10 Day England Itinerary: Spectacular Sites of Southern England and Wales

England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom. There are many places and stops that can be made in all parts of this fabulous country. I have made five visits to the United Kingdom and still have yet to make a dent in the sites of the United Kingdom. I recommend focusing on one part of the country at a time. This 10 day England itinerary covers some main sites in Wales and Southern England. It is the perfect amount to do as a Fall or Spring Break trip.

TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best England hotels here!

Transportation for 10 Days in England

For a 10 day England itinerary, I recommend getting a rental car from Autoslash. Having a rental car makes it easier to get around to these sites on your own time. This way, you do not have to feel rushed. Trains and buses connect many of these sites and cities, but the train tickets can sometimes add up and can take away your flexibility. Check train stops and schedules here. 

10 Day England Itinerary

Day 1: London to Stonehenge to Bristol

Today, on your first of your 10 day England itinerary, you will arrive in London in the morning. After heading through customs, grab your rental car and head to Stonehenge. 

Stonehenge

Cost: $26

Hours: 9am-8pm

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument that dates back to 3000BC. Although no one exactly knows what this ring of stones was used for, it is a larger tourist attraction and definitely an interesting site to see. It is thought to have been an ancient burial ground as human remains were found underneath. Book tickets ahead of time online to save money and guarantee admission. Plan to spend around two hours at Stonehenge

Bristol

Cost: $100/night for hotel

Opt to base yourself in Bristol and travel out from there. Opt to stay in the Old City or the City Center. Tonight, grab dinner and wander around Bristol to get acquainted with the area. 

Day 2: Bristol

Today, explore Bristol as part of your 10 day England itinerary. Bristol is a city along the River Avon known for its maritime history and gorgeous views. During the Age of Exploration, Bristol was the starting point for many of the voyages to the New World. Present Day, Bristol is a popular tourist destination and a great place to base yourself to explore Southern England and Wales.

Cabot Tower 

Cost: Free

Hours: 8:15am-6:15pm

This morning, head to Cabot Tower. Cabot Tower, built in the 1890s, is located in a park on Brandon Hill and offers the best views of Bristol. Visitors must climb 105 steps to the viewing platforms at the top. This tower commemorates John Cabot, who left Bristol and landed in what is present-day Canada. After climbing the tower, make sure to wander around the walking trails of Brandon Hill. 

Bristol Cathedral 

Cost: Free

Hours: 8am until evening

Next, head to the Bristol Cathedral. The Bristol Cathedral is a cathedral part of the Church of England. Founded in 1140, present-day the Cathedral offers tours and a gorgeous garden to walk through. Make sure to check out the architecture of the inside of the cathedral. 

Other Bristol Sites

After lunch, wander around the Bristol City Center. Stop by the Clifton Suspension Bridge to view this masterpiece built in 1864. Around the city center is tons of graffiti art as well. Perhaps check out one of the many art galleries in Bristol such as the Royal West England Academy, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, or Arnolfini. 

This evening, walk around Bristol Harbor, which has existed since the 1200s. Bristol Harbor contains tons of art exhibitions, cafes, and other cool attractions. Opt to take a river cruise around the harbor. If you visit in July, check out the Bristol Harbour Festival where unique boats sail around the harbor.

Day 3: Bath

Bath is a must-visit city as part of a 10 day England itinerary. Founded in the 600s when the Bath Abbey was established, Bath, Somerset became a religious center. It later became popular as a spa town due to the claims that the springs contained curative water. In the 1700s, Bath became more of a town with streets laid out in a certain pattern. During the 1800s, well-known author Jane Austen lived in Bath. Finally, in 1987, Bath became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Present-day, Bath is known for its Roman-built Baths and charming compact city center. 

Roman Baths Museum 

Cost: Tickets start at $20

Hours: 10am-5pm

Start your morning at the Roman Baths Museum. Book online ahead of time to guarantee admission and save money. This museum will take visitors through the history of the Roman Baths and see the pools the Romans used for bathing. If you have ever visited the spas Budapest, the Roman set up was similar to those baths. Plan to spend at least an hour or two walking around the exhibits. 

Bath Abbey

Cost: $6

Hours: 10am-4pm

After visiting the Roman Bath Museum, head to the Bath Abbey. The Bath Abbey, founded in the 600s, was once a Benedictine Monastery. Present-Day, it is a working church parish. Visitors are able to view the inside of the church which contains numerous stained glass windows, a chapel, tombs, and a vaulted ceiling. You can also opt to join a tour to see the bell tour and a bird’s eye view of the city or take behind the scenes tour. Make sure not to miss the Klais Organ that contains 4,000 pipes. 

The Jane Austen Center

Cost: $13

Hours: Sun-Fri: 10am-4pm, Sat: 9:45am-5:30pm

If you have time and are a Jane Austen fan, make sure to stop by the Jane Austen Center. This center goes over the life of Jane Austen and focuses on her life in Bath. The complex also includes the Regency Tea Room where you can attend afternoon tea. Make sure to buy your tickets online to save money and book a table at the tea room in advance to guarantee a spot. 

Day 4: Cardiff, Wales

Today, venture on a day trip to the port city of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Cardiff will be an interesting addition to any 10 day England itinerary. Established in 1905, Cardiff is home to many performing arts companies, sports teams, and historical sites. One day in Cardiff will be enough to hit all of the main sites. 

