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 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 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 may final for all of time, there’s something to uncover almost all over the place you flip. My almost two-week England itinerary will cowl all over the place it’s worthwhile to see in addition to the place to remain and tips on how to get round. I’ve all the time been fascinated by historic sights, and there are numerous 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 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 rather a lot to see and do in Southern England, it may be complicated to know what’s finest. So I made positive to go all over the place 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 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. After all, you can spend far more. However for those who’d actually prefer to see as a lot as attainable, I’d suggest at the very least two weeks to cowl a very good chunk of the nation.

Tips on how to get round Southern England

I extremely suggest a automotive. 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 be taught to drive the slender roads, and swap to the left, however it was price it to get to the smaller, much less accessible cities. Plus, it made our journey that a lot faster. Buses typically imply you’ll do a whole lot 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. No doubt, you can see 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 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 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, Tub
Day 7 – Tub, 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 will after we journey. I perceive some individuals aren’t precisely like that. Be happy to adapt this itinerary to your liking. If you wish to spend extra time, let’s say, seeing the museums in Portsmouth, skip Battle and Brighton to make time to do what you want. There are lots of locations in England to see, it is laborious to choose only some. I did my finest to deliver 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 significantly 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 stay! 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 had been run out of city by the peasants, Cambridge was fashioned. There’s a wealth of historical past behind the universities so it’s nicely 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 may discover the most important fan vaulted ceiling on the planet. This chapel has an attractive picket organ display screen, initially devoted to Anne Boleyn, however since Henry VIII lower off her head earlier than it was completed, the dedication to Boleyn is relatively small. Ensure to seek for it once you go!

Cambridge can also be a fantastic place to go “punting.” You possibly can 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 schools.

Subsequent, we drove on to Canterbury. That is the right place to spend the evening, discover, and journey from. We stayed in essentially the most lovable 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 had been the homes swelling out onto the road. You possibly can’t assist however really feel such as you’re in a storybook with Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales echoing in your head. When you skipped cruising the river in Cambridge, you may have ample alternative to do it right here.

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

Day 2 – Dover, Rye, Sissinghurst Gardens

From Canterbury we made the drive all the way down to Dover to take a look at the fort, cliffs, and warfare historical past. Nevertheless, we did discover that in March many locations are nonetheless working on winter hours, issues had been closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Ensure to test the hours earlier than you arrive. Having each been to the world earlier than, we determined as an alternative to take some photos on the fort (I do suggest 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 provides 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 lovable, well-preserved city. I counsel popping in to the vacationer’s workplace. You’ll find a city mannequin and audio rationalization of the city’s distinctive historical past.

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

At sundown we meandered over to Sissinghurst Fortress Backyard. Created by the poet and author Vita West and her husband, it is one of the vital pristine gardens in England. You possibly can see how this could 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 just a few cities at present, 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 possibly can see all the 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 very best sea cliff in Britain at 531 ft. 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 may 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. Possibly it was the low season, however the busy Brighton pier was in severe want of some paint. And the identical goes for the favored Royal Pavilion. In 1800 Brighton was established as a resort since a prepare related 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 expensive. I used to be disillusioned to see it wanting a bit rundown. Possibly it was low season, however I might counsel skipping Brighton and heading as an alternative 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 hung out on the historic dockyard and residential of the Royal Navy. If I used to be disillusioned 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 referred to as 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 among the battles that befell at sea for Britain. Once you go to purchase a ticket ensure you purchase for nonetheless 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 lots of 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 historical metropolis relationship again to the Roman period the place ruins nonetheless stay. Exeter was closely bombed in WWII and many elderly buildings had 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 various ecosystems. In Dartmoor, you possibly can see wild horses run by the meadows as you stumble over “clapper bridges” and stare upon historical stone circles.

After museums and exploring, we tucked in at Penzanceto 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 numerous sights on the record for what to see and do in Southern England at present, most are fast, so you possibly can match all of them in.

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

Hungry, we went to Mousehole, a tiny city with a curious title. It comes from the small harbor with an entrance as slender as, you guessed it, a mouse gap. The boats relaxation alongside the sand and dirt at low tide, you may get a special view relying on what time you come. We stopped to purchase Cornish pasties (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. When you’re a fan of the British sequence 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 recognized 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 lady, Rowena Cade. Pay the £5 to stroll round and see Cornwall’s well-known theater and find out about how the builder created it.

