up to the Peak District, where I’m going to suggest you spend the night – there are some really fantastic accommodation options on hand, to suit every budget .

After your night in the Peak District, set aside a morning for visiting Chatsworth House . Often voted the UK’s favourite country house – if you’re going to take in a stately home on a spectacular scale, then this is an excellent choice.

Still home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the property has 126 rooms, with a number of these open for public viewing. Surrounding the property itself are 105 acres of magnificent garden, constructed across six centuries, and reflecting changing times and fashions. You’ll easily be able to lose a morning at Chatsworth!

From Chatsworth, it’s a 2 hour blast up to the next stop on our itinerary – the gorgeous ruined remains of Fountains Abbey , a UNESCO World Heritage Site set in Studley Royal Park.

As well as the well preserved ruins of the giant 12th century Cistercian monastery, you’ll also find the rather impressive 18th century water garden, generally recognised as the most important in the UK.

If you can,  I’d suggest exploring right through until the sun sets, which should afford you some wonderful photography opportunities. There’s lots of ground to cover, and if you find yourself tiring, there’s an excellent tea room.

When you’re done, find yourself somewhere to stay in the nearby area .

• Day 6: Northumberland

You’ll be starting your sixth day of exploration bright and early in Yorkshire, and continuing northwards, this time to the country of Northumberland, home to the city of Newcastle, the island spanning Hadrian’s Wall, and some of England’s finest medieval castles.

It’s the latter that I’m going to suggest you focus on in Northumberland. You’re unlikely to be able to do all of the following in the time available, but I’d definitely suggest that you visit at least two of the following four sights when in Northumberland, starting with:

Alnwick Castle . Home to the Duke of Northumberland, and dating from 1036, this is the sort of castle that you probably think of when you think of medieval fortress castles.

It’s also the sort of castle you might think of if you’re a Harry Potter fan, as a number of the scenes from the earlier Harry Potter movies , including the Quidditch training scenes, were filmed here. If you’re more of a Downton Abbey fan, well, the last two Christmas specials of the show were filmed here.

It would be easy to spend a day here, particularly as the gardens are also very picturesque, so you’re welcome to do just that. But, if you’re keen to see some more of England’s incredible castles, head along to:

Bamburgh Castle . I absolutely love the coastal location of Bamburgh Castle, which is just perfect for photography, atop a rocky outcrop by a golden sand beach. The native Britons of the area thought so too – with a fort housing the original Kings of Britain located here. Of course, that all came to an end when the Vikings popped over in 993 and presumably burnt the place to the ground.

The castle that’s on the site today was built by the Normans, in the 11th century, and is another imposing fortress like construction, designed to withstand brutal assault and siege warfare.

Since you’re in the area for Bamburgh, you might also take the time to take a look at either Dunstanburgh castle , a few miles to the south, or Holy Island, a few miles to the north. The former was a 14th century fortification that fell into ruin by the 16th century – the latter is an island, accessible at low tide, and where you’ll find the still inhabited Lindisfarne Castle , which you can also tour.

If you’re more interested in Roman history than castles,  then I’d suggest you visit Hadrian’s Wall. Built during the time of Emperor Hadrian (122AD if you’re not up to speed on Roman timelines), this wall stretched from one side of England to the other, and marked the northern limit of the Roman empire. The precise reason for building a 73 mile wall is still unclear, I suspect it was largely just because they could.

There are multiple locations where you can visit the wall, with my favourite being Sycamore Gap, near Housesteads Crag, where a lonely tree sits amongst the remains of the highest part of the wall.

From Hadrian’s Wall, head north, to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, either overnighting in the Scottish Borders, or Edinburgh itself.

• Day 7: Edinburgh

This trip finishes off in Edinburgh, one of my favourite cities in the UK, and where you’ll have no shortage of things to do . However, since you have a car, I have two suggestions that you might want to add to the list. First – head to the Pentland Hills. A few miles south of the city, these offer excellent walking, sheep spotting opportunities and iron age hill forts.

I’d also suggest you make the time to head out to an icon of the Edinburgh surrounds – the Firth of Forth bridges, and in particular, the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Firth of Forth Rail Bridge.

This is a mighty red cantilevered bridge construction spanning the Firth of Forth, opened in 1890, and still operational today. At it’s time of construction it was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world, and despite now being the second longest, is still mighty impressive.

Finally, of course, I’d recommend spending some time exploring Edinburgh, which has no shortage of attractions, fine dining, shopping and places to stay . Whether you’re into Harry Potter or festivals , you’re bound to find something to do.

Then – turn your car in, and head home – Edinburgh airport is easy to drive to, has all the main car hire operator’s, and you should be able to fly from here to anywhere you like. Whew! I hope you enjoyed that tour!

1 Week UK Itinerary Map

To help you visualise this driving route of the UK, we’ve put together this map of the route. You can also see this on Google Maps here .

1 Week UK Itinerary Summary

As mentioned at the start of the post, this itinerary is quite busy. If you have limited vacation time, then you can definitely do a lot in a short time and see the highlights, but be aware you will not be able to explore every location in great depth.

If you prefer to travel more slowly, you’ll definitely want to tweak this itinerary for your own travel style, either by adding more time, or changing the route.

How to Get Around the UK

Well, this one should be pretty obvious! I’m going to suggest a rental car of course. This itinerary is really only do-able if you drive yourself.

We’re big fans of Enterprise when it comes to car rental. Especially on a on a trip like this, where you pick up and drop off the car at different locations, you can incur a one way surcharge.

We’ve found that Enterprise Car Rental tend to have the best prices for one way rentals, and we’ve used them for road trips all around the world. We also recommend comparing car prices using a service like Rentalcars.com , which compares prices across a range of providers to help you find the best deal.

When To Visit the UK

The UK has what could best be described as “variable” weather. The good news is that you don’t really get extremes of weather. The bad news is that being surrounded by water, it tends to rain a lot, throughout the year.

Obviously, the summer period is likely to be warmer than the winter period, but the climate is generally mild, so whenever you visit, plan for the gamut of weather conditions, from rain to sunshine. Layers are key to your clothing, meaning you can adjust as the weather changes.

My main piece of advice for a trip like this is to avoid popular weekends and school holidays if you can. The UK has a number of public holidays throughout the year, when the roads (and attractions) get very crowded. If you can avoid these times, you’ll have a far more pleasant experience.

Time of year wise, there’s no “bad” time to visit, but I’d advise perhaps May / June might give you the best shot of decent weather, whilst avoiding the summer school holiday period.

Where to Stay in the UK

The UK has loads of accommodation options, from cosy B&B’s through to upscale hotels, as well as all the chains you’d expect.

• We’ve tried a lot of booking sites, and nearly always find ourselves using Booking.com. They have an extensive selection of properties, many with no-fee cancellation policies, and often run discounts and special offers. Click on each city title to see their listings:  London , the Cotswolds , the Peak District , Yorkshire and Edinburgh ,
• If you prefer an apartment or more of a hosted stay, then we recommend Plum Guide . We’ve tried all the others, and Plum Guide consistently has the best quality in all the locations we’ve used them in.
• If you can’t find what you want on Plum Guide, or you want some new options to try out, we have some alternatives we also use. We suggest trying Vrbo to start with. For even more ideas to help you save money and get the best choice, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB , as well as a guide to our favourite holiday cottage accommodation in the UK , which you should check out!

Between these options, you should find the best prices and places to stay for your trip, as well as a good selection of reviews and feedback to help you make an informed decision.

What about a Tour of the UK?

We’re often asked if a trip like this can be done as part of a tour instead of driving yourself. The answer is – yes it can, and you have a few options for doing so.

First, you could take a group tour of the UK. This will take you to a wide variety of sights, with someone else handling all the logistics, and letting you just relax and chill out.

We have used and can recommend  Rabbie’s Trail Burners for group tours – they’re a small group tour operator with lots of experience and great guides, and they have a wide range of tours of varying lengths covering many parts of the UK. This 8 day tour they offer for example runs from London to Edinburgh and gives you an idea of what can be done in that time period.

You can also arrange a private tour. This will usually be a more expensive option, but will mean you can put something totally customised together. This is a service offered by a number of companies, we would again recommend Rabbie’s Trail Burners who offer a  customised tour service .

Another option we are happy to recommend is professional driver-guide Robina Brown, who is a blue-badge guide offering tours across the UK. See her website  here .

Further reading for your UK trip

And that sums up our guide to the perfect 1 week UK itinerary. Before you go though, we’ve got lots of resources to help you plan your trip to the UK, from posts we’ve written ourselves to third party content we’re happy to recommend. Here it is:

• If you want a longer trip, taking in some more highlights of the UK including Wales and Ireland, check out this two week itinerary of the UK that I put together. We also have a detailed Wales road trip itinerary .
• As this is a self-drive trip, you should definitely check out our guide to driving in the UK for tips.
• For budget planning, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK
• If you’d prefer not to drive, we also have an itinerary for 10 days in the UK by public transport .
• A guide to driving Scotland’s epic North Coast 500 , as well as accommodation options on the North Coast 500
• A Two Day Edinburgh Itinerary & 21 Highlights in Edinburgh
• Edinburgh: Getting off the beaten path
• If you like Royal themed attractions, Jess wrote a full post about the Royal Edinburgh Ticket here , which can help you save money on some of Edinburgh’s top attractions.
• A guide to 10 of the best Stately Homes in England , to give you some ideas as you plan your itinerary
• A Two Day London Itinerary
• A Six Day London Itinerary
• The Best Photography Locations in London
• Tips on Buying and Using the London Pass
• Eight Things to Do in Kensington
• The Highlights of Oxford
• Visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds
• 20 Things To Do in Dublin
• A Guide to Touring the Scottish Borders
• Our guide to things to do in Cambridge
• If you want a physical (or digital!) book to accompany your travels, then Amazon do a good line in UK Travel Guides , and there is naturally a Lonely Planet and a Rough Guide to the UK available.

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There are 69 comments on this post

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28th January 2023 at 3:25 pm

Hi Lawrence,

I’m doing a 5 day trip on my motorbike from Liverpool to London. I’ve tried to pull together a route but I seemed to have picked the wrong stop points as I don’t know a lot about the areas. I would like history, good views and to stay away from busy cities where I can. Could you recommend a route please?

Thank you! Sasha

Laurence Norah says

29th January 2023 at 9:03 am

So I would probably head east from London towards Stonehenge / Avebury, where you can definitely see some history. Salisbury is also a lovely town to explore. From there, I’d head north up into the Cotswolds, which has a lot of stunning villages and quintessential English countryside. Towns like Circencester, Bibury, Burford, Bourton on the Water etc. There are lots of nice B&B style accommodation options in the area to enjoy. If you are interested in Shakespeare, you can head up to Stratford-Upon-Avon which is also a nice town. After that I’d suggest the Peak District National Park which is also very pretty. Chatsworth House is a lovely stately home but there is good walking and lots of nice villages here as well. From there it’s an easy trip across to Liverpool perhaps via Chester if you have spare time.

