History & Fantasy Tour of Southern England - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in London & Transfer to Bath, Literary Tour

Welcome to England! After arriving in London, there will be no time to waste, as beauty and adventure await further west. You'll immediately hop a train for the 1.5-hour journey to the incomparable city of Bath. The uniqueness of Bath derives from its well-preserved Roman history, which is most famously exemplified by its namesake Roman Baths. There's also the incredible Georgian architecture to spare, plus a rich literary legacy centered around Regency England's most famous female author, Jane Austen.

 

Bath is synonymous with Jane 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 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.

Bath gave Austen much fodder for her novels. During the early 19th century, the well-heeled of British society 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 and flirt at the endless balls and social engagements. If you are passionate about Jane Austen, inquisitive about the Regency period, or simply an anglophile history buff, you will have a wonderful time on this guided walking tour. It brings a bygone age back to life for all to experience. 

Day 2: "Bridgerton" Tour of Bath

Netflix's hit series "Bridgerton" has taken the world by storm. Set in London during the Regency era, the first season told the love story of London socialite Daphne Bridgerton. Yet despite being set in London, many of the scenes were actually filmed in Bath to take advantage of the city's well-preserved Georgian architecture. 

On this private 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: Bath to Moreton-in-Marsh

Today you're off to the nearby Cotswolds, one of the most stunning regions in the UK. This rural area of southern England encompasses six different counties and enjoys AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) conservation status. The region is denoted by rolling green hills, medieval villages, and various sites of cultural and historical interest.

You'll be traveling from Bath to one such idyllic little market town: Moreton-in-Marsh. It dates to the 13th century and is one of the principal villages in the northern Cotswolds region. After checking in to your B&B, you can head out and explore the town. You'll see many historic inns and manor homes dating to the 18th century along the High Street. There's also the famous Redesdale Market Hall, a municipal building constructed in 1887 and whose ornate clock tower is one of the town's icons. 

Day 4: Day Trip to the Cotswold Falconry Centre

Outside of Moreton-in-Marsh is the Cotswold Falconry Centre. This breeding and conservation site was opened in 1988 with the aim of providing the public with a greater knowledge of birds of prey and the ancient art of falconry. It's a great place to take the kids; it's home to some of the most amazing birds you can see up close, including owls, eagles, hawks, and falcons. There are many things to see and do here, including breeding aviaries and flying shows.

Today you'll visit the center to learn more about birds of prey. You'll even take part in an on-site falconry experience. Flying Start is an hour-long activity in which you'll play the role of falconer and fly these amazing birds yourself. After the tour, you'll return to town and will have the rest of the day free. 

Day 5: Visit Cotswolds Gardens & Transfer to Oxford, University Tour

In the morning, you'll head just north of Moreton-in-Marsh to the Hidcote Gardens, part of a historic manor home in the village of Hidcote Bartrim. The 10 acres that comprise these public gardens were inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement of decorative and fine arts that originated in Britain around the turn of the 20th-century. You'll enjoy a private, 2-hour stroll around the gardens to enjoy its hedges, rare trees and shrubs, and various "outdoor rooms"—sections of the garden done in various themes.

 

Afterward, you'll transfer to Oxford, a city in south-central England most famous for its 12th-century Oxford University. Upon arrival, you'll tour its hallowed halls, historic buildings, and verdant grounds—but with a twist. The focus of today's university tour is on sites that served as inspiration for the "Harry Potter" series of books as well as the locales featured in the films. 

Walk in the footsteps of Harry as you see the actual places that inspired the story of the boy wizard. Author J.K. Rowling once applied to study at Oxford University, and it left an impression on her. Thus, Rowling walked the producers around Oxford when they were preparing the films, pointing out various sights they could use, such as the statue that looks like 'Nearly Headless Nick' and Turf Tavern Lane, which looks like Knockturn Alley.

The tour includes a visit to one of the actual shooting locations in the film: Oxford's Divinity School, where they filmed the classroom, dance, and infirmary scenes. Your guide will reveal much insight into the actors, the producers, and J.K. Rowling's inspirations throughout the tour. Also, as you walk around, you'll take part in a Harry Potter quiz to test your knowledge of the books and films. After the tour, you'll return to your hotel in Oxford. 

Day 6: Bodleian Library Tour, Punting & a Picnic in Oxford

In the morning, you'll head back to the campus for a 1.5-hour tour of Bodleian Library, the main research library of Oxford University. This is a real treat, as the Bodleian is the second-largest library in England (it houses over 13 million books and printed items) and is one of the oldest in Europe. You'll visit the library's historic rooms, including the 15th-century Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellor's Court, medieval Duke Humfrey's Library (the oldest reading room in the building), and Radcliffe Camera, housing the science library.

 

Afterward, you'll enjoy a time-honored Oxford tradition: punting on the River Cherwell. This is a leisurely, 2-hour boat tour that involves hopping in a punt (a narrow, flat-bottomed riverboat) and then punting (propelling the boat using a long stick to push on the riverbed) down the river. The experience is not unlike riding in a Venetian gondola, and just like those boats in Italy, you'll have your own expert chauffeur to take you around the waterway.

 

The relaxing trip begins when you set off at a gentle pace south from the boathouse. You'll pass a number of Oxford's iconic sights, such as the Botanic Garden, the playing fields of Magdalen College School, and Christ Church (where Lewis Carroll taught his students in the mid-19th century). Finally, you'll pass the fertile gardens of St Hilda's College before heading back to the boathouse.

 

However, if you're feeling adventurous, the chauffeur will continue south to where the Cherwell meets the Isis (Oxford's name for the River Thames). The river opens up here and is lined with more stunning scenery. Regardless of whether you want to continue, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch right on the boat.

Day 7: Oxford to London & Depart

Today marks the end of your weeklong getaway in southern England. In the morning you'll board a train for the hour trip to London. From there you'll transfer to the airport for your flight home. Until next time!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to England? Check out these other 1-week England itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and family-fun tours to hit the highlights.