Tower Bridge at night from awar. Illuminated with River Thames in the foreground, reflecting the lights.

The Best 5 Day England Itinerary

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First things first, this will not be a relaxing five days. If you want to chill while you’re exploring England for five days, then this itinerary is not for you. If you want to see as much of England as possible in five days and don’t mind being exhausted afterwards, then this plan is for you.

This itinerary also includes travelling by car for three of the five days. The English have this peculiar habit of driving on the left side of the road, so if you’re not accustomed to that, I would suggest looking at group tours. The trains aren’t bad in England, but some areas are quite difficult to reach.

Okay, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s start with this amazing and very ambitious five-day England itinerary.

Day 1 – London

London is an amazing city that you could spend all your 5 days in and not get bored. I actually have a 7-day itinerary here and I could have added even more things to do in London. However, since you want to see more than just London, I’ve kept the sightseeing brief.

Morning – Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guards

Buckingham Palace by night. Illuminated by lights directed at the front of the building.

When you think of England, more often than not, the Royals come to mind. So, it makes sense to see where some of them work – Buckingham Palace. This is the palace you see on the news where the Royals wave to their loyal fans.

It is definitely a sight to behold. And you should try to be there before 11 a.m. to also see the Changing of the Guards.

The Changing of the Guards is a formal ceremony during which the on-duty regiment guarding Buckingham Palace is relieved by a new regiment. And it’s quite the spectacle. 

The guards are dressed in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats, perform precise drills and are accompanied by a regimental band playing traditional military music. 

It is so cool to see and a bit frightening if you don’t know what’s happening. 

As it’s one of the most popular attractions in London, try to get there early to get a good spot.

You can check the schedule here: Changing of the Guards Schedule

Afternoon – Westminster Abbey Area, Trafalgar Square, and Covent Garden

Westminster Abbey fron entrance from afar with a obelisk on the left side. Blue sky with clouds.

London is a great city if you like to walk as so many sites are within easy walkable distance. So after you’ve seen the new regiment guarding Buckingham Palace, take a short 15-minute stroll to Westminster Abbey.

A magnificent Abbey where the monarchs are being crowned and Royal Weddings are being held. 

The entry fee is quite steep at £27, but it is a sight worth seeing. 

Right next to Westminster Abbey are the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Go over the bridge and you have a beautiful view of Big Ben.

After this, you can go to Trafalgar Square which is also a 15-minute walk away. Another address, that shouldn’t be missed when visiting London. If you fancy a quick museum visit, then you can even visit the National Gallery for free.

And by this point, you’re probably already starving, so I would suggest walking another 8 minutes to go to Covent Garden. 

Covent Garden is a cluster of independent stores and restaurants, set in beautiful buildings. You’ll definitely find something to eat here – and to buy.

Evening – London Eye, Tower Bridge, and The Shard

View of the London Eye from the ground. Left side covered by lush green trees. Big Ben and Houses of parliament visible in the back on the bottom right. Blue sky and clouds.

After Covent Garden, you’ll cross the Thames to get to the London Eye. Another ticket that is quite expensive starting from £33. The whole ride takes 45 minutes and it’s advised to book in advance, otherwise, you might stand in line for over 2 hours just to get a ticket.

You get a stunning view of the London skyline. If you’re afraid of heights like I am. Don’t worry too much as the pod is enormous and you can stand quite safely in the middle, feeling relatively safe. 

The pods move so slowly that you hard feel they’re moving.

After so much walking, I’d suggest taking the tube, the London subway, to Tower Bridge. The closest stop to the London Eye is Westminster, and then you can take the District or Circle Line to Tower Hill.

There you’ll be greeted by the very impressive Tower of London. You can visit the Tower of London, but due to the time constraints, I would suggest only admiring it from the outside. 

The Crown Jewels are certainly amazing to look at, but I think it’s more important to see more sights.

You can then walk over the equally amazing Tower Bridge. It’s a truly beautiful bridge. I love seeing it in the evenings with the lights on.

Tower Bridge at night from awar. Illuminated with River Thames in the foreground, reflecting the lights.

As the crowning of the first night in England, you can enjoy a lovely meal in the Shard, one of London’s highest buildings. They have a few restaurants, mostly not cheap, and pre-booking is advised. 

You’ll get another amazing view of London. 

This concludes the tour of London for our 5 days in England. However, you do stay in London for two nights, so the time in London isn’t over yet.

Day 2 – York

Day 2 begins with an early start; and lots of train time, because I suggest visiting the beautiful city of York and to take a train. Be aware that train tickets can be expensive, so I recommend booking in advance.

Morning – Train to York

York dates back to ancient times and has an impressive number of attractions to see. There is a direct train from London to York which takes about 2 hours. It’s ambitious but York can be visited in a day if you leave early.

You can book your tickets here: Trainline Website. It’s usually more economical if you book early in advance and get the early saver ticket. There could be last-minute deals, but I wouldn’t want to rely on that.

Just like London, York is a city where a lot of attractions are within walking distance. Once you exit York Station, it’s an 18-minute walk to York Minster. One of Europe’s largest and most magnificent Gothic cathedrals.

