Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in
London and ease into your English adventure with a relaxing exploration of one of the city's most beautiful royal parks, followed by panoramic views of the capital.
Morning
Settle in and explore Kensington Gardens
After checking into your accommodation, head to Kensington Gardens for a peaceful introduction to
London. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds, visit the ornate Albert Memorial, and see the charming Peter Pan statue. The Italian Gardens offer a serene spot to relax and overcome any jet lag while soaking in the royal atmosphere of this historic park.
2-3 hours
Free entry
Lunch
A café near Kensington Palace serving traditional English fare
British classics
Mid-range
Afternoon
The View from The Shard
Take the tube across
London to experience breathtaking 360-degree views from Western Europe's tallest building. From the 72nd floor, you'll see up to 40 miles on clear days, identifying landmarks like
Tower Bridge,
St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Thames snaking through the city. The interactive telescopes and guides help orient you to
London's geography—perfect for planning the days ahead.
1.5-2 hours
$35-40
Book online in advance for discounted rates and skip-the-line access
Evening
Welcome dinner and evening stroll
Dine at a traditional pub near your accommodation serving classic fish and chips or a Sunday roast (if it's Sunday), then take an evening walk along the Thames to see the city lights
Where to Stay Tonight
Central London (South Bank or Westminster area) (Mid-range hotel near public transport)
Central location provides easy access to major attractions and excellent transport links for exploring the city over the next few days
Purchase an Oyster card or use contactless payment for the
London Underground—it's significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets and works across all public transport.
Day 1 Budget: $150-200
Dive deep into
London's fascinating underground past and explore the city's historic neighborhoods at your own pace.
Morning
Explore major
London museums and landmarks
Spend the morning visiting one of
London's world-class museums (British Museum, National Gallery, or Victoria & Albert Museum—all free entry) or exploring historic sites like the Tower of
London or Westminster Abbey. Take time to wander through Covent Garden's charming streets, watch street performers, and browse the market stalls for a quintessentially
London experience.
3-4 hours
$0-30 (museums free; historic sites $25-30)
Book tickets online for paid attractions to avoid queues
Lunch
A bustling market food stall at Borough Market or Covent Garden
International street food
Budget
Afternoon
Continue exploring
London's neighborhoods
Explore different areas of
London based on your interests: browse bookshops in Bloomsbury, visit the quirky shops of Camden Market, walk through the elegant streets of Mayfair, or explore the trendy neighborhoods of Shoreditch. Use the excellent public transport to hop between areas, experiencing the diverse character of
London's many distinct districts.
3-4 hours
$0-20
Evening
West End theatre experience
Catch a show in
London's famous theatre district—book in advance for best prices or try the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day discounted tickets
Where to Stay Tonight
Central London (Same accommodation as Day 1)
Staying in the same location saves time and allows you to settle in while exploring different parts of the city
Many museums offer late opening on certain evenings (often Fridays), providing a quieter, more atmospheric visit with fewer crowds.
Day 2 Budget: $120-180
Journey to England's southeastern coast to explore one of the country's most impressive medieval castles, strategically positioned overlooking the English Channel.
Morning
Travel to Dover and explore Dover Castle
Take the train from
London to Dover (approximately 1.5 hours) and head straight to Dover Castle, perched dramatically on the famous White Cliffs. This mighty fortress has guarded England for nine centuries. Explore the Great Tower, descend into the Secret Wartime Tunnels used during WWII, and walk the medieval walls for spectacular coastal views. The interactive exhibits bring centuries of history vividly to life.
3-4 hours
$25-30
English Heritage members get free entry; consider membership if visiting multiple heritage sites
Lunch
The castle café or a traditional pub in Dover town
British pub food
Mid-range
Afternoon
Continue exploring Dover Castle and grounds
Dover Castle is vast—spend the afternoon discovering areas you missed in the morning. Don't miss the Roman lighthouse, one of the oldest standing structures in Britain, and the medieval underground works. Walk along the cliff-top paths for stunning views across the Channel to France on clear days. The castle grounds are extensive and perfect for a leisurely exploration.
2-3 hours
Included in morning ticket
Evening
Seaside dinner and travel to accommodation
Enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant overlooking the harbor before settling into your accommodation
Where to Stay Tonight
Dover or nearby Kent town (Comfortable B&B or hotel)
Staying locally allows you to fully explore Dover Castle without rushing and positions you well for tomorrow's journey to Leeds Castle
The Secret Wartime Tunnels tour can have long waits during peak season—head there first thing when the castle opens for the shortest queues.