I hope this makes sense, let me know if you need any more input!

Safe travels, would love to hear how your trip goes 🙂

2nd December 2022 at 4:36 pm

Hello Laurence, I need help please, so we are following your 7 days road trip to Edinburg. 1 Week UK Itinerary Summary Days 1 & 2: London Day 3: Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds from costwold, is it possible to drive through Yorkshire straight to Manchester Days 4 & 5: Warwickshire, The Peak District & Yorkshire (for this 2 days we want to stay in Manchester) from Manchester train to Edinburgh.. Do we need to rent a car in Edinburgh? Day 6: Edinburg Day 7: Edinburgh

What do you think?

Thank you in advance.

4th December 2022 at 10:39 am

Sure thing. So yes, it is possible to drive from the Cotswolds to Manchester, it’s about a 3 hour drive. However you won’t be driving through Yorkshire, which is to the east and north of Manchester. You would also have passed Warwickshire and the Peak District if you drive up to Manchester as they are both south of Manchester.

For Edinburgh you definitely don’t need a car, the city centre is very easy to get around either on foot on by local bus. The only exception would be if you wanted to visit sights out of town of course.

Have a great trip!

5th December 2022 at 4:20 pm

Thank you for your help! Merry Christmas!🎄

10th November 2022 at 4:48 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica, The only blog that I can trust. Thank you for this wonderful article. We are travelling to Uk on august , for 7 days before heading to Ireland. I have a question, my husband’s dad was born in manchester and grandmother born in Bath. so we will definitely visit bath and probably stay in costwold for the night (can you recommend a hotel or b and b) in this itinerary can we add manchester before edinburgh?

Thank you for taking time to read. God bless you both!

11th November 2022 at 11:13 am

My pleasure. So yes, you could definitely tweak this itinerary to include Manchester, it would be around days 4 or 5 and you would want to adjust what you see in that area instead. It’s quite a busy itinerary already, so you would definitely want to swap something out.

In terms of a hotel, there are so many great ones to choose from and it would really depend a lot on how far from Bath you wanted to drive. Bath is right at the southern end of the Cotswolds, and you can drive for a couple of hours from there up to Chipping Norton, and all of that drive would be through the Cotswolds. Villages to consider would be Bibury, Bourton on the Water, Lower Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway and Chipping Campden. I think any of those would be a lovely option.

Have a wonderful time!

11th November 2022 at 4:23 pm

Great Thanks. I appreciate it.

16th August 2019 at 9:08 pm

Thank you for your blog. This is a trip for the future — just took my family to Venice and Paris for 10 nights. Anyway, as a note, I would estimate that your itinerary is too full (both of them). It’s very high paced without real time to stop and smell the roses. But, it’s a very, very solid starting point, well considered, and much better than anything I have. Thanks again!

16th August 2019 at 9:12 pm

Our pleasure 🙂 We absolutely agree that this is a pretty full itinerary, and as you say, most of our itineraries are. The idea is to show what is possible (some people really like to pack it in!), but we highly recommend folks pare them back to what is suitable for them, as everyone has a different travel style. So we hope this works as a good basis for you to work from, and that you have a great trip in the future!

16th August 2019 at 10:43 pm

Awesome photography, too!

17th August 2019 at 9:17 am

Chiang Kok Weng says

15th July 2019 at 12:42 pm

Dear Laurence and Jessica, we are from Singapore. We are a family of 4 adults planning to do a one week tour of UK at the end of the year, just after Christmas and into the New Year. We saw your one week itinerary and it looks quite fun and exciting. We are wondering if this itinerary is doable with self-drive as we are not familiar with the crowd, weather and road condition during this period.

Thanks much!

18th July 2019 at 3:32 am

This should be fine even at Christmas and New Year. Snow is uncommon in the UK – usually it is just wet. Of course, it is possible that there will be snow and ice, but the roads are usually well treated so you should not have any problems. Just drive to the conditions of the road and you should be fine. Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

13th July 2019 at 7:11 am

Hi, just wanted to say thanks for sharing all this! I know it is a ton of work but your posts are amazing!

13th July 2019 at 4:20 pm

Thanks very much Amber, it’s appreciated 😀

Carole Cavers says

3rd July 2019 at 2:25 am

Dear Laurence and Jessica, My husband and I are from New Zealand and are planning a trip to the UK for the first time. We arrive at Heathrow on the 20 August 11.45am and leave from Heathrow 20 September. We have been looking at lots of options and have decided to rent a car to travel around England, Scotland and Wales. We intend to fly to Ireland and pick up another rental car (if you think that would be wise) to see the sights there. My question is, what would you recommend for an itenarary so we get to see some sights in each country, finishing our trip with 5 days in London for sightseeing. Your recommendations would be much appreciated.

3rd July 2019 at 3:07 pm

So my advice would be to essentially follow my two week UK itinerary ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/two-weeks-in-ukmy-perfect-itinerary/ ), but to extend it to a month. I would also recommend flying across the Irish Sea rather than worrying about car rentals and ferries. It wouldn’t be heard to extend the itinerary as you could add in time in Wales, the Highlands, and much more time in Ireland. But it should give you a good basis for a trip that you can work on.

I hope this helps a bit!

5th April 2019 at 3:19 pm

Hi Laurence…so many helpful hints on your site for us ignorant non Brits! I’d love your opinion on our September 4 wk visit from Aust. All accommodation booked – 3 nts Prague, 4 nts Paris, 10nts London, train to Bath, pick up hire car to Mevagissey 3 nts, 3 nts Cotswolds, 1nt York, 1 nt Ft William, 2 nts Plockton, Edinburgh 1 nt via Perth. Leave car.. Then we’d like to train from Edinburgh to Windsor as have 2 nts booked there before flying home – . It seems that we have to change trains at Piccadilly or Kings Cross to get the Windsor line..any suggestions please? ( picturing us 3 over 65 ers in peak hr with luggage climbing stairs at a train station ???? ( pretty stretch Edinburgh to York so not keen on flying ) Locals on other forums are horrified at us doing so much driving in that time but many OP here doing similar so don’t feel so bad! Thanks so much for any thoughts you have on all of this!

5th April 2019 at 4:01 pm

Thanks very much. I’m happy to help out of course. It sounds like you have an amazing trip planned out!

Since everything is booked it sounds like the itinerary is fairly well arranged. My only feedback is that 10 days is quite a long time in London, although there is so much to see that you could easily fill more time than that. Our 6 day London itinerary is probably going to give you the most help in terms of planning. You can see that on our other blog here: https://independenttravelcats.com/london-itinerary-6-days-in-london/

For your first question, you are correct about needing to change trains. The majority of trains from Edinburgh arrive at Kings Cross, wheras trains to Windsor go from Paddington or Vauxhall. In either case, you are going to have to take the underground, and trust me, I know what carting luggage around down there is like!

The good news is that Kings Cross tube station is now fully accessible, which means that there are lifts from the platform to street level. I should warn you in advance though that you do have to take multiple lifts, there is not just one lift. There will be a lift map to help you figure this out. This is because the station was built a good long time ago, before such things as lifts to tube platforms were thought of as being handy, so they’ve had to put lift shafts where they can rather than necessarily where is totally logical.

At the other end, Vauxhall also has full lift access. Paddington has escalator access, so if you prefer a lift, the route from Vauxhall will be easier.

In terms of your itinerary, especially given that you are coming from Australia, I suspect you will not find the driving distances that long! After my year of travelling in Australia, my perspective of what makes for a “long drive” certainly changed a great deal! The longest drive you have is going to be between York and Fort William. That would be nearly a 6 hour drive without stops.

I hope this helps, don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

Kathy Jones says

6th April 2019 at 1:51 am

Hi again Laurence……do you think the scenery is worth taking the train (first class maybe) from Edinburgh to London please? ( I’ve read posts that it’s lovely especially Edinburgh to York). Otherwise we’d consider flying using Easyjet. Also we wondered about train London to Truro or Bodmin ( sleeper?) to save a bit of driving! Good idea or not? Getting an idea how hire car versus train cost, for this trip is confusing …prices vary a lot. Thanks heaps.

6th April 2019 at 12:26 pm

The view from Edinburgh to York on the train is really nice, I have done that journey many times, and the Northumberland coastline is just stunning. First class is going to be more comfortable, and if you book well in advance the prices are not that expensive either. Flying is another option, but to be honest, the time saving is a bit of a myth – by the time you’ve got to the airport at one end and from the airport at the other, as well as gone through security etc, it won’t really save you any time. Plus the train doesn’t require you to worry about bag weight and size.

Train prices vary a lot depending on the time of day, day of week and how far in advance you book. Going to Cornwall for example on a Friday afternoon will likely be more expensive as it’s popular time to return from London. Car hire might be cheaper, especially as you can split it between you, whereas you need individual train tickets. Note that cars are usually cheaper to hire from city centre locations rather than airports. The overnight train is a good option, but these are usually not budget options. However you do save a night in a hotel, which is another cost. I would definitely recommend having a car in Cornwall for sight seeing though.

Kathy J says

6th April 2019 at 3:06 pm

Thanks again for your time Laurence. Sensible advice there…!! I spend too much time browsing your website ????