View of York Minster from the front from the street. Right side slightly covered by green tree. Blue sky and clouds.

Tickets cost £16 per adult and you can also book tours if you like those. They offer guided tours, Tower Trips, the Hidden Minster Tour, and the Stained Glass Tour. Something for everyone!

Afternoon – York Landmarks

Another place to visit in York is the Shambles. One of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world. There is also a cool Harry Potter store.

Several buildings and a small street going between them. Old houses on the Shambles.

If you like museums, then you can also visit the National Railway Museum in York. It might not be for everyone, but entry is free.

And last but not least, the York City Walls. These ancient walls encircle much of the city, and visitors can walk along them to get fantastic views of York and its landmarks.

Evening – Return to London after Dinner

There are plenty of restaurants in York. I would recommend a place near the River Ouse. It’s so serene.

From there, it’s only a short walk back to the station and taking the train back to London.

Day 3 – Stonehenge and Glastonbury

And the car journey begins. There are plenty of hire car locations in London, so based on your hotel location you should book a car for three days. You can return the car at a different location than pick-up. It might just cost a bit more.

I suggest Discover Cars as a comparison website: Discover Cars Website

Morning – Stonehenge

View of Stonehenge, close up with grass in the front and blue sky with clouds

After the car pick up which should happen fairly early, it’s time to drive to Stonehenge. Based on where the car will be picked up and what time in the morning it is, it will take between 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours to get to Stonehenge, one of England’s most popular attractions. 

Tickets start from £23 per adult but increase during the season. You can check the prices and availability here: Stonehenge Website

Stonehenge dates back 5000 years. The true purpose remains a subject of speculation and debate which makes this so fascinating. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is managed by English Heritage.

The site is not that big, so you won’t spend endless hours, but it’s still worth a visit, especially since so many people have heard of Stonehenge.

Afternoon – Glastonbury

The next stop on the itinerary is Glastonbury. It’s about a 1.25-hour drive from Stonehenge and you’ll drive through the lovely countryside. And yes, that’s the Glastonbury from the Glastonbury festival.

The must-see sight in Glastonbury is Glastonbury Abbey. 

Glastonbury Abbey ruins. The main gate with only a part of the two sides remaining. Blue sky.

It’s mostly ruined but it’s still incredibly impressive to see. It used to be one of the richest and most influential monasteries in England.

The last entry is at 4.15 p.m. and a ticket costs £11.

The exact date of the abbey’s founding is uncertain, but by the 7th century, it was already an established centre of religious activity.

And if you’re intrigued by King Arthur, then rumour has it that his and Queen Guinevere’s graves have been found there.

Evening – Glastonbury Tor and Wells

If you fancy views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Wales, then Glastonbury Tor should be on your list. 

There is no parking at the Tor. The nearest car park is about a 0.5-mile walk away but you can also walk from the town centre. It’s about a 30-minute walk.

After you’ve returned to Glastonbury and your car, you could either have dinner in Glastonbury or drive to Wells and have dinner there. Either way, I suggest you stay the night in Wells, so you can have an early start there.

It’s only a 20-minute drive, so don’t worry if you can’t make it.

Day 4 – Wells and Bath

Morning – Wells Cathedral

Wherever you stayed the night, the day should begin with a visit to Wells Cathedral. Located in Wells, the smallest city in England, it’s an incredible sight.

Side view of Wells Cathedral. Grand square tower in the back with the nave in the front. Blue sky and clouds.

Construction started in 1175 and was opened in 1239, but work continued until the 15th century. And still standing, pretty impressive.

Another impressive feature is the clock. And that’s because it’s one of the world’s oldest clock mechanisms in existence. 

A suggested donation of £8 per person is being asked for.

If you can and yes, it’s difficult with the tight schedule, make use of the hourly guided tours that are included in your entry ticket. You’ll get a wonderful amount of information and you’ll be guided to places that you wouldn’t go to on your own. They operate from Monday to Saturday, on the hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and you don’t even have to book.

They also offer other tours like the High Parts Tour, the Chained Library Tour, and the Special Interest Tour.

Check out their website to see everything that’s on: Wells Cathedral Website

Afternoon – Bath

The drive to Bath takes about 45 minutes. Bath is renowned for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture. It’s definitely a beautiful city.

Bath Abbey from the side. Tower in the far right background. Nave in the foreground. Blue sky.

The city has hot springs which are still today used for the Roman Baths. If you fancy a dip, then you can visit the Thermae Bath Spa. However, it’s not a cheap dip.

A 2-hour session including towel and robe costs £40 per adult on weekdays, and £45 per adult on the weekend. 

The view from the rooftop pool is stunning though. So you might want to relax a little bit after these fairly exhausting four days. It’s also adult-only.

If not, then Bath is worth just walking around on its own. 

Evening – Drive to Oxford

Day 4 is a bit of a driving day, but we have lots to fit into these 5 days. The drive takes about 2 hours if you decide to take a detour through Cirencester. 

