Are you ready to explore regal hallways, enjoy tea in picturesque towns, and get lost in the vibrant cities and lush countryside of England? This 13-day itinerary is the perfect way to see the finest of England, from famous castles and rolling hills to modern art and afternoon tea, whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or urban adventurer.

Day 1: Arrival in London

Arrive in London, get over your jet lag, and experience the energy of England firsthand. Take a leisurely walk down the Thames after dropping your things off at the hotel in Westminster or South Bank. Before having your first British afternoon tea, get your first look at Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower Bridge. Enjoy a warm welcome dinner at a pub by the river to cap off the evening.

Stay: The Hoxton, Southwark or Z Hotel Covent Garden

Eat at: The Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe

Day 2: Royal London

Highlights include the Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.

Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to start your day. Discover Westminster Abbey, the site of royal coronation and burial. Take a trip to Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden for boutique shopping and street performances after stopping by St. James’s Park for a picturesque break.

Optional: Guided tour of the Houses of Parliament

Day 3: Tower of London & the Thames

Highlights: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market

Visit the Tower of London, the site of beheading stories and the Crown Jewels, to enter England’s medieval past. Walk across Tower Bridge, then head south to Borough Market for lunch among artisan stalls and international bites. If you’re up for it, enjoy a Thames River cruise at sunset.

Instagram worthy spot: Tower Bridge at golden hour

Day 4: Day Trip to Windsor – Castles & Royal Parks

Highlights: Windsor Castle, The Long Walk, Eton College

Travel 40 minutes by train to Windsor, where St. George’s Chapel and Windsor Castle’s majestic halls await. Walk “The Long Walk” through Windsor Great Park, and cross the Thames to peek at Eton College, one of the UK’s most prestigious schools.

Souvenir tip: Royal Collection Trust gift shop

Day 5: Oxford

Next stop: Oxford, England’s oldest university town. Explore ivy-covered institutions and Cobblestone streets. Don’t miss Christ Church College (where Harry Potter scenes were filmed), the Bodleian Library, and the round Radcliffe Camera. Enjoy punting on the River Cherwell if the weather allows.

Day 6: Cotswolds Countryside

Explore the Cotswolds, a perfect picture area of honey colored stone cottages and rolling hills, by renting a car or going on a guided tour. Explore Arlington Row in Bibury and Stow-on-the-Wold for antique shopping after visiting Bourton-on-the-Water, also known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds.”

Ploughman’s lunch with regional cheese and cider is a must-try.

Day 7: Stratford-upon-Avon – Walk in Shakespeare’s Footsteps

Highlights: Anne Hathaway’s cottage and Shakespeare’s birthplace

Travel north to William Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. Take a walk along the River Avon, visit the house where he grew up, and attend a Royal Shakespeare Company performance. Don’t overlook Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, a lovely house with a thatched roof close by.

Theater fans: Plan ahead for RSC evening performances.

Day 8: Warwick Castle

Highlights: Knight battles, castle tours, dungeon experiences

Just a short drive from Stratford, Warwick Castle, is a crowd pleaser. Tour the towers, enjoy live jousting (seasonal), and walk through the castle’s waxwork-laden dungeons. The castle’s immersive experiences make history feel thrillingly alive.

Day 9: York

Highlights include the city walls, the Shambles, and York Minster.

Travel north by train to York, a city rich in Viking, Roman, and medieval history. Explore The Shambles, a twisted street right out of a fantasy book, see York Minster, and climb the tower for expansive views. Explore the historic city walls at dusk.

Approximately 2.5 hours from Warwick/Leamington Spa via Birmingham

Day 10: The Lake District

Highlights: Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, Windermere, and Grasmere

To begin your exploration of the Lake District, head northwest to Windermere. Take a boat ride, hike around the lake, or stop at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former residence. Visitors interested in literature should visit Grasmere, the site of Wordsworth’s renowned poetry.

Stay at a rural inn or a B&B by a lake.

Day 11: Liverpool

On your way south, stop in Liverpool, the city that gave the world The Beatles. Visit The Beatles Story Museum, explore the historic Albert Dock, and admire the vast Liverpool Cathedral. Music and football fans will feel right at home.

Beatles fan? Take the Magical Mystery Tour bus

Day 12: Take the Cambridge route back to London

Highlights include River Cam punting, King’s College Chapel, and university colleges.

Spend a day in Cambridge, Oxford’s academic rival, when you return to London. Take a leisurely paddle down the River Cam, explore King’s College Chapel, and stroll along the Backs. It’s a fantastic way to wind down before the journey is over.

Day 13: One Last London Morning

Spend your final morning in London at Portobello Road Market (if it’s a Saturday) or enjoying brunch in Notting Hill. Take a few last photos, savor a scone, and reflect on two incredible weeks of discovery.

That’s England explored in 13 unforgettable days from the misty peaks of the Lake District to the regal charm of London’s historic avenues. Of course, there are countless other beautiful places that didn’t make it into this article, so don’t hesitate to dive deeper, do a little extra research, and leave room for a few spontaneous adventures along the way. Sometimes, the best memories are occasionally created off the usual route.

We hope this guide proves helpful and that you enjoy every moment of your English adventure to the fullest!