England - the Epic Escape

England - the Epic Escape

7 Day England Exploration :

Embark on an unforgettable road trip honeymoon through England, where history, breathtaking landscapes, and adventure await at every turn. From exploring iconic landmarks and charming villages to hiking around stunning lakes and cities - this itinerary is packed with opportunities to connect, discover, and make lifelong memories.

 

Day 1 - Fly to Manchester and drive to Lake District

    • Morning:
      • Arrive at the Manchester airport and drive to the Lake District (approx. 1.5 -hour drive from your starting point).
        • Head to Ambleside, a lovely town by Lake Windermere 
      • Lake Windermere: Spend the morning exploring the lake. Options include a hike around the lake or taking a kayak ride to fully enjoy the scenery.
      • Have lunch in Ambleside at a cozy café, like The Apple Pie Café or Rothay Manor.
    • Afternoon:
      • Grasmere: After lunch, drive to Grasmere (about 15 minutes). Explore this quaint village known for its famous Gingerbread Shop and William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage
      • Hike to Easedale Tarn: This beautiful hike (roughly 3-4 miles) takes you through scenic woodlands to the tranquil Easedale Tarn, with its lovely waterfalls and mountain views.
      • On your way back, make a stop at Rydal Mount – the historic home of poet William Wordsworth, located by Rydal Water.
    • Evening:
      • Return to Ambleside
        • Dinner in Ambleside - Try local favorites such as the Old Stamp House or The Drunken Duck.
      • Stay at Crow How Country House – A charming place to relax after a day of hiking and exploring.

         

     

    Day 2 - Exploring the Lake District 

      • Morning:
        • Windermere to Keswick: Start the day with a scenic drive along Lake Windermere before heading north to Keswick (about 1 hour).
        • Stop at Derwentwater for some more lake views, or take a boat tour of the lake for a peaceful experience
        • Grab lunch at one of Keswick’s lovely cafés like The Square Orange Café or The Porthole Café
      • Afternoon:
        • Castlerigg Stone Circle: Near Keswick, visit this prehistoric stone circle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains
        • Wastwater Lake: Continue your drive south towards Wastwater, England’s deepest lake, surrounded by dramatic mountains. Take a short walk or simply admire the views.
          • Optionally, take a light hike around the Borrowdale Valley, known for its picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere.
      • Evening:
        • Return to Ambleside for dinner and relax. Enjoy a quiet evening at a local pub or have a nice dinner at The Three Shires Inn.
        • Stay in Ambleside at Crow How Country House again.

       

      Day 3 - Drive to the Cotswolds

        • Morning:
          • Early morning departure from Ambleside. Begin your 4-hour drive to the Cotswolds, one of England's most picturesque regions known for its charming villages and rolling hills.
          • Stop for a coffee or break in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare
            • Visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage or the Royal Shakespeare Theatre if time allows
          • Arrive in the Cotswolds and have lunch in Chipping Campden, a beautiful market town.
            • Enjoy traditional English fare in a quaint pub like The Kings Arms or The Eight Bells.
        • Afternoon:
          • Bibury: Explore the famous Arlington Row, a picturesque row of honey-colored stone cottages
          • Bourton-on-the-Water: Often referred to as the "Venice of the Cotswolds," take a stroll along the village’s riverside or enjoy some sightseeing in the Cotswold Motoring Museum or Birdland Park and Gardens.
        • Evening:
          • Stow-on-the-Wold: End your day in Stow-on-the-Wold, one of the most beautiful towns in the Cotswolds.
          • Have dinner at The Old Butchers or The Porch House for a traditional English pub experience

        Day 4 - Explore the Cotswolds

          • Morning:
            • Broadway: Start your day in this charming town, known as the "Jewel of the Cotswolds." You can explore the local shops and galleries, or hike up to Broadway Tower for panoramic views of the Cotswold countryside.
            • Stop for lunch in Broadway or Chipping Norton for a laid-back meal at a local tearoom or café.
          • Afternoon:
            • Blenheim Palace: If you're a history buff, take the short drive to Blenheim Palace (about 30 minutes from Broadway). This grand estate is the birthplace of Winston Churchill and offers beautiful gardens, a fascinating history, and impressive architecture.
            • Cotswold Wildlife Park: For a more relaxed afternoon, visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford, which is home to exotic animals and a lovely park.
          • Evening:
            • Return to Stow-on-the-Wold for a second night, or consider exploring another village for dinner and an overnight stay.

           

          Day 5 - Oxford and the Cotswolds

            • Morning:
              • Drive to Oxford (about 45 minutes), a city known for its prestigious university.
              • Bodleian Library: Visit one of the oldest libraries in Europe, located at the heart of Oxford University.
              • Christ Church: Explore this famous college, known for its grand dining hall (which inspired Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films).
              • Have lunch in Oxford’s Covered Market or one of its many cafés.
            • Afternoon:
              • Take a stroll around the Oxford University Botanic Garden, one of the oldest in the UK.
              • Explore the Radcliffe Camera, Sheldonian Theatre, and Bridge of Sighs for more Oxford highlights.
            • Evening:
              • After a leisurely afternoon, drive to London (1.25 hours) for the evening.
              • Check into your Airbnb in London.

             

            Day 6 - London Sightseeing

              • Morning:
                • Buckingham Palace: Start your day with a visit to Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard (usually around 11 AM).
                • Westminster Abbey: Head over to this iconic church where British monarchs are crowned and many are buried.
                •  Stop for lunch in the Westminster area or along Victoria Street.
              • Afternoon:
                • Big Ben and Houses of Parliament: Explore the area around Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, taking time for photos and sightseeing.
                  • The Houses of Parliament: Take a guided tour if time allows, or simply enjoy the exterior.
                • Walk along South Bank for great views of the Thames and London Eye.
              • Evening:
                • Covent Garden: In the evening, explore the vibrant Covent Garden area, known for street performers, shops, and fantastic restaurants.
                • Dinner at The Ivy Market Grill or a more casual pub in the area.

               

              Day 7 - Explore London

                • Morning:
                  • Visit Tate Modern or The National Gallery to enjoy some of London’s finest art collections.
                  • Alternatively, if you’re interested in history, visit the British Museum for world-class exhibits.
                  • Grab lunch in Soho or Notting Hill, depending on your preferences.
                • Afternoon:
                  • Hyde Park: Relax at Hyde Park, perhaps renting a rowboat on the Serpentine or enjoying a peaceful walk through the park.
                  • Explore the nearby Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace.
                • Evening:
                  • Enjoy your last evening in London with a river cruise along the Thames or see a show in the West End
                  • Time to fly home!

                 

                 


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