7 Days England, UK Itinerary
This 7-day itinerary explores the highlights of England, starting in London and venturing into the picturesque Cotswolds, the historic city of Bath, the academic hub of Oxford, and the mystical Stonehenge. It balances iconic landmarks with local experiences, all while staying within a moderate budget.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$700-1400
Best Time
The best time to visit England generally depends on your preferences
Activities
32
Daily Avg
$150/day
Pace
Moderate
England offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. From bustling cities to charming villages, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The country is also easily navigable with excellent public transportation.
Your itinerary covers 7 of 12 must-have experiences
Iconic Castle or Palace
Day 1: Tower of London
Ancient Stone Circle / Prehistoric Site
Day 6: Stonehenge
Grand Cathedral or Abbey
Day 4: Roman Baths
Traditional English Pub Experience
e.g., Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (London), The Eagle and Child (Lake District)
World-Class Museum or Art Gallery
Day 2: British Museum
Scenic National Park Hike
Day 2: St. James's Park
Bustling Food Market
Day 1: Lunch at Borough Market
Iconic Coastal Landmark
e.g., White Cliffs of Dover, Jurassic Coast (Durdle Door)
Royal or Stately Home Gardens
Day 4: Royal Crescent & The Circus
West End Theatre Performance
e.g., 'The Lion King' (Lyceum Theatre), 'Les Misérables' (Sondheim Theatre)
Rooftop Bar with Panoramic Views
e.g., Sky Garden (London), Radio Rooftop Bar (London)
Traditional Afternoon Tea
e.g., The Ritz London, Fortnum & Mason
English cuisine is often hearty and comforting, with a focus on meat, potatoes, and traditional flavors. While it may not be known for its spice, the quality of ingredients and classic dishes make for a satisfying culinary experience. From traditional pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something for every palate.
Must-Try Dishes
Deep-fried battered fish (usually cod or haddock) served with thick-cut fried potatoes (chips). A true British classic, best enjoyed with salt and vinegar.
📍 Fish and chip shops (chippies) throughout England, especially coastal towns.
A substantial breakfast consisting of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. Sometimes includes black pudding and hash browns.
📍 Cafes, pubs, and hotels across England.
Roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, pork, or chicken) served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and broccoli), and gravy.
📍 Pubs and restaurants on Sundays.
A ground lamb pie topped with a mashed potato crust. A comforting and filling dish, perfect for a cold day.
📍 Pubs and restaurants specializing in traditional British fare.
Food Neighborhoods
known for its Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants
known for its diverse range of food stalls and artisanal products
known for its fresh seafood and Cornish pasties
known for South Asian Cuisine
Vegetarian options are widely available, especially in larger cities. Many restaurants offer vegan and gluten-free choices; it's always best to check the menu or ask your server. For halal options, look for restaurants specializing in Middle Eastern or South Asian cuisine. Most restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions if you inform them in advance.
It's customary to tip 10-15% for good service in restaurants. Pubs often have a 'no table service' policy, so you'll need to order at the bar. It's polite to say 'please' and 'thank you.' Avoid talking loudly or using your phone during meals.
Notting Hill Carnival
AugustA large street festival in London celebrating Caribbean culture. Expect large crowds and road closures.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
AugustThe world's largest arts festival, held in Edinburgh. Expect high demand for accommodation and tickets.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Take the Underground to a hotel near South Bank.$35
9:00 AM - Tower of London
Explore this historic castle, see the Crown Jewels, and learn about its fascinating past. Arrive early to beat the crowds and allow at least 3 hours for your visit. Book tickets online in advance for a discount.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from your hotel to the Tower of London (approx. 20-30 minutes).$15
12:30 PM - Lunch at Borough Market
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Borough Market, a vibrant food market offering a wide variety of cuisines. Try a traditional pie or a gourmet sandwich. It can get crowded, so be prepared to queue.
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- 🚶Walk from the Tower of London to Borough Market (approx. 15 minutes).$13 (Exhibition)
2:30 PM - Walk across Tower Bridge
Take a stroll across Tower Bridge, enjoying the views of the Thames. You can also visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition for a more in-depth look at the bridge's history and engineering.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Borough Market to Tower Bridge (approx. 10 minutes).FREE
4:00 PM - Explore South Bank
Walk along the South Bank, taking in the sights of the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe, and the Tate Modern. Enjoy street performers and soak in the atmosphere.
Book on Klook
South Bank
Close to many attractions, vibrant atmosphere, and good transport links.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit England generally depends on your preferences. Spring (April-May) offers milder weather, fewer crowds, and blooming gardens. Summer (June-August) is the warmest with the longest days, but also the busiest and most expensive, with many festivals and outdoor events. Autumn (September-October) brings beautiful foliage and crisp weather with fewer tourists. Winter (November-March) is colder with shorter days, but ideal for festive markets and exploring cities with fewer crowds, though some rural attractions may have reduced hours.
