Visiting the UK can be daunting. It is a small country with many years of history, a buzzing modern environment, and a beautiful landscape in one small space, but how do you decide where to start? The great news is that one week is all you need to experience some of the best things the UK has to offer. You will get to explore a wide range of places in this perfectly put together itinerary, from London’s busy streets to the ancient city of Edinburgh, the scholarly atmosphere of Oxford, and the beautiful rural environment of the Cotswolds.
For people choosing the London commuter belt, it is important to have good transport around them. For example, if the base is in Hertfordshire, then relying on the dependable service of Cabs In Hemel will help the person avoid spending many hours on suburban train schedules and allow for reaching Windsor Castle without much difficulty. It is true that public transport is abundant in the UK, however, combining it with trains and coaches will make it easier to explore a greater area. Keep in mind that advance booking for inter-city trains is essential as the price may shoot up before traveling.
You will begin your trip in the capital city of London. Your itinerary on the first day is to explore the classic landmarks of the city. Head to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, then walk towards Westminster Bridge. After this, proceed to the London Eye. Then immerse yourself in the history of Westminster Abbey. Take some time in the afternoon to visit the Tower of London and view the Crown Jewels. You can either watch a West End performance in the evening or dine by the river.
Day Two takes you to experience the royal culture. Pay a visit to Buckingham Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Take some leisure walking around St. James’s Park. If you are into art, spend some time in the British Museum or National Gallery. Take a ride in the cable car from Greenwich to the O2 Arena for a unique view of the city. Travel using the London Underground (the Tube) except where required otherwise due to late-night or early morning activities. You will be ready to come back to this vibrant city once you leave it!
Catch an early morning train from Paddington Station, London to Oxford (approximate journey time is one hour). Dubbed as the “City of Dreaming Spires,” Oxford can provide you with a fascinating diversion from the urban hustle. Explore Bodleian Library, Christ Church College where Harry Potter’s Great Hall was located, and take a punt on the river Cherwell. By afternoon, get a rental car or board a small group tour to visit the villages of Cotswold region. Spend some time in Burford, Bibury (known for its Arlington Row) and Bourton-on-the-Water. Head back to London before dusk for your overnight accommodation.
It is a day packed with history. Choose a combination ticket or opt for the train that goes from Paddington Station to Bath Spa Station (80 minutes). Start with the Roman Baths in Bath, which have been impeccably maintained, the Royal Crescent, and taste the spa water. Then head to Stonehenge after lunch. While some might think the monument small, its magical aura cannot be denied. Stand in awe of the Neolithic structure built 4,500 years ago. Listen to the audio tour to appreciate the alignment during the summer solstice. End the day back in London.
Replace Oxford with its competitor Cambridge University, which lies 45 minutes away from King’s Cross Station in London. The highlight of Cambridge University is the famous college backs and the River Cam. You may choose to hire a chauffeured punt for a ride through the Bridge of Sighs and Mathematical Bridge while being told tales of the scandalous lives of college students by your guide. Do visit King’s College Chapel to admire its fan-vaulted roof, and take a trip to the Fitzwilliam Museum to view art and antique collections. Unlike London, you have time in Cambridge.
It is now time to move on to another country in the UK. Board a train early in the morning from King’s Cross Station, London, to Edinburgh Waverley, a four-and-a-half-hour-long train journey which gets quite scenic from Newcastle northwards. As soon as you reach there, check into the hotel and head to Edinburgh Castle, which stands atop a dormant volcano. Wander along the Royal Mile, making frequent stops at whiskey shops and cathedral closes. In the evening, make a quick trek to Arthur’s Seat and watch the sunset view over Firth of Forth. To avoid getting caught up with transport arrangements on your way back home after an exhaustive trip, book an Airport Taxi Hemel Hempstead in advance.
Also read: What Should Every Tourist Do in England?
Catch an early train from Edinburgh to York, arriving at 12:39 PM after a 2.5-hour journey. York is a well-defended city representing the whole history of England within one afternoon. Take a walk around the ancient city walls, see the stunning York Minster Cathedral (one of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in all of Europe), and stroll down The Shambles, a cobblestone street lined with timber-framed buildings which served as the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Discover the Viking invaders at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Have an afternoon snack of Yorkshire pudding wraps or classic fish and chips before boarding a direct train from York to King’s Cross station in London (2 hours).
Is it possible to see the finest of the United Kingdom in just seven days? Of course it is, but only if you know how to go about it. This travel plan has a blend of three big cities (London, Edinburgh) and three smaller towns (Oxford, Bath, Cambridge, York). From Roman construction to medieval religion, you will see everything that makes Britain great. Though you won’t be able to do everything, you will still enjoy the best. The trick is to cut down time spent travelling between places. With this template, you are sure to make lots of memories in Britain. Happy travelling!
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