Southern England Itinerary: A Storybook Street Journey

Narrowly lacking the brilliant yellow daffodils and stone fences, we drove by the English countryside on the opposite facet of the street. 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 very best 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 can final for all of time, there’s something to uncover almost in all places you flip. My almost two-week England itinerary will cowl in all places you’ll want to see in addition to the place to remain and easy methods to get round. I’ve at all times been fascinated by historic sights, and there are various vital and delightful locations within the south of England.

Having now lived in England I can confidently say this is without doubt one of the finest street journeys EVER.

Having traveled numerous occasions to London, it’s been years since I made the trek to the countryside. Now, I see what I’ve been lacking. There’s lots to see and do in Southern England, it may be complicated to know what’s finest. So I made positive to go in all places for you. This complete information to Southern England will share the very best of so many fantastic areas: Sussex, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Cotswolds and a few in-between spots you’ll be able to’t miss.

How a lot time do you have to 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 superb period of time to spend within the cities and the countryside. In fact, you possibly can spend way more. However for those who’d actually prefer to see as a lot as potential, I’d advocate a minimum of two weeks to cowl a great chunk of the nation.

Find out how to get round Southern England

I extremely advocate a automotive. A street journey round Southern England is one of the best ways to expertise the sights and get a really feel for this beautiful 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 change to the left, nevertheless it was price 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 a variety of ready round. There are trains and public transportation, nevertheless it’s going to take a bit extra time to get to your vacation spot.

So let’s hit the street 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. Certainly, you will see your self desirous to spend increasingly more 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 photograph:

This itinerary covers the highlights of the area in addition to cannot miss locations which can 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 once we journey. I perceive some individuals aren’t precisely like that. Be at liberty 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 numerous locations in England to see, it is exhausting to select only some. I did my finest to carry you precisely what to do in every!

Map for the England Street Journey Itinerary

Day 1 – Cambridge & Canterbury

Cambridge is a college city wealthy in historical past and stuffed with enjoyable pubs, eating places, and college students. I counsel 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 vitality and that may simply be spawned by the rivalry with one other college shut by, Oxford. This rivalry is paying homage 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 shaped. There’s a wealth of historical past behind the universities so it’s effectively price it to go on a strolling tour with a graduate to be taught extra.

Strolling the streets is a good 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 will discover the most important fan vaulted ceiling on the planet. This chapel has a ravishing picket organ display, initially devoted to Anne Boleyn, however since Henry VIII reduce off her head earlier than it was completed, the dedication to Boleyn is relatively small. Make sure that to seek for it whenever you go!

Cambridge can also be an important place to go “punting.” You’ll be able to row the boats your self, or get a tour from a college pupil and journey 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 essentially the most cute B&B, Harriet Home, with a tasty breakfast and ease of entry to the town middle. I will be describing precisely the place to remain in additional element beneath.

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 case you skipped cruising the river in Cambridge, you will 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 Road. For dinner, take a look at 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 battle historical past. Nevertheless, we did discover that in March many locations are nonetheless working on winter hours, issues have been closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Make sure that to examine the hours earlier than you arrive. Having each been to the world earlier than, we determined as a substitute to take some footage on the fort (I do advocate a tour by for those who’ve by no means been) and a hike alongside the well-known white cliffs.

You will 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 cute, well-preserved city. I counsel popping in to the vacationer’s workplace. You will discover a city mannequin and audio clarification of the city’s distinctive historical past.

Every thing in Rye is miniature so it’s straightforward to take pleasure in 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 another metropolis in Britain. Picturesque, pleasant, and quirky it is easy to see why this small city is a favourite among the many Brits.

At sundown we meandered over to Sissinghurst Citadel 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 might be such an inspiring place for a author. Make sure that to go up the tower for a ravishing view of the gardens.

Day 3 – Battle, Beachy Head, Brighton, Portsmouth

Though we noticed fairly just a few cities right now, after studying my information you may need 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 vital battle meant that France dominated the English. You’ll be able to see the whole story of the Battle in Normandy at Bayeux (the Bayeux Tapestry). However in Battle, you’ll be able to see and discover the identical grounds the place hundreds fought and misplaced their lives. There’s additionally a small museum right here explaining extra concerning the battle.