6th April 2019 at 3:11 pm

My pleasure Kathy. Delighted to have been of help 😀

Greg n Ramona Willingham says

6th February 2019 at 1:15 am

Laurence & Jessica, I am so thrilled to have found y’all and your amazing website. My husband and I are from Alabama here in the States and are super excited for our upcoming trip. We are working together to plan an experience of as many sites as are reasonably possible, without stressing ourselves out, and doing a fair job at controlling our modest budget. We feel that experiences shouldn’t cost a fortune and responsible spending is doable without sacrificing quality. I have been doing research for almost 2 months and cannot believe it took that long to find all of this fantastic information! Thank you for sharing your experiences, guides and useful information. My husband and I are planning our 20th anniversary trip to the UK; England/Wales/Scotland & Ireland for November 8-24, 2019. We will fly overnight on the 8th and return the 24th. I have researched public transport (coaches/trains), car hires, & even various flights from one main local to another. We are flying into London at approximately 10am November 9th and planned to nap after settling in and then exploring London. We will be flying out of Dublin the morning of the 24th back to London until our later afternoon flight that same day. We have considered doing a sail-rail pass to Dublin from Scotland or England, even though it’s a bit pricey. Many people have told us that it’s an unforgettable experience. We are strongly leaning towards a car hire for the UK portion and then returning the car for a flight to Dublin from Glasgow or the sail/rail pass over. While in Dublin, we plan on doing day trips from there. We feel having a base is more secure and comfortable than lugging around our packs….lol!!! ???? I have discovered that we can do 5 days of single day trips for about $550/each for those 5 days and have found that the price is relatively inexpensive due to the transport, entrance fees, tour guides, and the few meals included. This should also give us the opportunity to allow another to drive as we relax on the last leg of our trip. Those day trips will allow us to venture to all coasts and Belfast: 1-Aran Islands-2-Cork/Cobh-3-Wicklow/Avora Mill Village…(misspell I’m sure ????)-4-Belfast/Giants Causeway-5-Dublin itself. Respectively, that should place UAB in Dublin the night of the 18th or early the 19th. My husband wants to do the ferry but considering the cost and the time needed I am more inclined to fly over for a small fare and enjoy a day of settling in and exploring a bit for dinner and guiness rofl ????. However, I suggested we maybe do a ferry to Isle of Man. I think he would enjoy that area as an avid rock-climber. We would like to add Bath & Cardiff to our road trip out of London then maybe head to the car museum in the Coswolfs then off to Chester-York-Newcastle-then on into Scotland for Edinburgh-Pitlochry (probably spelt that wrong too ????)-Inverness-Maybe Skye-Definetly Glen Co-Glasgow-Then on to Dublin by ferry or flight; as stated prior. Stonehenge isn’t a top priority for us but we dont mind drive by for a photo or 2, then to Bath and on to Cardiff. Would this be doable with our travel time and driving ourselves or would we better served searching out daytrips or multiday trips from London on to Edinburgh, etc? If this is doable, is our planned route workable or should we modify our planned route? Oh, my husband would also like to visit Greta Green but I’m unsure how to make that happen. Could York to Greta Green before going on to Edinburgh be feasible? Thank you in advance for your time and information. Greg & Ramona ????????????

6th February 2019 at 10:49 am

Hi Greg and Ramona!

Wow, sounds like you’ve done a great job of planning 🙂 I would say that your route is certainly do-able. Personally I’d fly from Glasgow to Dublin as you have mentioned, it will take a bit less time. For your trip, I think driving yourself is going to be your best option as it will give you the flexibility you will need, and you won’t have to keep returning to a base which will cost you time. I think your timetable is busy but certainly achievable, and your route looks sensible to me.

York -> Newcastle -> Gretna Green -> Edinburgh is possible. It’s a bit of a detour but not a major one 🙂

Let me know if I can be of any more help!

7th February 2019 at 5:10 pm

Thank you for the quick reply Laurence. It’s great to hear we are on the right track with our plans and that the flight seems the most reasonable way to get to Dublin without a large amount of time wasted. Thank you again and have a blessed day. ????????????

Patt Snow says

20th December 2018 at 3:08 pm

I loved reading your itineraries! So very helpful! I will be traveling in May, 2 weeks with my hub and granddaughter recent high school graduate, she’s an avid reader, taught herself Welsh, wants to be a librarian. Here’s my conundrum: I rented a condo near Snowdonia NP for one week and cannot cancel without relinquishing my payment. What do you recommend for that week and then if I could extend our trip for an additional 8 days what path would you take? We will rent a car in London on our way of the city…I’m allowing 2 nights in London and then onto Snowdonia! Thank you so much for any input!

20th December 2018 at 3:16 pm

Our pleasure. Snowdonia is a stunning part of the UK, and you won’t regret spending a week there. I spent a long time in this area as my grandparents used to live in the national park, and it is magnificent. There is plentiful hiking as well as lovely coastline, beaches, and cute villages and towns to visit. So don’t worry, you will have a wonderful time. It’s also the part of Wales where Welsh is quite commonly spoken, so your daughter will have ample opportunity to practice.

If you did want to extend, my advice would be to visit some of the towns and cities between London and Snowdonia, so as to have a balanced trip – Snowdonia is more countryside, so you might want to experience a bit of culture. So some ideas might be Oxford, Liverpool, Bristol or Bath, to give you a balanced trip!

I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip!

20th December 2018 at 3:47 pm

Laurence, thank you for your prompt reply. We are definitely looking forward to our time in Snowdonia! I’m just not certain how to incorporate driving time. London to 2 nites Oxford, then onto Wales. Would a day trip from Snowdonia to Cardiff be crazy as far as drive time? Then, I’m thinking ferry to Dublin and driving north, reentering Great Britain in Scotland, visiting Highlands 1 day, driving to Edinburgh for two nights,and back to London for two nights???? Is two nights in Ireland enough time? Of course we want to kiss the Blarney stone! I’m all over the place????!

20th December 2018 at 3:55 pm

No worries 😀 So I think you could do just one night on Oxford and still see plenty. Snowdonia to Cardiff would be a long drive – there are no motorways in Wales, so driving times are significantly increased compared to the rest of the country. So I wouldn’t personally do that trip, but it’s up to you of course.

Otherwise your itinerary looks pretty good. Of course, there’s never enough time and always more to see, and you will be driving a fair bit, but if you are happy with that then go for it!

20th December 2018 at 5:11 pm

Laurence! You are awesome! Thank you so much for your input! I love a good Roadtrip and am so very excited to visit these wonderful places I’ve always read about!! Your site has certainly given me a great guideline…I’m not feeling terribly overwhelmed at this moment!???? I think I can plan this! I thank you so very much and I look forward to reading about more of your travels!!!

20th December 2018 at 5:13 pm

Thanks Patt, that’s brought a big smile to my face! Do let me know if we can help any more. If not, we always love to hear how trips go after the fact 😀

Sylvia says

12th October 2018 at 9:13 am

Hello Laurence & Jessica, I am so glad to chance upon your site, So love your story sharing and the photographs. THANK YOU!

I am Sylvia from Singapore, have spent 2-yr in Newcastle in mid 90’s and have been to various parts of England & Scotland. My last trip was 15 yr ago (didn’t realize it’s been so long)! I am planning a 8.5-days trip in Dec with my family (arriving 3rd, departing night of 11th). My teenage daughter has never been to UK and I’d love to show her it’s really more than London. Anyway, this trip is really for her. 🙂

I’d like to get your advice.. here’s the must have.. London, Stonehenge, Bath, Manchester (to catch a match on 5-Dec), Newcastle. My hubby has very fond memories of Wales and be great if we could include a walk/hike in the region. A trip to York/Edinburgh or Ireland would be bonus but not sure if time permits. Is it better to start from London (3-4 Dec)? Would it be less crowded on Mon/Tue to weekend? Another crazy thought is include a day trip to Paris.

Also, would be great if you can recommend some places for best fish & chips, scones and a good pint of guinness.

Much thanks! Sylvia

13th October 2018 at 11:55 pm

Thanks for your comment, it’s always appreciated! Let me try to help!

Your trip does sound do-able, but it depends on how rushed you wanted to be. We’d suggest at least two days in London, and from London it’s easy enough to do a day trip that includes Stonehenge and Bath. However, as you are doing Manchester on the 5th, you might need to do this after that, as you’ll want to get up to Manchester in time for the match on the 5th. A train to Manchester from London is easy enough, just book in advance for the best tickets. Then you can get a train from Manchester to Newcastle, and then back down to London.

If you wanted to visit Wales, I think the best option would be from Manchester. York could be done on the way from Manchester to Newcastle, either as a day stop or an overnight stop.

Personally, with the time you have I’d probably advise against adding Ireland or France, as it’s just going to involve more travel days and less time sight-seeing. For food and drink, to be honest, most pubs serve decent Guinness these days, just make sure you visit a popular one so that the barrels are regularly cleaned. We usually just check google reviews, and find a pub that does good fish and chips. London will generally be more expensive, other cities less so 🙂

Hope this helps!

14th October 2018 at 2:35 pm

Thank you Laurence! We plan to self-drive (outside of London) for greater flexibility. Will use your links to book car and accommodation. I will share with you how our trip goes. Regardless, I know it will be a blast!

Let me know if I can bring anything for you from Singapore. 🙂

17th October 2018 at 7:36 pm

Hey Sylvia! Thanks so much 😀 We’ve not actually visited Singapore, so we don’t know what we would want, but that’s very kind of you to offer 🙂 Do let us know how your trip goes!

Miyako says

20th September 2018 at 7:40 am

Hello, I would greatly appreciate some advice on our first 9D8N trip (last min) in early Nov to London. We will be flying into Gatwick and leaving from there. There are so many sight-seeings in London, however we are thinking if we could squeeze in a self-drive to see the countryside.

What would the weather be like in November? We are hoping to capture some gorgeous pics at the countryside. If the weather is bad, then perhaps we will just do London and one more city.

We would like to visit the following: Windsor Castle Bath Stonehenge Chelsea Stadium Edinburgh

Westminister Abbey St Paul’s Cathedral Imperial War museum Churchill War rooms Tower Bridge Shard skyscrapper Big Ben British museum London Bridge experience Sky Garden Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Moulin Rouge London eye London zoo

Is it too ambitious? Could you help us plan a route that is most efficient? We would also like to catch a musical.

Many thanks in advance!

21st September 2018 at 2:19 pm

Your itinerary definitely looks achievable. I would suggest you need around three- four days in London to get all those things done. You would then want a day for Stonehenge and Bath, and half a day for Windsor. These are possible as day trips from London, or you can visit them independently. So with the amount of time you have, i think you should be fine.

My only feedback is around the Moulin Rouge – do you mean the musical? Because the actual Moulin Rouge is in Paris 🙂 For Edinburgh I would recommend at least two days. If you only visit Edinburgh, it will probably be quicker to fly or take the train.

6th September 2018 at 6:32 pm

Hi Laurence,

Cass here from Malaysia 🙂 I’m doing some research to plan for a 5 days (11th -15th Sept) road trip from London to Edinburgh & back to London, and found that your article is really useful for me & the itinerary pretty fits to my itinerary!

Appreciate if you could advice on my 5 days itinerary if I’m driving with my family (6 of us)? Or would you suggest us to go with other transportation? If you recommend driving, where is good to rent a 7 seaters?

I think I would most likely follow 80% of your itinerary here but would be helpful if you could share some advice here as I have some concerns. I will skip London cz I’ve been there. Prefer to explore more of cities outside London especially Edinburgh 🙂 Not too keen on visiting churches or normal structure, but love experiencing, sightseeing., nice places for pictures haha! Of course if the church is a super historical one then we don’t mind. Just hope to visit as many places out of London as possible within these 5 days (**sorry abit greedy haha!) By the way, a lil confused on point 3 & 4.

Much apologies for the last minute enquiries as my schedule is kinda tight over here.

Looking forward to your reply! 😀

Thanks, Cass.

6th September 2018 at 6:46 pm

Great to hear from you. So to answer your question on car hire, we usually try Enterprise and Priceline. I just checked, and both have the option to specify how many passengers, and they both have options for 6 people 🙂 You can see links under our car hire suggestions here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/travel-resources/#Car-Rental

For the itinerary in this post, a car is definitely going to work better than public transport. For six of you, a car will also be more cost effective, as tickets for six people, especially at this short notice, will definitely work out more expensive.

