Southern England Itinerary: A Storybook Highway Journey

Narrowly lacking the brilliant yellow daffodils and stone fences, we drove by the English countryside on the opposite facet of the highway. Thick hedgerows buffer the meadows as swans, sheep, and bunnies wander the inexperienced grass. You’ll really feel such as you’re in a fairy-tale, and maybe, you’re. My Southern England itinerary will present you the perfect locations, most charming villages, and quaint hideaways and highlights of the world.

From the magnificent White Cliffs of Dover, the historic college cities of Cambridge and Oxford, the traditional stones that date again 5,000 years, and the countryside manors that impressed writings that may final for all of time, there’s something to uncover practically in every single place you flip. My practically two-week England itinerary will cowl in every single place you want to see in addition to the place to remain and the right way to get round. I’ve at all times been fascinated by historic sights, and there are lots of necessary and exquisite locations within the south of England.

Having now lived in England I can confidently say this is among the finest highway journeys EVER.

Having traveled numerous instances to London, it’s been years since I made the trek to the countryside. Now, I see what I’ve been lacking. There’s quite a bit to see and do in Southern England, it may be complicated to know what’s finest. So I made positive to go in every single place for you. This complete information to Southern England will share the perfect of so many fantastic areas: Sussex, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Cotswolds and a few in-between spots you possibly can’t miss.

How a lot time must you spend in Southern England

We spent 12 days driving from Cambridge to the Cotswold’s and we actually packed it in. I feel two weeks in Southern England is a good period of time to spend within the cities and the countryside. In fact, you would spend way more. However should you’d actually wish to see as a lot as doable, I’d suggest a minimum of two weeks to cowl a very good chunk of the nation.

get round Southern England

I extremely suggest a automobile. A highway journey round Southern England is the easiest way to expertise the sights and get a really feel for this pretty nation in addition to uncover a few of the distant hidden gems. It was a bit treacherous to be taught to drive the slender roads, and swap to the left, however it was value it to get to the smaller, much less accessible cities. Plus, it made our journey that a lot faster. Buses usually imply you’ll do numerous ready round. There are trains and public transportation, however it’s going to take a bit extra time to get to your vacation spot.

So let’s hit the highway and see a few of the better of England with my full information!

Southern England Itinerary At A Look

I’ve mapped out the prettiest locations in Southern England to discover. Indubitably, one can find your self eager to spend increasingly time on this fairy story space of the UK. I felt like I used to be in a reside model of Delight and Prejudice and acted out the half for this picture:

This itinerary covers the highlights of the area in addition to cannot miss locations which might be quirky and memorable.

Day 1 – Cambridge & Canterbury
Day 2 – Dover, Rye, Sissinghurst
Day 3 – Battle, Beachy Head, Brighton, Portsmouth
Day 4 – Portsmouth, Exeter, Penzance
Day 5 – St Michael’s Mount, Mousehole, Penworth Cove, Minack Theater, Geevor Mine
Day 6 – Tintagel, Bathtub
Day 7 – Bathtub, Glastonbury, Wells
Day 8 – Stonehenge, Avebury, Cotswolds
Day 9 – Cotswolds
Day 10 – Cotswolds
Day 11 – Stratford-Upon-Avon
Day 12 – Oxford

Locations to Go to in Southern England

A little bit of a warning, we are inclined to see as a lot as we are able to after we journey. I perceive some folks aren’t precisely like that. Be happy to adapt this itinerary to your liking. If you wish to spend extra time, let’s say, seeing the museums in Portsmouth, skip Battle and Brighton to make time to do what you want. There are lots of locations in England to see, it is laborious to choose only some. I did my finest to convey you precisely what to do in every!

Map for the England Highway Journey Itinerary

Day 1 – Cambridge & Canterbury

Cambridge is a college city wealthy in historical past and filled with enjoyable pubs, eating places, and college students. I recommend spending the day by taking a strolling tour, or punting on the river. I discovered it notably attention-grabbing that Cambridge is twinned with Heidelberg, Germany (you’ll discover many cities in England are twinned with one other one), and that occurs to be the place I reside! This metropolis is bursting with power and which may simply be spawned by the rivalry with one other college shut by, Oxford. This rivalry is harking back to one akin to Texas A&M and College of Texas. When the students OF OXFORD have been run out of city by the peasants, Cambridge was fashioned. There’s a wealth of historical past behind the universities so it’s nicely value it to go on a strolling tour with a graduate to be taught extra.