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

You may make your method down the coast for extra pristine views of the long-lasting white cliffs at Seven Sisters.

I dare say that Brighton has maybe seen higher days. Perhaps 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 related London with Brighton. Pleasure Pier permits everybody to benefit from the sea with amusements, sweet floss, and rides. Many 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 expensive. I used to be disenchanted to see it wanting a bit rundown. Perhaps it was low season, however I might counsel skipping Brighton and heading as a substitute to the harbor city of Eastbourne. A cease simply on the best way to Brighton.

To spherical out the day, we drove to Portsmouth and frolicked 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 often called the victory ship from the Battle of Trafalgar the place Nelson died.

Day 4 – Portsmouth, Exeter, Moors, Penzance

The subsequent 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. If you go to purchase a ticket be sure to purchase for nevertheless many points of interest you’d prefer 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 directly and the tickets are legitimate for a yr. There are numerous museums and factors of curiosity in Portsmouth. Fortunately, most are situated in a really confined space, so that you’re capable of see all of them in a day.

After studying about Britain’s historical past, it was time to change gears and be taught concerning 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 easy to maneuver on to the Moors.

The Moors are a part of the UK’s nationwide parks and a pure habitat stuffed with grasslands in addition to numerous ecosystems. In Dartmoor, you’ll be able to 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 various sights on the record for what to see and do in Southern England right now, most are fast, so you’ll be able to match all of them in.

I used to be struck by the attractive St. Michael’s Mount seemingly rising out of the ocean, reminding me of Mont St. Michel. In fact, it is a Cornish counterpart to Normandy’s Mount. Each share the identical tidal island traits. When the tide recedes, you’ll be able to 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 will get a special view relying on what time you come. We stopped to purchase Cornish pasties (one in every of my favourite dishes of the journey), and introduced them to our subsequent cease for a picnic.

Idyllic Penberth Cove is only a quick 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 go to the pier. We sat on the nice and cozy stones whereas we ate the scrumptious cheese and onion pasties. In case you’re a fan of the British collection Poldark, you will acknowledge this spot from the TV present.

If you would like, you’ll be able to go to Land’s Finish to see the positioning as soon as thought of to be the top 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, principally by a girl, Rowena Cade. Pay the £5 to stroll round and see Cornwall’s well-known theater and study how the builder created it.

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

Count on to spend a pair hours right here wanting 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 vitality) for the day, make your strategy to Geevor Tin Mine in Pendeen. That is the most important preserved mine web site within the nation and was a key purpose for Cornwall’s wealth within the Industrial Age. The mining business died when cheaper tin was found abroad. At the moment, you’ll be able to tour the mine to get a really feel for the mining business and the acute circumstances they labored below.

From right here, we breezed by the outdated seaside city of St. Ives and picked up the very best pasties of the journey at Philips Bakery in Hayle. Are you able to inform I actually appreciated this dish?! Whereas not a should see, it is actually price 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 expecting oncoming visitors we made our strategy to Tintagel. Tintagel is to not be missed in Southern England as that is dwelling of the legendary King Arthur. From the city, it is a quick hike to the Tintagel Citadel the place it is speculated that the medieval fort was the house of King Arthur. Whether or not you imagine within the fantasy or not, it is a stunning spot to look over on the Cornish sea because the waves lap up beneath the ruins. Remember 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 fairly wooded forest alongside a river, and discover a waterfall. You do must pay for entry, make certain to examine 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’s magnificence round each nook: pure and historic wonders, windswept grass, sheep and lambs grazing, and suicidal pheasants attempting to cross the street to discover a mate.

We headed straight to the Royal Crescent in Bathtub for one of the vital pleasant meals you’ll be able to have: afternoon tea. This historic lodge 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 ravishing 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 exhausting to decide on which one. You do not have to! I began with the wealthy Masala Chai, one in every 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 by some means, as Michael exclaimed, “smelled just like the countryside.” We each cherished our selections.