So for your trip, I would follow the itinerary pretty closely, but skipping London. Perhaps start with Stonehenge and the Cotwolds, then overnight in Oxford on your first night ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/6-ways-spend-day-oxford/ ). Second day you could explore Oxford then head north to Warwick. Overnight at Warwick, see the sights, then head further north, perhaps to York for your third night. Then on again, maybe a night in Durham, before your last night in Edinburgh?

Should give you something to work from anyway, without too much driving every day!

Hope this works for you! Have a great trip 🙂

Stella says

4th August 2018 at 5:10 pm

Thank you for providing such a great itinerary! My family and I are planning a trip for about 5 or 6 days total to the UK and the only set plan is to leave from London at the end of the trip. Now, we either want to go to Oxford and stay in that area for a few days, or go to Edinburgh and take a train directly to London. Which would you recommend? Thanks!

4th August 2018 at 5:14 pm

Hey Stella! My pleasure 🙂

Well, it really depends on what you want to see. From Oxford you have access to the Cotswolds and highlights like the Roman city of Bath, and of course, Stonehenge. Edinburgh is a bit bigger than Oxford so there is a bit more to see and do in the city, and then of course there are a lot of great day trips you can do to places like Loch Lomond, the highlands – even Loch Ness. So I guess it depends on if you want more cute villages, or more dramatic medieval city / landscapes!

I love both cities, so it’s hard to pick, but as a city I think Edinburgh has a bit more to offer, just because of the size. Hope this helps – have a great trip!

Cherry Vanderhoek says

22nd July 2018 at 5:49 pm

HI there, I was originally going to do your one week itinerary starting in London and ending in Glasgow but now due to flights I have to start in Gatwick and end in Gatwick. I love everything on your itinerary. I want to see quant villages, Stonehenge, Castles (medieval if possible) and I do love the look of that one house where they were inspired for Lord of the Rings, beautiful. I also wouldn’t mind seeing a nice market and a couple local pubs along the way. By the looks of things, based on your one week itinerary, I could do:

London- Stonehendge/Bath/Cotswolds/- Warwickshire/Peak District/Yorkshire

but than after that I would need to start rounding back down towards Gatwick. What do you suggest and where can I fit in Cambridge and possibly a medieval castle and a market? Or should I spend more time in London at the end?

Keep in mind I have been to London before and have seen alot of the main sites but definitely not all of them. How is the driving there, I will be on my own?

Thank you 🙂

22nd July 2018 at 9:35 pm

Well, Warwick has a castle, as does Oxford, so you might want to add in Oxford on your way out. You could do Cambridge on the way back to London from York, that would be quite easy. York is also home to a pile of medieval streets which should tick that box very nicely. Also, not to forget, London has a super old castle in the form of the Tower of London – although I suspect you might have been there already.

In terms of driving, the UK isn’t too bad once you get used to being on the left side (I have some tips for driving in the UK here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-the-uk/ ). I’d definitely avoid driving in London though, it’s really slow and inefficient, parking is hard to find, and the congestion charge makes it really expensive! So definitely avoid that if you can.

Otherwise, have a great trip, and let me know if I can help any more!

4th June 2018 at 5:46 pm

I would love to follow your itinerary and would love to add 2-3 more days in it. Will be a family of 5 with 3 preteens. Are there any special considerations. Would like to see Stonehenge from road and would like to drove through Stratford on Avon. Would also like to add York to our trop and see Sycamore gsp. Is it worth going to Edinburgh in August for festival or should we avoid it? Any thoughts on where to stay town-wize in the Cotswolds and where would be the best placd to make a run for York and still ser Chatworth, Baddesly and the ruins? Thanks.

5th June 2018 at 8:56 am

Hey Joe! I guess it depends on the stamina of your kids 🙂 If they are very young then usually we advise cutting back a fair bit, but if they’re closer to teenage then they probably have more energy than everyone else 😉

Edinburgh is great in August if you are into the festival, but it is very very busy (and accommodation is harder to come by and more expensive), so if you’re not that excited about the festival, you might want to visit another location. For the Cotswolds, you can try Burton on the Water, Burford or Stow on the Wold 🙂 – or you could stay in Stratford which would give you a good run up to York.

Rocksy says

19th May 2018 at 3:28 pm

Thank you so much..

Rocksy Vidiaty says

16th May 2018 at 8:17 pm

Hi Laurence, thank you so much for your article. It helps me a lot in planning our UK big family trip next June. There will be 7 adults and 6 kids in this trip. Where would you suggest us to stay? And do we need to be a member of EH or NT in order to cut off the cost of entrance fee? Thank you for your advices..

regards, RFV

17th May 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hey Rocksy – my pleasure. Wow, that sounds like quite the trip 🙂 For the English Heritage and National Trust sites, if you’re a member then you get free admission. If you’re visiting from overseas, you can pick up the passes I link to which are cheaper than annual membership, and last for a shorter duration – normally long enough to cover a trip. My suggestion would be to look up the entry prices for the attractions you are interested in, add them up, and see if the pass would save you the money or not.

For accommodation, for such a large group my suggestion would be to look at larger apartment rentals as that will give you more flexibility as a larger group. Hotels are an option, but you would likely have to book quite a few rooms, so apartments might be a better option. I have a list of accommodation sites that specialise in apartment rentals that might be a good place to start, you can see that here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/alternatives-to-airbnb/

Have an amazing trip, and do let us know how it goes – and do feel free to send us any more questions of course 🙂

18th May 2018 at 10:36 am

Thanks Laurence. We plan to rent 2 big cars and do our self-drive UK trip. We will follow some of your route and modify the rest. So our route will be Heathrow – Stonehenge – Bath – Cotswold (in one day) -Baddesley Clinton-Chatsworth (in one day). From here we have 2 options, either go to York (in one day) – Cambridge – Oxford (in one day) -Windsor -London (in 3 days), or go to Manchester-Liverpool-Snowdonia (in 2 days) -Oxford-Windsor-London (in 3 days). We have 8 days in total. Can you please give some advice? In our group there will be 80 years old lady to 2 years old boy..

Thanks in advance Regards, Rocksy

18th May 2018 at 9:10 pm

Sounds like a great trip! Well, I don’t think you’ll have enough time in 2 days to do Manchester, Liverpool and Snowdonia, so my suggestion would be the first option you suggest, which will give you a bit more time. I’d also add that Cambridge and Oxford are fairly similar, so you might prefer to just pick one of the two 🙂

Crystal says

9th May 2018 at 6:57 pm

HI. I was wondering if you had a detailed map of this 1 week UK itinerary. Thank you

10th May 2018 at 8:52 am

Hi Crystal! That is an excellent point – I have been trying to add maps to my itineraries and seem to have missed this one. I’ll add one in as soon as I can and will respond to your comment again when I have done so – thanks for letting me know 🙂

Dylan Wright says

8th May 2018 at 10:28 am

Thank you for the article. But I would like to ask a question. I want to rent a car, but I’m under 25. What is the UK policy for renting a car to students?

8th May 2018 at 12:33 pm

There’s no UK wide policy on age restrictions for car rentals – it’s varies from company to company. I would advise checking individual car rental services like Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt etc. and seeing what their policy is. Most companies will have a surcharge for drivers younger than 25, but it should still be possible to rent a car. I have more information on my driving in the UK post, which you can eee here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-the-uk/

Kathleen says

27th April 2018 at 2:01 am

I’m so happy to have found this! My husband and I are planning a one week trip this June coming from the US and this sounds perfect. I am just trying to figure out how to fit everything in along with the driving. Several things don’t open until 10 or 11 am and then close early, which doesn’t leave much time. For example, you mention staying at Fountains Abbey through sunset, but the website says it closes at 18:00. Can you stay on the grounds past closing? I’m also trying to decide if it would be worth stopping for a night between Newcastle and Edinburgh if we have time which gives us more time in Edinburgh. Any suggestions? Thanks

27th April 2018 at 9:12 am

Hi Kathleen!

I’m glad to have been able to help! Opening times can be a bit of a challenge for sure, and they vary by season – so you’ll definitely have to plan around them. It also depends what time of year you visit depending on the sunset – in June the sun won’t set until around 10pm, in December, it’s more like 4pm! With Fountains Abbey, when I spoke to the staff there they said you were fine to stay after official closing hours, there’s just no entry after those times. it’s a huge park, so they’d struggle to get everyone out anyway! For an overnight stop between Edinburgh and Newcastle, there are a few options, perhaps Alnwick would be a good option?

27th April 2018 at 5:48 pm

Thank you so much for answering my questions! I have one more for you. My husband is very leery of trying to drive since we are used to driving on the other side of the road. If we plan on picking up a rental car at heathrow on our way out of London on day 3 and returning it either in Newcastle (to take the train to Edinburgh) or at the Edinburgh airport at our arrival there, how much city driving would there be? The thought of getting confused in a roundabout scare him 🙂 Thanks so. much! Kathleen

27th April 2018 at 5:52 pm

My pleasure Kathleen 😀 The remaining cities are not really that big (London is by far the worst to drive in), but I would say that the UK doesn’t have quite the interstate system of the USA, so there will still be the odd roundabout to deal with. But if you take your time (and make sure to hire an automatic if you’re not used to driving stick!) then you should be ok. I also have a guide to driving in the UK he might find helpful, which I wrote from the perspective of someone coming from the US in mind 🙂 You definitely won’t need a car in Edinburgh. I would also advise bringing a GPS – even google maps with an offline version of the UK downloaded onto it will make your travels a lot easier.

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-the-uk/

26th April 2018 at 7:17 pm

Dear Laurence and Jessica, this all sounds pretty amazing. I have lived in the UK for over ten years (Southampton and London) and I totally agree with the itinerary you’re suggesting. I was wondering if you can give me any ideas on the following: my fiance and I will be in York in June for work and then have about six days to travel around the country. We want to spend the two last days in London as we need to catch our plane back to Australia. We’ve been debating whether we should explore the Scottish Highlands or go down to Cornwall, both of which are places we haven’t visited before. Or are we missing out on a better itinerary for our timeframe? I admit I very much like your one week in the UK although I have visited most of these places before…Any ideas? Thank you!

26th April 2018 at 7:32 pm

Thanks for your comment. Let me see if I can help 🙂 My personal preference would be to go to the Scottish Highlands. I’m not sure how you are travelling exactly, either by car or public transport, but your best option would be to take a car – either take the train to Inverness and hire one, or drive up from York. For scenery, my suggestion would be to head to the west coast – perhaps Glencoe, the Isle of Skye, and then up the west coast towards Durness. That part of the country is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. Definitely check out my North Coast 500 itinerary ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/7-day-north-coast-500-camping-itinerary/ ) for pointers on that, as well as our Isle of Skye photography guide ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/skye-photography-locations-scotland/ ).

