Southern England Itinerary: A Storybook Highway Journey

Narrowly lacking the intense yellow daffodils and stone fences, we drove via the English countryside on the opposite aspect 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 one of the best 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 may 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’ll want to see in addition to the place to remain and the best way to get round. I’ve all the time been fascinated by historic sights, and there are various 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 greatest 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 lots to see and do in Southern England, it may be complicated to know what’s greatest. So I made positive to go in every single place for you. This complete information to Southern England will share one of the best of so many great 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 might spend way more. However if you happen to’d actually prefer to see as a lot as doable, I’d suggest a minimum of two weeks to cowl chunk of the nation.

Tips on how to get round Southern England

I extremely suggest a automobile. A highway journey round Southern England is one of the best ways to expertise the sights and get a really feel for this pretty nation in addition to uncover among the distant hidden gems. It was a bit treacherous to be taught to drive the slim 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 whole lot 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 highway 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. No doubt, you’ll find your self eager to spend an increasing number of time on this fairy story space of the UK. I felt like I used to be in a stay model of Satisfaction 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 likely to see as a lot as we will once 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 various locations in England to see, it is exhausting to select just a few. I did my greatest 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 stuffed 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 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 stay! 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 shaped. There’s a wealth of historical past behind the universities so it’s properly 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 Faculty, 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 an attractive wood organ display screen, initially devoted to Anne Boleyn, however since Henry VIII minimize off her head earlier than it was completed, the dedication to Boleyn is relatively small. Ensure to seek for it while you go!

Cambridge can be an important place to go “punting.” You may row the boats your self, or get a tour from a college scholar and experience alongside “the backs” to see the backs of all of the historic faculties.

Subsequent, we drove on to Canterbury. That is the proper place to spend the night time, discover, and journey from. We stayed in probably the most lovable 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. For those who 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, 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 fortress, cliffs, and struggle 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. Ensure to test the hours earlier than you arrive. Having each been to the realm earlier than, we determined as an alternative to take some photos on the fortress (I do suggest a tour via if you happen to’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 lovable, well-preserved city. I recommend popping in to the vacationer’s workplace. You could find a city mannequin and audio clarification of the city’s distinctive historical past.

All the pieces 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 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 Citadel Backyard. Created by the poet and author Vita West and her husband, it is some of the pristine gardens in England. You may see how this may be such an inspiring place for a author. Ensure to go up the tower for an attractive view of the gardens.

Day 3 – Battle, Beachy Head, Brighton, Portsmouth

Though we noticed fairly a couple of cities at this time, 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 your complete 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 concerning 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 stunning cliff was the most important operational route for WWII. The chalky white cliffs combine with the seawater, creating an attractive turquoise coloration.

You can also make your manner 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 critical 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. Many 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 disenchanted to see it wanting a bit rundown. Perhaps it was low season, however I would 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 frolicked on the historic dockyard and residential of the Royal Navy. If I used to be disenchanted 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 greatest often known 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 among the battles that came about at sea for Britain. If you go to purchase a ticket be sure to purchase for nonetheless many points of interest you’d prefer to see to get a worth 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 various museums and factors of curiosity in Portsmouth. Fortunately, most are situated 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 concerning 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 stuffed with grasslands in addition to numerous ecosystems. In Dartmoor, you possibly can 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 various sights on the checklist for what to see and do in Southern England at this time, most are fast, so you possibly can 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, 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 fortress.

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 dirt at low tide, you may get a distinct view relying on what time you come. We stopped to purchase Cornish pasties (considered one 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. For those who’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 top of the identified world.

From right here, it was a brief drive to Porthcurno to see the unimaginable Minack Theatre, top-of-the-line 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 came about 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 proper setting, so she and her gardener, Billy Rawlings, hand minimize 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 slightly little bit of heaven.” I’ve to agree. I used to be astonished on the shiny inexperienced grassy seats, stunning backyard, and lovely surroundings beneath.

Anticipate 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. Hold your eye out for seals!

When you’ve got some further time (and power) for the day, make your technique to Geevor Tin Mine in Pendeen. That is the biggest preserved mine web site within the nation and was a key cause for Cornwall’s wealth within the Industrial Age. The mining business died when cheaper tin was found abroad. At present, you possibly can tour the mine to get a really feel for the mining business and the acute situations they labored underneath.

From right here, we breezed via the previous seaside city of St. Ives and picked up one of the best 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 definitely 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 either side, maneuvering the winding lanes, and awaiting oncoming site visitors we made our technique 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 quick hike to the Tintagel Citadel the place it is speculated that the medieval fortress was the house of King Arthur. Whether or not you consider within the fantasy or not, this can be a stunning spot to look over on the Cornish sea because the waves lap up beneath 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 must pay for entry, be sure to test 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 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 making an attempt to cross the highway to discover a mate.

We headed straight to the Royal Crescent in Bathtub for some of the pleasant meals you possibly can 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 beautiful 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 an attractive 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, considered 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 in some way, 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. Your entire 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 thing 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 chunk, relishing within the picturesque ambiance. 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 significantly welcome because it had all the fashionable requirements we wanted 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. Your entire metropolis is listed as UNESCO, and this honor is just granted to at least one different metropolis, Venice, Italy. 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 continues to be true at this time. 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 be taught extra concerning the creator who lived in Bathtub for a interval of 5 years. The workers are wearing interval costumes and characters from her novels. You may begin by listening to a briefing on Austen and her quick, however impactful life and household, then uncover extra about her books and life. For those who’re a fan of her work, you may love the museum.