The smoked salmon toast was delectable and the orange dessert was bursting with taste. Your entire unfold is aesthetically pleasing, particularly with the royal blue curtains framing the gardens exterior. From the dainty sandwiches to the home made 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 ambiance. After tea, we strolled across the secluded gardens and peeked in on the spa. I imagine a go to to Bathtub is not full with out stepping in and having tea at The Royal Crescent.

We headed to our beautiful 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 street. Beneath you will discover in all places 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. Your entire metropolis is listed as UNESCO, and this honor is simply granted to at least one different metropolis, Venice, Italy. The town dates again to Roman occasions when individuals from throughout got here to benefit from the therapeutic waters that sprung up from the grounds. The identical continues to be true right now. 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 simply 2 hours from London and a brief methods to Stonehenge, the town can get crowded. I like to recommend going to see the baths within the morning and shopping for your tickets upfront.

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

The Mayor’s Guides provide fully free – no suggestions 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 best way.

With just a few hours of daylight left, we stopped in Glastonbury. Right here, you will 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 advocate going to Chalice Nicely and Gardens. The holy effectively is considered a sacred place and related to therapeutic properties. Generally known as the “Purple Spring” or “Blood Spring” due to the crimson iron deposits the water leaves behind, there are various 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 a good way to benefit from the church and listen to some music free of charge.

I notably cherished the well-preserved Vicars’ Shut. Proper by the cathedral, you will discover Britain’s solely full medieval road. This road used to deal with members of the clergy and choir, right now it is a ravishing road to peruse.

After darkish, we drove again to Bathtub however on the best way stopped for exhausting cider at Wilkins Land’s Finish Farm. You will enter a considerably darkish farmhouse and also you won’t make sure for those who’re on the proper place. Simply hold going and you will arrive at the very best cider on the planet. I am unable to advocate this expertise sufficient. Low cost, scrumptious cider produced in essentially the most conventional method. You will have a lot enjoyable chatting with Roger Wilkins and employees about their ardour for cider. Remember to ask concerning 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’ll be able to park and take a bus over to the prehistoric monument. This world surprise is a marvel to see and to try to perceive why hundreds of years in the past individuals organized these gigantic stones, some from a whole lot of miles away, on this round form. Might be a burial place, a celestial calendar, or a non secular 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 Heart to be taught extra about Stonehenge.

Subsequent, we made our method as much as the Cotswolds, however first stopped at Silbury Hill exterior of Avebury. The hill is the most important 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 pictures.

Late within the day we drove to Cowley Manor, essentially 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 getting 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 glorious wine, home made bread, and salted butter. The eating room is beautiful and chic with contemporary flowers, hovering shuttered home windows, and an open fireplace. The room is intimate,  the servers are fast and sort, 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 substances. The English toffee pudding and wealthy chocolate mousse almost put me in a meals coma (in one of the best ways potential) it was good to climb the steps as much as our room and snuggle up below the delicate quilt.

Day 9 – Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are a few of the prettiest spots in Southern England. Take time to loosen up and benefit from the stunning villages full of historical past. There are numerous beautiful locations to discover on this space, so I’ve highlighted a few of my favorites we noticed every day. You will 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 will get a map with info on the historic websites.

Cirencester was in style in Roman occasions and a museum exhibits the treasures from the previous. You will additionally discover nice procuring right here.

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

One other metropolis on the water is Bouton-on-the-Water often called 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 business 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 delightful 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 appeared on the meticulous inexperienced grounds of the property. This tea was further particular after studying that the creator of Alice and Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, visited Cowley usually and drew inspiration for the e book! 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 fitness center, two heated swimming pools (out of doors and indoor) you possibly can simply simply keep right here for the remainder of the journey!

Day 10 – Cotswolds

Waking up vivid 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 just a few extra villages you’ll want to peruse. However first, we headed to Cotswolds Farm park because it was “lambing” season and there have been a whole lot of child animals you’ll be able to feed. Name me a toddler, however I completely cherished getting to provide the lambs milk and seeing the goats and piglets run concerning 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.