One other option, I’m not sure if you’ve been to the Lake District, but if you didn’t want to drive so much then that’s also a good option from York 🙂

Have a great trip – let me know if you have any more questions!

8th May 2018 at 5:30 pm

Dear Laurence,

Many thanks for your prompt response and apologies it took me forever to get back to you! We will be renting a car to do our travelling. Lake District is currently one of our options and we are also considering the Yorkshire moors as a closer option before heading down to London. Any preference between the two (Lake District vs Yorkshire moors)? Thank you!

10th May 2018 at 8:56 am

No need to apologise! My personal preference would be the Lake District – it’s a really beautiful part of the UK. The only thing is it’s likely to be a bit busier than the Yorkshire moors, so if it’s peace and quiet you are after, the Yorkshire Moors are also very beautiful and likely to be a bit less busy! Hope this helps a bit 🙂

H Singh says

15th April 2018 at 9:41 am

Dear Laurence and Jessica, All of this is wonderful and very helpful info. What would you suggest to see and do in UK for a family of four on a net budget of around 1500 GBP. Tickets and Visa to UK I shall take care separately. We plan to visit in July and start the itinerary by travelling into London Please advise. Thanks. HS

15th April 2018 at 2:20 pm

Thanks for your message! You will be pleased to hear that I have just today published a detailed post that covers the cost of travel in the UK. This is based on two people, but you should be able to use the numbers to help inform your budget. You can see that here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/cost-travel-uk/

How long are you in the UK for and what are you interested in?

15th April 2018 at 4:41 pm

Dear Lawrence,

Thanks for your prompt reply. Your article related to the costs is very timely for me, I am looking forward to a short UK holiday in July with family (me, wife, teen son, pre-teen daughter) on a 1500 GBP budget (airfare, visas separate). Seeing the costs in the article, wondering how to make it possible!!! Any advice will be very useful to me!

18th April 2018 at 6:29 am

My advice would be to book as much in advance as you can – especially train tickets or plane tickets are much cheaper if you book them in advance. For accommodation, try some of the alternative lodging options ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/alternatives-to-airbnb/ ) – which might help you save money, especially travelling as a family. I hope this helps a bit.

19th April 2018 at 6:57 pm

I’ll look into the link you provided for accommodation, as well as note your advice on advance bookings. Thank you Lawrence.

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10 Day UK and Great Britain Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 10 day UK and Great Britain tour with TourRadar. Choose from 216 trips with 5,364 customer reviews, that range from 8 up to 10 days.

216 UK And Great Britain 10 day tour packages with 5,364 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

I had the most wonderful time on the 10 Day Wild Irish Experience. Our group was only a small one but everyone got along very well and it was oftentimes more of a family outing than strangers travelling together. Our driver/guide Lee was very invested in all of our wellbeings - making sure everyone's interests and needs were met, and then going the extra mile in the little details (like carrying our bags or providing little insider tips on what to do or where to eat for every town we stayed in). He was always available to answer any questions our group might have and could also entertain with a story or background information about a town or region while we where driving to it or through it. Especially on the often narrow and winding Irish country roads he made sure everyone was comfortable during the twists and turn and I (having the seat upfront and the best view of the landscapes and vistas but also the roads and the traffic) always felt safe and in the most capable hands with him. Even though our trip took place in the pre-season, for the most part of it we got to enjoy very lovely weather, with blazing blue skies and already emerald green hills doing their reputation justice. When one of the destinations on our itinerary wasn't open yet for the season or closed for construction (this happened only on one or two occasions out of more than thirty-five), our driver/guide knew this beforehand because he checked with all of them - and the tour operators of Irish Experience provided more than adequate alternatives so that our group didn't miss out on anything. I can only recommend this tour most wholeheartedly and to everyone. It was an excellent introduction to the Irish culture and country and the lives of Irish people and has made me want to return soon to the island. Thank you to my lovely fellow travellers - but mostly to everyone at Irish Experience and to Lee!

• €99 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

United Kingdom and Ireland ( 10 days )

Tour of Scotland, Wales & England

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Essential Britain & Ireland

great support driver and guide, excellent stops, especially edinbriugh... BUT... too much time on the bus. This needs to be better balanced.. either shorter distance or more timer

Best of Ireland (10 Days)

Excellent tour. Very well organized. Saw a lot but never felt rushed through any of the sites. Everything was timed perfectly.

Bonnie Scotland with London

My husband and I very much enjoyed our tour through Scotland. The tour guide Tom was knowledgeable and kept us interested without drowning us in a myriad of dates and names of Kings and Queens. He was totally in control ensuring everyone was on the bus and at each event checking everything had been arranged and that our group was expected before he would let us off the bus. The Scottish driver Dave was excellent and we felt safe despite the narrow roads. On the down side, we wish we could have had more free time to explore in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The guided tours of Glasgow and Edinburgh turned out to be pointing out various buildings on way to the castle or as we drove out of the cities on our way to the day's tour highlight rather than a proper city tour. The London part was disappointing with the aspect of being part of a tour. The hotel, although nice, was over 1 1/2 hours by bus away from King's Cross station. The tour director did not take the opportunity to point out the various historic sites along the way. Many key highlights were not included in the scheduled familiarization of London bus tour such as Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Once the bus tour was over we were left to fend for ourselves. There was no concern/interest shown to ensure transportation arrangements at the end of the tour were in hand etc...a stark contrast to the Scottish part of the trip.

10-Day United Kingdom and Ireland

Jose the tourist guide was excellent, the hotels except for the last one were very good, the landscape and scenery was amazing, very recommended

10-Day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Amazing 10 day tour with Finn. Best guide- Finn's knowledge of Everything In Ireland and beyond was extraordinary. Great storyteller and wit. Took us to amazing beautiful places. Thank you Finn! Wonderful group we traveled with -

Exploring Dublin, United Kingdom and Paris

We had an amazing time on her trip. Everything promised was delivered. Thing that we didn’t know was that we would be transferring to different groups. Initially this was confusing, but I do have to say that all the transitions were very smooth. We went to many beautiful pieces and met many beautiful people. generally are gods more helpful and even caring. I would recommend this tour.

Deluxe London to Edinburgh Tour (finishes in Edinburgh) - 10 days

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Emerald Isle

Very well organized though on some occasions the time spent on the coach was too long.The tour guide,Liz,was very knowledgeable as well as kind and helpful.And the driver Iarik was incredibly helpful and well-mannered!

Scottish Highland Fling

I met a lot of great people! Both the tour director, Peter, and the driver, Vincent, were awesome! This was my first group tour like this. I didn’t like the fact it was very scheduled and regimented.

Scotland from London ( 10 days )

England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK

Castles and Kilts (10 Days)

What people love about 10 day uk and great britain tours.

Excellent guide - very informative and expert bus driver!

Very nice itinerary ... jam packed days and evenings. I chose not to do any of the extra evening excursions that were offered so I was able to use the time to explore every overnight stop on my own. The tour guide was amazing... so full of knowledge about all the countries/areas we visited.

This was my first time in Ireland. I absolutely loved everything about this trip. Tour guide and bus driver were amazing. Totally worth every penny. Would go back in a heartbeat

• One week in England and Scotland (for Seniors) 2024/2025

• Destinations
• Travel Guides

10 days in Scotland: an itinerary for first-time visitors

Jo Williams

United Kingdom

• 10 days in Scotland

Scotland's natural beauty makes it one of the best road trip destinations around. Add to that crumbling castles, mythical creatures, and a unique cuisine and you’ve got a recipe for an epic trip to Scotland.

Whether you are adding on to a larger trip around the UK , or visiting Scotland on its own, capital Edinburgh has great transport links to the rest of the UK and Europe. It makes the the perfect place to start and end your road trip to Scotland.

How many days should I spend in Scotland?

Though it may look small on a map, it can take a long time to cover small distances in Scotland due to its long winding roads and offshore islands.

Spending 10 days in Scotland will give you plenty of time to explore the main cities and towns, as well as having a nice amount of time to explore the national parks and more accessible islands.

From the remote and historically important Orkney Islands, to the 'whisky island' of Islay in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast, there are plenty of places to get off the beaten track in Scotland if you have more time. But for some of the best highlights of Scotland, 10 days is enough to cover a little bit of everything.

Edinburgh: 2 nights

Start off in Scotland's capital for a wealth of history and cultural gems. From Edinburgh castle, stroll down Royal Mile towards the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The cobbled street is lined with medieval buildings, free museums, and historical monuments to see like Saint Giles Cathedral, Canongate Kirk, and The Real Mary King’s Close.

Hike up the ancient volcano named Arthur’s Seat to get outstanding views of the city skyline. Visit the restaurants and shops in the lively Grassmarket district and along Candlemaker Row, as well as the famously haunted Greyfriars cemetery.

An absolute must is taking a tour of Edinburgh's legendary Underground City , inside the South Bridge Vaults. More commonly known as Damnation Alley, tales of gruesome history and ghostly goings on will definitely help you to get to know the city's darker side a little better.

Make sure to stop at The Kelpies on the way out of Edinburgh, two giant metal horse head sculptures poke out of the hillside in one of the most striking public artworks in Scotland.

Recommendations

Stay right opposite Waverley station at Motel One Edinburgh-Princes . This sustainable hotel is located in the heart of Edinburgh’s beautiful old town so you can walk to all the main Edinburgh attractions like the Royal Mile, the castle, the National Gallery of Scotland, and the Sir Walter Scott Monument. The rooms are quiet and cosy with traditional furnishings complemented by a modern pop of colour.

Cairngorms National Park: 1 night

About a 2 hour drive from Edinburgh you will find the UK’s biggest National Park. While there are plenty of castles and historical attractions to visit in Cairngorms National Park , the main appeal is the nature and wildlife on offer.

The park is home to around a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species as well as five of the UK’s six highest mountains - so it's the ideal place to get outdoors and enjoy some walks and hiking. Visit the royal grounds of Balmoral Estate, take a Land Rover safari, or bag one of the Cairngorms 55 Munros (mountains above 914 metres in height).

Feel like royalty by staying at Dalmunzie Castle Hotel in the south of the Cairngorms National Park. The lavish property dates back to 1510, with four-poster beds, castle turrets, and an elegant library. Rooms boast panoramic garden and mountain views, while the on-site Michelin-guide-listed restaurant also has stately views overlooking the lawn. Pick your evening tipple from the award-winning wine list or from more than 100 malt whiskies.

Inverness and Loch Ness: 1 night

From the Cairngorms, travel around an hour north to the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness. Known for its beautiful old town and attractions like the 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, it’s a great base for exploring this part of Scotland.