Day 3 Budget: $140-190
Discover why Leeds Castle is called 'the loveliest castle in the world' as you explore its
island setting, magnificent rooms, and extensive gardens.
Morning
Leeds Castle exploration
Travel to Leeds Castle (about 45 minutes from Dover), a stunning medieval castle built on two islands in a lake. Explore the beautifully furnished rooms spanning 900 years of history, from the medieval Gatehouse to the elegant 20th-century interiors. The castle's
island setting creates picture-perfect reflections, making it one of England's most photographed historic sites. Don't miss the Dog Collar Museum with its unique collection.
2-3 hours
$30-35
Book online for slight discounts; arrive early to beat tour groups
Lunch
The castle's restaurant or café with views of the grounds
British café fare
Mid-range
Afternoon
Leeds Castle gardens and grounds
The castle ticket includes access to 500 acres of parkland and gardens. Explore the Culpeper Garden with its cottage garden plantings, get lost in the challenging maze, visit the grotto, and stroll through the woodland gardens. The grounds also feature a golf course, aviaries with rare birds, and lovely lakeside walks. It's easy to spend hours wandering these beautiful landscapes.
2-3 hours
Included in morning ticket
Evening
Travel toward the Midlands
Drive or take public transport toward Stratford-upon-Avon area, stopping for dinner at a traditional village pub en route
Where to Stay Tonight
Stratford-upon-Avon or nearby Warwickshire town (Charming historic inn or hotel)
Positions you perfectly for exploring Shakespeare country and the surrounding historic sites over the next two days
The maze at Leeds Castle is genuinely challenging—allow at least 20 minutes and consider it a fun challenge rather than a quick photo stop.
Day 4 Budget: $160-210
Walk in the footsteps of the world's greatest playwright, exploring the authentic Tudor buildings where Shakespeare was born, grew up, and returned to in his final years.
Morning
Shakespeare's Birthplace and town exploration
Begin at Shakespeare's Birthplace, the beautifully preserved half-timbered house where William Shakespeare was born in 1564. Costumed guides bring the Tudor era to life as you explore the rooms where Shakespeare spent his childhood. Watch live performances in the gardens and learn about 16th-century life. The exhibition includes rare artifacts including a First Folio. Afterward, stroll through Stratford's charming streets lined with Tudor buildings.
2-3 hours
$25-30 (or $45-50 for combined ticket to all Shakespeare houses)
The Five House Pass offers best value if visiting multiple Shakespeare properties
Lunch
A riverside restaurant or café overlooking the River Avon
Traditional English or contemporary British
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit additional Shakespeare properties or Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
Either continue exploring Shakespeare's story at Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Hall's Croft, or drive 15 minutes to Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden. This magnificent red sandstone ruin tells stories of royal romance—Elizabeth I visited her favorite, Robert Dudley, here. The recreated Elizabethan Garden is a masterpiece of period horticulture, and the castle ruins are extensive and atmospheric, perfect for exploration and photography.
2-3 hours
$20-25 (Kenilworth) or included in Shakespeare Pass
English Heritage site; members enter free
Evening
Royal Shakespeare Theatre performance
If available, attend a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company—an unforgettable experience in Shakespeare's hometown. Otherwise, enjoy dinner at a historic pub and evening walk along the River Avon
Where to Stay Tonight
Stratford-upon-Avon (Same accommodation as previous night)
Two nights allows you to settle in and fully explore the area without constant packing
The Shakespeare houses get very crowded mid-morning to mid-afternoon—visit early or late for a more intimate experience and better photos without crowds.
Day 5 Budget: $150-220
Venture into the beautiful
Cotswolds to explore one of England's finest gardens and discover quintessential English countryside charm.
Morning
National Trust - Hidcote garden exploration
Drive into the stunning
Cotswolds to visit Hidcote, one of England's great gardens and a masterpiece of 20th-century horticulture. Created by Lawrence Johnston, this Arts and Crafts garden is arranged as a series of outdoor 'rooms,' each with its own character and planting scheme. The rare plants, creative design, and stunning vistas make this a paradise for garden lovers. Spring and summer bring spectacular blooms and colors.
2-3 hours
$15-18
National Trust members enter free; book parking in advance during peak season
Lunch
A traditional
Cotswolds village pub with stone walls and local ales
Classic British pub food
Mid-range
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon driving or walking through picture-perfect
Cotswolds villages with their honey-colored stone cottages, winding lanes, and charming high streets. Stop at local shops, visit historic churches, and soak in the quintessentially English atmosphere. The rolling hills and pastoral landscapes provide endless photo opportunities and a peaceful contrast to earlier city explorations.
