Highlights of Western England - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrival in London, Literary Tour of Bath

Welcome to England! After arriving in London, you'll leave the city on a 1.5-hour train ride to the ancient city of Bath. The uniqueness of Bath derives from its well-preserved Roman history, which is exemplified by its namesake Roman Baths. There's also incredible Georgian architecture plus a rich literary legacy centered around Regency England's most famous female author, Jane Austen.

Bath is synonymous with Austen. The great writer made her home in this city from 1801 to 1806, and she even set two of her six novels here. On a 2.5-hour walking tour, your guide will show you Jane Austen's Bath and reveal fascinating insights about the nuances of life for women in Regency-era England, the social etiquette of the day, and the stories behind the landmark buildings.

The city gave Jane Austen much fodder for her novels. During the early 19th century, the British aristocracy flocked here to socialize, bathe in the Roman Baths, stroll the 18th-century Sydney Gardens and the Royal Crescent—a circular street of refined Georgian townhouses—and dance at the endless society balls. If you're passionate about Jane Austen, curious about the Regency period, or just an anglophile history buff, you will have a great time on this tour. It brings a bygone age back to life. 

Day 2: "Bridgerton" Tour of Bath

Netflix's hit series "Bridgerton" is set in London during the Regency era and tells the story of the Bridgerton siblings, beginning with the eldest sister, socialite Daphne Bridgerton. Yet despite its London setting, many scenes were filmed in Bath to take advantage of its stately Georgian architecture. 

On this two-hour walking tour around Bath, you'll see the locations featured in the series. Highlights include 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. During the tour, you'll learn about the very real history behind the buildings seen in this fictional show.

Day 3: Cotswolds Discovery Trail South

You'll hop in a car and leave Bath on an unforgettable road trip through the Cotswolds in the morning. This rural area of southern England encompasses six different counties and enjoys Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) conservation status. The region is denoted by rolling green hills, medieval villages, and various sites of cultural and historical interest. It's also known for charming cottage homes constructed of a distinct yellow limestone mined in the area for hundreds of years.

You'll see this incredible region on a self-drive tour along the southern-loop portion of the Cotswolds Discovery Trail. Where to go is totally up to you, although you'll receive a trail pack and maps that will point you to the major highlights and best places to stop, hike around, and take photos.

Know that Roman Britain is a big part of the south trail. You'll see major historical landmarks like the Roman amphitheater at Cirencester and a Roman villa near Chedworth, dating to the 2nd century. The trail moves east to Bibury, a lovely Cotswolds village sitting on the River Coln.

Follow the river through picture-postcard villages along the Coln Valley. You'll cross the Fosse Way, a Roman road built during the first century, and continue west through rolling hills to the lookout point of Painswick Beacon. A short hike to the top offers incredible 360° views. Afterward, head to the nearby village of Painswick. Known as the "Queen of the Cotswolds," the traditional cottages and buildings are made of iconic Cotswolds limestone.

​After Painswick, you'll drive south, cutting through beautiful grasslands and dodging grazing cows until you reach the ancient market town of Minchinhampton. This hilltop town is a great place to stop and admire the panoramic views that stretch to Wales. Then hop back in the car and drive to the town of Chipping Campden, one of the finest examples of a traditional Cotswolds village. This is where you'll spend the night.

Day 4: Cotswolds Discovery Trail North & Shakespeare Tour

You'll get back in the car for a full-day tour of the Cotswolds Discovery Trail northern loop in the morning. It passes through gorgeous countryside and well-preserved medieval villages like the southern route. Your included trail pack will guide you to the most famous Cotswolds locations and lesser-known treasures. The maps even come with clues to help you solve fun challenges. Solve one such clue, and discover a beautiful "hidden village." 
 
The route leads you along the River Coln and past rolling green hills as you stop at various viewpoints, like Broadway Tower. Sitting on the second-highest hill in the Cotswolds, the Broadway is a 65-foot (20-m) folly tower around which are incredible views. The trail continues through bustling old Cotswolds villages, like Burford, and secluded medieval hamlets until you reach Bourton-on-the-Water, a gorgeous town famous for its arched stone bridges crossing the River Windrush.
 
Throughout the experience, you'll immerse yourself in the rich history of the Cotswolds that dates back to the Stone Age. One stop is at Belas Knap, a barrow monument from the Neolithic Era. Other highlights include an Iron Age fort, Roman amphitheater, and Anglo-Saxon settlements. There are some crafty clues to figure out here to help you uncover even more interesting history.

In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon. This medieval market town sits on the lovely River Avon but is most famous for being the birthplace of the greatest playwright of all time, William Shakespeare. Upon arrival, you'll take a tour through the historic heart of ancient Stratford as your guide recounts the full Shakespeare story. They'll also point out the landmark townhouses that have a historical connection to Shakespeare. These include the playwright's birthplace and childhood home as well as the New Place, Shakespeare's last residence where he died in 1616. 

Other highlights include stops at the picturesque River Avon, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and a range of architectural gems like the 13th-century Guild Chapel, King Edward VI Grammar School, Guildhall (where a seven-year-old Shakespeare attended school), and the 13th-century Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. After the tour, you'll return to your inn at nearby Chipping Campden and will have the evening free.

Day 5: Transfer to the Coast of Wales, Conwy Guided Tour

Today you'll experience the two highlights of northern Wales: its castles and coast. In the morning, you'll leave Chipping Campden and head north into Wales, a country in southwest Great Britain. You'll be traveling to its northern end and the port town of Conwy. Along the way, you'll witness the stunning landscapes that helped earn this region its reputation as one of the most beautiful in all of England.

 

There are four separate UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Wales. One site comprises three 13th-century castles—Caernarfon, Conwy, and Beaumaris—which are all within a few miles of Conwy. As for the coast, this part of Wales offers many opportunities for surfing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, kitesurfing, boating, and birding. Also near Conwy is the charming coastal town of Llandudno, which has been crowned the "Queen of Welsh Resorts." 

 

You'll see some of these locales on a 1.5-hour history tour of Conwy that's perfect for everyone—singles, couples, and even families. A lady leads it in traditional Welsh dress, and as you walk, she'll recount tales of conquests and lore throughout your tour. You'll see the Plas Mawr (a well-preserved townhouse from the golden Elizabethan era), the Church of St Mary & All Saints (a 12th-century parish church) the Town Walls (medieval defensive fortifications), and the Smallest House in Britain (a mere 122 inches tall and 72 inches wide).

Throughout the experience, you'll hear all about the town's rich history and even a few ghost stories to get you jumping. Overall the tour reveals great insight into what it's like living in Conwy today and hundreds of years ago.

 

See this self-drive culture tour of Wales' castles and coastline. Alternatively, check out Wales itineraries for other great options.

Day 6: Transfer to Liverpool, Beatles Tour

In the morning, you'll leave Wales and transfer a short way east to Liverpool, a city made famous in the 1960s by The Beatles. Liverpool is England's fourth-largest city, and there's a lot to see and do here. However, after checking into your hotel, you'll head out on a four-hour driving tour that focuses on the city's most famous musical export.

 

On the tour, your expert guide will help you rediscover the story of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. It's an emotional pilgrimage that dives deep into the "Fab Four" and their humble roots. As you drive, you'll immerse yourself in The Beatles' lives with the help of background history and anecdotes. The tour will take you to the most prominent Beatles locales in and around Liverpool. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel and will have the evening free.

Day 7: Depart London

Today you must bid farewell to England. In the morning you'll transfer back to London to catch your flight home. The good news is that there's much more of this incredible country to discover, and it will be waiting should you choose to return. Safe travels!

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