Southern England Itinerary: A Storybook Highway Journey

Narrowly lacking the brilliant yellow daffodils and stone fences, we drove via the English countryside on the opposite aspect 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 most effective locations, most charming villages, and quaint hideaways and highlights of the realm.

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 every single place you flip. My almost two-week England itinerary will cowl in every single place you 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 lots of necessary and exquisite 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 so much 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 most effective of so many great 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 believe two weeks in Southern England is a superb period of time to spend within the cities and the countryside. After all, you could possibly spend way more. However in case you’d actually wish to see as a lot as potential, I’d suggest not less than two weeks to cowl a very good chunk of the nation.

How you can get round Southern England

I extremely suggest a automobile. A street journey round Southern England is the easiest way to expertise the sights and get a really feel for this beautiful nation in addition to uncover among the distant hidden gems. It was a bit treacherous to study to drive the slim 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 lots of 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 street and see among 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. For sure, you’ll discover 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 Pleasure 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 are 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 folks 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 onerous to select just a few. I did my finest to carry 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 counsel spending the day by taking a strolling tour, or punting on the river. I discovered it significantly fascinating 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 properly value it to go on a strolling tour with a graduate to study extra.

Strolling the streets is a good way to see the highlights of Cambridge: Trinity Faculty, 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 biggest fan vaulted ceiling on the planet. This chapel has a lovely wood organ display, initially devoted to Anne Boleyn, however since Henry VIII minimize off her head earlier than it was completed, the dedication to Boleyn is fairly small. Make sure that to seek for it whenever you go!

Cambridge can also be an awesome place to go “punting.” You may row the boats your self, or get a tour from a college pupil and trip alongside “the backs” to see the backs of all of the historic schools.

Subsequent, we drove on to Canterbury. That is the proper place to spend the evening, discover, and journey from. We stayed in essentially 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 beneath.

Canterbury’s cathedral merely cannot be missed. However what I discovered most charming have been the homes swelling out onto the road. You may’t assist however really feel such as you’re in a storybook with Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales echoing in your head. Should 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 primary 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 citadel, cliffs, and battle 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. Make sure that to verify the hours earlier than you arrive. Having each been to the realm earlier than, we determined as a substitute to take some photos on the citadel (I do suggest a tour via in case you’ve by no means been) and a hike alongside the well-known white cliffs.

You will simply discover parking, a restaurant, and bogs on the guests middle. Right here, we walked close to the chalky cliff edge. This well-worn path offers you epic views, and you may 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 counsel popping in to the vacationer’s workplace. You’ll find a city mannequin and audio clarification of the city’s distinctive historical past.

All the things in Rye is miniature so it’s simple 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 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 Fortress Backyard. Created by the poet and author Vita West and her husband, it is one of the pristine gardens in England. You may see how this may be such an inspiring place for a author. Make sure that to go up the tower for a lovely 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 may 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 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 foremost operational route for WWII. The chalky white cliffs combine with the seawater, creating a lovely turquoise shade.

You can also make your approach 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 practice 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 sizzling canine or fish and chips.

To enter the Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence of George, Prince of Wales, is costly. I used to be dissatisfied to see it trying a bit rundown. Perhaps it was low season, however I would 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 dissatisfied by Brighton, I used to be pleasantly stunned 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 study extra about among the battles that came about at sea for Britain. While 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 directly and the tickets are legitimate for a yr. There are numerous museums and factors of curiosity in Portsmouth. Fortunately, most are positioned 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 modify gears and study in regards to the Romans within the Devon area. Exeter is an historic metropolis relationship 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 numerous ecosystems. In Dartmoor, you’ll be able to see wild horses run via 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 listing for what to see and do in Southern England in the present day, most are fast, so you’ll be able to 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. After all, this can be 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 citadel.

Hungry, we went to Mousehole, a tiny city with a curious title. It comes from the small harbor with an entrance as slim as, you guessed it, a mouse gap. The boats relaxation alongside the sand and dust at low tide, you will 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 luxurious 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. Should 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-about to be the top of the identified world.

From right here, it was a brief drive to Porthcurno to see the unbelievable Minack Theatre, top-of-the-line 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 study how the builder created it.

