Why This 7-Day England Itinerary is Your Perfect Adventure
A week is the perfect amount of time to experience a classic slice of Southern England. This England 7-day itinerary is designed as a road trip that combines the vibrant energy of London with the timeless beauty of the countryside, ancient history, and charming villages.
This plan takes you on a logical loop from London to the Roman city of Bath, the mysterious Stonehenge, and through the idyllic Cotswolds. Our AI planner ensures a seamless journey with realistic driving times and unforgettable stops.
Your Complete England 7-Day Itinerary
This travel guide provides a perfectly balanced road trip plan for your 7 days in England, ensuring you see the best of the country.
Day 1: Arrival in London & Royal Westminster
Begin your England 7-day itinerary in the nation's capital. Today is about immersing yourself in the grandeur of British royalty and politics, exploring the city's most iconic landmarks.
Buckingham Palace & The Mall
The Heart of Royal London
Walk down the grand processional route, The Mall, to the iconic home of the British monarchy.
Why You Should Visit:
Witnessing the grandeur of the palace is a quintessential London experience. Time it right for the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Ceremony 11:00 AM (check days)
Tube to Green Park
2 hours
How to Reach:
Take the Jubilee, Piccadilly, or Victoria line to Green Park station for a scenic walk to the palace.
Insider Travel Tip:
Stand by the Victoria Memorial for the best view of the ceremony, and arrive by 10:15 AM to secure a spot.
Westminster Abbey & Parliament
Coronations, Politics, and Big Ben
Explore the stunning Gothic abbey that has hosted every coronation since 1066, and see the iconic Houses of Parliament next door.
Why You Should Visit:
This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with more history per square foot than almost anywhere on Earth.
Abbey 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Walk from Buckingham Palace
3 hours
How to Reach:
A pleasant 15-minute walk from the palace through St. James's Park.
Insider Travel Tip:
Book Abbey tickets online to skip the long queue. For a classic photo of Parliament, walk onto Westminster Bridge.
Day 1 Dining: A Classic British Pub
The area around Westminster is filled with historic pubs offering a traditional atmosphere.
The Red Lion, Parliament Street
A beautiful Victorian pub frequented by politicians, serving classic pies and real ales.
The Albert
A Grade II listed pub that survived The Blitz, known for its ornate interior and hearty food.
Day 2: The Tower, Bridges & South Bank
Delve into London's darker history at its formidable fortress before enjoying a cultural walk along the vibrant South Bank of the River Thames.
Tower of London
Fortress, Prison, and Crown Jewels
Explore nearly a thousand years of history at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, from royal palace to infamous prison.
Why You Should Visit:
The dazzling Crown Jewels are breathtaking, and the guided tours by the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) are both hilarious and informative.
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tube to Tower Hill
3-4 hours
How to Reach:
Take the District or Circle line to Tower Hill station. The Tower is visible directly from the station exit.
Insider Travel Tip:
Go straight to the Crown Jewels exhibit upon arrival to beat the inevitable long lines that form later.
Borough Market
A Food Lover's Paradise
London's most renowned food market, offering a huge variety of British and international produce, and incredible street food.
Why You Should Visit:
It's a feast for all the senses. Graze on free samples, grab a delicious and affordable lunch, and soak up the bustling atmosphere.
10 AM - 5 PM (Mon-Sat)
Walk from Tower Bridge
2 hours
How to Reach:
A 10-minute walk west along the South Bank from Tower Bridge.
Insider Travel Tip:
Don't miss the cheese toasties from Kappacasein Dairy or the fresh oysters. Weekdays are much less crowded than Saturdays.
Day 2 Dining: Street Food and Riverside Views
Borough Market is your lunch spot, and the South Bank offers plenty of dinner options.
Borough Market Stalls
From paella to Pad Thai, the variety is endless. A perfect lunch stop.
Anchor Bankside
A historic pub on the South Bank with a terrace overlooking the river, perfect for an evening meal.
Day 3: Windsor Castle & Mysterious Stonehenge
Pick up your rental car and leave London behind. Today's drive takes you to a magnificent royal castle and the world's most famous prehistoric monument.
Windsor Castle
The King's Weekend Home
The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, and a residence of the British monarch for over 900 years.
Why You Should Visit:
Explore the stunning State Apartments, see Queen Mary's intricate Dolls' House, and visit St. George's Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
10:00 AM - 5:15 PM
Car (1-hour drive)
3 hours
How to Reach:
An easy drive from London via the M4 motorway. Park in one of the town's central car parks.
Insider Travel Tip:
The audio guide narrated by King Charles is included and highly recommended for context.
Stonehenge
A Prehistoric Enigma
The world's most famous prehistoric monument, a ring of standing stones set within a complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments.
Why You Should Visit:
The sheer mystery and ancient age of Stonehenge are captivating. Walking the path around the stones as the audio guide tells their story is a powerful experience.
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Car (1-hour drive from Windsor)
2 hours
How to Reach:
Located just off the A303. The visitor centre is well sign-posted.
Insider Travel Tip:
You MUST book your timed ticket online in advance. It is often sold out. Visiting late in the afternoon offers softer light for photos.
Day 3 Dining: A Country Pub Dinner
After Stonehenge, drive towards Bath and stop at a traditional country pub for dinner.
The Red Lion Freehouse, East Chisenbury
A Michelin-starred pub in a thatched-roof building, offering exceptional food.
The Wheatsheaf, Combe Hay
A charming country pub just outside Bath with a great menu and a lovely garden.