Summer weather in England is generally mild and pleasant, but can be unpredictable. Expect occasional rain showers and cooler days, interspersed with sunny spells and warmer temperatures.
Summer is the peak travel season in England due to the warm weather, long daylight hours, and numerous festivals and events.
School holidays in July and August can lead to increased crowds and higher prices.
Getting Around
London Underground, buses, and national rail
Oyster Card / Contactless
Use contactless or Oyster for London transport.
Travel
$150-250 (trains and local transport)Accommodation
$350-700 (hostels, budget hotels, or Airbnb)Food
$140-280 (mix of restaurants, pubs, and groceries)Activities
$60-170 (entrance fees, tours)Utilize England's fantastic free museums and galleries, especially in London (British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern), Liverpool, and Manchester.
Opt for supermarket meal deals (sandwiches, crisps, drink) for lunch; they're a common, cheap, and convenient option available at Tesco, Sainsbury's, M&S, etc.
Indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea experience. Many hotels and tea rooms offer this quintessentially English treat, ranging from casual to luxurious.
Catch a West End theatre show in London. The quality of productions is world-class, and it's an unforgettable cultural experience.
Explore pub lunches outside of central tourist areas for better value and a more authentic local experience. Many offer excellent food at reasonable prices.
Consider getting a 'railcard' if you plan extensive train travel and qualify (e.g., 16-25, Senior, Two Together) to save 1/3 on most fares. Even for non-residents, some options are available.
- Always drive on the left-hand side of the road. Be cautious if you're not used to it, especially when crossing streets.
- Queuing (lining up) is a national custom. Always wait your turn politely, whether at a bus stop, shop, or attraction.
- Contactless payment (card or phone) is standard and widely accepted almost everywhere, reducing the need for cash.
- Carry a Type G (three-pin rectangular) universal adapter for all your electronic devices.
- Tipping is customary for good service in restaurants (10-15%) and for taxi drivers. Service charges may sometimes be automatically added.
- Public transport, especially trains and buses, can be expensive. Book train tickets in advance for cheaper fares, and consider city-specific travel cards (like an Oyster card in London) for savings.
- Politeness is key: use 'please', 'thank you', 'excuse me', and 'sorry' frequently. It goes a long way.
- Mind the Gap' when using the London Underground and other train services; be aware of the space between the train and the platform.
- 1Waterproof jacket or umbrella (rain is common year-round)
- 2Comfortable walking shoes (water-resistant preferred)
- 3Layers of clothing (sweaters, cardigans, t-shirts) for varying temperatures
- 4Universal travel adapter (Type G - UK standard)
- 5Reusable water bottle (to refill and reduce plastic waste)
- 6Daypack or small backpack for daily excursions
- 7Scarf (useful for warmth and style in cooler weather)
- 8Smart-casual outfit (for theatre, nice dinners, or pubs)
- 9Portable power bank for charging devices on the go
- 10Reusable shopping bag (many shops charge for plastic bags)
Flights and Accommodation
Book as far in advance as possible, especially for peak season (summer) or popular events, to secure better prices and availability.
Popular Attractions & Tours
Many popular sites (e.g., Tower of London, Harry Potter Studio Tour, Roman Baths) have timed entry or sell out, particularly for specific dates/times. Book 1-3 months ahead.
Train Tickets
For inter-city travel, 'Advance' tickets are significantly cheaper but non-flexible. Book 8-12 weeks ahead for best prices. Off-peak tickets offer some flexibility for travel outside rush hours.
West End Theatre Tickets
Popular shows can sell out months in advance, especially for weekend performances. Book at least 2-4 months ahead if you have specific shows in mind.
Car Rental
Book at least 1-2 months in advance, especially if you need an automatic transmission or are travelling in peak season.
Visa Requirements
Check visa requirements for your nationality well in advance of your trip. Most EU/EEA, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand citizens don't need a visa for short tourist visits.
Travel Insurance
Always purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website (airalo.com)
📍 EE stores, airports, and some supermarkets.
📍 Vodafone stores, airports, and some supermarkets.
📍 Online (travelwifi.com) - requires pre-booking and delivery to your hotel.
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas, particularly in cities. However, the speed and reliability can vary. Many public transportation hubs also offer free WiFi.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing a SIM card or eSIM upon arrival for convenient and affordable data access. Always read the fine print of your SIM plan to understand data limits and roaming charges. Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. Be mindful of data usage when streaming videos or downloading large files.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Three rectangular pins (UK style)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10–15% if no service charge
Round up or 10%
£1–2 per bag
Check if service is included. If not, 10–15% is standard.
Safety & Travel Advisories
England is generally a safe country for tourists. Be aware of petty theft in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
999
999
999
999 or 112 for all emergencies
Payments
Cash declining — many places are card-only
Universally accepted
Ubiquitous
Contactless payment is king. Many places no longer accept cash.
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How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit depends on your preferences. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while summer is warmer and has more events, but is also the busiest and most expensive. Winter can be cold, but offers a chance to see festive markets.
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