Nearby historical treasures include Cawdor Castle and Gardens, the 4000-year-old burial cairns and stone circles at Clava Cairns, and Culloden Battlefield - the site of the bloody last battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising and an important nesting site for endangered skylarks.

Just a short drive away you will find the second largest loch in the country, Loch Ness. At thirty kilometres in length, the expansive loch is only really known for one thing; the infamous Loch Ness Monster. Visit the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre in Drumnadrochit to learn more about what may be lurking in the murky waters, or take a cruise on the water in the hopes of a sighting.

Here you can also visit the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle, or rent a canal boat to cross the entire width of Scotland via the Caledonian Canal - a 60 mile (100 kilometre) stretch of naturally forming lakes and man-made canals with 29 locks, four aqueducts and 10 bridges.

If you have more time, you could also opt to take on the North Coast 500 - a 500-mile loop around the northern highlands of Scotland that takes around 3 to 5 days to drive.

Relax in the evening with a Scotch whisky at the Heathmount Hotel , located just a 10 minute walk from Inverness Castle. The immaculately renovated rooms inside the old characterful building will have you wishing you had more time to spend in this surprising Highland city.

The Isle of Skye: 2 nights

Head northwest from here and in just under two hours you will find one of Scotland's best castles to visit. The Eilean Donan Castle is perched on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet. It makes a beautiful photo stop if you’re short on time, or delve a little deeper by going on a guided tour of the castle and grounds.

Push on to the Isle of Skye via the ferry boat from Mallaig Harbour in good weather, or by car via the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. There are 900 offshore islands in Scotland divided into four main groups: Shetland, Orkney, the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides.

Skye is a popular choice to visit due to its accessibility within the Inner Hebrides as well as its top attractions like Dunvegan Castle, Talisker Distillery and Sligachan Old Bridge.

Drive the Trotternish Loop to discover the best places to see on the Isle of Skye, basing yourself in the main town of Portree. Sights not to miss include the Fairy Pools in the heart of the Cuillin Hills, Bride's Veil Falls and the Old Man of Storr (a 50 metre tall rock located on the Trotternish ridge), and Kilt Rock - a 60-metre tall waterfall that flows straight into the sea.

Set in 15 acres of private grounds, Cuillin Hills Hotel is a 4-star stay located just outside of Portree. Expect sweeping views over Portree Bay and the Cuillin Mountain range, traditional decor and an award-winning restaurant serving local produce and whiskies.

Fort William, Ben Nevis and Glencoe Valley: 2 nights

Head back south on the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe. The western Scottish Highland town is the main gateway to Ben Nevis, the U.K.’s highest peak, but it also offers access to other attractions like the Glen Nevis valley, Steall Falls, and Fingal's Cave near Oban - believed to be the other side of the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Though Ben Nevis is the star attraction, there are lots of fantastic hikes in the Glencoe Valley like the Lochan Trails, the Lost Valley Trek, and the 4-hour round trip hike to the Pap of Glencoe - probably one of the best walks in Scotland. There’s also a wealth of adventure activities on offer like white water river kayaking in Glen Etive, cycling on the Caledonia Way, or taking on the Via Ferrata in Kinlochleven.

Another one of the best things to see near Fort William is the Glenfinnan Viaduct; the bridge that’s featured in the film “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”. The steam-powered Jacobite Express crosses the 21-arch viaduct twice a day on its journey from Fort William to Mallaig, so time your visit for 10.30am or 3pm for ‘Hogwarts Express’ photo opportunities.

Upgrade from a traditional Scottish bothy stay by opting to spend a night or two in a camping pod. Westwind Pod offers all of the modern amenities with a compact bedroom with bed linen, bathroom with towels, a fully equipped kitchenette, and even a TV with streaming services. Plus you get to stay in the beautiful outdoors with access to your own terrace and panoramic mountain views.

If you don’t want to ‘rough it’ in the great outdoors, The Whispering Pine Lodge is a tranquil Highland retreat on the shores of Loch Lochy, not far from Fort William. With its own international brasserie, spa and ski-to-door access, it’s the perfect base for exploring the mountains.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park: 1 night

Sitting on the fault line where the Highlands meet the Lowlands, Loch Lomond is around two hours south of Fort William, and located just north of Scotland's second-largest city, Glasgow.

Head to the picturesque village of Killin to get an idea of typical Scottish Highland life and to visit the cascading Falls of Dochart. Or make your way to Balmaha to take on the Conic Hill hike - a two and a half hour round trip that takes in some of the best views of the region.

Visit the small village of Tarbet to embark on a boat trip with Cruise Loch Lomond and take in views of Ben Lomond, the Arrochar Alps, and some of Loch Lomond’s 30 islands. As the largest loch in Scotland, with a surface area of 70 square kilometres, Lomond is a popular spot in the summer months for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, and water skiing.

In the evening head to nearby Stirling to take in views of the 12th-century castle and to explore the local food scene. Top Stirling restaurant Brea has won many accolades like the 'Restaurant of the Year’ (Food Awards Scotland 2022) and has recently been rated in the 'Top 10% of Restaurants Worldwide' (Tripadvisor 2023). Choose between locally sourced burgers, fresh seafood, and top Scottish spirits, ciders and craft beers - a far cry from the haggis, neeps and tatties of Scottish pub-grub fame.

Stay at the Garrison of Inversnaid Farm , a working farm built in 1719 in the heart of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The property offers two private self-contained studio apartments set within a converted barn, but the real reason to stay is the seasonal farm produce.

Make the most of a traditional home-cooked Scottish breakfast, or try a home-grown organic meat or vegetable stew. You can even meet and pet the Highland cows, sheep, pigs and hens on a small tour of the farm with owners Paul and Kelly.

Practical information

What is the best month to visit scotland.

August is the most popular month to visit Scotland, but prices are high and places can get crowded (especially in Edinburgh during the popular Fringe Festival). Temperatures only reach up to around 20°C in peak summer and the shoulder seasons can be just as warm if you get the timing right.

A good reason to travel to Scotland in the shoulder season months like May or September is to avoid the pesky midges that can plague wetter regions in the warmer months.

Another factor to consider is the amount of daylight hours at the time of year you are visiting, especially if you are planning long drive days or big hikes. Winter days can be short and really restrict visiting hours of attractions and sometimes accessibility due to snowy mountain roads too.

Can I get around Scotland without a car?

It is possible to explore the main cities of Scotland like Aberdeen , Inverness, and Glasgow by using the ScotRail network and the inter-city Citylink, Megabus and local bus services. You could also do guided day tours to some of the more out-of-the-way attractions.

But for the best use of your time, money, and the least logistics when planning for a trip in the UK , renting a car is definitely the way to go. Hiring a car for a road trip in Scotland gives you a lot more flexibility and the option to stop in places that the public transport network just doesn’t reach.

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Author - Jo Williams

Jo Williams is a freelance writer with 10 years' experience working in travel and tourism. A Brit who got fed up with the 9 to 5 corporate life, she sold everything to become a full-time wanderer.

Jo has travelled to over 70 countries and worked throughout Europe for a major tour operator. She hopes to inspire you to work less and travel more.

Last Updated 7 February 2024

• UK Package Tours from London (6-10 Days) >

England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland Tour - 10 Days

This 10 day England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland tour gives you the ultimate experience of Great Britain and Ireland. You’ll get to see many highlights of this magical land, including London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin and Cardiff. We’ll travel through the heart of the glorious English countryside, passing beautiful towns like Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and the Roman city of York and into areas of outstanding natural beauty, including The Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. This England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland Tour departs regularly throughout the year and includes accommodation, breakfasts, some evening meals, driver and more!

To see a full itinerary and available travel dates, see here .

what to expect:

Buckingham Palace

Day 1 – London

Arrive in London, the capital city of the United Kingdom. You’ll have some time to explore the city, perhaps with a walk along the bank of the River Thames or a visit to one of the museums in Kensington. You might also feel like visiting one of London’s diverse neighbourhoods such as Covent Garden, Westminster, Mayfair or Chelsea.

Hotel: Park Plaza Riverbank

Day 2 – Stratford & York

Roman Walls and York Minster

Leaving London, we’ll head right into the heart of the English countryside, known for its green rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. The first stop is the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Visit the house where Shakespeare was born and grew up, as well as the nearby visitor centre. Departing Stratford, we’ll head up north to the city of York. Enjoy an orientation walk passing the ancient Roman city walls, York Minster and the collection of ancient narrow streets, known as The Shambles.

The evening is spent in the spa town of Harrogate.  Enjoy a traditional pub meal.

Hotel Crowne Plaza Harrogate including breakfast and dinner

On day three of this England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland Tour we’ll slowly work our way further North. We’ll drive through the Yorkshire Dales and into the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a beautiful part of England, known for its writers and poets. We’ll see Lake Windermere and travel through the countryside, which inspired the English poet William Wordsworth and writer Beatrix Potter. The drive continues until we head into Scotland, passing Gretna Green, where couples used to elope and tie the knot.  We continue on to Glasgow, the third largest city in the UK, with an orientation that passes many of the famous sites.  In the evening there is an optional extra to dine at a traditional venue featuring Scottish entertainment.

Novotel Glasgow Center, including breakfast

Day 4 – Edinburgh

A full day to explore all that Edinburgh has to offer! This is the capital city of Scotland, perched on a hill with stunning views all around. Led by a local specialist, highlights of the day include visiting Edinburgh Castle and seeing the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the beautiful new Scottish Parliament building. In the evening, we return to the same hotel in Glasgow and will have a delicious meal at a local restaurant (included).

Day 5 – Belfast

We’ll head down the Scottish coastline and take a short ferryride across to Northern Island, arriving soon after in Belfast. Belfast is the capital city of Northern Island and we’ll see the City Hall and the place where the Titanic was built. From here, it’s straight to our hotel in Dublin (either Ballsbridge hotel or Mespil hotel)

Day 6 – Dublin

St Patrick’s Cathedral

A full day to explore Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. Joined by a local specialist, you’ll get to see many of the highlights of the city including St Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College, the Guinness brewhouse and more! Spend the day soaking up the special and unique Irish culture.

Day 7 – Ireland

Departing Dublin, we head to the Irish National Stud Farm, famous for rearing racehorses. We’ll have a guided tour of the farm, followed by a walk in the Japanese gardens, considered the finest of their kind in the whole of Europe. From here, admire the medieval castle at Kilkenny Castle before some free time for lunch. We then head south to Waterford Crystal, the factory that produces iconic crystal gifts and high-quality glassware.

Evening accommodation at the Marina/Fitzwilton

Day 8 – Cardiff

Cardiff Castle

Day 8 of this England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales tour is spent in Cardiff. We start the day by taking the ferry over the Irish Sea, and head to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Highlights of the city include the Millenium Centre, National Assembly and Cardiff Castle. Dinner is also included, and we’ll eat with a local Welsh family in the beautiful countryside.

