From mysterious Stonehenge to the Beatles' hometown of Liverpool to the historic campuses of Oxford and Cambridge, this two-week trip around England takes you to a wide range of classic sights. You'll get off the beaten path, too—the itinerary features a day trip to the gorgeous Isles of Scilly, horseback riding on the beach in Cornwall, hiking in the Cotswolds, and time to relax in the medieval Welsh village of Conwy. With a mix of outdoor activities and cultural sightseeing, this lively 14-day journey has something for everyone.

Highlights

  • Follow in the Beatles' footsteps in Liverpool
  • See the filming locations for the Netflix series "Bridgerton"
  • Go horseback riding along the coast in Cornwall
  • Hike on the Cotswolds Discovery Trail
  • Discover the beautiful Isles of Scilly on a day trip
  • Explore Oxford and Cambridge by boat

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Liverpool & Sightsee Liverpool
Day 2 Tour the Beatles' Liverpool Liverpool
Day 3 Enjoy a Free Day in Conwy Conwy
Day 4 Learn About Traditional Welsh Culture  Conwy
Day 5 Explore the Northern Coast of Wales Conwy
Day 6 See Bridgerton's Filming Locations Penzance
Day 7 Day-trip to the Isles of Scilly Penzance
Day 8 Go Horseback Riding in Cornwall Penzance
Day 9 Discover Stonehenge Bourton-on-the-Water
Day 10 Hike on the Cotswolds Discovery Trail Bourton-on-the-Water
Day 11 Tour Bodleian Library & Oxford University Oxford
Day 12 Boat & Picnic in Oxford Oxford
Day 13 Explore Cambridge by Boat Cambridge
Day 14 Depart London, End of Trip  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Liverpool & Sightsee

Looking down over Liverpool

Welcome to England! Your adventure begins in Liverpool. After arriving at the hotel and getting settled in, head out for a walk around this maritime city. The historic port is still an important trading hub today. Explore the waterfront, taking in views of the iconic Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port of Liverpool Building, as well as the River Mersey and the Irish Sea. Have dinner in a local pub before getting some rest. 

Day 2: Tour the Beatles' Liverpool

The Beatles in Liverpool
The Beatles monument in Liverpool

England's fourth-largest city is known around the world as the birthplace of one of the most famous music groups of all time: the Beatles! Today you'll explore the city and rediscover the story of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. On this Fab Four-themed tour around town, you'll hear all about the musicians' early lives from an expert guide.

Day 3: Enjoy a Free Day in Conwy

Conwy Castle in Wales

Move on to Wales today. Get to know the beautifully preserved medieval town of Conwy, home to the 13th-century Conwy Castle. Walk around the castle walls and take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. If you'd like, go on a boat tour or a guided hike this afternoon. Or you can just relax in an open-air pub and enjoy the unique atmosphere. Another option is to ride the train to the top of Mount Snowdon to view the extraordinary panorama across this historic land of myth and legend. This is the adventure capital of Wales, so mountain biking, canoeing, gorge scrambling, and canyoning are also possible.

In the evening, visit a pub to sample wild foraged foods and local specialties like lamb and lobster.

Day 4: Learn About Traditional Welsh Culture 

Houses and hills in Conwy, Wales
Today, on a guided tour around Conwy, you'll learn about traditional Welsh culture on a guided tour that takes you to Conwy Castle, the Church of St Mary & All Saints, and the Smallest House in Great Britain, also known as Quay House. The tour includes interactive features for kids. You'll receive a map of the town to continue exploring on your own in the afternoon and evening. 

Day 5: Explore the Northern Coast of Wales

Explore the beautiful Anglesey coastline
Explore the beautiful Anglesey coastline
Today is all about castles and coastline! While exploring the northern coast of Wales, you'll encounter a glamorous trio of castles—Caernarfon, Conwy, and Beaumaris — recognized as World Heritage Sites today. And this section of the coast was nicknamed "the Queen of Welsh Resorts" for good reason. Its quiet appeal stands in stark contrast to the wilder Isle of Anglesey, where waves crash against the clifftops. This part of Wales offers rich opportunities for surfing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, walking, and birdwatching. 