3-4 hours
$0-20 (parking and optional cream tea)
Evening
Countryside dinner and travel to Birmingham area
Enjoy an early dinner at a country inn before traveling to the Birmingham area for tomorrow's chocolate adventure
Where to Stay Tonight
Birmingham or nearby town (Modern hotel near Cadbury World)
Convenient location for an early start at Cadbury World and good transport links for the following day's journey north
The
Cotswolds are best explored slowly—resist the urge to rush between villages and instead pick two or three to really savor.
Day 6 Budget: $140-190
Indulge your sweet tooth at a chocolate lover's paradise before exploring a medieval moated castle that looks straight from a storybook.
Morning
Cadbury World experience
Start your day at Cadbury World, a delightful attraction celebrating the history of chocolate and the Cadbury brand. Journey through interactive zones exploring chocolate's Aztec origins, Victorian chocolate-making, and modern production. Watch liquid chocolate being transformed into bars, enjoy generous samples throughout, and experience the 4D chocolate adventure. It's fun for all ages and genuinely educational while being thoroughly entertaining and delicious.
2.5-3 hours
$22-25
Must book timed entry tickets online in advance—often sells out days ahead
Lunch
Cadbury World café or a restaurant in Birmingham's revitalized city center
Casual dining
Budget to Mid-range
Afternoon
Bodiam Castle exploration
Travel to Bodiam Castle in East Sussex (about 2.5 hours), one of England's most romantic and photogenic castles. This 14th-century moated fortress appears to float on its surrounding water, creating stunning reflections. Though partially ruined, you can climb the towers for countryside views, explore the chambers, and walk the ramparts. The symmetrical design and picturesque setting make it a photographer's dream and a wonderful place to imagine medieval life.
2 hours
$15-18
National Trust property; members free entry
Evening
Settle into accommodation
Find accommodation in Sussex or Kent area and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant
Where to Stay Tonight
Sussex or Kent countryside (Country inn or hotel)
Rural location provides a peaceful evening and positions you for tomorrow's journey to Yorkshire
Bodiam Castle is stunning at sunset when the light creates magical reflections—if visiting in summer, consider a late afternoon visit for the best photography.
Day 7 Budget: $160-210
Travel north to Yorkshire to explore one of England's most magnificent stately homes, set in breathtaking landscaped grounds.
Morning
Travel day to Yorkshire
Today involves a longer journey north to Yorkshire (approximately 4-5 hours by car or train). Break up the journey with stops at interesting towns along the way, perhaps grabbing coffee and exploring a market town. Use the travel time to relax, enjoy the changing landscapes, and prepare for the stunning sights ahead in Yorkshire.
4-5 hours travel
$50-80 (fuel or train ticket)
Book train tickets in advance for best prices
Lunch
A café or pub in a market town along the route
British comfort food
Budget to Mid-range
Afternoon
Castle Howard exploration
Arrive at Castle Howard, one of Britain's finest baroque stately homes, set in 1,000 acres of stunning parkland. The magnificent house features opulent state rooms, impressive art collections, and breathtaking architecture. Fans of Brideshead Revisited will recognize it immediately. The grounds include temples, lakes, fountains, and woodland walks. The sheer scale and beauty of this estate is overwhelming—it's a highlight of any England visit.
3-4 hours
$20-25 (house and grounds)
Book online for slight discount; grounds-only tickets available if on tight budget
Evening
Yorkshire dinner
Sample Yorkshire specialties like Yorkshire pudding, locally sourced lamb, or fish and chips at a traditional pub
Where to Stay Tonight
York or nearby Yorkshire town (Historic hotel or guesthouse)
York makes an excellent base for exploring Yorkshire's attractions and is a fascinating historic city worth exploring itself
Castle Howard's grounds are vast—wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time. The woodland garden walk to the Temple of the Four Winds is particularly beautiful.
Day 8 Budget: $180-240
Explore the historic city of York with its medieval walls, narrow streets, and centuries of fascinating history before continuing your Yorkshire adventure.
Morning
Explore York city center
Discover York, one of England's most historic cities. Walk the medieval city walls for panoramic views, wander down The Shambles (a perfectly preserved medieval street), and visit York Minster, one of the world's most magnificent Gothic cathedrals. The city's Roman, Viking, and medieval heritage creates layers of history at every turn. The compact center is perfect for walking and exploring at your own pace.