Strolling the streets is an effective way to see the highlights of Cambridge: Trinity School, the Mathematical bridge, Corpus Clock (aka the Cambridge clock), and the extremely historic King’s Chapel and grounds. Contained in the chapel, you may discover the biggest fan vaulted ceiling on the planet. This chapel has a phenomenal wood organ display screen, initially devoted to Anne Boleyn, however since Henry VIII lower off her head earlier than it was completed, the dedication to Boleyn is fairly small. Ensure to seek for it whenever you go!

Cambridge can also be an ideal place to go “punting.” You’ll be able to row the boats your self, or get a tour from a college scholar and trip alongside “the backs” to see the backs of all of the historic faculties.

Subsequent, we drove on to Canterbury. That is the right place to spend the night time, discover, and journey from. We stayed in probably the most lovely B&B, Harriet Home, with a tasty breakfast and ease of entry to town middle. I will be describing precisely the place to remain in additional element under.

Canterbury’s cathedral merely cannot be missed. However what I discovered most charming have been the homes swelling out onto the road. You’ll be able to’t assist however really feel such as you’re in a storybook with Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales echoing in your head. In the event you skipped cruising the river in Cambridge, you may have ample alternative to do it right here.

I discovered there to be loads of nice pubs and eating places close to the principle sq. (Buttermarket) and Excessive Avenue. For dinner, try A La Turka for Turkish delicacies. Falstaff or the Pound (a former jail) are nice for drinks.

Day 2 – Dover, Rye, Sissinghurst Gardens

From Canterbury we made the drive right down to Dover to take a look at the fort, cliffs, and struggle historical past. Nonetheless, we did discover that in March many locations are nonetheless working on winter hours, issues have been closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Ensure to verify the hours earlier than you arrive. Having each been to the world earlier than, we determined as an alternative to take some footage on the fort (I do suggest a tour by should you’ve by no means been) and a hike alongside the well-known white cliffs.

You may simply discover parking, a restaurant, and bathrooms on the guests middle. Right here, we walked close to the chalky cliff edge. This well-worn path offers you epic views, and you’ll even see France! Simply do not get too near the sting as the bottom will crumble away.

Subsequent, we headed to the small and fairly city of Rye. Not anticipating a lot, we found an lovely, well-preserved city. I recommend popping in to the vacationer’s workplace. You’ll find a city mannequin and audio clarification of the city’s distinctive historical past.

Every part in Rye is miniature so it’s simple to get pleasure from the entire metropolis. This East Sussex City has nice fish and chips, I like to recommend Marino’s, and loads of cute outlets to discover. Rye is believed to have retained extra of its historic buildings than some other metropolis in Britain. Picturesque, pleasant, and quirky it is simple to see why this small city is a favourite among the many Brits.

At sundown we meandered over to Sissinghurst Fort Backyard. Created by the poet and author Vita West and her husband, it is one of the vital pristine gardens in England. You’ll be able to see how this may be such an inspiring place for a author. Ensure to go up the tower for a phenomenal view of the gardens.

Day 3 – Battle, Beachy Head, Brighton, Portsmouth

Though we noticed fairly a number of cities in the present day, after studying my information you may wish to skip round. We’re hopping from county to county: exploring East Sussex and Hampshire.

Battle is aptly named for the 1066 Battle of Hastings between the Norman-French military and the English. This necessary battle meant that France dominated the English. You’ll be able to see your entire story of the Battle in Normandy at Bayeux (the Bayeux Tapestry). However in Battle, you possibly can see and discover the identical grounds the place 1000’s fought and misplaced their lives. There’s additionally a small museum right here explaining extra in regards to the battle.

We ventured towards the coast and stopped at Beachy Head, the best sea cliff in Britain at 531 toes. This weather-beaten however lovely cliff was the key operational route for WWII. The chalky white cliffs combine with the seawater, creating a phenomenal turquoise shade.

