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9-Day UK & Netherlands Itinerary — 5 Days in London, 4 Days in Amsterdam

Viewed by 87 travelers

Day 1: London Arrival

London, United Kingdom on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dishoom (Covent Garden)

Bombay-style breakfast classics (bacon naan, house chai) in a lively, atmospheric setting — Dishoom usually opens around 8:00am on weekdays so it’s great for an arrival day.
GBP15, 1h0m

9:30am

Westminster walk & Westminster Abbey

See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and visit Westminster Abbey to glimpse centuries of royal history; the Abbey generally opens from c. 9:30am but check timed entry and service closures.
GBP27, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Delaunay (Covent Garden)

Elegant European brasserie-style lunch close to theatres and shops — convenient and reliably open from midday for a relaxed meal before the afternoon museum run.
GBP25, 1h15m

2:00pm

National Gallery, Trafalgar Square

Free national collection of European paintings including Turner, Van Gogh and Rembrandt; the gallery usually opens 10:00am–6:00pm — ideal for a couple of focused hours.
GBP0, 1h45m

4:00pm

Stroll Covent Garden & Seven Dials

Street performers, independent shops and boutiques — a relaxed wander to settle into London life and browse artisanal goods.
GBP0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Ivy

Classic pre-theatre menu and London institution in Covent Garden — book ahead if you plan to catch an evening show.
GBP40, 1h30m

8:00pm

West End theatre show

See a major musical or play in the West End; most shows start 7:30pm–8:00pm and last around 2–2.5 hours — buy tickets in advance for best seats.
GBP60, 2h30m

Day 2: Historic Thames-side

London, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gail's Bakery (Southwark)

Fresh pastries, good coffee and a quick, reliable start near the river — most branches open from about 8:00am.
GBP8, 0h45m

9:30am

Tower of London & Yeoman Warder tour

Visit the medieval fortress, see the Crown Jewels and join a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) talk; the Tower typically opens ~9:00am–5:30pm in summer — arrive early to avoid queues.
GBP33, 2h0m

12:00pm

Tower Bridge Exhibition

Walk the high-level walkways for panoramic views and explore the Victorian engine rooms; exhibits and walkways usually open 9:30am–5:00pm.
GBP11, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Borough Market

One of London’s best food markets with dozens of producers — perfect for trying local and international street food; many stalls operate from 10:00am to late afternoon.
GBP15, 1h15m

3:00pm

St Paul's Cathedral visit

Iconic dome with Whispering Gallery and panoramic views (if stairs are OK); cathedral typically opens for visitors from mid-morning but check for services that restrict access.
GBP20, 1h30m

5:00pm

Tate Modern & Millennium Bridge

Contemporary and modern art housed in a converted power station — main collection is free while special exhibitions may charge; Tate Modern usually open until 6:00pm (check late-night openings).
GBP0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Swan, Shakespeare's Globe

Riverside dining with views of St Paul’s and the Thames — scenic for an evening meal after museum time; reserve a riverside table if possible.
GBP30, 1h30m

Day 3: Stonehenge & Bath

Stonehenge & Bath, United Kingdom on August 24, 2025

6:30am

Depart London (train from Paddington or organised coach)

Early departure to make the most of a combined Stonehenge and Bath day trip; direct trains to Bath c. 1h30m, tours often combine both sites in a single day.
GBP35, 2h0m

9:30am

Stonehenge Visitor Centre & Stone Circle

Modern visitor centre explains the archaeology before you walk/shuttle to the stones — timed entry typically runs c. 9:30am–5:00pm in summer, so book an entry slot.
GBP22, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Bath — Sally Lunn's Eating House

Historic tea room known for the Sally Lunn bun, conveniently located near the Roman Baths — a cosy spot for a light historic lunch.
GBP15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Roman Baths & Bath Abbey

Explore the remarkably preserved Roman Baths and the adjacent Bath Abbey — Roman Baths usually open c. 9:00am–5:30pm (seasonal hours; check before you go).
GBP18, 1h45m

4:00pm

Stroll Pulteney Bridge & The Circus

Admire Georgian architecture, riverside views and independent shops — a relaxed afternoon walk before heading back to London.
GBP0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Return to London & dinner near your hotel

After an active day, choose a neighbourhood restaurant close to your base — ideal for an early night or a quiet drink.
GBP25, 1h0m

Day 4: Oxford & Cotswolds

Oxford & Cotswolds, United Kingdom on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Train from London Paddington to Oxford

Direct trains take around 1 hour; arrive early to walk the historic college quads before the midday crowds.
GBP25, 1h0m

10:00am

Christ Church & college walk

Visit the college famous for its cathedral, Great Hall and literary links; colleges usually open to visitors from c. 10:00am — check individual opening/ticket arrangements.
GBP10, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Eagle and Child

Historic pub known for its literary patrons (the Inklings) — classic pub fare in a cosy setting.
GBP15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive or coach to the Cotswolds — Bourton-on-the-Water & Stow-on-the-Wold

Charming honey-stone villages with tea-rooms, local crafts and picture-postcard streets — perfect for afternoon wandering and photos.
GBP0, 2h30m

5:00pm

Return to London

Evening return (train or coach) and a quieter dinner near your hotel to recharge.
GBP30, 2h30m

Day 5: Windsor & Kew

Windsor & London, United Kingdom on August 26, 2025

8:00am

Train to Windsor & Eton

Short train from Paddington (change at Slough) or direct from Waterloo — journey c. 30–45 minutes; arriving early helps avoid peak visitor queues at the castle.
GBP10, 0h45m