Cardiff Castle

Cost: $18

Hours: 9am-5pm

Start your morning at Cardiff Castle. This medieval castle is located in Cardiff’s city center. The castle, originally built in the 900s, is over 2000 years old. Visitors can view the keep, the castle apartments, and several exhibits throughout the castle. Cardiff Castle provides great views of the city below. 

National Museum Cardiff

Cost: Free

Hours: Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm

Grab some lunch and then head to the National Museum of Cardiff. This museum contains a plethora of art from notable artists including Renoir, Picasso, and Monet. It also includes natural history galleries such as archaeology, botany, and zoology exhibits. 

Cardiff Bay/Roald Dahl Plass

Cost: Free to walk around

Hours: Varies

After the National Museum, head over to Cardiff Bay. Cardiff Bay is full of recreational activities. Visitors can take a boat trip out on the bay, golf, or take a swim in the public pool. There are also numerous restaurants to choose from for dinner.

Around this area is the Roald Dahl Plass, named after the famous author Roald Dahl, who was born and grew up in Cardiff. The Wales Millennium Centre and the Millennium Stadium are located in this area as well. The Wales Millennium Centre is home to many performing arts performances. The National Stadium of Wales and home to the National Rugby Team.  

Doctor Who Experience

Edit: The Doctor Who Experience is now closed, but rumored to open again next year. 

Any Doctor Who fan will love visiting the Doctor Who Experience. Visitors will get to see props from the various generations. Along the way, you may encounter Daleks, Weeping Angels, Cybermen, and perhaps even the doctor himself.

Day 5: Bristol to Southampton to Windsor Castle to London

Southampton

Depart Bristol and spend the morning in Southampton. Southampton is a major port city in England and should be part of any Titanic lover’s 10 day England itinerary. Established around 43AD, the Southampton area later became a fortified settlement and eventually expanded into a full town complete with a castle. Southampton is perhaps best known for being the starting point for the infamous ship the Titanic. 

SeaCity Museum

Cost: $10

Hours: 10am-5pm

The SeaCity Museum covers the history of Southampton and many stories about its maritime history. It also contains a large exhibit on the Titanic which includes a large replica of the Titanic. From the museum, visitors can also see the harbor where the Titanic departed on its fateful journey. 

Tudor House and Gardens

Cost: $7

Hours: Mon-Thurs: 1-am-3pm, Sat-Sun: 10am-5pm, Closed Fridays

This historic building dates back to 1491 and was Southampton’s first official museum that opened in 1912. Throughout the years this house has been extended and refurbished. In the 1500s, it is said that King Henry VIII helped fund its expansion. Part of the museum also includes Tudor style gardens. 

Other sites to see in Southampton include the Solent Sky (an aviation museum), the Southampton City Art Gallery, Holyrood Church, and several Titanic Memorials scattered throughout the city. 

Windsor Castle

Cost: $30
Hours: Nov-Feb: 10am-4:15pm, March-Oct: 10am-5:15pm

This afternoon, stop by Windsor Castle, one of the residences of the British royal family. The first castle came to be in the 1000s. It has been used by every reigning monarch since then. During the English Civil War, it was used as a military headquarters and has also been used as a refuge by the royal family.

Present-day it is a popular tourist destination and used as a weekend home for Queen Elizabeth II. Visitors are able to view the state apartments, the semi-state rooms, Queen Mary’s Dollhouse, and the chapel. Plan to spend at least two to three hours touring all the rooms. 

After visiting Windsor Castle, return the rental car and get settled for the rest of your time in London. Opt to stay in the London City Center. This includes the Hyde Park, Marble Arch, Kennsington, Tower Bridge, and Westminster areas. London hotels in the city center are about $125/night.

Day 6-9: London

London has endless possibilities of things to do and is required as part of any 10 day England itinerary. Make sure to check out some of the free museums such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, or the Tate Modern. Check out some of the historical sites like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. London also has a ton of gorgeous parks to stroll through. Hyde Park is one of the most popular.

One of the days, take a tour through Parliament and spot Big Ben while strolling along the Thames River or walk across Abbey Road like the Beatles. View London from above by riding the London Eye or from the Sky Garden. In the evening, head to a show in the West End or grab dinner at a British Pub or popular restaurant like Rules Restaurant.

If you have time, opt to take a day trip to Oxford. It is very accessible via the train. Once in Oxford, make sure to visit Christ Church College (a Harry Potter Filming Location), the Ashmolean, the Bodleian Library, and Oxford University. Other possible day trips include the Warner Brother Studio, Hampton Court, Cambridge, or Brighton Beach.

Day 10: Departure from London

Spend your last morning wandering the streets of London taking in any sites you have not yet seen before catching your early afternoon flight home.

Total Costs for 10 Day England Itinerary

• Airfare Cost: $500/person (Los Angeles to London)
• Rental Car Cost: $100 total or $50/person
• Hotel Cost: $1025 total or $512.50/person
• Total Cost: $1062.50/person

Other Places to Explore in the UK

Have more time to explore then a 10 day England itinerary? These destinations in the United Kingdom are also worth a visit. 

• Cliffs of Dover
• Manchester, England
• Newcastle, England
• Paris, France
• Scotland

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