Part of our England guide.
This page gathers six itineraries and guides from our England coverage. Each section covers a specific destination, with practical advice for a weekend or short break.
Related travel guides: Things To Do In England, Hidden Gems In England, Beaches In England, Where To Stay In England, What It Costs In England, and What Is A Good Souvenir From England.
The Home Of Shakespeare: Weekend Trip To Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon offers a weekend focused on Shakespeare’s life and works. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace on Henley Street, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Shottery, and Holy Trinity Church, where he is buried. The Tudor buildings and the River Avon define the town’s character. For theatre, catch a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on the riverside. The town is walkable, and parking is available at several long-stay car parks. For a meal, the old taverns near the theatre serve traditional pub food.
How To Plan A Weekend Visit To The Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds region is within two hours of London by train or car. Base yourself in a central village such as Bourton-on-the-Water or Stow-on-the-Wold. On day one, walk between the villages: the route from Bourton to Lower Slaughter takes about 30 minutes along the River Eye. On day two, visit the market town of Cirencester for its Roman amphitheatre and the Corinium Museum. For outdoor activities, the Cotswold Way National Trail runs 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath; a short section near Broadway offers views over the Vale of Evesham. Local pubs serve Gloucestershire Old Spot pork and Cotswold cheeses.
3 Day Jurassic Coast Road Trip: Must Visit Spots In Dorset
Start your 3-day road trip at Lulworth Cove, a horseshoe-shaped bay formed by the sea. Drive 15 minutes east to Durdle Door, the natural limestone arch on the beach. On day two, head to the town of Lyme Regis, known for its fossil-rich beaches and the Lyme Regis Museum. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, a short walk east, offers fossil-hunting walks. On day three, visit the cliffs at West Bay, featured in the television series Broadchurch. The entire Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching 95 miles. Parking at Lulworth Cove costs £10 for the day (2024 rate).
Is Manchester Worth Visiting? How To Have An Awesome Weekend In Manchester
Manchester is worth visiting for its music history, industrial heritage, and food scene. Manchester Airport has direct flights from over 200 destinations, and trains from London Euston take just over two hours. On Saturday, visit the Science and Industry Museum on Liverpool Road, then walk to the Northern Quarter for independent shops and street art. On Sunday, see the John Rylands Research Institute and Library on Deansgate, with its neo-Gothic reading room. For football, Old Trafford stadium tours run daily except match days. The Manchester Art Gallery on Mosley Street is free and open daily.
A Weekend Exploring Bristol, England
Bristol’s harbour and maritime history are the focus of a weekend here. Start at the M Shed museum on Princes Wharf, which covers the city’s role in the slave trade and its industrial past. Walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864. For food, St Nicholas Market in the Old City has stalls selling local produce and street food. The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery on Queens Road is free and includes Egyptian artefacts. The city is compact: most attractions are within a 30-minute walk of the city centre.
Reasons To Visit Durham City And County, The Perfect English Long-weekend
Durham’s main attraction is Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s finest examples of Norman architecture. The cathedral’s towers and interior are open daily; entry is free but a donation of £5 is suggested (2024). Next to it, Durham Castle has been a university college since 1832 and offers guided tours. The city centre is compact, with the market square and the River Wear walkable in under 20 minutes. For a longer walk, the Durham Heritage Coast path runs 11 miles from Seaham to Crimdon. The city is on the East Coast Main Line, with trains from London King’s Cross taking about three hours.
