England is a country quite close to our hearts. We lived in London for a few years and spent as much time as we could afford exploring the cities, towns and villages; getting to know it’s history, engaging with its people, eating their food and ogling at it’s beauty.
Our England three week itinerary covers a lot of what England has to offer. It brings together the best bits of England so you can get a taste for this beautiful country and make the most of your precious vacation time.
England Three Week Itinerary
Day 1 & 2 – Bath
Day 1 – Fly into London Heathrow, pick up your hire car and drive straight to Bath (2 hours). If you happen to arrive late in the evening or are coming off a long flight, factor in an extra night to spend in an airport hotel and start out refreshed the next morning.
Great Britain is full of beautiful cities but very few of them are as stunning as Bath. This city is bursting with history dating back to Roman times, its buildings are examples of some of the UK’s finest Georgian architecture and it’s streets are some of the grandest in the world.
What to See & Do in Bath
Roman Baths – Founded in 44 AD, these Roman Baths are some of the most well preserved and impressive Europe. A visit includes the opportunity to gain insight into the lives of the ancient Romans as you explore and get up close to the baths themselves, the elegant statues overlooking the Great Bath, the original hot water which is known to have healing powers and the Temple, one of the most sacred sights in the complex.
The Royal Crescent – The most prestigious address in Bath. This curved row of 30 Georgian townhouses set against a large green lawn is a photographers dream and is one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK. While nearly all of the townhouses are privately owned you can get a glimpse at the interior of No. 1 Royal Crescent which has been turned into a museum.
Bath Abbey – It is a very important part of Bath’s religious history with an Abbey having been on this piece of land since the 10th century. What I love most about the Abbey is the stained glass windows and the high vaulted ceiling. The windows, along with various other wall and floor plaques, are there to commemorate several notable people from the local population who served in war.
Prior Park – This lovely green space on the edge of town is best known for it Palladian Bridge which is one of only four left in the world. Designed by poet Alexander Pope with help from landscape gardener Capability Brown, this 28 acre landscaped garden is set on a dramatic site running down a small steep valley. From the top of the park and valley are spectacular views across the city.
Free Walking Tour – This isn’t like other free walking tours that accept tips as the only form of payment. The Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides lead these walking tours for the satisfaction of knowing their visitors know the city a little better. Running mostly on weekends, you are guided around most of Bath’s most important sights while the guides tell tales and inform you of important pieces of history relating to Bath, its buildings and its residents.
Where to Stay in Bath
Budget: Avon Guest House | Mid: Griffin Inn | Lux: The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Read More: Things to Do in Bath
Be Inspired: Bath Photo Gallery
Day 3 & 4 – Plymouth, Cornwall/Devon
Drive: Leave Bath early so you have plenty of time for stops on the way to Plymouth. It’s about a 2.5 hour drive.
Suggested Stops: Just 20 minutes from Bath is the city of Bristol. You could spend about two hours or so in Bristol checking out the cool street art scene and wandering around the river front. Also before arriving in Plymouth is the capital of Devon, Exeter. Here you’ll find a Norman cathedral, Georgian streets and Roman ruins aplenty.
Located on a peninsula that juts out of the south-west corner of the country, these two regions offer visitors the biggest chance to enjoy some sunshine in England. From golden sand beaches, cosy towns, rugged coastline and naturally beautiful rolling countryside, Cornwall and Devon are not to be missed.
What to See & Do in Cornwall & Devon
We suggest a self guided driving tour of the Cornwall and Devon regions on your first half day and full free day in the area. Here are a few of the key things to see around the area:
Eden Project – Home to the largest rainforest in captivity, the Eden Project consists of two massive Biomes housing plants collected from different regions and climates around the world. It is open to visitors to explore and learn.
St Michael’s Mount – Accessible by a man made causeway, the Mount (as the locals call it) is a tidal island just of the coast that is home to a small population of about 35 people. On you visit explore the small village and head to the castle at the summit for spectacular views.
Lands End – Join the walking trails along the coastal paths that lead from Land’s End visitors centre. The scenery in this most westerly point of Cornwall is nothing short of breathtaking from the granite cliffs plunging into the sea to the lighthouse and other historic landmarks along with trail.
Beach-hop the West Coast – From Lands End take the road north along the west coast detouring off the main road to some of the cosy towns and golden sand beaches. Check out St Ives, Padstow and Newquay at a minimum and make your way all the way north to Bideford before continuing inland south.
Dartmoor National Park – 365 suqare miles of wooded nature, wooded moorland and snug little hamlets with cosy pubs is what you’ll find exploring this Devon gem. Hire a canoe on the River Dart, go for a hike or just simply relax in a pub.
Where to Stay in Plymouth
Budget: Ibis Plymouth | Mid: Premier Inn Plymouth City | Lux: The Imperial Plymouth
Day 5 – Salisbury
Drive: It’s about 2.5 hours to Salisbury from Plymouth. An early start will give you time to make a few stops along the way and see the sights of the Salisbury area in the afternoon.
While Salisbury is a lovely little town, the main motivation to visit the area is to see the world famous Stonehenge. But don’t forget to check out the charming town and surrounding countryside too while your there.