3-4 hours
$15-25 (Minster entry optional)
York Minster tickets can be purchased on arrival but booking ahead guarantees entry at your preferred time
Lunch
A traditional tea room or café in the historic quarter
Afternoon tea or light lunch
Mid-range
Afternoon
Continue York exploration or visit nearby attractions
Spend more time in York visiting the excellent museums (National Railway Museum is free and world-class, Jorvik Viking Centre brings Viking York to life), or explore the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. Consider a drive through the Yorkshire Dales or North York Moors for stunning natural scenery, charming villages, and traditional market towns.
3-4 hours
$0-20
Evening
York evening atmosphere
Enjoy the city's vibrant pub culture—York has some of England's oldest and most atmospheric pubs, many dating back centuries
Where to Stay Tonight
York (Same accommodation as previous night)
Two nights in York allows you to fully explore the city and surrounding area without constant packing
Walk York's city walls in early morning for the best light and fewer crowds—the 2.5-mile circuit offers wonderful views and takes about 2 hours at a leisurely pace.
Day 9 Budget: $130-180
Step back in time at an award-winning open-air museum that brings the past to life with costumed characters, historic buildings, and authentic experiences.
Morning
Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
Travel to Beamish (about 1.5 hours from York), an extraordinary open-air museum spanning 300 acres. Unlike traditional museums, Beamish recreates entire historical settings—a 1900s town, 1940s farm, Georgian landscape, and more. Costumed interpreters stay in character, historic trams and buses run, and you can enter authentic shops, homes, and workplaces. It's immersive, interactive, and fascinating for all ages, bringing social history vividly to life.
3-4 hours (could easily spend all day)
$25-30
Ticket is valid for unlimited return visits within 12 months—great value. Book online for small discount
Lunch
Period-appropriate food at one of Beamish's historic eateries—fish and chips from the 1900s fish shop or treats from the sweet shop
Traditional British historical fare
Budget to Mid-range
Afternoon
Continue exploring Beamish
Beamish is vast and there's far more than can be seen in one visit. Continue exploring different time periods, ride the vintage trams and buses between areas, visit the pit village to learn about mining heritage, and interact with the knowledgeable costumed staff who bring each era to life with personal stories and demonstrations. Every building is authentic, relocated from across the region and meticulously restored.
2-3 hours
Included in admission
Evening
Travel toward Midlands
Begin journey back toward the Midlands, stopping for dinner at a countryside pub en route
Where to Stay Tonight
Leicestershire or Derbyshire (Country hotel or inn)
Positions you well for exploring the Midlands attractions over the next few days
Beamish is best visited over two days if time allows (your ticket permits this)—it's genuinely huge and each era deserves time to fully appreciate.
Day 10 Budget: $150-200
Explore a magnificent castle with stunning gardens and a historic deer park that has remained largely unchanged for 800 years.
Morning
Belvoir Castle exploration
Visit Belvoir Castle (pronounced 'Beaver'), a fairy-tale castle perched on a hilltop with commanding views across the Vale of Belvoir. Home to the Duke of Rutland's family for over 1,000 years, the castle showcases opulent state rooms, impressive art collections, and beautiful architecture. The regency interiors are particularly stunning, and the castle has appeared in numerous films. The guided tours provide fascinating insights into aristocratic life through the centuries.
2-3 hours
$20-25
Check opening times as the castle isn't open every day; book online for best rates
Lunch
The castle café or restaurant with views over the gardens
British café fare
Mid-range
Afternoon
Bradgate Park exploration
Head to Bradgate Park, Leicestershire's largest and most popular country park. This 850-acre ancient deer park features rugged landscape, herds of red and fallow deer roaming freely, and the romantic ruins of Bradgate House (birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, England's nine-day queen). The park offers excellent walking trails through varied terrain, from wooded valleys to rocky outcrops with panoramic views. It's perfect for a peaceful afternoon in nature.
2-3 hours
Free entry (small parking fee)
Evening
Leicester evening
Head to Leicester for dinner—the city has excellent Indian restaurants reflecting its diverse population, or choose a traditional pub
Where to Stay Tonight
Leicester or nearby Leicestershire town (Comfortable hotel)
Central location for tomorrow's space adventure and other Midlands attractions
The deer at Bradgate Park are wild—maintain a respectful distance and never try to feed them. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best chance to see them and beautiful light for photography.
Day 11 Budget: $140-190
Blast off into space exploration before descending into ancient cave systems and discovering a time-capsule country house.
