Southern England Itinerary: A Storybook Street Journey | Jive Update

Southern England Itinerary: A Storybook Street Journey


Narrowly lacking the intense yellow daffodils and stone fences, we drove via the English countryside on the opposite aspect of the highway. 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 perfect 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 practically all over the place you flip. My practically two-week England itinerary will cowl all over the place it’s good to see in addition to the place to remain and tips on how to get round. I’ve all the time been fascinated by historic sights, and there are various necessary and delightful locations within the south of England.

Having now lived in England I can confidently say this is without doubt one of the finest highway 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 so much to see and do in Southern England, it may be complicated to know what’s finest. So I made positive to go all over the place for you. This complete information to Southern England will share the perfect of so many fantastic areas: Sussex, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Cotswolds and a few in-between spots you may’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 believe two weeks in Southern England is a good period of time to spend within the cities and the countryside. In fact, you might spend rather more. However should you’d actually wish to see as a lot as doable, I’d advocate a minimum of two weeks to cowl a very good chunk of the nation.

Methods to get round Southern England

I extremely advocate a automotive. A highway journey round Southern England is the easiest way to expertise the sights and get a really feel for this beautiful nation in addition to uncover a number of the distant hidden gems. It was a bit treacherous to study to drive the slender roads, and swap 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 number 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 highway and see a number 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. No doubt, one can find 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 photograph:

This itinerary covers the highlights of the area in addition to cannot miss locations which might be 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 after we journey. I perceive some individuals aren’t precisely like that. Be at liberty 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 lots of locations in England to see, it is arduous to choose just a few. I did my finest to carry you precisely what to do in every!

Map for the England Street 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 counsel spending the day by taking a strolling tour, or punting on the river. I discovered it significantly attention-grabbing 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 vitality and that may simply be spawned by the rivalry with one other college shut by, Oxford. This rivalry is harking back 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 nicely value it to go on a strolling tour with a graduate to study extra.

Strolling the streets is a good 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 most important fan vaulted ceiling on this planet. This chapel has a wonderful wood 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 slightly small. Ensure to seek for it whenever you go!

Cambridge can be a terrific place to go “punting.” You may 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 proper place to spend the night time, discover, and journey from. We stayed in essentially the most lovable B&B, Harriet Home, with a tasty breakfast and ease of entry to 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 may’t assist however really feel such as you’re in a storybook with Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales echoing in your head. For those who 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, take a look at 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 fortress, cliffs, and struggle historical past. Nonetheless, we did discover that in March many locations are nonetheless working on winter hours, issues have been closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Ensure to verify 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 fortress (I do advocate a tour via should you’ve by no means been) and a hike alongside the well-known white cliffs.

You may simply discover parking, a restaurant, and bogs on the guests heart. Right here, we walked close to the chalky cliff edge. This well-worn path offers 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 lovable, well-preserved city. I counsel popping in to the vacationer’s workplace. You will discover a city mannequin and audio rationalization of the city’s distinctive historical past.

Every thing in Rye is miniature so it’s straightforward 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 retailers to discover. Rye is believed to have retained extra of its historic buildings than every other metropolis in Britain. Picturesque, pleasant, and quirky it is simple 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 some of the pristine gardens in England. You may see how this is able to be such an inspiring place for a author. Ensure to go up the tower for a wonderful view of the gardens.

Day 3 – Battle, Beachy Head, Brighton, Portsmouth

Though we noticed fairly a number of cities at present, after studying my information you would possibly need 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 may see your entire story of the Battle in Normandy at Bayeux (the Bayeux Tapestry). However in Battle, you may 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 toes. This weather-beaten however lovely cliff was the key operational route for WWII. The chalky white cliffs combine with the seawater, creating a wonderful turquoise shade.

You may make your approach down the coast for extra pristine views of the long-lasting 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 practice related London with Brighton. Pleasure Pier permits everybody to benefit from the sea with amusements, sweet floss, and rides. Many of the meals was scorching canines or fish and chips.

To enter the Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence of George, Prince of Wales, is expensive. I used to be disenchanted to see it trying a bit rundown. Possibly it was low season, however I might counsel skipping Brighton and heading as an alternative to the harbor city of Eastbourne. A cease simply on the best way to Brighton.