Day 9 – Bath & Stonehenge

Cross back into England, and head to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city that’s famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian period architecture. Having explored Bath, we head to Stonehenge, another UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its neolithic stone circle. In the evening we return to London, staying at the Park Plaza Riverbank/Park Plaza County Hall.

Day 10 – Depart London

The final day of this England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales tour – say goodbye to your fellow travellers and head home!

further details

Tour includes:

• Breakfasts every day (except day 1)
• Transportation via luxury coach with WIFI and train travel. (As well as a ferry to and from Ireland)
• Driver and separate travel director
• Audio headsets

Tour excludes:

terms and conditions

You might also be interested.

England & Scotland Tour - 10 Days

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Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting highlights: Shawwal crescent NOT sighted in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE. Eid on April 10

During the total solar eclipse tonight, the sun will briefly get completely cloaked by the moon and will be aligned with the Earth in a straight line, leading to darkness during the daytime in several countries, as the moon will block the sun completely and a result of this, the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon to mark the end of Ramadan 2024 and beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr may be delayed until April 09, 2024. The sun will remain cloaked for a total of four minutes, during which its enigmatic outer layer will be illuminated.

Since the Middle East, USA, UK, Canada etc started fasting on March 11, 2024, the Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia had called on all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to sight the new crescent moon on the evening of Monday, Ramadan 29, 1445 Hijri, corresponding to April 8, 2024, that would mark the end of Ramadan and the onset of the month of Shawwal. The Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted by the Muslims in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Iran and other countries in the Middle East on April 8 evening, after breaking the Ramadan fast at maghrib or evening payers hence, chand raat there will be on Tuesday, April 09 and the day of Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated the next day i.e. on April 10, 2024, indicating that Muslims will observe a 30-day fast this Ramadan instead of 29 days.

As per Indian time, the total solar eclipse on April 08, 2024 will take place from 9:12pm to 2:22am, in between which, Muslims across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, USA, United Kingdom, UAE, Qatar and in other countries were gearing up to sight the crescent moon of Shawwal that will mark the end of Ramadan 2024 and the day of Eid-ul-Fitr this year as it is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, after the sighting of the new moon or crescent moon. It is a major Islamic festival where "Eid" means "celebration" and "Fitr" means "breaking of the fast" and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide but the exact date of the festival varies each year, as Islam follows a lunar calendar that is based on the sighting of the new moon and this year, Ramadan was expected to get over on Monday, April 08 with a treat for sky gazers and celestial body lovers since the new moon occurring on April 08 was anticipated to be seen with a total solar eclipse in specific locations on Earth.

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in the United Kingdom

With the edges of western Europe slated to experience a partial eclipse tonight, some areas in the British Isles - mostly western Scotland and Ireland - will be able to see part of the moon moving in front of the sun but although the new moon will become visible as a dark circle silhouetted against the blazing surface of the sun, it is the first slim crescent forming around the moon's edge that observers must report before Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 is declared. According to Birmingham Mail, Midlands-based moonsighting expert Dr Zahid Nawaz said, "There is a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, which will impact the visibility of the Shawwal crescent moon this year. This impacts only those countries who attempt to sight the crescent. However, those who follow astronomical calculations will also be impacted as the moon sets before sunset on Monday."

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in US

The United States Naval Observatory reportedly stated, "The sighting of the lunar crescent within one day of new moon is usually difficult. The crescent at this time is quite thin, has a low surface brightness, and can easily be lost in the twilight. Generally, the lunar crescent will become visible to suitably-located, experienced observers with good sky conditions about one day after new moon. However, the time that the crescent actually becomes visible varies quite a bit from one month to another. Naked-eye sightings as early as 15.5 hours after new moon have been reliably reported while observers with telescopes have made reliable reports as early as 12.1 hours after new moon."

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in Canada

The moon sighting for Eid-ul-Fitr in Canada is anticipated to take place on Tuesday, April 9. If the Shawwal crescent is not sighted on Tuesday, Eid will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in Australia

The Australian Fatwa Council has confirmed that the Shawwal crescent will be born on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at specific times in Sydney and Perth and it will be the last day of Ramadan while Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in Qatar

First day of Shawwal and Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 will be on Wednesday, April 10 in Qatar.

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in Pakistan

In Pakistan, Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet on Tuesday evening for Shawwal moon sighting as the Met Office has predicted that Eid ul Fitr may fall on April 10 since the Shawwal moon is expected to be sighted on April 9. Pakistan's Meterological Department predicted that the crescent would be born on April 08 at 11:21pm and it would be aged between 19 and 20 hours the next day around Maghrib prayer and the crescent could be spotted for over 50 minutes around sundown.

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon sighting in Morocco

Morocco’s Islamic Affairs Ministry announced that the crescent moon sighting for Eid Al Fitr will take place on Tuesday.

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Shawwal crescent moon NOT sighted in Saudi Arabia, Eid on April 10

The crescent moon was NOT sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10 2024.

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: 30 Best SMS, Eid WhatsApp messages, quotes, wishes, Facebook status to wish Eid Mubarak to loved ones

Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: Check out this list of best SMS, Eid WhatsApp messages, quotes, wishes and Facebook status to wish your family and friends ‘Eid Mubarak’

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting: Statement by Saudi Meteorology on Shawwal crescent sighting expectations tonight, amid total lunar eclipse 

Saudi Meteorology has just issued this statement: “We expect that visibility will not be good for seeing the Shawwal crescent in Central regions, Sudair and Tumair due to heavy clouds.” It added, “Today, the weather is suitable for observing the Eid al-Fitr crescent in the north and west of the Kingdom.”

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting: Preparations begin to sight the Shawwal crescent in Saudi Arabia.

Preparations begin to sight the Shawwal crescent in Saudi Arabia at the main observatories of Sudair and Tumair.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting: Will Shawwal crescent moon be sighted tonight amid total lunar eclipse?

As per the predictions of astronomers, it is very likely for this Ramadan to be 30 days however, as per the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), an attempt will be made to sight the crescent moon which will mark the end of Ramadan fasting and the beginning of the month of Shawwal with Eid-ul-Fitr as its first day.

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Money latest: Britons are buying homes, having babies, getting married and retiring later - but one key life event is happening earlier

People are paying off their mortgages earlier in life - but every other life event is happening later. Read about this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog, and leave a comment in the form below.

Thursday 11 April 2024 08:48, UK

• Spotify to hike subscription price by up to £24 a year
• Minimum income for family visa rises by £10,000
• Britons can now 'work from home' in Italy for a year
• Wendy's creating 400 jobs as part of UK expansion
• Britons buying homes, having babies, getting married and retiring later - but one key life event is happening earlier
• 'WTF is going on with the price of olive oil?'
• Could I build a home gym for less than my gym membership?
• Basically...  Tax codes
• Cheap Eats : Great British Menu legend shares ultimate toastie recipe

Ask a question or make a comment

How old is the average Briton when they buy their first home, or finish paying their mortgage, or retire?

These are some of the questions answered in a "Journeying Through Life" data dump from the Office for National Statistics.

Here are some of the key takeaways...

Home ownership - including the one life event that's happening earlier

People are buying homes later in life, perhaps unsurprisingly given how house prices have risen in the last decade or so.

In 2022, more than half of people owned their own home (either with a mortgage or outright) by the age of 36. 

That's a significant increase on 2004's figures - which showed the average age for home ownership was 32. 

This graph shows what proportion of people own homes at what age.

It isn't all doom and gloom on the homes front, however, with the age at which people own their home outright (ie mortgage paid off) dropping from 63 (in 2004) to 61 in 2020. 

This is pretty much the only life event happening earlier, however.

Retiring later

Again, this probably won't come as a huge surprise, but people are retiring later. 

The age where more than half of people were retired increased from 64 in 2011 to 66 in 2021. ​

There has been a bigger increase in average retirement age for women (from 61 years in 2011, to 66 years in 2021) than for men (from 65 in 2011 to 66 in 2021). 

The ONS says this is because the state pension age for women was increased from 60 to 66 during this time to match men.

Gender pay gap shrinking but still present

The latest data shows that men are still, on the whole, being paid more than women - although the gender pay gap is shown to be shrinking. 

For all employees, the gender pay gap was 14% in 2023 - compared with 20% in 2013.

Despite the gap shrinking, this graph shows that men's hourly wages are higher than women's at nearly all ages. 

The grey shaded area represents the pay gap. 

Another part of the data shows that males start work a touch earlier than women - with half of males in full-time employment by the age of 23 (compared with females at 24) in 2021. 

That data could be explained by the fact that more women attend university - some 319,000 females compared with 285,000 males in 2022.  

Moving out, marrying and having children

The age at which young people move out of their family homes is increasing, too.

In 2011, half of people were not living with their parents at the age of 21 - compared with 24 in 2022. 

More men live with their parents than women, with 61% of adults living at home in 2021 were male.

When it comes to having children, the average age at which women have their first baby has risen to 29.

That's up from an average of just 23 in 1970. 

And finally, marriage.

The median age at first marriage has been steadily increasing since the 1960s. 

For opposite sex couples married in 2020, the median age was 32 years for men and 30 years for women. For those entering into same-sex marriage, the median age was older, at 36 years for men and 32 years for women.

As well as getting married older, fewer people are getting married. In 2019, marriage rates had fallen to their lowest on record. For men, there were 18.6 marriages per 1,000 never-married men; for women, there were 17.2 marriages per 1,000 never-married women.

Spotify has announced it is hiking its subscription prices by up to £24 a year.

It is the second time in less than a year that the music streaming giant has increased its prices.

Here's how the prices will change...

Individual: £11.99 a month (up from £10.99 a month)  

Duo: £16.99 a month (up from £14.99 a month)  

Family: £19.99 a month (up from £17.99 a month) 

When will the change kick in?

The subscription price will change from May and if you are an existing customer Spotify will email you and give you one-month's notice of the change.

If you are on a free trial you will pay the old price for one month once your trial ends.

A Spotify spokesperson told Sky News: "So that we can keep innovating and delivering value to fans, the music industry, and creators on our platform, we occasionally update our prices. 

"We've begun communicating with existing subscribers in the UK to explain what this means for their account."

American burger chain Wendy's will be recruiting for over 400 job roles as part of its expansion across the UK.

The chain returned to the UK in 2021 after a 20-year break and has since opened just over 30 sites, including drive-throughs in Colchester, Peterborough, Derby and Brampton Hut.

But the chain, which was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1969, plans to open a further nine sites this year in Liverpool, Middlesbrough, and a second location in Sheffield.

New locations will include Liverpool, Middlesbrough and a second site in Sheffield.

Wendy's franchisee GH Burgers will open a first restaurant in Wood Green, London, this year.

There will also be restaurants in Southend-on-Sea, Colchester, Cambridge and Newcastle.