You can also make your means down the coast for extra pristine views of the enduring white cliffs at Seven Sisters.

I dare say that Brighton has maybe seen higher days. Possibly it was the low season, however the busy Brighton pier was in severe want of some paint. And the identical goes for the favored Royal Pavilion. In 1800 Brighton was established as a resort since a prepare linked London with Brighton. Pleasure Pier permits everybody to benefit from the sea with amusements, sweet floss, and rides. A lot of the meals was scorching canines or fish and chips.

To enter the Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence of George, Prince of Wales, is costly. I used to be disenchanted to see it trying a bit rundown. Possibly it was low season, however I might recommend skipping Brighton and heading as an alternative to the harbor city of Eastbourne. A cease simply on the way in which to Brighton.

To spherical out the day, we drove to Portsmouth and hung out on the historic dockyard and residential of the Royal Navy. If I used to be disenchanted by Brighton, I used to be pleasantly shocked by Portsmouth. Right here, we went to the HMS Victory ship. This memorable ship fought in lots of battles however is finest referred to as the victory ship from the Battle of Trafalgar the place Nelson died.

Day 4 – Portsmouth, Exeter, Moors, Penzance

The following day, we headed again to the pier and to the Portsmouth Royal Navy Museum to be taught extra about a few of the battles that passed off at sea for Britain. Whenever you go to purchase a ticket be sure you purchase for nevertheless many sights you’d wish to see to get a value break. For instance, we did two: the museum and the HMS Victory ship. We purchased the tickets for each without delay and the tickets are legitimate for a yr. There are lots of museums and factors of curiosity in Portsmouth. Fortunately, most are positioned in a really confined space, so that you’re in a position to see all of them in a day.

After studying about Britain’s historical past, it was time to change gears and be taught in regards to the Romans within the Devon area. Exeter is an historic metropolis courting again to the Roman period the place ruins nonetheless stay. Exeter was closely bombed in WWII and many aged buildings have been destroyed, however the cathedral remained. From right here, it is simple to maneuver on to the Moors.

The Moors are a part of the UK’s nationwide parks and a pure habitat filled with grasslands in addition to various ecosystems. In Dartmoor, you possibly can see wild horses run by the meadows as you stumble over “clapper bridges” and stare upon historic stone circles.

After museums and exploring, we tucked in at Penzance to get a head begin on tomorrow’s exploring in Cornwall.

Day 5 – St Michael’s Mount, Mousehole, Penberth Cove, Minack Theater, Geevor Mine

Whereas there are lots of sights on the checklist for what to see and do in Southern England in the present day, most are fast, so you possibly can match all of them in.

I used to be struck by the gorgeous St. Michael’s Mount seemingly rising out of the ocean, reminding me of Mont St. Michel. In fact, this can be a Cornish counterpart to Normandy’s Mount. Each share the identical tidal island traits. When the tide recedes, you possibly can stroll on the sand and straight into the fort.

Hungry, we went to Mousehole, a tiny city with a curious identify. It comes from the small harbor with an entrance as slender as, you guessed it, a mouse gap. The boats relaxation alongside the sand and dirt at low tide, you may get a special view relying on what time you come. We stopped to purchase Cornish pasties (certainly one of my favourite dishes of the journey), and introduced them to our subsequent cease for a picnic.

Idyllic Penberth Cove is only a brief drive away on the coast. We parked and walked alongside the sumptuous tight alleyways spilling over with greenery and rose bushes. We handed a darling thatched roofed home stepping over a brook to move to the pier. We sat on the nice and cozy stones whereas we ate the scrumptious cheese and onion pasties. In the event you’re a fan of the British collection Poldark, you may acknowledge this spot from the TV present.

If you would like, you possibly can go to Land’s Finish to see the positioning as soon as thought-about to be the tip of the recognized world.

From right here, it was a brief drive to Porthcurno to see the unimaginable Minack Theatre, among the best locations in Southern England to go to! This theater was handmade into the rocky cliffs, largely by a girl, Rowena Cade. Pay the £5 to stroll round and see Cornwall’s well-known theater and find out about how the builder created it.