Day 4: Roman Baths & Georgian Splendor
Spend the day exploring the beautiful city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Roman Baths and elegant Georgian architecture.
The Roman Baths
A Glimpse into Roman Britain
One of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. The site is a natural hot spring that the Romans built a magnificent bathhouse around.
Why You Should Visit:
It's an incredibly immersive experience. You can walk on the original Roman pavements and see the steaming, green waters of the Great Bath.
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Walk
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
Located in the heart of Bath, a short walk from all central car parks.
Insider Travel Tip:
The audio guide is excellent and included in the ticket price. Be sure to taste the spa water at the end of your tour (it's an acquired taste!).
The Royal Crescent
Georgian Architectural Masterpiece
A row of 30 terraced houses laid out in a sweeping crescent. It is one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK.
Why You Should Visit:
It's a stunning sight and the perfect place for a walk. No. 1 Royal Crescent is a museum decorated as it would have been in the 18th century.
Exterior 24/7
Walk
1 hour
How to Reach:
A 10-minute uphill walk from the city center.
Insider Travel Tip:
The large park in front of the crescent is a perfect spot for photos and to relax on the grass.
Day 4 Dining: Afternoon Tea in Bath
Bath is the perfect city to indulge in a traditional afternoon tea.
The Pump Room Restaurant
Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea in the same room where Jane Austen's characters socialized, overlooking the Roman Baths.
Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House
Try the famous 'Sally Lunn Bun,' a large, light bun served with sweet or savoury toppings in one of the oldest houses in Bath.
Day 5: The Heart of the Cotswolds
Drive into the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for its rolling hills and idyllic, honey-coloured stone villages.
Castle Combe
The Prettiest Village in England
Often called the prettiest village in England, Castle Combe is a quintessential Cotswolds village with a babbling brook and ancient stone cottages.
Why You Should Visit:
It feels like stepping back in time. There are no modern wires or satellite dishes, making it incredibly photogenic.
All day
Car
1-2 hours
How to Reach:
A 30-minute drive from Bath. Park at the top of the hill and walk down into the village.
Insider Travel Tip:
The best photo is from the bridge at the bottom of the village, looking back up towards the cottages.
Bourton-on-the-Water
The Venice of the Cotswolds
Famous for its picturesque high street, flanked by wide greens and the River Windrush that runs through it, crossed by several low stone bridges.
Why You Should Visit:
It's a lively and beautiful village with lots to see, including the Model Village, Birdland, and plenty of charming shops and cafes.
All day
Car
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
A 45-minute drive from Castle Combe through scenic country lanes.
Insider Travel Tip:
It can get very busy. For a more peaceful experience, walk a little way along the river away from the main high street.
Day 5 Dining: A Cozy Cotswolds Pub
The Cotswolds are famed for their charming and historic pubs.
The Lamb Inn, Burford
A classic Cotswold inn with roaring fires, flagstone floors, and excellent food.
The King's Head Inn, Bledington
A beautiful pub on a village green, named Pub of the Year multiple times.
Day 6: Exploring More Cotswolds Villages
Spend another day exploring the charming villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds, each with its own unique character.
Bibury
Home to Arlington Row
Described by William Morris as 'the most beautiful village in England,' Bibury is famous for Arlington Row, a row of ancient weavers' cottages.
Why You Should Visit:
Arlington Row is one of the most iconic and photographed scenes in the Cotswolds. The village itself, with its trout farm and Saxon church, is delightful.
All day
Car
1 hour
How to Reach:
A short drive from other central Cotswold villages like Bourton-on-the-Water.
Insider Travel Tip:
Please be respectful of the residents of Arlington Row as these are private homes.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Historic Market Town
A classic Cotswold market town perched on a hill, known for its large market square, antique shops, and the famous yew-tree-flanked door of St. Edward's Church.
Why You Should Visit:
It has a great selection of independent shops, art galleries, and cozy tearooms. It offers a more 'lived-in' feel than some of the smaller villages.
All day
Car
2 hours
How to Reach:
Centrally located and a good base for exploring the northern Cotswolds.
Insider Travel Tip:
Find the 'Tolkien Door' at St. Edward's Church, which is said to have inspired the Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings.
Day 6 Dining: A Classic Cream Tea
You can't leave the Cotswolds without having a traditional cream tea.
The Old Manse Hotel, Bourton-on-the-Water
Enjoy scones with clotted cream and jam with a view of the River Windrush.
Huffkins, Burford
A famous Cotswold bakery and tearoom serving delicious cakes and cream teas.
Day 7: Oxford & Departure
On the final day of your England 7-day itinerary, visit the historic university city of Oxford before driving back towards London for your departure.
Oxford
The City of Dreaming Spires
Home to the world's most famous university. The city is a stunning tapestry of golden-stone colleges, libraries, and chapels.
Why You Should Visit:
Walking through the college quadrangles feels like stepping into another world. Fans of Harry Potter will recognize many filming locations.
Allow 3-4 hours
Car
Half Day
How to Reach:
A 1-hour drive from the Cotswolds. Use the Park and Ride service as parking in the city is very difficult.
Insider Travel Tip:
Don't miss the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library – two of the most beautiful buildings. You can also try punting on the River Cherwell.
Day 7 Dining: A Final Pub Lunch in Oxford
Oxford has many historic pubs, perfect for a final meal.
The Turf Tavern
A hidden gem down a narrow alley, a favorite of students and scholars for centuries.
The Eagle and Child
The former meeting place of literary legends J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.