To spherical out the day, we drove to Portsmouth and frolicked on the historic dockyard and residential of the Royal Navy. If I used to be disenchanted 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 finest referred to as 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 number of the battles that passed off at sea for Britain. Whenever you go to purchase a ticket ensure you purchase for nevertheless many points of interest you’d wish to see to get a worth 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 yr. There are lots 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 historical 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 simple 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 may see wild horses run via the meadows as you stumble over “clapper bridges” and stare upon historical 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 record for what to see and do in Southern England at present, most are fast, so you may match all of them in.

I used to be struck by the gorgeous St. Michael’s Mount seemingly rising out of the ocean, reminding me of Mont St. Michel. In fact, it is a Cornish counterpart to Normandy’s Mount. Each share the identical tidal island traits. When the tide recedes, you may stroll on the sand and straight into the fortress.

Hungry, we went to Mousehole, a tiny city with a curious title. It comes from the small harbor with an entrance as slender as, you guessed it, a mouse gap. The boats relaxation alongside the sand and dust at low tide, you may get a special view relying on what time you come. We stopped to purchase Cornish pasties (certainly one of 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. For those who’re a fan of the British collection Poldark, you may acknowledge this spot from the TV present.

If you would like, you may go to Land’s Finish to see the positioning as soon as thought of to be the tip of the identified world.

From right here, it was a brief drive to Porthcurno to see the unimaginable Minack Theatre, among the finest locations in Southern England to go to! This theater was handmade into the rocky cliffs, largely by a lady, Rowena Cade. Pay the £5 to stroll round and see Cornwall’s well-known theater and study how the builder created it.

In 1929 the play, A Midsummer Night time’s Dream passed off a few mile away with nice success. Subsequent, they needed to stage The Tempest. Cade determined the cliffs under her backyard could be the proper setting, so she and her gardener, Billy Rawlings, hand lower the earth and granite to create the unimaginable theater.  After Rawlings died, she maintained the theater practically by herself, “We moved sufficient earth to make a bit of little bit of heaven.” I’ve to agree. I used to be astonished on the shiny inexperienced grassy seats, lovely backyard, and beautiful surroundings under.

Count on to spend a pair hours right here trying over the cliffs, studying extra about Rowena’s story, and even seeing performers rehearsing for a present. Hold your eye out for seals!

When you have some additional time (and vitality) for the day, make your strategy to Geevor Tin Mine in Pendeen. That is the most important preserved mine website within the nation and was a key purpose for Cornwall’s wealth within the Industrial Age. The mining trade died when cheaper tin was found abroad. As we speak, you may tour the mine to get a really feel for the mining trade and the acute circumstances they labored underneath.

From right here, we breezed via the outdated seaside city of St. Ives and picked up the perfect pasties of the journey at Philips Bakery in Hayle. Are you able to inform I actually appreciated this dish?! Whereas not a should see, it is definitely 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 either side, maneuvering the winding lanes, and awaiting oncoming visitors we made our strategy to Tintagel. Tintagel is to not be missed in Southern England as that is residence 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 fortress was the house of King Arthur. Whether or not you imagine within the delusion or not, it is a lovely spot to look over on the Cornish sea because the waves lap up under the ruins. Do not forget 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, be certain that to verify 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 making an attempt to cross the highway to discover a mate.

We headed straight to the Royal Crescent in Tub for some of the pleasant meals you may have: afternoon tea. This historic lodge and spa is the proper 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 wonderful backyard view. Greeted with a easy menu providing traditional tea together with candy,  savory, or vegetarian we selected one of many classics (candy) and savory choices.

After ordering, sit again and calm down 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 arduous to decide on which one. You do not have to! I began with the wealthy Masala Chai, certainly one of 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 cherished our selections.

The smoked salmon toast was delectable and the orange dessert was bursting with taste. The complete unfold is aesthetically pleasing, particularly with the royal blue curtains framing the gardens outdoors. From the dainty sandwiches to the do-it-yourself pastries, the whole lot was scrumptious.

I particularly just like the “Tub Bun” topped with sugar that you just unfold with cinnamon butter- an ideal melding of flavors. We took our time and savored every chunk, relishing within the picturesque environment. 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 beautiful abode, the Westgate Flats 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 highway. 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. The complete metropolis is listed as UNESCO, and this honor is just granted to 1 different metropolis, Venice, Italy. The town dates again to Roman occasions when individuals from throughout got here to benefit from the therapeutic waters that sprung up from the grounds. The identical remains to be true at present. You may 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, town can get crowded. I like to recommend going to see the baths within the morning and shopping for your tickets prematurely.

