Begin your adventure in London, one of the most exciting cities in the world. Start by visiting the British Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts from around the world. Move on to the Tower of London, a historic castle that once served as a royal palace and a prison. End the day with a stroll through Camden Market, a bustling marketplace offering street food, vintage clothing, and crafts.
Escape the city and head to Snowdonia National Park, a stunning natural beauty of waterfalls, mountains, and valleys. Go on an adventure by either taking a hike up to the summit of Mount Snowdon, go kayaking on the rivers or try out the tree-to-tree adventures with
Zip World.Head to another national treasure, the Lake District National Park, famed for its striking landscape and spectacular scenery. Enjoy hiking some of England's highest peaks, including Scafell Pike or try out rock climbing in Langdale or visit the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway that ventures through this amazing scenery.
One more national park worth visiting is the Peak District National Park, located in the heart of England. Take in nature’s beauty at a more leisurely pace with a walk to the Bakewell, and go horse riding or cycling on the Tissington Trail. Make a pit stop at Chatsworth House, one of England’s finest stately homes, for an insight into the heritage of the countryside.
Explore the medieval streets of York, one of England’s traditional cities. Admire the stunning architecture of York Minster, a Gothic cathedral that is centuries old. Learn about the city's Viking history by visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre and walk the city walls.
Pay a visit to the historical city of Durham and explore the magnificent Durham Cathedral, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, experience the culture of the city by visiting Durham Castle, a magnificent Norman fortress with stunning views of the city.
Visit the Hadrian's Wall, a sprawling fortress that once guarded the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Walk along the wall and take in the stunning views of the Northumberland countryside. Stop by the Housesteads Roman Fort, one of the best-preserved Roman forts along the wall, and the Vindolanda Roman Fort and Museum.
Discover the rugged beauty and diversity of the North York Moors National Park by exploring the unique landscape which consists of moorlands, forests, and coastline. Hike to the Whitby Abbey, and enjoy the stunning views and learn about the heritage of the region.
Visit the largest lake in England, Lake Windermere is an adventure destination with numerous kayaking, sailing, and boat tours offered here. Fuel up with traditional English fish and chips and explore the charming town of Ambleside, or hike the Old Man of Coniston.
Visit the city of Bristol, enjoying the vibrant street art, the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and walk around The Harbourside before moving onto the Historic city of Bath known for its Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and Jane Austen’s influence.
Explore the prehistoric fossil beaches along the rugged and captivating Jurassic Coastline. A beautifully diverse landscape with the iconic Durdle Door natural limestone arch, the quaint seaside town of Lyme Regis, and sandy beaches.
Travel to the charming New Forest National Park, a brilliant mix of woodland, heathland, and grasslands with ancient trees, a sanctuary for wild ponies, and herds of deer. Take a bike ride or hike around the park, and explore the Beaulieu National Motor Museum or see the gardens and art by visiting the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.
Visit the medieval city of Canterbury to explore the stunning Canterbury Cathedral, a World Heritage Site, and go on the guided tours of the city wall structures or visit The Canterbury Tales Exhibition for an entertaining insight into the city’s history.
End your adventure in Dover, the gateway to England by the sea with the famous White Cliffs of Dover, iconic Dover Castle, and the stunning Samphire Hoe beach. Take a stroll around the Marine Parade and soak in the magnificent views of the English Channel.
Total Estimated Costs: $192-327 per person
Most of England’s sights are reachable via car or train. Consider renting a car if you want to be more flexible and have time for spontaneous stops. For shorter distances, train travel is more affordable, efficient and allows visitors to see some of the countryside without the hassle of driving. A seven-day standard class rail pass costs between $270 and $340 per person, whereas renting a car for 14 days can cost between $800 and $1400.
If you have more time, consider adding the Cotswolds and Oxford to your itinerary. The Cotswolds is well known for its chocolate-box villages and offers picturesque countryside hikes. Oxford is a city home to several historic buildings, the prestigious Oxford University and is known for inspiring so many novels such as Brideshead Revisited and The Inspector Morse series. For visitors with less time, we would recommend prioritizing the main sights and spend more time adventuring and hiking than in the larger cities.
England has several international airports. London Heathrow (LHR), the main one, is located near the capital city and is 14 miles away. Gatwick Airport (LGW) is also near London and 30 miles from the city center. Alternatively, visitors can choose to fly into Manchester Airport (MAN) located centrally but most suited for visiting the Peak District, Lake District, and Yorkshire areas. Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) is a smaller airport and is ideally located for visitors planning to visit the North West areas from Wirral to the Lake District.