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Introducing England

England is steeped in history. Like Greece and Rome before it, this relatively small island nation rose to become what was once the world’s most powerful empire—by 1922, the British monarchy ruled more than a quarter of the world’s population. While the empire may have diminished over the course of the 20th century, the culture of the Britons and the beauty of England’s cities and villages remain steadfast.

When is the best time to visit?
England is famous for its gloomy weather; unfortunately, this stereotype is mostly true. Fall is gray and drizzly, and winter is gray and cold. The best time of year to visit is summer (June-August) when the sun shows its face—at least for a short while at a time—and you can put the heavy layers away. If you want to beat the crowds and score lower prices on hotels, try visiting during the shoulder spring season of March-May (and remember to bring a rain jacket). Learn more

Where should I go in England?
It wouldn’t be a trip to England without spending time in London. England’s capital is one of the world's great cities, equal parts tradition, history, modernity, and kinetic energy. In a single day, you can go from the colorful street art of bohemian Camden Town to the open-air markets of Notting Hill, from the gates of Buckingham Palace to a festive working-class pub south of the River Thames.

Two hours southeast of London, in the county of Kent, stretch the famous white cliffs of Dover, and north of London, the university city of Oxford has stunning medieval buildings dating back to the city’s founding in the 12th century. There are other interesting cities in the north, such as Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool—the famed birthplace of the Beatles.

Thinking about traveling around the United Kingdom? Learn more about planning a trip to Wales or Scotland. Many travelers also combine their trip to the UK with a visit to Ireland.

How many days do I need?
You can experience the highlights of London in a mere three or four days. With a week you can enjoy the capital and make time for another city or region, be it the cliffs of Dover or a trip to Oxford. In two weeks you can spend time in London, travel around the countryside to various market towns and villages, and even visit a city or two in the north.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 14 days

England Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
 The Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the Hogwarts Express
Map of Family-Friendly Adventure in England & Scotland - 7 Days
Family-Friendly Adventure in England & Scotland - 7 Days

This weeklong adventure around England and Scotland is terrific for families—and travelers young at heart! Start in London with a ride on the Hop-on, Hop-off Bus, and an interactive "Harry Potter" tour. Then you'll visit Kensington Palace, the Roman Baths, and mysterious Stonehenge before catching the Caledonian Sleeper train to Scotland. On the other side of the border, sample street food and local specialties on a food tour, then ride a Jeep around Cairngorms National Park on a wildlife tour. Finish the itinerary with an unforgettable train ride—best known to Harry Potter fans as the Hogwarts Express—and a boat cruise across the famous Loch Ness.

Cotswolds
Map of English Countryside Retreat - 9 Days
English Countryside Retreat - 9 Days

England's most beautiful attribute might just be its famous countryside. It exists everywhere outside the cities: great expanses of rolling green hills, many of them home to grazing sheep dotting the horizon like fluffy white cotton balls. On this 9-day itinerary, you'll visit some of the old towns, palaces, and fishing villages found in this bucolic paradise, making for one unforgettable British vacation.

Tower Bridge amid a moody London sky
Map of Family Fun in London & Highland Adventures in Scotland - 10 Days
Family Fun in London & Highland Adventures in Scotland - 10 Days

Experience the highlights of London and Scotland over 10 days on an itinerary perfect for the whole family. Discover London's famous palaces, enjoy a "Harry Potter" tour, and see ancient archeological sites at Bath and Stonehenge. Take an overnight train to Scotland, walk the historic streets of Edinburgh, visit countryside locales seen in the "Outlander" TV series, and even ride the "Hogwarts Express" amid Highland scenery.

London skyline
Map of London and the English Countryside - 7 Days
London and the English Countryside - 7 Days

On this week-long itinerary, you'll immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of London, visiting Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, and much more. Then venture out into England's fertile green countryside, which boasts some of the most scenic landscapes in all of Europe. It's the perfect mix of city and country life, allowing you to enjoy culture and excitement as well as rest and relaxation.

English village of Bibury in Cotswolds
Map of Cotswolds Road Trip - 8 Days
Cotswolds Road Trip - 8 Days

Explore the heart of England from the famous "dreaming spires" of Oxford to the Roman baths in Bath, passing by some of the most quintessentially English villages of the Cotswolds. After visiting Oxford, head north via Blenheim Palace and the Cherwell Valley to the home of Shakespeare, Stratford-Upon-Avon. Following an excursion to Warwick Castle, start winding your way through the Cotswolds Hills, passing through a host of pretty villages built from honey-colored limestone. Then explore the elegant city of Bath where you can enjoy the grandeur of its Georgian architecture.