Day 6: Discover Bridgerton's Filming Locations 

A stone bridge across the River Avon in Bath
The popular Netflix series "Bridgerton" is set in London during the Regency Period. But many of the scenes were actually filmed in Bath to take advantage of the city's beautiful Georgian architecture. On a private walking tour around Bath, you'll see key locations from the series, including the residences of Lady Danbury and the Featheringtons, the Modiste dress shop, Gunter's tea shop, the street Daphne galloped down to save her love from a duel, and more. 
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Day 7: Day trip to the Isles of Scilly

Isle of Scilly beach activity
Boats on the Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly are just off the coast of Cornwall, close enough to visit for the day. This morning you'll set sail for the archipelago, arriving in time for lunch. You'll have the afternoon to explore these stunning islands fringed with sandy secluded beaches and laced with miles of trails to walk, cycle, or ride. Hop on an island ferry to visit the peaceful island of St. Agnes or to visit the famous Tresco Abbey Garden on the island of Tresco. You'll return to Cornwall at the end of the day. 

Day 8: Go Horseback Riding in Cornwall

The coastline of Cornwall, England

Today brings an outdoor adventure in Cornwall. You'll go to a horse trekking center in the morning, where you'll be outfitted for horseback riding. Depending on your experience level, you'll enjoy a guided trail ride along the coast or have the chance to gallop on the beach from Long Rock to Penzance to Marazion.

Day 9: Discover Stonehenge

The ancient prehistoric site of Stonehenge
The next stop on the tour will be the 5,000-year-old Neolithic stones of Stonehenge. Set on Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge is one of the most mysterious places in the world. How did the stones get there? What do they represent? Who put them there? See if you can piece together the evidence at Stonehenge on a guided visit.

Day 10: Hike on the Cotswolds Discovery Trail

Cotswolds Way
Sweeping views over the Cotswolds
Today you'll go hiking on the Cotswolds Discovery Trail. Begin in Cirencester, originally a Roman settlement called Corinium. A military fort was first built here in the first century CE to help defend the then northwestern frontier of the Roman empire. From here, the trail takes you east to Bibury, a gorgeous Cotswold village on the River Coln. Follow the river through a series of idyllic villages before reaching Chedworth. The trail then continues west, meandering through rolling hills to Painswick Beacon and the village of Painswick.
 
The scenic walk to the top of the beacon offers incredible 360-degree views. Continue on to Painswick, the "Queen of the Cotswolds," one of the most interesting and stunning places in the Cotswolds. ​Leaving Painswick, you'll drive south to Minchinhampton, and then to Chipping Camden, a historic market town where you'll spend the night.

Day 11: Tour Bodleian Library & Oxford University

Bodleian Library, Oxford

Head to the famed Oxford University today. J.K. Rowling was familiar with the campus and took inspiration from its statues and buildings for the Harry Potter series. You'll go on a walking tour of these highlights as your guide provides insights about the actors, the producers, the filming process, and Rowling's inspirations. You'll also learn about what student life is like at Oxford these days!

Then tour Bodleian Library, one of the world's oldest working libraries. Explore its wonderfully historic interiors, including a modern underground reading room, the 15th-century Divinity School, Convocation House, and Chancellor's Court. 

Day 12: Boat & Picnic in Oxford

Punting Oxford
Boating in Oxford
Today you'll go on a boating tour of River Cherwell. As you set off south from the boathouse, you will glide past Oxford’s famous Botanic Gardens and Magdalen College School, then through Christ Church Meadows, where Lewis Carroll taught in the mid-19th century. Finally, you'll pass the gardens of St. Hilda’s College. You'll enjoy a picnic along the journey!

Day 13: Explore Cambridge by Boat

Cambridge punting
Boating in Cambridge
On the last full day of the trip, you'll explore Cambridge by boat. While cruising along the River Cam, you'll enjoy views of two banks—on one side, seeing the historic facades of the colleges, and on the other, the green expanses of The Backs. Further upstream, the river enters some particularly beautiful and tranquil countryside as it approaches the village of Grantchester. Have one last English-style meal in a pub before traveling tomorrow.

Day 14: Depart London, End of Trip

Looking down over London

Today the trip ends. After breakfast, you'll head to the airport to catch a flight out. Safe travels! 

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