If you drive this way, then you’ll be able to see some of the Cotswolds beauty. The Cotswolds are an area of outstanding natural beauty.

I would definitely suggest visiting this area if there was more time. But you can at least see some of it if you take this route.

A more direct route via the M4 would save you about 20 minutes. It’s worth considering what you want to see.

Street in Oxford with old buildings lined next to each other. Blue Sky.

Day 5 – Oxford (the final day)

Morning and Afternoon – Explore Oxford

Oxford is another beautiful city (that’s why it’s on this list). It is one of the UK’s most iconic and historically rich cities, primarily known for the University of Oxford – the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

There are many sights to see in Oxford, for example, Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, Ashmolean Museum, Christ Church, and many other things.

Radcliffe Camera from the side. Person walking on the right of the photo. Sun is setting. The building is half in the shadow.

A lot of Harry Potter scenes were filmed here, so if you fancy, you can take a Harry Potter tour around Oxford.

Harry Potter Walking Tour booking site

Oxford is also very walkable and most of the attractions are within walking distance to each other. 

There are also many places to have Afternoon Tea in Oxford. I can only recommend The Rose Oxford. Super delicious and not overpriced.

Evening – Drive back to London.

If you were to leave the car here, then it would only be a one-hour train ride back to London. Otherwise, it’s time to take the car back to London, potentially the airport.

Do consider the rush hour when driving back, so you don’t miss a flight.

Conclusion: 5 Day England Itinerary – phew, that was a lot!

I hope you like this great itinerary. I believe this shows you many things that are worth visiting when visiting England. You could always add an extra day – and then you would be staying a year here.

It’s a whirlwind of adventures, sights, and experiences, showcasing some of the country’s most iconic landmarks and regions.

From the bustling streets of London to the historic allure of York, the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge, the architectural beauty of Both, and the academic charm of Oxford – every moment is packed with excitement.

Other places to visit:

This itinerary is just one of many, many options you have. Here are a few more places that you could swap out for:

  • Windsor Castle
  • Cotswolds (as mentioned previously)
  • Explore London more like the Tate Modern (art gallery), Harrods, Oxford Street, Camden Market, and many more
  • Liverpool
  • Manchester
  • Leeds
  • Brighton

England is such a beautiful country which means there is an incredible number of places to visit and much to see which don’t fit all in here. But I hope this tour of England gave you a good starting point, and you’ll do another trip to England to see more.

FAQ

Is 5 days enough to see the major highlights of England?

While 5 days won’t allow you to see everything England has to offer, this itinerary is designed to show you a mix of iconic sights and local gems in a short time. Expect a packed schedule!

Do I need a car for the entire trip?

No, this itinerary involves car travel only for the last three days. It’s not advised to hire a car while in London as the parking fees are expensive and there is limited space. 

Is driving in England difficult for foreigners?

Driving in England might be different if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road. Ensure you’re comfortable with this or consider group tours (like a bus tour or a private tour) or public transport alternatives. Or you can choose a guided day tour from London for several attractions.

How much should I budget for this trip?

Costs can vary widely depending on accommodation preferences, dining choices, and personal spending habits. 

Can I take guided tours at the mentioned attractions?

Yes, many of the sites in the itinerary offer guided tours, some of which may need to be booked in advance. Check the respective websites or contact the locations for more details.

Can I adjust this itinerary to be more relaxing?

Absolutely! This itinerary is for those wanting to see as much as possible in a limited time. If you want a more relaxed pace, consider cutting down on a few attractions.

Is the itinerary suitable for solo travellers?

Absolutely! I have done many of these attractions on my own. Just be conscious that it involves quite a bit of driving and whether you’re comfortable with that.

Do I need travel insurance?

It’s always recommended to have travel insurance to cover unexpected events or medical emergencies during your trip.

Can you travel England by train?

Yes, you can. However, I would advise you to plan more time than 5 days for that. Public transport isn’t bad in the UK but it’s also far from perfect.

Is tipping customary in England?

While tipping isn’t obligatory in England, it’s appreciated. In restaurants, it’s customary to leave a 10-15% tip if a service charge isn’t included. For services like taxis, rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip is common.

How safe is England for tourists?

England is generally safe for tourists. Like any tourist destination, it’s wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded places and during night hours. Ensure you keep your belongings secure. In all the years I’ve been living here, I never had an incident. And I’ve walked around London during the night in the touristy areas.

Can I drink tap water in England?

Yes, tap water in England is safe to drink unless otherwise indicated. However, it tastes strongly of chlorine. If you’re like me sensitive to that taste, then I’d advise you to buy bottled water.

What are some must-try English desserts?

England offers delightful desserts. Don’t miss out on trying scones with clotted cream and jam (part of Afternoon Tea), sticky toffee pudding, and Eton mess. All so delicious. And all so fattening – but who cares during a holiday?!

What type of power plugs are used in England?

England uses type G electrical plug (often referred to as the British 3-pin plug). The plug has three rectangular prongs. Countries and territories that use the type g plug other than the UK include Ireland, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, and several African countries.

If you want to see more of South East England, then check out 21 Best Places to Visit in Kent.

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