In 1929 the play, A Midsummer Night time’s Dream came about a few mile away with nice success. Subsequent, they wished to stage The Tempest. Cade determined the cliffs beneath her backyard could be the proper setting, so she and her gardener, Billy Rawlings, hand minimize the earth and granite to create the unbelievable theater.  After Rawlings died, she maintained the theater almost 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 vivid inexperienced grassy seats, lovely backyard, and lovely surroundings beneath.

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. Maintain your eye out for seals!

You probably have some further time (and vitality) for the day, make your technique to Geevor Tin Mine in Pendeen. That is the biggest preserved mine website within the nation and was a key motive for Cornwall’s wealth within the Industrial Age. The mining business died when cheaper tin was found abroad. As we speak, you’ll be able to tour the mine to get a really feel for the mining business and the intense circumstances they labored underneath.

From right here, we breezed via the previous seaside city of St. Ives and picked up the most effective pasties of the journey at Philips Bakery in Hayle. Are you able to inform I actually favored 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 either side, maneuvering the winding lanes, and expecting oncoming visitors we made our technique 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 brief hike to the Tintagel Fortress the place it is speculated that the medieval citadel was the house of King Arthur. Whether or not you imagine within the delusion or not, this can be a lovely 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 few mile in a reasonably wooded forest alongside a river, and discover a waterfall. You do should pay for entry, be certain to verify for opening hours. As soon as there, you are given a pair of wellies, and you may stroll round for spectacular views of the sixty-foot waterfall cascading via 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 attempting to cross the street to discover a mate.

We headed straight to the Royal Crescent in Bathtub for one of the pleasant meals you’ll be able to have: afternoon tea. This historic resort and spa is the proper instance of Georgian structure and an iconic landmark of Bathtub relationship 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 lovely 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 chill out 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 onerous 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 good. 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 beloved our decisions.

The smoked salmon toast was delectable and the orange dessert was bursting with taste. The whole unfold is aesthetically pleasing, particularly with the royal blue curtains framing the gardens outdoors. 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 just 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 Flats within the coronary heart of Bathtub. This place was significantly welcome because it had all the fashionable requirements we wanted after six days on the street. Beneath you will 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. The whole metropolis is listed as UNESCO, and this honor is just granted to 1 different metropolis, Venice, Italy. The town dates again to Roman occasions when folks from throughout got here to benefit from the therapeutic waters that sprung up from the grounds. The identical continues to be true in the present day. You may 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 just 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 prematurely.

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

The Mayor’s Guides provide utterly free – no ideas accepted – strolling excursions. It was merely top-of-the-line 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 a number of hours of daylight left, we stopped in Glastonbury. Right here, you will discover a wealth of other outlets promoting crystals and indicators saying, “fairies welcome.” Glastonbury has lengthy been a pilgrimage website, because it’s considered the burial place of King Arthur. Additionally, England’s first church was constructed right here, Glastonbury Abbey. You may tour Glastonbury Abbey and take a tour of the ruins.

I additionally suggest going to Chalice Effectively and Gardens. The holy properly is considered a sacred place and related to therapeutic properties. Generally known 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 a good way to benefit from the church and listen to some music without cost.

I significantly beloved the well-preserved Vicars’ Shut. Proper by the cathedral, you will discover Britain’s solely full medieval road. This road used to accommodate members of the clergy and choir, in the present day it is a lovely road to peruse.

After darkish, we drove again to Bathtub however on the best way stopped for onerous cider at Wilkins Land’s Finish Farm. You will enter a considerably darkish farmhouse and also you won’t ensure in case you’re on the proper place. Simply maintain going and you will arrive at the most effective cider on the planet. I am unable to suggest this expertise sufficient. Low cost, scrumptious cider produced in essentially the most conventional approach. You will have a lot enjoyable chatting with Roger Wilkins and workers about their ardour for cider. Remember 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 prematurely 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 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. Might be a burial place, a celestial calendar, or a non secular website, 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 study extra about Stonehenge.

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

Late within the day we drove to Cowley Manor, essentially the most unbelievable keep on an property nestled in central Cotswolds. This was the proper place to discover extra of this space and really feel like I used to be residing 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 might 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, do-it-yourself bread, and salted butter. The eating room is beautiful and stylish with recent 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 together with your meal.

The English delicacies at Cowley Manor is among the finest I’ve ever had with a concentrate on recent, native components. The English toffee pudding and wealthy chocolate mousse almost put me in a meals coma (in the easiest way potential) it was good to climb the steps as much as our room and snuggle up underneath the comfortable quilt.