Michael Clarke, UK managing director for the Wendy's Company, told The Caterer : "We've seen great momentum in building Wendy's fandom in the UK, and the love and excitement for this iconic brand grows stronger with each new restaurant opening."

Changes to visa rules costing people thousands of pounds extra "destroy the notion of the UK as a place where families can thrive", campaigners have said.

The minimum income for family visas rises by more than £10,000 to £29,000 today. 

It will rise further to £38,700 early next year. 

Reunite Families UK claimed the values of family and love are being treated as "as yet another political football to be sacrificed in order to receive better poll or electoral results".

The government says the plans offer "an accelerated and comprehensive programme of reforms" to address "unsustainable" levels of legal migration to the UK.

Justifying its plans, the Home Office said the minimum amount had remained unchanged for more than a decade, and the new measures will help ensure families are self-sufficient and not relying on public funds.

'We just want to be with our families'

Argentinian Eugenia Morales said the uncertainty around her and her baby daughter being able to reunite with her husband in the UK had taken a toll.

The 30-year-old has been with her partner Connor White for three years but is unsure whether - after having their daughter in Argentina - she will be able to join him in England.

She said Mr White, who is based in West Sussex, cannot leave his eldest child from a previous relationship and has been working weekends in his construction job to try to boost his income to the required amount to sponsor his wife.

Ms Morales said she would be looking for a job in the UK and would not have access to benefits while applying on the family visa route anyway.

She told the PA news agency: "We don't want to be a burden to the [welfare] system, we just want to be with our families.

"It's an awful situation. We want to be together, we want the girls to grow up together but this is making it totally impossible."

Caroline Coombs, co-founder of Reunite Families UK, said people are feeling "punished" and "excluded" by the new rules.

Ms Coombs said: "This increase, together with the ones which will come into force in the next 12 months, destroy the notion of the UK as a place where families can thrive."

Athletics will become the first sport to introduce prize money at the Olympics this summer.

World Athletics, the international athletics federation, says it will pay Olympic gold medal winners $50,000 at the Paris games.

The athletics governing body said it is setting aside $2.4m (£1.89m) to pay the gold medallists across 48 events at Paris' track and field programme.

Read the full story here ...

The tweet below on the price of olive oil has gone viral - so we thought it was a good opportunity to resurface our feature from March that explains what's going on.

At the time, our  spending calculator  revealed the average price of a 500ml bottle of olive oil had risen from £3.54 in January 2021 to £7.45 now - an eyebrow-raising jump of 110.5%.

We spoke to experts about why - and here's what we learned...

Groves becomes graveyards

We start in Italy, where, according to a  survey by the polling firm Istituto Piepoli , 45% of consumers have rediscovered seed oil in the kitchen, and the industry is facing an existential crisis.

Mike Carlucci, managing director of the Italian food importer  Tenuta Marmorelle , says production in parts of Italy is becoming impossible due to a natural disaster that has nothing to do with the climate.

"The events of the past 10 years have made olive oil production in Puglia [which produces 40% of Italy's olive oil] almost impossible," he said. "This is due to the rising bacteria disease Xylella Fastidiosa."

The disease attacks and kills century-old olive trees, severely diminishing yields.

It spreads about 20km to 25km a year, Mike says, leaving a "graveyard of withered and barren trees which were once stunning beautiful olive groves".

Many producers have been forced to replace their trees with more resilient varieties but...

"Even if the new trees manage not to succumb to Xylella, it will be at least nine to 12 years before they produce a notable amount of oil," says Mike.

While prices are up across the continent, in the UK another factor is in play: Brexit.

"The cost of customs documentation leaving Europe and entering the UK is approximately £95 per shipment," says Mike.

"Transporters have all imposed a Brexit surcharge for extra admin duties performed by them in the importation of goods from Europe."

Pallets coming into the UK from the continent are now subject to more stringent fire resistance rules - meaning the cost of pallets has "tripled, even in some cases quadrupled".

'Never had a shortage like it'

Another issue, as has been widely reported, are the wildfires and droughts in southern Europe last year.

These weather events have lead people to extreme measures, according to Sarah Vachon, olive oil sommelier and founder of  citizensofsoil.com .

"You can ask the elders in the villages in Greece and they've never had a shortage like this," she says.

"I see lots of producers selling their previous harvest's oils, since they're able to get a high price for it and might have held on to it over the year. 

"This means the consumer is not getting fresh EVOO. And when it's not fresh, it not only loses its flavour, but it also loses a lot of the health benefits (namely antioxidants like polyphenols) which drop significantly over time."

On top of climate change, there's a flood of cheap sunflower oil coming from Ukraine - so while the price of olive oil is going up, the cost of alternatives are going down.

200 trees stolen overnight

The result is an industry in crisis - and organised criminals are taking advantage.

"Around half of the farmers I work with have a story to tell about thieves stealing their liquid gold," says Sarah.

"Sometimes it's the oil itself, or the olive fruit at the groves, or even an insane story from one of our producers about thieves coming in the night and uprooting 200 freshly planted trees."

Maria Dawson, managing director of the organic food seller Clearspring, says the industry is seeing "some of the lowest levels of olive oil production for five decades and unfortunately a shortage of supply".

The company has managed to secure a stable supply for the coming year, but Maria expects the market to remain uncertain - with no price reductions in the near future, even if 2025 brings better harvests.

Olive oil sommelier Sarah isn't hopeful, either.

"Olive oil is already facing record prices, and the way the climate is changing across the Mediterranean basin (which is warming 20% faster than the rest of the world), the shortages we've seen will likely continue."

Euan Blair's apprenticeship company Multiverse will use AI to pick prospective job applicants.

The son of the former prime minister Sir Tony Blair has bought talent intelligence platform Searchlight, whose artificial intelligence technology claims to identify candidates for job vacancies four times more effectively than traditional methods, for his firm.

It does this by removing the biases and assumptions that may affect decisions by managers and then shortlisting candidates.

According to Searchlight's website it reduces "unconscious bias" with "impartial AI algorithms designed to catch what the human eye may miss".

It also provides "rigorous analysis" of work experience and hard and soft skills.

Mr Blair said what often held companies back was "the gap between the transformation they want to see, and the skills that will unlock it".

"Searchlight's AI, platform, and exceptional talent will allow us to better diagnose the skills needed within companies and deliver impactful solutions," he said.

Multiverse was founded by Mr Blair in 2016 and has since grown across the UK and US.

It works with more than 1,500 companies, including Microsoft, Citi and Just Eat, and has trained more than 16,000 apprentices.

Premier League club Crystal Palace has come under fire after a bereaved fan was told he would need to pay extra to transfer his late father's season ticket to another member of his family. 

Haris Armstrong said his sister, to whom the season ticket would be transferred, would've had to pay extra for the ticket - something the club later put down to poor communication. 

"I was told that I actually would not be able to renew my dad's seat on the early bird offer and that as it was my sister's first ST, she would be charged at a higher rate," Mr Armstrong said in a post on X.

He was also told that loyalty points accrued by his father over many years were non-transferrable when he asked that they be given to his sister. 

The Palace fan said there was "essentially no mechanism to transfer an ST upon someone's death. The surviving family get penalised and have to pay more money."

Mr Armstrong's post went viral and has been widely discussed by fellow fans online. 

He accused the club of looking to "financially capitalise on someone's death". 

Mr Armstrong labelled the handling of his request "careless, greedy and insensitive" and an "absolute disgrace".   

After we reached out to the club, Crystal Palace spoke to Mr Armstrong, who issued a subsequent clarification. 

He said he was told the "price issue was an admin/staffing error and apparently early bird tickets should always be offered when fans pass away". 

Mr Armstrong also said he and the club discussed bereavement policy "so things like this don't happen again".

Crystal Palace told Sky News: "We are very sorry for the loss of Mr Armstrong's father and we send our condolences to his family. 

"The club's policy in these circumstances is to allow the friend or family member who is part of a group to retain the seat for another friend or family member on the same terms if they want to keep it. 

"Mr Armstrong's father did not take advantage of the early bird discount but paid in monthly instalments; however, if the family member taking the seat prefers to use the early bird discount, then we are happy for them to do so. 

"We apologise if this was not communicated clearly.

"Regarding loyalty points, the policy has been [that] these do not transfer as they are linked to a named individual; however, in the light of these circumstances we will review this. In any event, supporters can buy an away season ticket to guarantee every game."

US inflation increased more than expected in March - in a blow for hopes of an imminent interest rate cut.

Americans paid more for gasoline and rental housing in the month, helping push consumer price rises to 3.5% - up from 3.2%.

It is a stark warning to other economies that the path back to the internationally recognised 2% target is not always smooth.

Financial markets now anticipate the Federal Reserve will delay cutting interest rates until September. 

Profits at Tesco have reached £2.83bn - up more than £300m from a year earlier - as the UK's largest supermarket group said it had brought down prices.

More people are shopping at  Tesco , due to improved product value and quality, the company said.

Profits topped £2.83bn last year, up from £2.5bn a year earlier, while the amount of money Tesco took in was also up.

For the last four months, one of the biggest talking points in the betting and gaming industry has been who will become the next chief executive of Entain, the FTSE-100 combine whose businesses include Ladbrokes, Coral, Gala Bingo, Bwin and BetMGM.

The post was vacated when, 11 days before Christmas, the  former incumbent Jette Nygaard-Andersen unexpectedly resigned  with immediate effect.

Since then, the job has been done on an interim basis by Stella David, former chief executive of William Grant & Sons, the Scotch whisky group behind brands such as The Balvenie and Glenfiddich - but the hunt remains ongoing for a permanent CEO.

One of the favourites for the role has now ruled himself out.

Richard Flint, who is well regarded in the industry after his successful stint as chief executive of Sky Betting and Gaming, set tongues wagging when he recently announced he was stepping down as a non-executive director of Flutter Entertainment, the new owner of SkyBet and parent of Paddy Power and Betfair.

However, Mr Flint has told Sky News he is not seeking another executive position.

Read business presenter Ian King's full story here ...

A British diamond manufacturer has had its adverts banned for not making clear its gems are synthetic.

The ads for Skydiamond had the headline: "Say hello to the world's first and only diamond made entirely from the sky."

In small text below, the company said it made diamonds using the four natural ingredients of the "sun, wind, rain" and "atmospheric carbon".

"Now that we can mine the sky, we never need to mine the earth again," it read.

Skydiamond also responded to a question on its FAQ page about whether they were real diamonds with: "Skydiamond is a perfectly formed real diamond."

The adverts sparked a complaint from the Natural Diamond Council, which believes the gems are lab-created, but the Sky Mining Company, which trades as Skydiamond, said they made clear they were not naturally occurring or mined from the earth.

The Advertising Standards Authority sided with the Natural Diamond Council.

"We considered that while some consumers may have been aware that synthetic diamonds could be manufactured or created in a laboratory, many would not," it said.

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