I additionally advocate 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 employees are wearing interval costumes and characters from her novels. You may begin by listening to a briefing on Austen and her brief, however impactful life and household, then uncover extra about her books and life. For those who’re a fan of her work, you may love the museum.

The Mayor’s Guides supply utterly free – no ideas accepted – strolling excursions. It was merely among the finest 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 best way.

With a number of hours of daylight left, we stopped in Glastonbury. Right here, you may discover a wealth of other retailers 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 may tour Glastonbury Abbey and take a tour of the ruins.

I additionally advocate going to Chalice Nicely and Gardens. The holy nicely is regarded as a sacred place and related to therapeutic properties. Referred to 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 exceptional cathedral, tour the grounds, and attend Evensong. “Night Prayer” or evensong derives from the center ages and is a good way to benefit from the church and listen to some music totally free.

I significantly cherished the well-preserved Vicars’ Shut. Proper by the cathedral, you may discover Britain’s solely full medieval road. This road used to accommodate members of the clergy and choir, at present it is a wonderful road to peruse.

After darkish, we drove again to Tub however on the best way stopped for arduous cider at Wilkins Land’s Finish Farm. You may enter a considerably darkish farmhouse and also you won’t be certain should you’re on the proper place. Simply preserve going and you will arrive at the perfect cider on this planet. I am unable to advocate this expertise sufficient. Low cost, scrumptious cider produced in essentially the most conventional approach. You may have a lot enjoyable chatting with Roger Wilkins and employees about their ardour for cider. Do not forget 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 may park and take a bus over to the prehistoric monument. This world surprise is a marvel to see and to try to perceive why 1000’s of years in the past individuals organized these gigantic stones, some from tons of of miles away, on this round form. May very well be a burial place, a celestial calendar, or a non secular 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 Middle to study extra about Stonehenge.

Subsequent, we made our approach as much as the Cotswolds, however first stopped at Silbury Hill outdoors of Avebury. The hill is the most important prehistoric chalk mound from 4,000 years in the past. You may stroll up or, like we did, save your steps and take some pictures.

Late within the day we drove to Cowley Manor, essentially the most unimaginable keep on an property nestled in central Cotswolds. This was the proper place to discover extra of this space and really feel like I used to be dwelling 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 notice 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, do-it-yourself bread, and salted butter. The eating room is beautiful and chic with contemporary flowers, hovering shuttered home windows, and an open fireplace. The room is intimate,  the servers are fast and sort, providing up wit and repair alongside along with your meal.

The English delicacies at Cowley Manor is a number of the finest I’ve ever had with a give attention to contemporary, native elements. The English toffee pudding and wealthy chocolate mousse practically put me in a meals coma (in the easiest way doable) it was good to climb the steps as much as our room and snuggle up underneath the delicate quilt.

Day 9 – Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are a number of the prettiest spots in Southern England. Take time to calm down and benefit from the lovely villages filled with historical past. There are lots of beautiful locations to discover on this space, so I’ve highlighted a few of my favorites we noticed every day. You may discover nearly the whole lot made 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 will get a map with info on the historic websites.

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

Bibury is understood for its well-known road, 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 certainly one of Britain’s oldest and most well-preserved.

One other metropolis on the water is Bouton-on-the-Water referred to as 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 delightful 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 outdoors on the terrace we dined with delight as we appeared on the meticulous inexperienced grounds of the property. This tea was additional particular after studying that the creator of Alice and Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, visited Cowley typically and drew inspiration for the ebook! 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 scorching tea and ate fancies. The bleating sheep within the background complemented the chirping birds and the occasional horse trotting by.

To cap off this actually distinctive day, we luxuriated in a therapeutic massage on the C-Facet Spa of Cowley Manor. With a health club, two heated swimming pools (out of doors and indoor) you might 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 number of extra villages it’s good to peruse. However first, we headed to Cotswolds Farm park because it was “lambing” season and there have been tons of of child animals you may feed. Name me a baby, however I completely cherished getting to provide 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 number 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 made from limestone. My favourite was Stow-on-the-Wold, a full of life 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 perfect locations to see within the Cotswolds right here.

Day 11 – Stratford-Upon-Avon

You may’t get extra English than the house of essentially the most well-known author ever: William Shakespeare. Right here, we did a strolling tour of this deeply historic city. You may move by dozens of Tudor buildings, can take a cruise on the river Avon, and see Shakespeare’s childhood residence.

