Southern England Itinerary: A Storybook Highway Journey

Narrowly lacking the brilliant yellow daffodils and stone fences, we drove via 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 might be. My Southern England itinerary will present you the most effective 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 all over the place you flip. My almost two-week England itinerary will cowl all over the place it is advisable see in addition to the place to remain and the right way to get round. I’ve at all times 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 among the greatest street journeys EVER.

Having traveled numerous occasions 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 greatest. So I made positive to go all over the place for you. This complete information to Southern England will share the most effective 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 do you have to 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 possibly can spend far more. However for those who’d actually prefer to see as a lot as doable, I’d suggest no less than two weeks to cowl a great chunk of the nation.

Find out how to get round Southern England

I extremely suggest a automobile. A street 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 a few of the distant hidden gems. It was a bit treacherous to study to drive the slim roads, and change to the left, but it surely was value 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 variety of ready round. There are trains and public transportation, but it surely’s going to take a bit extra time to get to your vacation spot.

So let’s hit the street and see a few of 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. Unquestionably, you can see your self desirous to spend increasingly more time on this fairy story space of the UK. I felt like I used to be in a reside model of Delight 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 are 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 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 a lot of locations in England to see, it is exhausting to choose just a few. I did my greatest to deliver 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 reside! This metropolis is bursting with power 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 have been run out of city by the peasants, Cambridge was fashioned. There’s a wealth of historical past behind the universities so it’s properly value it to go on a strolling tour with a graduate to study extra.

Strolling the streets is an effective 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 biggest fan vaulted ceiling on this planet. This chapel has a phenomenal 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 somewhat small. Make certain to seek for it once you go!

Cambridge can also be an excellent 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 probably the most cute B&B, Harriet Home, with a tasty breakfast and ease of entry to the town heart. I will be describing precisely the place to remain in additional element under.

Canterbury’s cathedral merely cannot be missed. However what I discovered most charming have 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. In case 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 principle sq. (Buttermarket) and Excessive Road. 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 right down to Dover to take a look at the citadel, 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. Make certain to examine the hours earlier than you arrive. Having each been to the realm earlier than, we determined as an alternative to take some footage on the citadel (I do suggest a tour via 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 heart. Right here, we walked close to the chalky cliff edge. This well-worn path provides 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 cute, well-preserved city. I recommend popping in to the vacationer’s workplace. You could find a city mannequin and audio rationalization of the city’s distinctive historical past.

The whole lot in Rye is miniature so it’s simple 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 another metropolis in Britain. Picturesque, pleasant, and quirky it is easy 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 one of the vital pristine gardens in England. You possibly can see how this may be such an inspiring place for a author. Make certain to go up the tower for a phenomenal view of the gardens.

Day 3 – Battle, Beachy Head, Brighton, Portsmouth

Though we noticed fairly a couple of cities in the present day, after studying my information you would possibly 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 possibly can see your entire 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 in regards to 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 key operational route for WWII. The chalky white cliffs combine with the seawater, creating a phenomenal turquoise shade.

You can also make your method down the coast for extra pristine views of the enduring 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 critical 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. A lot of the meals was sizzling canines or fish and chips.

To enter the Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence of George, Prince of Wales, is costly. I used to be disillusioned to see it wanting a bit rundown. Possibly 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 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 shocked by Portsmouth. Right here, we went to the HMS Victory ship. This memorable ship fought in lots of battles however is greatest often called 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 study extra about a few of the battles that befell at sea for Britain. Once you go to purchase a ticket be sure to purchase for nonetheless many sights 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 12 months. There are a lot of 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 study in regards to 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 elderly buildings have been destroyed, however the cathedral remained. From right here, it is easy 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 listing for what to see and do in Southern England in the present day, 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. After all, 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 citadel.

Hungry, we went to Mousehole, a tiny city with a curious identify. 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 dust at low tide, you may get a distinct view relying on what time you come. We stopped to purchase Cornish pasties (one in all my favourite dishes of the journey), and introduced them to our subsequent cease for a picnic.

Idyllic Penberth Cove is only a brief drive away on the coast. We parked and walked alongside the luxurious tight alleyways spilling over with greenery and rose bushes. We handed a darling thatched roofed home stepping over a brook to move to the pier. We sat on the nice and cozy stones whereas we ate the scrumptious cheese and onion pasties. In case you’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 location as soon as thought-about to be the tip of the recognized world.