Morning
National Space Centre exploration
Begin at the National Space Centre, an award-winning attraction featuring the UK's largest planetarium and six interactive galleries. Explore real spacecraft, experience rocket launches, learn about the solar system, and discover the science behind space exploration. The hands-on exhibits engage all ages, from understanding gravity to planning Mars missions. The iconic Rocket Tower, containing Europe's largest collection of space rockets, is visible for miles and houses impressive exhibits.
2.5-3 hours
$20-25
Book online in advance for best prices and guaranteed entry; planetarium shows run throughout the day
Lunch
The Space Centre café or a restaurant in Leicester's city center
Casual dining
Budget to Mid-range
Afternoon
City of Caves and Calke Abbey
Visit the City of Caves in Nottingham to explore the UK's only cave system open to the public in a city center—discover how caves were used over centuries as homes, tanneries, and air-raid shelters. Alternatively, visit Calke Abbey, a baroque mansion frozen in time. Unlike most stately homes, Calke wasn't modernized—it's preserved as it was found in 1985, complete with accumulated collections and faded grandeur, offering a unique glimpse into decline and preservation.
2 hours
$12-18
National Trust members get free entry to Calke Abbey
Evening
Nottingham or Derby evening
Explore Nottingham's vibrant city center with its castle, pubs claiming Robin Hood connections, and excellent dining scene
Where to Stay Tonight
Nottingham or Derby area (City center hotel)
Good location for exploring the area and convenient for tomorrow's family attractions
The National Space Centre's planetarium shows are included in admission—check times when you arrive and plan your visit around the shows you want to see.
Day 12 Budget: $140-190
Explore interactive woodland attractions before beginning your journey back toward
London, with time for final discoveries along the way.
Morning
CONKERS exploration
Visit CONKERS, an award-winning visitor attraction set in the National Forest. This indoor-outdoor experience focuses on woodland, nature, and outdoor adventure. Indoor discovery zones explore forest life through interactive exhibits, while outdoor activities include treetop walks, woodland trails, and adventure playgrounds. The attraction cleverly combines education with entertainment, making it enjoyable for all ages while celebrating the environment and sustainability.
2-3 hours
$15-20
Book online for discounted rates; additional costs for some adventure activities
Lunch
CONKERS café or a pub in the National Forest area
Family-friendly fare
Budget to Mid-range
Afternoon
Wrest Park or travel toward
LondonIf time and energy permit, visit Wrest Park in Bedfordshire on your way back toward
London. This English Heritage site features a beautiful French-style château and 90 acres of magnificent gardens showcasing 200 years of garden design—from formal parterres to woodland walks. The gardens are particularly impressive and peaceful. Alternatively, begin your journey back to
London with stops at interesting towns along the way.
2-3 hours
$15-18 (Wrest Park) or $0-20 (exploring towns)
English Heritage members enter Wrest Park free
Evening
Settle into accommodation near
London and enjoy a farewell dinner reflecting on your English adventures
Where to Stay Tonight
London or near airport (Convenient hotel for departure)
Easy access for final day activities and departure logistics
If you've enjoyed the National Trust and English Heritage sites throughout your trip, consider keeping your membership—it provides free entry to hundreds of sites if you plan to return to the UK.
Day 13 Budget: $150-200
Your final day offers flexibility to revisit favorite
London spots, catch anything you missed, or simply relax before departure.
Morning
Final
London exploration or shopping
Depending on your departure time, enjoy final hours in
London. Revisit a favorite neighborhood, browse the shops on
Oxford Street or Regent Street, explore a market like Portobello Road or Camden, or simply relax in one of
London's beautiful parks. If you missed any major sights earlier, now's your chance. Alternatively, visit BeWILDerwood
Norfolk if your departure allows—a magical outdoor adventure park with treehouses and zip wires (about 2 hours from
London).
2-4 hours depending on departure
$0-50
Check departure times and allow plenty of time for airport/station travel
Lunch
A final meal at a favorite type of restaurant or a new cuisine you haven't tried
Your choice
Mid-range
Afternoon
Departure preparations
Head to the airport or station for your departure, carrying memories of medieval castles, stately homes, beautiful gardens, fascinating museums, and the incredible diversity of England's heritage and landscapes. The journey from
London's historic heart to northern castles, from chocolate factories to space centers, has showcased the remarkable variety this compact country offers.
Travel time varies
$20-50 (airport transfer)
Pre-book airport transfers for stress-free departure
Evening
Departure
Safe travels home with plans to return and explore more of England's treasures
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day
Keep some British pounds for airport purchases—exchange rates at airports are poor, so spend remaining cash before security.
Day 14 Budget: $80-150