What to See & Do in Salisbury
Stonehenge – This prehistoric monument is believed to have been built somewhere between 3000 and 2000 BC and there is still much speculation as to how the massive stones actually got there. Once you’ve walked around and viewed them from all angles, check out the small museum to get more insight on this fascinating attraction.
Salisbury Cathedral – At over 750 years old, pretty Salisbury Cathedral is one of the leading examples of early English architecture in the country. Tour the inside of the hollow spire with its ancient wood scaffolding and wander the cloisters and cathedral close, the largest in Britain. You can also check out the world oldest working clock and the best surviving copy of the Magna Carta.
Where to Stay in Salisbury
Budget: Sarum Heights B&B | Mid: Spire House | Lux: Stonehenge Cottages
Day 6 & 7 – Oxford
Drive: It’s a short 2 hours drive from Salisbury to Oxford which would give you the chance to do sunrise at Stonehenge and still have time for a detour.
Suggested Detour: The Cotsowlds are just 20 miles west of Oxford and make a perfect detour on your drive there. Spend a few hours driving through and stopping at quaint villages, passing traditional thatched roof houses and rolling fields.
Oxford is the UK’s oldest university city and is world famous for this fact. The city is driven mostly by its large student population who each attend one of the 39 colleges in the area. As soon as you arrive you can feel the intelligence in the air and the sense of sophistication this city gives off.
What to See & Do in Oxford
Christ Church College – The most popular college to visit in Oxford. Check out the beautiful cathedral, green central courtyard, countless works of art and antiques and of course the dinning hall made famous by the Harry Potter movies.
Climb the tower of St Mary the Virgin Church – Climb the narrow spiral staircase of this 13th century tower for stunning views over the whole city and across the ‘dreaming spires’.
Radcliffe Square – This square is totally surrounded by some of Oxford’s most important and beautiful buildings including the Bodlein Library, St Mary’s church, The Sheldonian Theatre and its centrepiece, the Radcliffe Camera, an 18th century building used as the reading room for Bodlein Library.
Go Punting – Punting is a quintessential Oxford pastime. It involves a punter who stands on the end of a flat bottomed wooden boat using a long pole to propel the boat forward by pushing off the river bed. You can jump in a boat with an expert punter or hire one yourself and give it a go. Its a lot of fun!
Shopping in The Covered Market – This market was established in 1774 for local traders and artisans to sell their goods. Not much has changed since. You will find everything from meat and fresh produce to fashion and accessories.
Where to Stay in Oxford
Budget: Premier Inn Oxford | Mid: Lane House | Lux: Vanbrugh House Hotel
Day 8 & 9 – Liverpool
Drive: Leave Oxford early and head north to Liverpool for the 3 hour drive. This will allow you plenty of time for stops or extra time in Liverpool when you arrive.
Suggested Stops: Fans of Shakespeare will want to make a stop in Stratford-upon-Avon to visit the birthplace of the man himself. It’s also a lovely town and makes the perfect morning tea stop at one of the many tea shops in town.
Made famous as being the home of the Beatles, Liverpool is a thriving city with lots of interesting things to see and do. The city’s rapid growth during the industrial revolution led to it becoming a busy port city which has over the years drawn in a wide range of people, cultures, and religions.
What to See & Do in Liverpool
Pier Head – Head straight down to the river and the Pier Head it take in your first bit of Liverpool history. Much of the city’s past prosperity came from this area and it can be found in the Three Graces, three important buildings that line the waterfront. While their not open to the public, it is a picturesque place to start your visit.
Albert Dock – Down by the riverfront you’ll find the renovated Victorian warehouses of the Albert Dock. As well as being home to the Beatles Story (see below), you’ll find four free museums: Tate Liverpool, the Maritime Museum, the Customs and Excise Museum and the Museum of International Slavery. The dock is a great place to visit in the evening as it’s full of trendy bars and restaurants.
The Beatles Story – Fans of The Beatles, or even just fans of music in general won’t want to to miss this museum completely dedicated to the work of this pop music phenomenon. An audio-guided takes you around the museum that details the lives of the band members, their music and how they shot to fame.
Magical Mystery Tour – If you haven’t had enough Beatles after visiting the museum then jump abroad this fun tour. Many of the places associated with the Beatles are located outside the city centre and this tour takes you to them all. There’s commentary by a live guide or on an MP3 player as you go from place to place.
Mersey Ferry – Get the best view of hilly Liverpool but taking the 50 minute Mersey Ferry along the river. Seeing a place from the water is always a must on our list because it lets you see if from a new perspective in a leisurely way.
Where to Stay in Liverpool
Budget: The Dolby Hotel | Mid: Premier Inn Liverpool Albert Dock | Lux: Yellow Sub
Day 10, 11 & 12 – Kendal, Lakes District & Yorkshire Dales
Drive: It’s just 1.5 hours drive to Kendal so feel free to spend the morning continuing to explore Liverpool before heading north after lunch.
Kendal is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring these two picturesque northern England regions popular with those who love to explore the outdoors. The Lakes District is all shimmering lakes and craggy hilltops which attract over 15 million people each year. The Yorkshire Dales on the other hand is about the snaking rivers running though valleys of rolling green hills. It’s the perfect place to spend a few days stretching the muscle’s on a long walk or two.
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