In 1929 the play, A Midsummer Evening’s Dream passed off a couple of mile away with nice success. Subsequent, they wished to stage The Tempest. Cade determined the cliffs under her backyard could be the right setting, so she and her gardener, Billy Rawlings, hand lower the earth and granite to create the unimaginable theater.  After Rawlings died, she maintained the theater practically by herself, “We moved sufficient earth to make just a little little bit of heaven.” I’ve to agree. I used to be astonished on the brilliant inexperienced grassy seats, lovely backyard, and lovely surroundings under.

Count on to spend a pair hours right here trying over the cliffs, studying extra about Rowena’s story, and even seeing performers rehearsing for a present. Preserve your eye out for seals!

When you have some further time (and power) for the day, make your option to Geevor Tin Mine in Pendeen. That is the biggest preserved mine web site within the nation and was a key motive for Cornwall’s wealth within the Industrial Age. The mining trade died when cheaper tin was found abroad. As we speak, you possibly can tour the mine to get a really feel for the mining trade and the acute circumstances they labored below.

From right here, we breezed by the previous seaside city of St. Ives and picked up the perfect pasties of the journey at Philips Bakery in Hayle. Are you able to inform I actually preferred this dish?! Whereas not a should see, it is actually value it so as to add this eatery to your itinerary for Southern England.

Day 6 – Tintagel, Bathtub

Straddling the tiny roads the place branches touched each side, maneuvering the winding lanes, and anticipating oncoming visitors we made our option to Tintagel. Tintagel is to not be missed in Southern England as that is residence of the legendary King Arthur. From the city, it is a brief hike to the Tintagel Fort the place it is speculated that the medieval fort was the house of King Arthur. Whether or not you consider within the fantasy or not, this can be a lovely spot to look over on the Cornish sea because the waves lap up under the ruins. Do not forget to look out for Merlin’s cave!

Feeling tantalized by the story of Camelot and King Arthur, we went to a different magical spot: St. Nectan’s Glen. A 20-minute drive takes you to a spot to park, from right here you stroll a couple of mile in a reasonably wooded forest alongside a river, and discover a waterfall. You do need to pay for entry, ensure to verify for opening hours. As soon as there, you are given a pair of wellies, and you’ll stroll round for spectacular views of the sixty-foot waterfall cascading by a gap within the rock.

Spent from our hike, we relished within the 3-hour drive to Bathtub. Simply driving across the countryside is such a deal with. There may be magnificence round each nook: pure and historic wonders, windswept grass, sheep and lambs grazing, and suicidal pheasants making an attempt to cross the highway to discover a mate.

We headed straight to the Royal Crescent in Bathtub for one of the vital pleasant meals you possibly can have: afternoon tea. This historic resort and spa is the right instance of Georgian structure and an iconic landmark of Bathtub courting from 1774. Upon arrival, we have been whisked into the gorgeous gardens and headed to The Dower Home Restaurant for our teatime deal with. Deep blue water glasses accented the crisp white tablecloths, and the setting was full with a phenomenal backyard view. Greeted with a easy menu providing traditional tea together with candy,  savory, or vegetarian we selected one of many classics (candy) and savory choices.

After ordering, sit again and loosen up and the waitstaff will deal with you want king and queen. We began with champagne as we perused the tea menu. There have been many delectable choices it was laborious to decide on which one. You do not have to! I began with the wealthy Masala Chai, certainly one of my favourite teas, added a little bit of milk and a dice of sugar and it was excellent. Subsequent I attempted the Roobis Orange Cream which was so aromatic, the notes of vanilla wafted in my nostril as I sipped. Michael had the Smoked China which someway, as Michael exclaimed, “smelled just like the countryside.” We each liked our decisions.

The smoked salmon toast was delectable and the orange dessert was bursting with taste. All the unfold is aesthetically pleasing, particularly with the royal blue curtains framing the gardens exterior. From the dainty sandwiches to the do-it-yourself pastries, every part was scrumptious.

I particularly just like the “Bathtub Bun” topped with sugar that you simply unfold with cinnamon butter- an ideal melding of flavors. We took our time and savored every chew, relishing within the picturesque environment. After tea, we strolled across the secluded gardens and peeked in on the spa. I consider a go to to Bathtub is not full with out stepping in and having tea at The Royal Crescent.