Citadel 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 very best 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 essentially the most well-known author ever: William Shakespeare. Right here, we did a strolling tour of this deeply historic city. You will move by dozens of Tudor buildings, can take a cruise on the river Avon, and see Shakespeare’s childhood dwelling.

In case you’re a fan of the author there are many actions to take pleasure in. You will discover his birthplace and take a tour, see his old style, 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 beneath is Shakespeare’s dwelling.

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 up to date performs and “The Different Place” (sure it is actually referred to as that) displaying, effectively, 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 in style Oxford. Whether or not you are a fan of Harry Potter, or simply eager 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 only stroll across the city and Excessive Road to see the medieval structure. For starters, spend a while within the metropolis middle, go to a few of the faculties, and get a great 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 faculty and yow will discover Einstein’s chalkboard on the Museum of Historical past and Science.

When you have further time, I counsel going to Winston Churchill’s birthplace, Blenheim Palace. Now dwelling to the descendant of Duke of Marlborough, you will discover majestic gardens designed to compete with Versailles and gilded state rooms with beautiful furnishings and tapestries. Churchill’s golden locks have been reduce at age 5 and nonetheless hold 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 have a look at the place to tuck in at night time. I counsel that you simply get the very best of every part by staying in a traditional B&B, a contemporary residence 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 in your journey:

Harriet Home B&B  in Canterbury

Located only a quick stroll from the city middle of Canterbury, you will 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 delicate linens and fashionable facilities equivalent to a mini fridge and nice web entry, you’ll really feel proper at dwelling. I notably cherished 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 very best a part of our keep was the breakfast. The night time earlier than you’ll be able to decide what you’d prefer to order, along with the croissants, fruit, and yogurt. I’ve to say I don’t like eggs buffet fashion. 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 strategy to begin your day. Home made bread, marmalade, fruit salad, espresso, and scorching tea are all accessible. 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 customized breakfast.

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

E-book Harriet Home straight right here.

Westgate Residences in Bathtub

In spite of everything that driving across the English countryside, it was fantastic to have a complicated residence 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 front room, eating room, full kitchen, and loo.  The cherry on high 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 cherished the walk-in bathe and the full-size bottle of Cowshed toiletries. There was even further merchandise like toner and moisturizer which was such a deal with.

The residence is spacious, clear, and effectively laid out. There was tremendous quick WiFi, two flat-screen TVs, in an general trendy house. Rooms are cleaned every single day (generally this isn’t the case at an residence) and the room was very quiet, regardless of being near the town middle. You get the very best of each worlds right here: the facilities and house of an residence, however the service of a lodge. One factor to notice is parking it a bit farther away and isn’t included within the value.

Conveniently, you’ll be able to stroll proper out the door and be straight in entrance of Thermae Spa. Looking our window we may see the bustling scene from beneath of individuals mingling at eating places and bars. Really, the Hiding Area Westgate Residences are the right base to discover Bathtub and the encircling space.

E-book Westgate Residences proper right here.

Cowley Manor within the Cotswolds

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

Upon getting 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 timber. On my proper have been fluffy, mild flowering timber, and a vivid blue pool. We parked our automotive 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 delicate linens. The massive home windows appeared out over the pond and hills of the property. I really like making the room very darkish, and I used to be delighted to see shutters and blackout shades for this goal. There’s a DVD participant and a hook up for a laptop computer so I may 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 attractive film.

I may have spent the whole day within the giant rest room, with a cleverly hidden rest room. The inexperienced tiled bathe has nice water strain and scorching water- many locations lack precise scorching water and a lukewarm bathe simply doesn’t reduce it. There are 30 rooms in complete between the principle home and the steady block. I opted for the principle home for the notably fantastic views.

We dined right here each 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 strategy 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 essentially 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 creator may come right here to jot down 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 advocate this place extra. Deal with your self and go to Cowley Manor.

Take a look at Cowley Manor right here.  Discover my full evaluation of Cowley Manor right here.

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