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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.

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.

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.

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
England map: 5 Days in England - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in England - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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England map: 2 Weeks in England - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in England - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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England map: 1 Week in England - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in England - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for England
Travel specialist William Armstrong
active 1 day 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 Stephen Molloy
active 15 hours 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 Jane Davey
active 15 hours 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 Marion Passelegue
active 15 hours ago

Marion Passelegue

Hi there! My name is Marion and I am very glad to be helping you out! I know the joy and excitement when a travel 'project' is all coming together and I know the sense of pride and achievement when...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for England

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

UK Roadtrip
England | May 2 - May 13, 2023

Kenneth
Kenneth B.
Dickson, TN | Reviewed on May 20, 2023

We wanted to see as much of the UK as possible, on our time of roughly 11 days in country and our budget. Stephen, primarily, and the High Point team did a great job planning. Thanks to you all.
One observation on the timing. On day 2 driving to Bath, Tintern Abbey and eventually, Cardiff, we really didn't have enough time to see Bath. By the time we parked near the city center in Bath, it was time to go to Tintern. I drove the speed limits for the most part. Bath was a suggestion anyway... read more

We wanted to see as much of the UK as possible, on our time of roughly 11 days in country and our budget. Stephen, primarily, and the High Point team did a great job planning. Thanks to you all.
One observation on the timing. On day 2 driving to Bath, Tintern Abbey and eventually, Cardiff, we really didn't have enough time to see Bath. By the time we parked near the city center in Bath, it was time to go to Tintern. I drove the speed limits for the most part. Bath was a suggestion anyway and we don't think not touring around town detracted from the overall trip. We especially liked the accomodations selected. VRBO-like places to the small hotels, we liked them all. Favorites were Juniper Cabins, Gwynfryn, and Six Brunton in Edinburgh.

Hotel Reviews
The Glencoe Inn
Ballachulish
Authenticity & Character
Location
View of the Pap of Glencoe right out front.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Resident Kensington
London

For some reason they thought it was our anniversary so the room was rose-petaled and swan twisted towels forming a head to head heart. The wine and chocolate we're appreciates.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, excellent doe morning jogs.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Inn Cardiff
Cardiff

Lots of space to spread out. Three beds.

Authenticity & Character
N/A. Self check-in, no staff, per se. Contact on phone , Steve, helpful on parking permit for street parking.
Location
Can't say, didn't stay in Cardiff long enough. Several good pubs nearby.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Giltar HOtel
Pembrokeshire
Authenticity & Character
Location
Seafront, great view and right in center.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Gwynfryn Bed and Breakfast
Conwy

Awesome place to stay, church's preacher's residence and his church for the bar and restaurant way too cool!!! Parking a little challenging, parking after 6 all night cheap enough about $1 but jockeying car around a little of a pain.

Authenticity & Character
It's an old church!
Location
Staff
The owner/clerk/cook great host.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The White Lion Hotel
Ambleside, Cumbria

Over a great pub!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
House Of Juniper - The Cabins
Isle of Skye

My favorite place. Luxurious private cabin, a great base camp for the Isle of Skye. Great pub across the street.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Six Brunton Place Bed and Breakfast
Edinburgh

A VRBO/Air BnB type place. Plenty big, great breakfast. Very close to the Royal Mile and all things city center old town Edinburgh.

Authenticity & Character
Lots of room, garden access.
Location
Staff
Met the owner, super nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy

Oxford to Bath, Jane was an excellent guide and support
England | May 4 - May 9, 2023

Barbara
Barbara L.
West Elkridge, MD | Reviewed on May 17, 2023

We went on a five night trip to Oxford, the Cotswolds, Stratford upon Avon, and Bath. We had a wonderful time in each place, and realized we could go back and spend more time in Oxford and Bath, in particular. My very favorite memory of our whole trip was sitting on the balcony of our room at The Old Bank Hotel, at eye level with some amazing architecture (University Church of St. Mary the Virgin), drinking a glass of wine and listening to the bells chime. Rapturous!

The planning of the... read more

We went on a five night trip to Oxford, the Cotswolds, Stratford upon Avon, and Bath. We had a wonderful time in each place, and realized we could go back and spend more time in Oxford and Bath, in particular. My very favorite memory of our whole trip was sitting on the balcony of our room at The Old Bank Hotel, at eye level with some amazing architecture (University Church of St. Mary the Virgin), drinking a glass of wine and listening to the bells chime. Rapturous!

The planning of the trip was really well done - good communication with the team, primarily with our #1 guide, Jane.
After looking back at all of the itinerary suggestions made by Jane, I actually wish we had followed her original advice at the very beginning. She definitely knew better than we did what should have been our priorities. :)

Jane was also a fantastic guide while we were actually on the trip. It was very much a comfort to be able to ask her a question via text whenever we needed to, about anything. She even rang us a couple of times, just for absolute clarity.

We had a few troubles with delayed or cancelled train trips and Jane was easily contacted and kindly supportive throughout.

If there is any suggestion I could make for better service, it would be to have someone on the team confirm the train schedule for the travelers on the day and then send a text to say “All is well” or “Things have changed”, so we could have planned accordingly.

Overall, we are very happy with our experience with KimKim and will be looking into working with them again on a future trip to Australia.

Local specialist: Jane Davey
Jane
Jane Davey
Local specialist in Peak District & French Alps | Replied on May 17, 2023

Thank you Barbara for your super review and feedback, which certainly helps us review our services.

It was such a pleasure for the whole team to work with you and David, and we loved the pictures and updates. It was wonderful to be a part of your travel experience and share your memories.

Wishing you both all the very best for future travels and hope to see you both again 😄

Owen and Emily did an excellent job planning ...
England | Apr 20 - Apr 25, 2023

S
Susan S.
Tysons Corner, VA | Reviewed on Apr 27, 2023

Owen and Emily did an excellent job planning our trip to Liverpool, which they had to plan twice since the soccer game we had planned to attend was cancelled. Everything ran smoothly and the guides and hotel were excellent. So happy I went with kimkim instead of planning on my own. read more

Owen and Emily did an excellent job planning our trip to Liverpool, which they had to plan twice since the soccer game we had planned to attend was cancelled. Everything ran smoothly and the guides and hotel were excellent. So happy I went with kimkim instead of planning on my own.

Hotel Review
Hope Street Hotel

Liked the location and choice of restaurants. Enjoyed the free buffet breakfast and the Spa. Would have like to have utilized more of the spa services but they were totally booked before we arrived,

Authenticity & Character
not sure what this means but was a modern high end hotel.
Location
walkable, plenty of restaurants, beautiful churches
Staff
responsive, supplied refrigerator when requested
Cleanliness & Comfort
everything immaculate
Activity Reviews
Manchester
England

Tour guide Neil extremely knowledgeable and accommodating.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Neil was an excellent guide
Transport
comfortable ride,
Liverpool FC Stadium Tour
Liverpool

enjoyed stadium tour

Quality of Experience
got to see pitch, did not get to see actual dressing rooms as we had been told
Guides, Drivers and Staff
tour guide personable and knowledgeable. Driver excellent
Transport
Enjoyed riding with Adrian (sp?) gave us an interesting perspective of liverpool
Liverpool Football Hospitality
Liverpool

Enjoyed the hospitality suite but would probably book in the Kop next time for a more real soccer experience

Quality of Experience
food was not great
Guides, Drivers and Staff
staff very helpful at stadium
Transport
Adrian was on time, very personable
Local specialist: Owen Davies