In 1929 the play, A Midsummer Evening’s Dream befell a few mile away with nice success. Subsequent, they needed to stage The Tempest. Cade determined the cliffs beneath her backyard can be the right setting, so she and her gardener, Billy Rawlings, hand lower 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 a bit of little bit of heaven.” I’ve to agree. I used to be astonished on the vivid inexperienced grassy seats, stunning backyard, and lovely 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. Maintain your eye out for seals!

When you’ve got some further time (and vitality) for the day, make your method to Geevor Tin Mine in Pendeen. That is the most important 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. At present, you possibly can 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 favored 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, Tub

Straddling the tiny roads the place branches touched each side, maneuvering the winding lanes, and expecting oncoming site visitors we made our method to Tintagel. Tintagel is to not be missed in Southern England as that is house of the legendary King Arthur. From the city, it is a quick hike to the Tintagel Fortress the place it is speculated that the medieval fort was the house of King Arthur. Whether or not you imagine within the fable 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 few mile in a reasonably wooded forest alongside a river, and discover a waterfall. You do must pay for entry, make certain to test 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 by a gap within the rock.

Spent from our hike, we relished within the 3-hour drive to Tub. 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 Tub for one of the vital pleasant meals you possibly can have: afternoon tea. This historic lodge and spa is the right instance of Georgian structure and an iconic landmark of Tub relationship from 1774. Upon arrival, we had 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 an attractive backyard view. Greeted with a easy menu providing basic tea together with candy,  savory, or vegetarian we selected one of many classics (candy) and savory choices.

After ordering, sit again and loosen up and the waitstaff will deal with you want king and queen. We began with champagne as we perused the tea menu. There have been many delectable choices it was laborious to decide on which one. You do not have to! I began with the wealthy Masala Chai, one in every 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 liked our selections.

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 exterior. From the dainty sandwiches to the do-it-yourself pastries, all the things was scrumptious.

I particularly just like the “Tub Bun” topped with sugar that you just unfold with cinnamon butter- an ideal melding of flavors. We took our time and savored every chunk, relishing within the picturesque environment. After tea, we strolled across the secluded gardens and peeked in on the spa. I imagine a go to to Tub 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 Tub. This place was significantly welcome because it had all the trendy requirements we would have liked after six days on the street. Under you may discover all over the place I like to recommend staying.

Day 7 – Tub, Glastonbury, Wells

Tub 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 barely granted to at least one different metropolis, Venice, Italy. The town dates again to Roman instances when individuals from throughout got here to benefit from the therapeutic waters that sprung up from the grounds. The identical remains to be true at present. You possibly can 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 Tub Spa.

As a result of Tub is barely 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 prematurely.

I additionally suggest going to The Jane Austen Centre to be taught extra concerning the writer who lived in Tub 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. When you’re a fan of her work, you may love the museum.

The Mayor’s Guides supply fully 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 Tub’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 may discover a wealth of other outlets promoting crystals and indicators saying, “fairies welcome.” Glastonbury has lengthy been a pilgrimage website, because it’s regarded as the burial place of King Arthur. Additionally, England’s first church was constructed right here, Glastonbury Abbey. You possibly can tour Glastonbury Abbey and take a tour of the ruins.

I additionally suggest going to Chalice Nicely and Gardens. The holy nicely is considered a sacred place and related to therapeutic properties. Often known as the “Pink Spring” or “Blood Spring” due to the crimson iron deposits the water leaves behind, there are numerous 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 spending a dime.

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

After darkish, we drove again to Tub however on the best way stopped for laborious cider at Wilkins Land’s Finish Farm. You will enter a considerably darkish farmhouse and also you may not make certain for those who’re on the proper place. Simply maintain going and you will arrive at the very best cider on the planet. I can not suggest this expertise sufficient. Low-cost, scrumptious cider produced in essentially the most conventional manner. 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 Tub 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 surprise is a marvel to see and to try to perceive why 1000’s of years in the past individuals organized these gigantic stones, some from lots of of miles away, on this round form. Could possibly 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 Heart to be taught extra about Stonehenge.