We headed to our pretty abode, the Westgate Residences within the coronary heart of Bathtub. This place was notably welcome because it had all the fashionable requirements we would have liked after six days on the highway. Beneath you may discover in every single place I like to recommend staying.

Day 7 – Bathtub, Glastonbury, Wells

Bathtub is a very distinctive place, not simply in Southern England, however in the entire of Europe. All the metropolis is listed as UNESCO, and this honor is barely granted to 1 different metropolis, Venice, Italy. The town dates again to Roman instances when folks from throughout got here to benefit from the therapeutic waters that sprung up from the grounds. The identical remains to be true in the present day. You’ll be able to tour the Roman Baths, have tea at The Pump Rooms (or head inside and style the therapeutic waters), and soak within the heat waters at Thermae Bathtub Spa.

As a result of Bathtub is barely 2 hours from London and a brief methods to Stonehenge, town can get crowded. I like to recommend going to see the baths within the morning and shopping for your tickets upfront.

I additionally suggest going to The Jane Austen Centre to be taught extra in regards to the writer who lived in Bathtub for a interval of 5 years. The employees are wearing interval costumes and characters from her novels. You may begin by listening to a briefing on Austen and her brief, however impactful life and household, then uncover extra about her books and life. In the event you’re a fan of her work, you may love the museum.

The Mayor’s Guides provide utterly free – no ideas accepted – strolling excursions. It was merely among the best I’ve ever been on. Our information, Adrian, not solely shared about Bathtub’s huge historical past however described distinctive particulars and wove in tales alongside the way in which.

With a number of hours of daylight left, we stopped in Glastonbury. Right here, you may discover a wealth of different outlets promoting crystals and indicators saying, “fairies welcome.” Glastonbury has lengthy been a pilgrimage web site, because it’s considered the burial place of King Arthur. Additionally, England’s first church was constructed right here, Glastonbury Abbey. You’ll be able to tour Glastonbury Abbey and take a tour of the ruins.

I additionally suggest going to Chalice Effectively and Gardens. The holy nicely is considered a sacred place and related to therapeutic properties. Referred to as the “Purple Spring” or “Blood Spring” due to the pink iron deposits the water leaves behind, there are lots of legends related to the spring. Some say it represents the blood of Christ from when Joseph of Arimathea buried the cup used for the Final Supper right here, and these waters sprang from the bottom.

At sundown, we headed to Wells to see the outstanding cathedral, tour the grounds, and attend Evensong. “Night Prayer” or evensong derives from the center ages and is an effective way to benefit from the church and listen to some music without cost.

I notably liked the well-preserved Vicars’ Shut. Proper by the cathedral, you may discover Britain’s solely full medieval avenue. This avenue used to accommodate members of the clergy and choir, in the present day it is a phenomenal avenue to peruse.

After darkish, we drove again to Bathtub however on the way in which stopped for laborious cider at Wilkins Land’s Finish Farm. You may enter a considerably darkish farmhouse and also you may not be certain should you’re on the proper place. Simply hold going and you may arrive at the perfect cider on the planet. I am unable to suggest this expertise sufficient. Low-cost, scrumptious cider produced in probably the most conventional means. You may have a lot enjoyable chatting with Roger Wilkins and employees about their ardour for cider. Do not forget to ask in regards to the world-famous cheese.

Day 8 – Stonehenge, Avebury, Cotswolds

Leaving Bathtub within the morning, we headed straight for five,000-year-old Stonehenge. Purchase tickets upfront and get there upon opening to keep away from the crowds. As soon as there, you possibly can park and take a bus over to the prehistoric monument. This world marvel is a marvel to see and to try to perceive why 1000’s of years in the past folks organized these gigantic stones, some from tons of of miles away, on this round form. May very well be a burial place, a celestial calendar, or a spiritual web site, however it doesn’t matter what, it is a masterpiece of magnificent structure and engineering.

Count on to spend about two hours right here seeing the stones and visiting the Customer’s Middle to be taught extra about Stonehenge.

Subsequent, we made our means as much as the Cotswolds, however first stopped at Silbury Hill exterior of Avebury. The hill is the biggest prehistoric chalk mound from 4,000 years in the past. You’ll be able to stroll up or, like we did, save your steps and take some images.

