📍 United Kingdom

ENGLAND ESSENTIALS: LONDON, BATH, COTSWOLDS AND LAKES

Georgian spas, half-timbered hamlets, mist-shrouded lakes, centuries-old stone walls. England reveals its history at every turn.

≈ 16
Days
860
Km
10
Stops
📖 9 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore classic England between learned cities and elegant countryside. Discover London and Westminster, visit Bath and its Roman baths, wander through the Cotswolds' golden villages, then reach Oxford and Cambridge where university history shapes the landscape.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

London

capitals thunder and tradition collide

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6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Tower of London and the Crown Jewels. (UNESCO).
2
Tower Bridge and Thames walk.
3
Borough Market and its gourmet stalls.
🎯

Activities

→
River cruise from Westminster to Greenwich.
→
Guided tour of Parliament and Big Ben (exteriors).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 201.8 km
Travel time: 2h31
2
Day

Bath

roman spas glow beneath crescents

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5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Morning: British Museum and its ancient collections in London.
2
Afternoon: journey to Bath through the Wiltshire countryside.
3
Evening: arrival in Bath, walk through the Georgian center.
🎯

Activities

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Morning shopping in Covent Garden or Camden Market.
→
Afternoon tea in a historic salon before departure.
3
Day

Bath

roman spas glow beneath crescents

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5 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Roman Baths of Bath. (UNESCO).
2
Royal Crescent and perfect Georgian architecture.
3
Bath Abbey and its exceptional stained glass windows.
🎯

Activities

→
Modern spa Thermae Bath Spa with panoramic view of the city.
→
Walk along the River Avon and Pulteney Bridge.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 68.2 km
Travel time: 1h08
4
Day

Salisbury

cathedral spire pierces chalk plain

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4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Stonehenge and its mysterious megalithic circle. (UNESCO).
2
Interpretation center and Neolithic reconstructions.
3
Salisbury Cathedral and its soaring spire.
🎯

Activities

→
Guided tour of the origins of the Stonehenge monument.
→
Discovery of the original Magna Carta at the Chapter House.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 110 km
Travel time: 1h50
5
Day

Oxford

dreaming spires shadow academic stone

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4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Avebury Stone Circle, largest megalithic circle. (UNESCO).
2
Picturesque villages across the Downs.
3
Arrival in Oxford, legendary university city.
🎯

Activities

→
Free stroll in Avebury village among the stones.
→
Nighttime discovery of Oxford's illuminated colleges.
6
Day

Oxford

dreaming spires shadow academic stone

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4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Christ Church College and its hall inspiring Harry Potter.
2
Bodleian Library and its majestic historic halls.
3
Radcliffe Camera, circular architectural jewel.
🎯

Activities

→
Punting on the Cherwell river between the colleges.
→
Private guided tour of the university libraries.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 62.7 km
Travel time: 1h03
7
Day

Chipping Campden

cotswold high street glows honey

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4 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Blenheim Palace and its grandiose baroque gardens. (UNESCO).
2
Cotswolds villages: Bourton-on-the-Water and its bridges.
3
Chipping Campden, medieval pearl in golden stone.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking on the Cotswold Way between villages.
→
Visit to a sheep farm and sheepdog demonstration.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22.8 km
Travel time: 46min
8
Day

Stratford Upon Avon

shakespeare's ghost walks timber halls

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10 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Shakespeare's birthplace and interactive exhibition.
2
Royal Shakespeare Theatre on the banks of the Avon.
3
Anne Hathaway's Cottage and its romantic gardens.
🎯

Activities

→
Shakespearean theatrical performance in the evening.
→
Traditional boat ride on the Avon.
9
Day

Windermere

romantic lake mirrors craggy peaks

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8 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Spectacular journey to Lake District National Park. (UNESCO).
2
Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England.
3
Picturesque villages of Ambleside and Grasmere.
🎯

Activities

→
Panoramic cruise on Lake Windermere.
→
Easy hike around Rydal Water.
10
Day

Windermere

romantic lake mirrors craggy peaks

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8 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth's house in Grasmere.
2
Spectacular panoramas from Orrest Head.
3
Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead village.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike to the summit of Catbells with 360-degree views.
→
Visit to a local artisanal cheese dairy.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 166.2 km
Travel time: 2h05
11
Day

York

medieval walls embrace thousand years

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6 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Scenic route through Yorkshire Dales National Park.
2
Complete medieval walls of York.
3
York Minster, majestic Gothic cathedral.
🎯

Activities

→
Complete walk on the city ramparts.
→
Visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre and reconstructions.
12
Day

York

medieval walls embrace thousand years

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6 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
The Shambles, picturesque and preserved medieval street.
2
National Railway Museum and historic locomotives.
3
Clifford's Tower and panorama over the city.
🎯

Activities

→
Night ghost tour in the haunted old town.
→
Artisanal chocolate tasting at York's Chocolate Story.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 125.2 km
Travel time: 2h05
13
Day

Durham

cathedral crowns river bend majestically

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5 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Durham Cathedral and Castle, Norman ensemble. (UNESCO).
2
Riverside walk along the River Wear.
3
Perfectly preserved medieval center.
🎯

Activities

→
Guided tour of the exceptional Romanesque cathedral.
→
Walk through the secret gardens of Crook Hall.
14
Day

Cambridge

punts drift beneath stone colleges

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3 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Route to Cambridge via the Fens plains.
2
King's College Chapel and its fan vaults.
3
The Backs, romantic gardens along the Cam.
🎯

Activities

→
Traditional punting on the River Cam.
→
Visit to Trinity College and its Wren Library.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 103.3 km
Travel time: 1h43
15
Day

London

capitals thunder and tradition collide

London - Photo 1London - Photo 2London - Photo 3London - Photo 4London - Photo 5London - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 15
🔍

Discover

1
Greenwich and its prime meridian. (UNESCO).
2
Royal Observatory and panoramic view over London.
3
Return to London by boat on the Thames.
🎯

Activities

→
Greenwich vintage market and antique dealers.
→
Last evening in a renowned London gastropub.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

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ENGLISH GASTRONOMY: MARKETS, PUBS AND CULINARY TRADITIONS

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SECRET PLACES OF ENGLAND: FORGOTTEN VILLAGES AND HIDDEN TREASURES

📅 10 days 🛣️ 145.3 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - United Kingdom

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, longest daylight, peak tourist season, highest prices, festival season, ideal for all regions.

Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming gardens, fewer crowds, moderate prices, excellent for countryside, comfortable temperatures.

Fall (September-October): Pleasant weather, autumn colors, fewer crowds, good value, comfortable for sightseeing, cozy pub atmosphere.

Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures, shortest days, Christmas markets, lowest prices, indoor attractions, cozy cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 13 and 19 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United Kingdom?

Rich history with royal heritage, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks from London to Edinburgh. Experience pub culture, literary heritage, and beautiful countryside. The country offers excellent transportation with cultural depth and historical significance. United Kingdom provides cultural richness with historical importance and modern amenities in compact island nation.