From right here, it was a brief drive to Porthcurno to see the unbelievable Minack Theatre, the most effective 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 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 under 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 slightly little bit of heaven.” I’ve to agree. I used to be astonished on the shiny inexperienced grassy seats, stunning backyard, and beautiful surroundings under.

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!

In case you have some further time (and power) for the day, make your option to Geevor Tin Mine in Pendeen. That is the biggest preserved mine website within the nation and was a key motive for Cornwall’s wealth within the Industrial Age. The mining trade died when cheaper tin was found abroad. At the moment, you possibly can tour the mine to get a really feel for the mining trade and the acute situations they labored below.

From right here, we breezed via the outdated seaside city of St. Ives and picked up the most effective pasties of the journey at Philips Bakery in Hayle. Are you able to inform I actually preferred this dish?! Whereas not a should see, it is actually value 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 anticipating oncoming site visitors we made our option to Tintagel. Tintagel is to not be missed in Southern England as that is dwelling of the legendary King Arthur. From the city, it is a brief hike to the Tintagel Citadel the place it is speculated that the medieval citadel was the house of King Arthur. Whether or not you imagine within the fantasy or not, this can be a stunning spot to look over on the Cornish sea because the waves lap up under 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 fairly wooded forest alongside a river, and discover a waterfall. You do need to pay for entry, ensure that to examine 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 Tub. 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 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 resort and spa is the right instance of Georgian structure and an iconic landmark of Tub 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 a phenomenal 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 exhausting to decide on which one. You do not have to! I began with the wealthy Masala Chai, one in all 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 someway, 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. All the unfold is aesthetically pleasing, particularly with the royal blue curtains framing the gardens exterior. From the dainty sandwiches to the home made pastries, every part was scrumptious.

I particularly just like the “Tub 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 imagine a go to to Tub 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 Tub. This place was significantly welcome because it had all the fashionable 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. All the metropolis is listed as UNESCO, and this honor is just granted to at least one different metropolis, Venice, Italy. The town dates again to Roman occasions when folks from throughout got here to benefit from the therapeutic waters that sprung up from the grounds. The identical continues to be true in the present day. 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 just 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 study extra in regards to the creator who lived in Tub for a interval of 5 years. The workers are wearing interval costumes and characters from her novels. You will begin by listening to a briefing on Austen and her brief, however impactful life and household, then uncover extra about her books and life. In case 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 the most effective 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 way in which.

With a couple of hours of daylight left, we stopped in Glastonbury. Right here, you may discover a wealth of different 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 Effectively and Gardens. The holy properly is considered a sacred place and related to therapeutic properties. Often known as the “Purple 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 outstanding cathedral, tour the grounds, and attend Evensong. “Night Prayer” or evensong derives from the center ages and is an effective way to benefit from the church and listen to some music at no cost.

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, in the present day it is a phenomenal avenue to peruse.

After darkish, we drove again to Tub however on the way in which stopped for exhausting cider at Wilkins Land’s Finish Farm. You will enter a considerably darkish farmhouse and also you won’t be certain for those who’re on the proper place. Simply preserve going and you will arrive at the most effective cider on this planet. I am unable to suggest this expertise sufficient. Low cost, scrumptious cider produced in probably the most conventional method. You will have a lot enjoyable chatting with Roger Wilkins and workers about their ardour for cider. Remember to ask in regards to 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 marvel is a marvel to see and to attempt 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. Could possibly be a burial place, a celestial calendar, or a spiritual 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 study extra about Stonehenge.

Subsequent, we made our method as much as the Cotswolds, however first stopped at Silbury Hill exterior of Avebury. The hill is the biggest 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 photographs.

Late within the day we drove to Cowley Manor, probably 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 understand how a lot I’d 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, home made bread, and salted butter. The eating room is beautiful and chic with contemporary 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 a few of the greatest I’ve ever had with a deal with contemporary, native substances. 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 below the delicate quilt.