The Mayor’s Guides supply utterly free – no suggestions 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 way in which.

With a couple of hours of daylight left, we stopped in Glastonbury. Right here, you may discover a wealth of other outlets promoting crystals and indicators saying, “fairies welcome.” Glastonbury has lengthy been a pilgrimage web site, because it’s regarded as 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 Nicely and Gardens. The holy properly is regarded as a sacred place and related to therapeutic properties. Generally known as the “Crimson 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 exceptional 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 totally free.

I significantly beloved 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, at this time it is an attractive avenue to peruse.

After darkish, we drove again to Bathtub however on the way in which stopped for exhausting cider at Wilkins Land’s Finish Farm. You may enter a considerably darkish farmhouse and also you won’t make certain if you happen to’re on the proper place. Simply maintain going and you will arrive at one of the best cider on the planet. I can not suggest this expertise sufficient. Low cost, scrumptious cider produced in probably the most conventional manner. You may have a lot enjoyable chatting with Roger Wilkins and workers about their ardour for cider. Do not forget 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 prematurely 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 a whole bunch 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.

Anticipate 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 manner 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, probably the most unimaginable 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 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 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 wonderful wine, do-it-yourself 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 among the greatest I’ve ever had with a concentrate on contemporary, native components. The English toffee pudding and wealthy chocolate mousse almost put me in a meals coma (in one of the best ways doable) it was good to climb the steps as much as our room and snuggle up underneath the comfortable cover.

Day 9 – Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are among the prettiest spots in Southern England. Take time to loosen up and benefit from the stunning villages full of historical past. There are various pretty locations to discover on this space, so I’ve highlighted a few of my favorites we noticed every day. You may discover nearly every thing 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 data on the historic websites.

Cirencester was fashionable in Roman instances and a museum reveals the treasures from the previous. You may additionally discover nice buying 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 relationship again from 1086. There is a trout farm that is considered one of Britain’s oldest and most well-preserved.

One other metropolis on the water is Bouton-on-the-Water often known 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 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 ebook! I felt like we have been sitting with the Mad Hatter as we poured the tea and reveled within the beautiful 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-Aspect Spa of Cowley Manor. With a fitness center, two heated swimming pools (outside and indoor) you might simply simply keep right here for the remainder of the journey!

Day 10 – Cotswolds

Waking up shiny 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 couple of 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 bunch of child animals you possibly can feed. Name me a baby, however I completely beloved getting to offer 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 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.

Citadel Combe is a standard Cotswold village manufactured from limestone. My favourite was Stow-on-the-Wold, a vigorous 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 one of the best locations to see within the Cotswolds right here.

Day 11 – Stratford-Upon-Avon

You may’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 go by dozens of Tudor buildings, can take a cruise on the river Avon, and see Shakespeare’s childhood residence.

For those who’re a fan of the author there are many actions to take pleasure in. You could 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 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 known as that) displaying, properly, 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 fashionable Oxford. Whether or not you are a fan of Harry Potter, or simply thinking 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 Avenue to see the medieval structure. For starters, spend a while within the metropolis middle, go to among the faculties, and get 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 school and you’ll find Einstein’s chalkboard on the Museum of Historical past and Science.

When you’ve got 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 minimize at age 5 and nonetheless cling above the mattress.

The place to remain in Southern England

Now that among the greatest locations to go to in Southern England, let’s examine the place to tuck in at night time. I recommend that you simply get one of the best of every thing 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 to your journey:

Harriet Home B&B  in Canterbury

Located only a quick stroll from the city middle of Canterbury, you may discover the intense 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 that they had the proper keep.

Our room was snug and refined, the proper place for {couples}. With comfortable linens and trendy facilities reminiscent of a mini fridge and nice web entry, you’ll really feel proper at residence. 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 excellent as I used to be preparing for the day!

As a B&B, one of the best a part of our keep was the breakfast. The night time earlier than you possibly can decide what you’d prefer to order, along with the croissants, fruit, and yogurt. I’ve to say I don’t like eggs buffet type. 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. Selfmade bread, marmalade, fruit salad, espresso, and sizzling 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 massive accommodations 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. For those who’re quick 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 personal automobile park, scrumptious meals, a comfortable room, and ease of entry to every thing you need- you possibly can’t ask for extra!

Guide Harriet Home instantly right here.

Westgate Residences in Bathtub

In spite of everything that driving across the English countryside, it was great to have a fancy 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 toilet.  The cherry on high was the absolutely stocked fridge- together with full bottles of wine, vodka, and tequila, supplied at a good worth. 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 further merchandise like toner and moisturizer which was such a deal with.

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

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

Guide 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 complete life. I truly wrote a complete put up 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 stunning brook, lush inexperienced grass, and large timber. On my proper have been fluffy, gentle flowering timber, and a shiny 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 big 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 objective. 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, Satisfaction 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 complete day within the massive rest room, with a cleverly hidden bathroom. The inexperienced tiled bathe has nice water stress 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 principle home and the steady block. I opted for the principle 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 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 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 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 creator may come right here to write down and discover inspiration.

Cowley Manor is the proper fusion of romantic English countryside with purposeful 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 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 folks flocked right here to relish within the magnificence and knowledge. I feel we should always all do the identical.