10:00am

Windsor Castle

One of the monarch’s official residences and a living historic castle — usually open from about 10:00am to 4:15pm, but check for closures on state occasions.
GBP26, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Windsor — riverside pub or tea-room

Relaxed pub or town-centre lunch beneath the castle walls — good chance to savour classic British dishes before returning to London.
GBP18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to London then visit Kew Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew with glasshouses, treetop walkway and extensive plant collections — typically open 10:00am–6:00pm in summer; allow 2–3 hours.
GBP19, 2h30m

6:30pm

Dinner & pack — The Wolseley or neighbourhood gastropub

Elegant final London dinner at The Wolseley or a friendly local gastropub to pack and prepare for Eurostar the next morning; reserve in advance if possible.
GBP30, 1h30m

Day 6: Eurostar to Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands on August 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near St Pancras — The Black Penny

Coffee and a hearty sandwich close to Eurostar boarding; aim to arrive at St Pancras 60–90 minutes before departure for check-in and security.
GBP10, 0h45m

9:01am

Eurostar from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal

Direct Eurostar takes roughly 3h55m–4h10m; prebook seats and have passports and any documents ready — journey runs through the Channel Tunnel and across Belgium/Netherlands.
GBP120, 4h0m

2:30pm

Arrive Amsterdam Centraal & check-in

Transfer by tram or taxi to your central hotel and freshen up; many hotels permit mid-afternoon check-in or luggage hold if you arrive early.
EUR0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Rijksmuseum

National museum with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Dutch Golden Age art — normally open 9:00am–5:00pm, a late-afternoon visit avoids the morning rush.
EUR20, 2h0m

6:30pm

Evening canal cruise

One-hour guided cruise introduces Amsterdam’s canals and architecture under soft evening light — operators run cruises into the evening (often until ~9:00pm).
EUR18, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at De Kas (reserve ahead)

Seasonal, farm-to-table menu served in a greenhouse setting — excellent special-occasion restaurant, but book well ahead as it fills quickly.
EUR60, 1h30m

Day 7: Anne Frank & Museums

Amsterdam, Netherlands on August 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a local bakery (Bakhuys or similar)

Fresh Dutch pastries and coffee to fuel a busy museum morning — most bakeries open from 8:00am or earlier.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Anne Frank House (timed-entry)

Powerful, intimate museum in the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid — strictly timed tickets that sell out, opening typically from 9:00am to late evening.
EUR14, 1h0m

11:30am

Explore the Jordaan & lunch at Café Winkel 43

Quaint canalside neighbourhood full of galleries, boutiques and cafés; Café Winkel 43 is famed for its apple pie and makes a relaxed lunch stop.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Van Gogh Museum

Largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings — usually open 9:00am–6:00pm; timed tickets recommended to avoid queues.
EUR20, 2h0m

4:30pm

Stroll Vondelpark & De Negen Straatjes

Relax in Amsterdam’s biggest park then browse the Nine Streets for boutiques, concept stores and souvenirs — ideal for a chilled late afternoon.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Foodhallen or Moeders

Casual option: Foodhallen for many vendors and international small plates; traditional option: Moeders for homely Dutch comfort food (book Moeders if you prefer sit-down dining).
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 8: Windmills & Fishing Villages

Zaanse Schans & Marken/Volendam, Netherlands on August 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at the hotel or local bakery

Light breakfast before a half-day excursion north of Amsterdam; plan to leave the city around 9:00am to reach the windmill villages mid-morning.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:30am

Zaanse Schans open-air museum

Historic windmills, wooden houses and traditional crafts illustrating Dutch industrial and rural life — most sites open around 9:00am–5:00pm; ideal for photos and demonstrations.
EUR10, 1h45m

12:30pm

Lunch in Volendam (seafood & harbourside cafés)

Traditional fishing village with fresh fish stalls and cosy cafés — great place to try Dutch seafood and local specialties like kibbeling.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Stroll Marken or return via ferry to Amsterdam

Charming wooden-housed Marken is a short hop from Volendam; alternatively return to Amsterdam to explore more city neighbourhoods — pacing depends on how much time you want on the water.
EUR8, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Greetje or De Kas (if still available)

Traditional Dutch flavours with a contemporary touch at Greetje — a great way to taste regional classics with high-quality ingredients (book ahead for evenings).
EUR40, 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening canal-side stroll

End the day with a relaxed walk along the lit canals to soak up Amsterdam’s evening atmosphere — free and peaceful.
EUR0, 0h45m

Day 9: Last Morning & Depart

Amsterdam, Netherlands on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near your hotel (local café)

Final Dutch pastries and coffee — choose a neighbourhood café to watch the city wake up and check travel logistics for your departure.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Optional: Heineken Experience or Stedelijk Museum

Heineken Experience for an interactive brewery tour (open ~10:00–19:00) or Stedelijk for modern art (usually 10:00–18:00) — pick one depending on interest and departure time.
EUR20, 1h30m

11:30am

Last-minute shopping in De Negen Straatjes

Browse independent boutiques and pick up souvenirs or Dutch treats (stroopwafels, licorice) before checking out — shops generally open by 10:00am.
EUR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pancakes Amsterdam or local café

Casual final meal featuring savoury or sweet Dutch pancakes — a friendly, relaxed lunch before transfer to station/airport.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Check-out & transfer to Schiphol or Centraal

Allow sufficient time for train or taxi to the airport/station; Schiphol is c. 15–20 minutes from Centraal by direct train (check your departure time and arrive early for international flights).
EUR5, 1h0m
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