For those who’re a fan of the author there are many actions to take pleasure in. You will discover 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 residence.

In fact, there’s rather 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 exhibiting modern performs and “The Different Place” (sure it is actually referred to as that) exhibiting, nicely, 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 curious 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 number of the schools, and get a very good view at Carfax Tower. For Harry Potter followers, go to Christ Church School the place the eating room was carefully copied for Hogwarts. C.S. Lewis taught at Magdalen faculty and you will discover Einstein’s chalkboard on the Museum of Historical past and Science.

When you have additional time, I counsel going to Winston Churchill’s birthplace, Blenheim Palace. Now residence 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 dangle above the mattress.

The place to remain in Southern England

Now that you recognize a number of the finest locations to go to in Southern England, let’s have a look at the place to tuck in at night time. I counsel that you just get the perfect of the whole lot by staying in a traditional B&B, a contemporary condominium 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 intense and cheery Harriet Home. Pleasant Heidi and Paul greet you want members of their household. I watched as they interacted with company to make sure they’d the proper keep.

Our room was snug and refined, the proper place for {couples}. With delicate linens and trendy facilities similar to a mini fridge and nice web entry, you’ll really feel proper at residence. I significantly cherished 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 perfect a part of our keep was the breakfast. The night time earlier than you may decide what you’d wish 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 lodges 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 proper strategy to begin your day. Selfmade bread, marmalade, fruit salad, espresso, and scorching tea are all accessible. 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 giant lodges with buffets, it was so good to have a customized breakfast.

A ten-minute stroll alongside River Stour brings you to Canterbury Cathedral and the middle of city. For those who’re brief on time in Southern England, it is solely an hour away from London, so you may simply enterprise from right here. There is a non-public automotive park, scrumptious meals, a comfortable room, and ease of entry to the whole lot you need- you may’t ask for extra!

E book Harriet Home immediately right here.

Westgate Flats in Tub

In spite of everything that driving across the English countryside, it was fantastic to have a complicated condominium 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 toilet.  The cherry on high was the absolutely stocked fridge- together with full bottles of wine, vodka, and tequila, provided at a good worth. Included within the keep are bottled water, milk, chocolate, Nespresso with a grocery retailer simply across the nook.

I completely cherished 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 condominium is spacious, clear, and nicely laid out. There was tremendous quick WiFi, two flat-screen TVs, in an total fashionable area. Rooms are cleaned daily (generally this isn’t the case at an condominium) and the room was very quiet, regardless of being near town heart. You get the perfect of each worlds right here: the facilities and area of an condominium, however the service of a lodge. One factor to notice is parking it a bit farther away and isn’t included within the worth.

Conveniently, you may stroll proper out the door and be immediately in entrance of Thermae Spa. Searching our window we may see the bustling scene from under of individuals mingling at eating places and bars. Actually, the Hiding House Westgate Flats are the proper base to discover Tub and the encircling space.

E book Westgate Flats proper right here.

Cowley Manor within the Cotswolds

Fairly frankly, Cowley Manor, A Curious Group of Lodges, was my favourite keep of my whole life. I really wrote a whole put up devoted to this beautiful property. With its in depth grounds, funky bar, unimaginable 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, gentle flowering timber, and a shiny blue pool. We parked our automotive 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 big home windows appeared out over the pond and hills of the property. I 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 may simply watch a film. In fact, 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 attractive film.

I may have spent your entire day within the giant lavatory, with a cleverly hidden bathroom. The inexperienced tiled bathe has nice water stress and scorching water- many locations lack precise scorching 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 fantastic views.

We dined right here every day and had a superb 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 proper strategy to think about your self as a personality in Alice in Wonderland. Carroll is alleged to have been impressed by the gardens right here.

Dinner is about within the luxurious eating room and the low lighting and scrumptious meals make for essentially 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 simple to see how an creator would possibly come right here to jot down and discover inspiration.

Cowley Manor is the proper fusion of romantic English countryside with useful and cozy design. I felt like English royalty staying right here, I could not advocate this place extra. Deal with your self and go to Cowley Manor.

Try Cowley Manor right here.  Discover my full evaluation of Cowley Manor right here.

You merely can not go incorrect in Southern England. The picturesque countryside is embedded with historical 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 gorgeous panorama. It is simple to see why so many writers, artists, Romans, and even prehistoric individuals flocked right here to relish within the magnificence and knowledge. I believe we should always all do the identical.

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