The Traveling Taylors

We love London, but on our last trip to England, we wanted something different—something slower, quirkier, and less crowded. So we skipped the capital and crafted the ultimate 10-day England itinerary that takes you through historic towns, dramatic coastlines, and lush countryside. No Tube rides required.

Day 1–2: Bath – Roman Ruins and Georgian Charm

Start in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its ancient Roman baths and elegant Georgian architecture.

Highlights:

• Soak in the Thermae Bath Spa rooftop pool
• Walk the Royal Crescent and Circus
• Visit the Roman Baths Museum

Where to Stay: A cozy B&B near Pulteney Bridge for easy walks to all the sites. When visiting famous landmarks and scenic viewpoints, many travelers like bringing a compact selfie stick tripod like this one so they can easily capture photos without asking strangers.

Day 3–4: Cotswolds – Villages That Time Forgot

Rent a car and head to the Cotswolds—rolling green hills, honey-colored stone villages, and postcard-perfect pubs. If you’d rather not drive, you can also take a full-day Cotswolds villages tour that visits Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water.

Must-See Towns:

• Bourton-on-the-Water (the “Venice of the Cotswolds”)
• Bibury (England’s most photographed village)
• Stow-on-the-Wold for antiques and tea rooms

Pro Tip: Take scenic backroads and stay in a converted farmhouse or boutique inn. If you’re visiting multiple attractions throughout trip, attaching an Apple AirTag like this one to your bag or luggage can give you peace of mind in case something gets misplaced.

Day 5–6: Oxford – History, Colleges, and Hidden Pubs

This university city oozes prestige and charm. You don’t need to be a student to enjoy it. To get the stories behind the colleges, you can join a guided Oxford walking tour that includes Christ Church College.

Top Picks:

• Tour Christ Church College (where Harry Potter was filmed)
• Climb the University Church tower for city views
• Sip a pint at the 13th-century Turf Tavern

Skip the Crowds: Visit the Botanic Garden for a peaceful escape. Many travelers like carrying insect repellent towelettes like these to help keep mosquitoes and other bugs away while spending time outdoors visiting parks, and gardens.

Day 7: Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s Storybook Town

Walk in the footsteps of the Bard in this quaint town where every cottage looks like a movie set.

What to Do:

• Tour Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• Catch a play by the Royal Shakespeare Company
• Take a canal boat ride at sunset

Where to Eat: Hathaway Tea Rooms for traditional cream tea.

Day 8–9: Peak District – England’s Secret Hiking Paradise

Time for fresh air and epic views. The Peak District is England’s first national park, and it’s still one of the quietest.

Best Hikes:

• Mam Tor for sunrise
• Dovedale for scenic stepping stones
• Chatsworth House gardens and trails

Stay Here: A countryside inn or eco-lodge with fireplace views.

Day 10: York – Walled City with Medieval Magic

End in York, one of England’s most atmospheric cities, filled with cobbled streets and Viking history. To uncover its layers of history, you can reserve a historical walking tour past York Minster and the Shambles.

Don’t Miss:

• Walking the city walls
• Exploring The Shambles (a real-life Diagon Alley)
• Visiting York Minster, one of Europe’s grandest cathedrals

Souvenir Stop: Buy local fudge or handmade ceramics in the market square.

Self-care is important when traveling, especially after long sightseeing days or flights, and many travelers like using a nourishing body oil like this one to help keep their skin soft and hydrated.

Why Skipping London Was the Best Choice for England

England has so much to offer beyond London—and this 10-day itinerary proves it. From rural hikes to literary legends, we discovered a quieter, deeper side of England that felt more personal and less rushed.