Late within the day we drove to Cowley Manor, probably the most unimaginable keep on an property nestled in central Cotswolds. This was the right place to discover extra of this space and really feel like I used to be dwelling in a storybook. Upon coming into the gates of the property I knew I used to be in for a deal with, I simply did not understand how a lot I’d fall in love with Southern England and the Cotswolds due to this place!

We had dinner on the Manor, a divine feast of steak and duck paired with wonderful wine, do-it-yourself bread, and salted butter. The eating room is beautiful and stylish with contemporary flowers, hovering shuttered home windows, and an open fireplace. The room is intimate,  the servers are fast and type, providing up wit and repair alongside along with your meal.

The English delicacies at Cowley Manor is a few of the finest I’ve ever had with a concentrate on contemporary, native elements. The English toffee pudding and wealthy chocolate mousse practically put me in a meals coma (in the easiest way doable) it was good to climb the steps as much as our room and snuggle up below the tender cover.

Day 9 – Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are a few of the prettiest spots in Southern England. Take time to loosen up and benefit from the lovely villages filled with historical past. There are lots of pretty locations to discover on this space, so I’ve highlighted a few of my favorites we noticed every day. You may discover virtually every part manufactured from stone: homes, bridges, and church buildings within the Cotswolds. If you would like to be taught extra of every place’s historical past, pop into the vacationer store and, for round a £1, you may get a map with data on the historic websites.

Cirencester was common in Roman instances and a museum exhibits the treasures from the previous. You may additionally discover nice procuring right here.

Bibury is thought for its well-known avenue, Arlington Row, dotted with previous wool homes. Right here, you may discover a small city perched alongside the River Coln courting again from 1086. There is a trout farm that is certainly one of Britain’s oldest and most well-preserved.

One other metropolis on the water is Bouton-on-the-Water referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” with fairly bridges and parks. Broad Campden has a small church and a cute pub, excellent for picnicking.

Maintaining with the “b” cities, Blockely is an idyllic village and was as soon as the principle middle of the silk trade within the 18th and nineteenth centuries.

Lastly, we stopped within the north of the Cotswolds in Chipping Camden the place wool made the city wealthy. There is a church devoted to wool, market, and exquisite thatched roof homes.

See my full information to the Cotswolds right here.

After exploring, it is time for a quintessential English delicacy: excessive tea at Cowley Manor. Sitting exterior on the terrace we dined with delight as we seemed on the meticulous inexperienced grounds of the property. This tea was further particular after studying that the writer of Alice and Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, visited Cowley usually and drew inspiration for the guide! I felt like we have been sitting with the Mad Hatter as we poured the tea and reveled within the gorgeous day.

We began with conventional tea and dined on the savory sandwiches. The rolling inexperienced panorama of Cowley Manor stretched out in entrance of us as we sipped scorching tea and ate fancies. The bleating sheep within the background complemented the chirping birds and the occasional horse trotting by.

To cap off this really distinctive day, we luxuriated in a therapeutic massage on the C-Aspect Spa of Cowley Manor. With a health club, two heated swimming pools (outside and indoor) you would simply simply keep right here for the remainder of the journey!

Day 10 – Cotswolds

Waking up brilliant and early for breakfast, we gazed out the home windows and devoured the nice and cozy toast, butter, native jams, and pastries at Cowley Manor.

For day two within the Cotswolds, I’ve listed out a number of extra villages you want to peruse. However first, we headed to Cotswolds Farm park because it was “lambing” season and there have been tons of of child animals you possibly can feed. Name me a baby, however I completely liked getting to present the lambs milk and seeing the goats and piglets run in regards to the grounds. This can be a enjoyable, family-friendly exercise everybody will love.

On to a few of the small villages of the Cotswolds, we headed first to Naunton. Naunton is a pleasant break from the touristy villages and is full with cozy pubs and rolling hills.

Enterprise over to the Higher and Decrease Slaughters for honey-colored stone structure and fairly inexperienced fields.

Fort Combe is a conventional Cotswold village manufactured from limestone. My favourite was Stow-on-the-Wold, a full of life hilltop city with nice eating places, a market sq., and a door that impressed Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Driving round this space I’ve by no means seen this many daffodils in my life.