Beautiful views across the Jurassic Coast, Dorset.
Map of Walk England's Jurassic Coast - 8 Days
Walk England's Jurassic Coast - 8 Days

This self-guided 8-day itinerary lets you walk Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic Coast at your own pace. Start in Lyme Regis and travel east along England's south coast, taking in dramatic chalk cliffs, shingle beaches, prehistoric earthworks, and charming thatched villages before ending in historic Lulworth.

Make the Most of Your Time in England

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
When planning a trip to England, spend a few days in London
How Many Days to Spend in England

England is an endless pageant of stunning landscapes, quaint villages, and vibrant cities teeming with fascinating historical and cultural sites. Even in as few as four or five...

Get yourself to iconic Westminster Abbey in London
Map of 1 Week in England - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in England - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in England, you can take a trip to up to four different destinations, split time between two or three, or even dedicate all of your travels to an adventure in one...

England Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest England Content

Admire the east London skyline on a 2-week trip to England
Map of 2 Weeks in England - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in England - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

A two-week trip to England transports you back in time, putting you in touch with the country's rich history and culture. With 14 days to explore, you can travel at a quicker pace to approximately six destinations—like London, Oxford, the Cotswolds, and the Lake District. Or, you can move slower to visit fewer places and spend more quality time in cities like Liverpool and Manchester. Plus, thanks to their proximity, you can cross into Wales or France if you'd like to make the most out of your Eurotrip.

The London Eye and Big Ben
Map of England to France: London, English Countryside, Paris & Lyon - 14 Days
England to France: London, English Countryside, Paris & Lyon - 14 Days

This action-packed, two-week tour spans from England to France. Start by enjoying the best of London—from Buckingham Palace to high tea to a private tour of the Tower of London—along with day trips to the southeast coast and countryside. Then, head to Paris to explore the Eiffel Tower at night, cruise the Seine, and have a Euro-Disney adventure. Finally, end the trip in Lyon with a tour of the city center, delicious Lyonnaise eats, and a visit to the Beaujolais wine region for a farewell toast.

Sunrise in Chipping Campden, Cotswolds
Map of England & Wales Outdoor Tour: London, Oxford, Cotswolds, Conwy, Ambleside & Cambridge - 14 Days
England & Wales Outdoor Tour: London, Oxford, Cotswolds, Conwy, Ambleside & Cambridge - 14 Days

This two-week outdoor adventure takes you from England to Wales and back to England. Begin with sightseeing tours in London and Oxford before spending three days discovering the charming Cotswolds by car, bike, and horse. Then, venture into Wales to visit the stunning castles and northern coastline. Return to England's Ambleside for scenic adventures in the Lake District before visiting Cambridge for punting and an excavation tour.

England Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 5 Days in England - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in England - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 2 Weeks in England - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in England - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 10 Days in England - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in England - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for England
Travel specialist Stephen Molloy
active 14 mins ago

Stephen Molloy

Urbanist by training, he spent most of his twenties traveling and living overseas. Bitten by the bug, he lived in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, California, Australia, DRC, Kenya, Pakistan...and...

read more...
Travel specialist William Armstrong
active 2 hours ago

William Armstrong

I am your English-born, UK and French expert for all activity holidays in off-the-beaten track destinations in UK and France. I have lived, worked and traveled extensively in both the UK and...

read more...
Travel specialist Jane Davey
active 52 mins ago

Jane Davey

I grew up in the UK and developed a real passion for the great outdoors, which inspired me to work in travel. As a child, I spent my holidays in the UK with my parents and my brother. My dad used...

read more...
Travel specialist Sarah Metrat
active 7 hours ago

Sarah Metrat

For 7 years , I have been sending groups and companies all over the world to live unforgettable moments. Today, I am using this expertise to create your perfect holidays. I love designing authentic...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for England

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our Premier Soccer League trip was the experi...
England | Dec 22 - Dec 31, 2023