Subsequent, we made our manner 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 possibly can 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 unbelievable 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 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 notice 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 hearth. 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 attainable) it was good to climb the steps as much as our room and snuggle up below the smooth 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 lots of beautiful locations to discover on this space, so I’ve highlighted a few of my favorites we noticed every day. You will discover nearly all the things 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 fashionable in Roman instances and a museum exhibits the treasures from the previous. You will additionally discover nice buying right here.

Bibury is understood for its well-known avenue, Arlington Row, dotted with outdated 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 one in every of Britain’s oldest and most well-preserved.

One other metropolis on the water is Bouton-on-the-Water referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” with fairly bridges and parks. Broad Campden has a small church and a cute pub, 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 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 seemed on the meticulous inexperienced grounds of the property. This tea was further particular after studying that the writer of Alice and Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, visited Cowley typically and drew inspiration for the ebook! I felt like we had 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 health club, two heated swimming pools (out of doors and indoor) you 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 it’s worthwhile to peruse. However first, we headed to Cotswolds Farm park because it was “lambing” season and there have been lots of of child animals you possibly can feed. Name me a baby, however I completely liked 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 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 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 possibly can’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 cross by dozens of Tudor buildings, can take a cruise on the river Avon, and see Shakespeare’s childhood house.

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

After all, there’s far 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, nicely, different performs. After we had been there they had been performing the trendy 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 fascinated about seeing the oldest college within the English talking world, Oxford delights all. Take a tour of the college to get an understanding of it is previous and well-known college students.

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

When you’ve got further time, I counsel going to Winston Churchill’s birthplace, Blenheim Palace. Now house 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 had been lower at age 5 and nonetheless hold 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 very best of all the things by staying in a basic B&B, a contemporary house 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 on your journey:

Harriet Home B&B  in Canterbury

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

Our room was comfy and refined, the right place for {couples}. With smooth linens and trendy facilities resembling a mini fridge and nice web entry, you’ll really feel proper at house. I significantly liked the small particulars just like the Cole & Lewis soaps and toiletries merchandise in addition to the lighted mirror that additionally displayed the time. This was good 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 evening 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 model. And having stayed at numerous motels with eggs in silver buffet trays, this was a welcome change.  And these eggs had been divine. The well-lit eating space and patio are the right method to begin your day. Do-it-yourself bread, marmalade, fruit salad, espresso, and sizzling tea are all out there. 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 motels 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. When you’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 non-public automotive park, scrumptious meals, a comfy room, and ease of entry to all the things you need- you possibly can’t ask for extra!

Guide Harriet Home instantly right here.

Westgate Flats in Tub

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

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

The house is spacious, clear, and nicely laid out. There was tremendous quick WiFi, two flat-screen TVs, in an general fashionable house. Rooms are cleaned every single day (typically this isn’t the case at an house) 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 house, 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 possibly can stroll proper out the door and be instantly in entrance of Thermae Spa. Looking our window we might see the bustling scene from beneath of individuals mingling at eating places and bars. Actually, the Hiding House Westgate Flats are the right base to discover Tub and the encircling space.

Guide Westgate Flats proper right here.

Cowley Manor within the Cotswolds

Fairly frankly, Cowley Manor, A Curious Group of Lodges, was my favourite keep of my total life. I truly wrote a whole put up 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 coming into the property you’re feeling as if a storybook is coming to life. On my left was a beautiful brook, lush inexperienced grass, and large bushes. On my proper had been fluffy, gentle flowering bushes, and a vivid blue pool. We parked our automotive and headed into reception and had 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 smooth 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. After all, 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 might have spent all the day within the giant toilet, with a cleverly hidden bathroom. The inexperienced tiled bathe has nice water strain and sizzling water- many locations lack precise sizzling water and a lukewarm bathe simply doesn’t lower it. There are 30 rooms in complete between the primary home and the secure block. I opted for the primary home for the significantly fantastic views.

We dined right here day by day and had a superb 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 had been positioned on the desk.

Afternoon tea is delicious, and on a pleasant day, it is the right method 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 writer may come right here to write down and discover inspiration.

Cowley Manor is the right 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 assessment of Cowley Manor right here.

You merely can not go mistaken in Southern England. The picturesque countryside is embedded with historical 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 gorgeous 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 should always all do the identical.