Discover out the perfect locations to see within the Cotswolds right here.

Day 11 – Stratford-Upon-Avon

You’ll be able to’t get extra English than the house of probably the most well-known author ever: William Shakespeare. Right here, we did a strolling tour of this deeply historic city. You may move by dozens of Tudor buildings, can take a cruise on the river Avon, and see Shakespeare’s childhood residence.

In the event you’re a fan of the author there are many actions to get pleasure from. You’ll find his birthplace and take a tour, see his old fashioned, see Anne Hathaway’s cottage (the spouse of Shakespeare), and go to Mary Arden’s farm (his mom). We went to a play, As You Like It, on the Royal Shakespeare Firm. See all of the Shakespeare actions right here. Pictured under is Shakespeare’s residence.

In fact, there’s way more to the city than simply Shakespeare. I like to recommend a strolling tour or a go to to a museum. There are additionally two different theaters: Swan Theater displaying modern performs and “The Different Place” (sure it is actually referred to as that) displaying, nicely, different performs. Once we have been there they have been performing the fashionable Shakespeare adaptation: 10 Issues I Hate About You.

Day 12 – Oxford

Winding down for the final day of the journey, head to wildly common Oxford. Whether or not you are a fan of Harry Potter, or simply enthusiastic about seeing the oldest college within the English talking world, Oxford delights all. Take a tour of the college to get an understanding of it is previous and well-known college students.

Nicknamed the “Metropolis of Dreaming Spires” it is enjoyable to simply stroll across the city and Excessive Avenue to see the medieval structure. For starters, spend a while within the metropolis middle, go to a few of the faculties, and get a very good view at Carfax Tower. For Harry Potter followers, go to Christ Church School the place the eating room was intently copied for Hogwarts. C.S. Lewis taught at Magdalen school and yow will discover Einstein’s chalkboard on the Museum of Historical past and Science.

When you have further time, I recommend going to Winston Churchill’s birthplace, Blenheim Palace. Now residence to the descendant of Duke of Marlborough, you may discover majestic gardens designed to compete with Versailles and gilded state rooms with beautiful furnishings and tapestries. Churchill’s golden locks have been lower at age 5 and nonetheless dangle above the mattress.

The place to remain in Southern England

Now that a few of the finest locations to go to in Southern England, let’s examine the place to tuck in at night time. I recommend that you simply get the perfect of every part by staying in a traditional B&B, a contemporary condo with all of the requirements, and cap off your journey by feeling like royalty at a manor. That is exactly what we did. Listed here are three suggestions that I extremely endorse to your journey:

Harriet Home B&B  in Canterbury

Located only a brief stroll from the city middle of Canterbury, you may discover the brilliant and cheery Harriet Home. Pleasant Heidi and Paul greet you want members of their household. I watched as they interacted with friends to make sure they’d the right keep.

Our room was snug and refined, the right place for {couples}. With tender linens and trendy facilities equivalent to a mini fridge and nice web entry, you’ll really feel proper at residence. I notably liked the small particulars just like the Cole & Lewis soaps and toiletries merchandise in addition to the lighted mirror that additionally displayed the time. This was excellent as I used to be preparing for the day!

As a B&B, the perfect a part of our keep was the breakfast. The night time earlier than you possibly can choose what you’d wish to order, along with the croissants, fruit, and yogurt. I’ve to say I don’t like eggs buffet model. And having stayed at numerous lodges with eggs in silver buffet trays, this was a welcome change.  And these eggs have been divine. The well-lit eating space and patio are the right option to begin your day. Home made bread, marmalade, fruit salad, espresso, and scorching tea are all obtainable. I had scrumptious avocado toast with poached eggs. Michael had eggs with sausage and mushrooms together with pancakes. The breakfast was distinctive. Having stayed at many giant lodges with buffets, it was so good to have a personalised breakfast.

A ten-minute stroll alongside River Stour brings you to Canterbury Cathedral and the middle of city. In the event you’re brief on time in Southern England, it is solely an hour away from London, so you possibly can simply enterprise from right here. There is a non-public automobile park, scrumptious meals, a comfy room, and ease of entry to every part you need- you possibly can’t ask for extra!