Cathy
Cathy A.
Baltimore, MD | Reviewed on Feb 04, 2024
Our Premier Soccer League trip was the experience of a lifetime and Meghan planned an amazing trip for us. Everything from the games, to our hotel accommodations, to the restaurant choices were outstanding. Meghan was easy to work with and always flexible when we made changes to our itinerary. She booked several lovely tours for us in each city we visited. Our guides were very knowledgeable and conducted the tours based on what we hoped to accomplish each day. My husband, two sons and I... Read more

Our Premier Soccer League trip was the experience of a lifetime and Meghan planned an amazing trip for us. Everything from the games, to our hotel accommodations, to the restaurant choices were outstanding. Meghan was easy to work with and always flexible when we made changes to our itinerary. She booked several lovely tours for us in each city we visited. Our guides were very knowledgeable and conducted the tours based on what we hoped to accomplish each day. My husband, two sons and I all agreed that this was a trip we will happily look back on for the rest of our lives. Thank you, Meghan for all that you did to make this trip so memorable.

Hotel Review
The Lowry
Manchester

The Lowry Hotel was one of the best we’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. We couldn’t say enough kind things about the outstanding staff in this hotel. They were attentive to all of our needs and we felt like we were part of the Lowry family. The rooms were outstanding and every detail was perfect. We especially appreciated the delicious pastries that were delivered on our first evening. The location was also ideal in that it was a quick walk to shopping and restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
I would say that the staff at the Lowry were the most attentive of any hotel I’ve stayed in.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Megan Lloyd

What an amazing time we had in London!
England | Jan 2 - Jan 8, 2024

Robyn
Robyn B.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024
What an amazing time we had!
I asked Kat to help me organize a surprise 16th bday trip for my daughter and I gave her a wish list of places my daughter wanted to see/things she wanted to do.
Kat organized our trip so we made the most of our time. Her suggestions for a walking tour of Roman ruins on London was really good. Kevin, our guide, knew so much history. We also took a car trip to see Hampton court and Blenheim castles with David and he was also so knowledgeable.
I am so happy with...
Read more

What an amazing time we had!
I asked Kat to help me organize a surprise 16th bday trip for my daughter and I gave her a wish list of places my daughter wanted to see/things she wanted to do.
Kat organized our trip so we made the most of our time. Her suggestions for a walking tour of Roman ruins on London was really good. Kevin, our guide, knew so much history. We also took a car trip to see Hampton court and Blenheim castles with David and he was also so knowledgeable.
I am so happy with the trip Kat planned. I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
Robyn

Activity Reviews
Hampton Court and Blenheim Palace PrivateTour
Hampton Court and Blenheim Palace PrivateTour
London
Quality of Experience
I
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Roman London Private Walking Tour
Roman London Private Walking Tour
London
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Day Tour to Bath and Windsor Castle
Private Day Tour to Bath and Windsor Castle
London
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Kateryna Garkavenko
Kateryna
Kateryna Garkavenko
Local specialist in London | Replied on Jan 11, 2024

Dear Robyn,

I'm delighted to hear that you and your daughter enjoyed the surprise 16th birthday trip! It was my pleasure to organize your travel based on your amazing and thoughtful wish list!
Your kind words mean a lot, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to contribute to your memorable experience.

Warmest regards,
Kat

Valuable advice from someone who knows!
England | Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2024

Lora
Lora D.
Coney Island, NY | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2024
Rachel designed an incredible trip for me, my husband, and my 6 year old son. She provided great advice on what to do and what to avoid. (For example, she told us not to take the train from Edinburgh to London, as it wasn’t the experience we thought it would be.) I would certainly use her again to plan another trip. Read more

Rachel designed an incredible trip for me, my husband, and my 6 year old son. She provided great advice on what to do and what to avoid. (For example, she told us not to take the train from Edinburgh to London, as it wasn’t the experience we thought it would be.) I would certainly use her again to plan another trip.

Hotel Reviews
Kingsmills Hotel
Inverness

This hotel was okay, but clearly overwhelmed for the holidays. Also, the “heated” pool was not heated and was very cold. Don’t think I’d stay here again.

The Hoxton, Southwark
London
Location
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Cameron House
Alexandria

Absolutely perfect- sets the bar high for all other hotels. The Cameron House helped create magical Christmas memories for me and my family.

Authenticity & Character
Friendly staff, beautiful facilities.
Location
Staff
Incredibly helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Mountain Safari
England

Didn’t love this- the guide seemed to be in a rush to be done with us. The scenery wasn’t that great and we didn’t see any animals, so we would skip this next time

Local specialist: Rachel Long