Exploring Stonehenge, Lake District, and Durdle Door: 7-Day Itinerary

Sunday September 17: Arrival in London

Arrive in London and check for the best deals on hotels and flights. Spend the morning exploring the iconic landmarks of the city, such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the Thames River and visit the vibrant Covent Garden. Enjoy the evening by experiencing the vibrant nightlife at Soho.

• Tower of London: £25, 2 hours
• Buckingham Palace: Free (Changing of the Guard), 1 hour
• Covent Garden: Free (Shopping and street performers), 2 hours
• Soho: Cost varies (Dining and nightlife), evening

Monday September 18: Stonehenge

Head to Stonehenge in the morning, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the ancient stone circle and learn about its mysterious history. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Salisbury Cathedral, known for its impressive architecture and historic significance. Enjoy the evening in Salisbury, experiencing the local cuisine and charming atmosphere.

• Stonehenge: £23.50, 2 hours
• Salisbury Cathedral: £8, 2 hours
• Salisbury Dining: Cost varies, evening

Restaurants

• For breakfast, try The Boston Tea Party, a cozy café known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about £8 per person.
• For lunch, head to The Cloisters Restaurant, located in a historic building with beautiful views of Salisbury Cathedral. Enjoy their seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about £12 per person.
• For dinner, visit The Chapter House, a traditional English pub serving classic pub dishes with a modern twist. Try their famous fish and chips or indulge in a hearty steak. Average cost for a meal is about £15 per person.

Tuesday September 19: Lake District

Travel to the picturesque Lake District, known for its stunning landscapes and tranquil lakes. Spend the morning hiking in the scenic countryside and enjoying the fresh air. In the afternoon, take a boat tour on Lake Windermere and visit the charming town of Ambleside. End the day with a visit to the Beatrix Potter Gallery, showcasing the works of the beloved author.

• Lake District Hiking: Free, 3 hours
• Lake Windermere Boat Tour: £15, 2 hours
• Ambleside: Free (Exploring the town), 2 hours
• Beatrix Potter Gallery: £7, 1 hour

Wednesday September 20: Lake District National Park

Continue exploring the beautiful Lake District National Park. Start the day with a visit to the charming village of Grasmere, known for its connections to William Wordsworth. Explore the Wordsworth Museum and enjoy a leisurely walk around the picturesque Rydal Water. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Keswick and visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle.

• Grasmere: Free (Wordsworth Museum), 2 hours
• Rydal Water: Free (Walking), 1.5 hours
• Keswick: Free, 2 hours
• Castlerigg Stone Circle: Free, 1 hour

Thursday September 21: Durdle Door

Travel to Durdle Door, a stunning natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast. Spend the morning exploring the beautiful beach and taking in the breathtaking views. After a picnic lunch by the cliffs, venture to Lulworth Cove, a picturesque bay with crystal-clear waters. End the day with a visit to Corfe Castle, a medieval fortress with panoramic views.

• Durdle Door: Free, 3 hours
• Lulworth Cove: Free, 2 hours
• Corfe Castle: £11, 2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to The Boat Shed Cafe, located near Durdle Door. Enjoy a delicious full English breakfast with stunning views of the coast. Average cost for a meal is about £8 per person.
• For lunch, stop by the Lulworth Cove Inn, a charming pub overlooking the cove. Indulge in a traditional pub lunch, such as fish and chips or a ploughman's lunch. Average cost for a meal is about £10 per person.
• For dinner, dine at The Greyhound Inn in Corfe Castle. This cozy inn offers a menu of hearty British classics, such as beef and ale pie or roasted lamb. Average cost for a meal is about £15 per person.

Friday September 22: Return to London

Take a scenic drive back to London, enjoying the countryside views along the way. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market. Visit the famous British Museum in the evening to admire its impressive collections.

• Notting Hill: Free, 2 hours
• Portobello Road Market: Free, 2 hours
• British Museum: Free, 2 hours

Saturday September 23: Departure

Spend the morning visiting any remaining sights or shopping for souvenirs in London. Depart for your next destination in the afternoon, taking with you the unforgettable memories of your journey through Stonehenge, Lake District, and Durdle Door.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring the Lake District, be sure to visit Grizedale Forest for peaceful walks among the trees and stunning sculptures. In Durdle Door, consider spending some time at Kimmeridge Bay, a hidden gem known for its fossil hunting opportunities and breathtaking coastal scenery. Locals in London love to escape the hustle and bustle by visiting Hampstead Heath, a vast green space offering stunning views of the city skyline.