Day 9 – Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are among the prettiest spots in Southern England. Take time to chill out and benefit from the lovely villages filled with 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 product of stone: homes, bridges, and church buildings within the Cotswolds. If you would like to study extra of every place’s historical past, pop into the vacationer store and, for round a £1, you may get a map with info on the historic websites.

Cirencester was fashionable in Roman occasions and a museum reveals the treasures from the previous. You will additionally discover nice buying right here.

Bibury is thought for its well-known road, Arlington Row, dotted with previous wool homes. Right here, you will discover a small city perched alongside the River Coln relationship 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 often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” with fairly bridges and parks. Broad Campden has a small church and a cute pub, good for picnicking.

Maintaining with the “b” cities, Blockely is an idyllic village and was as soon as the primary 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 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 outdoors 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 creator 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 sizzling 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-Facet Spa of Cowley Manor. With a fitness center, two heated swimming pools (out of doors and indoor) you could possibly 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 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’ll be able to feed. Name me a toddler, however I completely beloved 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 among 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.

Fortress Combe is a standard Cotswold village product of 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 most effective locations to see within the Cotswolds right here.

Day 11 – Stratford-Upon-Avon

You may’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.

Should you’re a fan of the author there are many actions to take pleasure in. You’ll find 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.

After all, 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 exhibiting modern performs and “The Different Place” (sure it is actually referred to as that) exhibiting, properly, different performs. After 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 fashionable Oxford. Whether or not you are a fan of Harry Potter, or simply keen on 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 among the schools, and get a very good view at Carfax Tower. For Harry Potter followers, go to Christ Church Faculty 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.

You probably 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 minimize at age 5 and nonetheless dangle above the mattress.

The place to remain in Southern England

Now that among the finest locations to go to in Southern England, let’s examine the place to tuck in at evening. I counsel that you just get the most effective 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 below are three suggestions that I extremely endorse on your journey:

Harriet Home B&B  in Canterbury

Located only a brief 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 company to make sure they’d the proper keep.

Our room was comfy and refined, the proper place for {couples}. With comfortable linens and trendy facilities comparable to a mini fridge and nice web entry, you’ll really feel proper at dwelling. I significantly beloved 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 good as I used to be preparing for the day!

As a B&B, the most effective a part of our keep was the breakfast. The evening earlier than you’ll be able to decide 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 accommodations 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 proper technique to begin your day. Do-it-yourself bread, marmalade, fruit salad, espresso, and sizzling 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 accommodations 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. Should you’re brief 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 non-public automobile park, scrumptious meals, a comfortable room, and ease of entry to every part you need- you’ll be able to’t ask for extra!

Guide Harriet Home instantly right here.

Westgate Flats in Bathtub

In any case that driving across the English countryside, it was great to have a fancy 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 ground plan with a big lounge, eating room, full kitchen, and loo.  The cherry on prime was the absolutely stocked fridge- together with full bottles of wine, vodka, and tequila, supplied at a good value. Included within the keep are bottled water, milk, chocolate, Nespresso with a grocery retailer simply across the nook.

I completely beloved 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 properly laid out. There was tremendous quick WiFi, two flat-screen TVs, in an total trendy area. Rooms are cleaned day by day (generally this isn’t the case at an condo) and the room was very quiet, regardless of being near town middle. You get the most effective 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’ll be able to stroll proper out the door and be instantly in entrance of Thermae Spa. Searching our window we may see the bustling scene from beneath of individuals mingling at eating places and bars. Really, the Hiding Area Westgate Flats are the proper base to discover Bathtub and the encircling space.

Guide Westgate Flats proper right here.

Cowley Manor within the Cotswolds

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

Upon getting into the property you are 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 vivid 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 comfortable linens. The massive home windows seemed 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 function. There’s a DVD participant and a hook up for a laptop computer so I may simply watch a film. After all, I needed to watch my all time favourite, Pleasure 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 sizzling water- many locations lack precise sizzling water and a lukewarm bathe simply doesn’t minimize it. There are 30 rooms in whole between the primary home and the secure block. I opted for the primary home for the significantly great 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 recent 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 proper technique 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 ready 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 put in writing and discover inspiration.

Cowley Manor is the proper fusion of romantic English countryside with useful 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 assessment of Cowley Manor right here.

You merely can’t go mistaken 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 believe we must always all do the identical.