Day 9 – Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are a few of the prettiest spots in Southern England. Take time to loosen up and benefit from the stunning villages full of historical past. There are a lot of pretty locations to discover on this space, so I’ve highlighted a few of my favorites we noticed every day. You will discover nearly every part fabricated from stone: homes, bridges, and church buildings within the Cotswolds. If you would like to study extra of every place’s historical past, pop into the vacationer store and, for round a £1, you may get a map with data on the historic websites.

Cirencester was well-liked in Roman occasions and a museum reveals the treasures from the previous. You will additionally discover nice procuring right here.

Bibury is thought 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 all Britain’s oldest and most well-preserved.

One other metropolis on the water is Bouton-on-the-Water often called 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 principle heart of the silk trade 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 exterior on the terrace we dined with delight as we appeared 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 typically and drew inspiration for the e book! 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-Facet Spa of Cowley Manor. With a gymnasium, two heated swimming pools (outside and indoor) you possibly can 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 it is advisable 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 liked getting to present the lambs milk and seeing the goats and piglets run in regards to the grounds. It is a enjoyable, family-friendly exercise everybody will love.

On to a few of 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 conventional Cotswold village fabricated from limestone. My favourite was Stow-on-the-Wold, a energetic 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 most effective locations to see within the Cotswolds right here.

Day 11 – Stratford-Upon-Avon

You possibly can’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 will move by dozens of Tudor buildings, can take a cruise on the river Avon, and see Shakespeare’s childhood dwelling.

In case you’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 skool, 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 under is Shakespeare’s dwelling.

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 up to date performs and “The Different Place” (sure it is actually referred to 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 well-liked Oxford. Whether or not you are a fan of Harry Potter, or simply concerned 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 Road to see the medieval structure. For starters, spend a while within the metropolis heart, go to a few of the schools, and get a great view at Carfax Tower. For Harry Potter followers, go to Christ Church School the place the eating room was intently copied for Hogwarts. C.S. Lewis taught at Magdalen faculty and you’ll find Einstein’s chalkboard on the Museum of Historical past and Science.

In case you have further time, I recommend going to Winston Churchill’s birthplace, Blenheim Palace. Now dwelling 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 lower at age 5 and nonetheless grasp above the mattress.

The place to remain in Southern England

Now that you realize a few of the greatest locations to go to in Southern England, let’s examine the place to tuck in at evening. I recommend that you simply get the most effective of every part by staying in a basic B&B, a contemporary condo 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 brief stroll from the city heart 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 that they had the right keep.

Our room was comfy and refined, the right place for {couples}. With delicate linens and trendy facilities resembling a mini fridge and nice web entry, you’ll really feel proper at dwelling. 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 most effective 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 inns 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 right option to begin your day. Home made 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 massive inns 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. In case you’re brief 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 comfy room, and ease of entry to every part you need- you possibly can’t ask for extra!

Ebook Harriet Home straight right here.

Westgate Residences in Tub

In spite of everything that driving across the English countryside, it was great to have a complicated condo 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 ground plan with a big front room, eating room, full kitchen, and loo.  The cherry on high was the absolutely 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 condo is spacious, clear, and properly laid out. There was tremendous quick WiFi, two flat-screen TVs, in an general fashionable house. Rooms are cleaned every single day (generally this isn’t the case at an condo) and the room was very quiet, regardless of being near the town heart. You get the most effective of each worlds right here: the facilities and house of an condo, however the service of a resort. 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 straight in entrance of Thermae Spa. Searching our window we might see the bustling scene from under of individuals mingling at eating places and bars. Really, the Hiding House Westgate Residences are the right base to discover Tub and the encircling space.

Ebook Westgate Residences proper right here.

Cowley Manor within the Cotswolds

Fairly frankly, Cowley Manor, A Curious Group of Accommodations, was my favourite keep of my total life. I truly wrote a whole publish devoted to this pretty property. With its intensive 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 stunning brook, lush inexperienced grass, and large timber. On my proper have been fluffy, mild 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 delicate linens. The massive home windows appeared out over the pond and hills of the property. I really 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 beautiful film.

I might have spent your entire day within the massive lavatory, with a cleverly hidden rest room. 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 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 right option 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 would possibly come right here to write down and discover inspiration.

Cowley Manor is the right fusion of romantic English countryside with practical and comfy 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.

Take a look at Cowley Manor right here.  Discover my full assessment of Cowley Manor right here.

You merely can’t go unsuitable 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 must always all do the identical.