Guide Harriet Home straight right here.

Westgate Residences in Bathtub

In any case that driving across the English countryside, it was fantastic to have a complicated condo with all of the facilities in Bathtub. I used to be first struck by the enormity of the place. It was nice to have an open flooring plan with a big lounge, eating room, full kitchen, and toilet.  The cherry on prime was the totally stocked fridge- together with full bottles of wine, vodka, and tequila, provided at a good value. Included within the keep are bottled water, milk, chocolate, Nespresso with a grocery retailer simply across the nook.

I completely liked the walk-in bathe and the full-size bottle of Cowshed toiletries. There was even extra merchandise like toner and moisturizer which was such a deal with.

The condo is spacious, clear, and nicely laid out. There was tremendous quick WiFi, two flat-screen TVs, in an general trendy area. Rooms are cleaned on daily basis (typically this isn’t the case at an condo) and the room was very quiet, regardless of being near town middle. You get the perfect of each worlds right here: the facilities and area of an condo, however the service of a resort. One factor to notice is parking it a bit farther away and isn’t included within the value.

Conveniently, you possibly can stroll proper out the door and be straight in entrance of Thermae Spa. Searching our window we might see the bustling scene from under of individuals mingling at eating places and bars. Actually, the Hiding House Westgate Residences are the right base to discover Bathtub and the encircling space.

Guide Westgate Residences proper right here.

Cowley Manor within the Cotswolds

Fairly frankly, Cowley Manor, A Curious Group of Resorts, was my favourite keep of my whole life. I really wrote a whole submit devoted to this pretty property. With its intensive grounds, funky bar, unimaginable meals, and fairy story setting there’s simply an excessive amount of to cowl!

Upon coming into the property you’re feeling as if a storybook is coming to life. On my left was a beautiful brook, lush inexperienced grass, and large bushes. On my proper have been fluffy, mild flowering bushes, and a brilliant blue pool. We parked our automobile and headed into reception and have been greeted with tea whereas we checked in.

As soon as in our room, I felt like I had been dreaming. The four-poster mattress loomed over tender linens. The massive home windows seemed out over the pond and hills of the property. I like making the room very darkish, and I used to be delighted to see shutters and blackout shades for this function. There’s a DVD participant and a hook up for a laptop computer so I might simply watch a film. In fact, I needed to watch my all time favourite, Delight and Prejudice. It was solely becoming for the movie-scene setting. I felt like I used to be on the set of this beautiful film.

I might have spent your entire day within the giant lavatory, with a cleverly hidden bathroom. The inexperienced tiled bathe has nice water strain and scorching water- many locations lack precise scorching water and a lukewarm bathe simply doesn’t lower it. There are 30 rooms in complete between the principle home and the secure block. I opted for the principle home for the notably fantastic views.

We dined right here every day and had a wonderful breakfast. You can begin with oatmeal, cereal, pastries, fruit, or order individually and have contemporary eggs or pancakes. The toast was introduced out on a vertical plate, in order to not moisten it and particular person pads of butter have been positioned on the desk.

Afternoon tea is delicious, and on a pleasant day, it is the right option to think about your self as a personality in Alice in Wonderland. Carroll is claimed to have been impressed by the gardens right here.

Dinner is about within the luxurious eating room and the low lighting and scrumptious meals make for probably the most romantic night. Regardless of being simply two hours from London and centrally within the Cotswolds, I felt like I used to be in a secluded palace, tucked away safely from the remainder of the world. It is easy to see how an writer may come right here to put in writing and discover inspiration.

Cowley Manor is the right fusion of romantic English countryside with practical and cozy design. I felt like English royalty staying right here, I could not suggest this place extra. Deal with your self and go to Cowley Manor.

Try Cowley Manor right here.  Discover my full overview of Cowley Manor right here.

You merely can’t go unsuitable in Southern England. The picturesque countryside is embedded with historic secrets and techniques and mysteries, the cities are quaint and charming filled with wealthy historical past, and the rolling hills, animals, and cathedral steeples all add to the gorgeous panorama. It is easy to see why so many writers, artists, Romans, and even prehistoric folks flocked right here to relish within the magnificence and knowledge. I feel we should always all do the identical.