5-Day England Travel Itinerary: Explore London, Oxford, and the Cotswolds

Day 1: Arrival and Landmarks

London, England on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Regency Cafe

Enjoy a traditional English breakfast at this iconic London cafe known for its art deco style and classic fry-ups.
GBP15, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Tower of London

Discover the rich history of the Tower of London, including the Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warder tours. Opens at 9am, recommend early visit to avoid crowds.
GBP30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Borough Market

Savor diverse street food options at Borough Market, a vibrant market offering everything from British classics to international cuisine. Open 10am-5pm.
GBP20, 1h

1:30pm

Walk along the South Bank

Enjoy a scenic walk along the Thames River’s South Bank, with views of the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, and street performers.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit the British Museum

Explore the world-class collections at the British Museum, open until 5:30pm. Free admission to see artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dishoom Covent Garden

Enjoy authentic Bombay-style Indian cuisine in a stylish setting, perfect for dinner after a day of sightseeing.
GBP35, 1h30m

Day 2: Royal and Cultural London

London, England on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Wolseley

Start your day with an elegant breakfast at The Wolseley, a grand European-style café in Piccadilly.
GBP25, 1h

9:30am

Tour Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard

Experience the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, followed by a tour of the State Rooms if open. Ceremony typically at 11am.
GBP35, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Clarence

Dine at The Clarence, a historic pub favored by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, serving traditional British fare.
GBP25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the National Gallery

View masterpieces from artists like Van Gogh and Da Vinci at the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Open until 6pm, free admission.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Covent Garden

Stroll through Covent Garden market with its shops, street performers, and cozy cafés.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Homeslice Neal's Yard

Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas at this popular spot in Neal’s Yard, known for fresh ingredients and a vibrant atmosphere.
GBP20, 1h

Day 3: Historic Oxford Day Trip

Oxford, England on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Train from London Paddington to Oxford

Catch an early train to Oxford, journey takes about 1 hour.
GBP25, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at The Handle Bar Cafe & Kitchen

Relax with locally sourced, fresh breakfast options in a cozy café near the city center.
GBP15, 1h

10:00am

Visit Christ Church College

Explore Christ Church, one of Oxford’s largest colleges known for its stunning architecture and ties to Harry Potter filming. Opens 10am.
GBP15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Eagle and Child

Have lunch at this historic pub frequented by J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, serving traditional British dishes.
GBP20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Ashmolean Museum

Discover the Ashmolean Museum’s art and archaeology collections. Open until 5pm, free admission.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk around Oxford Botanic Garden

Relax in the beautiful and historic Oxford Botanic Garden, one of the oldest botanic gardens in the UK.
GBP7, 1h

5:00pm

Train back to London

Return by train to London for the evening.
GBP25, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Flat Iron Shoreditch

Enjoy steak and sides at this trendy and affordable steakhouse in Shoreditch.
GBP30, 1h30m

Day 4: Countryside and Cotswolds

Cotswolds, England on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Drive or tour to the Cotswolds

Set out early for the picturesque Cotswolds, famous for charming villages and rolling hills. Approx. 2-hour drive from London.
GBP60 (car rental) or GBP80 (tour), 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at The Wild Rabbit in Kingham

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this cozy, award-winning pub with local ingredients.
GBP20, 1h

10:30am

Explore Bourton-on-the-Water

Visit this quintessential Cotswold village known for its beautiful waterways and lovely shops.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Rose Tree Restaurant

Dine overlooking the river with classic British cuisine in a relaxed setting.
GBP30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Broadway Tower

Head to Broadway Tower, a historic folly with panoramic views over the Cotswolds. Opens until 5pm.
GBP7, 1h

3:30pm

Return to London

Drive or take transport back to London for your final night.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rules Restaurant

Celebrate your last night at Rules, London's oldest restaurant, specializing in classic British game dishes.
GBP50, 1h30m

Day 5: Last Day and Departure

London, England on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Duck & Waffle

Enjoy breathtaking city views and a creative breakfast menu atop a skyscraper. Open from 7am.
GBP30, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Tate Modern

Explore contemporary art at the Tate Modern, housed in a former power station. Open from 10am and free admission.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Walk Millenium Bridge to St. Paul's Cathedral

Stroll across the Millennium Bridge for iconic views and visit the magnificent St. Paul's Cathedral with its rich history and beautiful dome. Cathedral tour costs extra.
GBP20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Paternoster Chop House

Dine near St. Paul's on British cuisine including excellent steak and seafood options.
GBP25, 1h

2:30pm

Return to hotel and prepare for departure

Head back to your accommodation to collect luggage and make final arrangements for departure.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Transfer to Heathrow Airport

Travel to Heathrow Airport via Heathrow Express (15-20 mins from Paddington) or taxi for your flight home.
GBP25, 1h