Hi, we'll have already had a week in London, for which I DO have a plan, but the last 9 days of our trip, starting from Southampton (getting off a cruise) I just haven't had time to figure out. Any recommendations for a self tour that makes sense? Honestly, I'm frazzled with work and some parent health issues so am happy for anything anyone has to help me - normally I would have a trip like this planned to the minute by now - but this time I don't even have hotels!
Thanks in advance!
Do you want to stay in the southeast (near Southampton) or travel the rest of the country? Are you planning to hire a car or use public transport? Any particular interests (history, nature, cultural sights, etc)? If you can give a bit more info we can help advise!
And do you prefer to see cities or smaller places?
AI such as chatGPT can be a really good starting point. If you have even a couple of places in mind that you know you’d like to see you can plug them in and it can suggest an itinerary and even hotels.
I'm guessing what you would like to see, but if you want to avoid London and see a mixture of what England has to offer, I would go with something like:-
Southampton to Winchester. Only half and hour away, picturesque small city.
From there head to Bridgenorth or Shrewsbury in Shropshire.
Across mid Wales to Caernarfon, along the coast to Llandudno, with a visit to Conwy castle.
Across North Wales to Chester.
Short trip for a couple of days in Liverpool. Large city with lots to see.
Drive to the Peak District to see Winnat's Pass, Castleton, Bakewell.
Down to Oxford or Cambridge.
Back to your southern embarkation point.
Plenty of hotels and guest houses in all these locations. Gives a mix of history, modern city and countryside.
This is just one option, there are many more and will change again if you opt for public transport to get around.
If into naval history then consider the Portsmouth Royal Dockyard. Arnudel Castle is also nearby if you like big houses.
As already noted, how you’re getting around will affect where you go.
biwire had some great ideas.
Canterbury and Cambridge are good East of London.
My favorite city in England is York, need three nights there.
Winchester, Salisbury, Stonehenge, Bath and Stratford upon Avon (especially if you love Shakespeare).
Or how about dropping out on the Isle of Wight, New Forest area or Dorset for those days?
You could easily fill 2 or 3 days excploring each.
Thank you all so much, this is very helpful. We are not opposed to renting a car and driving (we did in Australia, so have some confidence that we can manage). We like historical stuff, houses, places, etc. This gives me somewhere to start, so thank you!
Another vote for Winchester. I visited earlier this month for the first time. Very fascinating, but relaxed town. Portsmouth is also nice. A little grittier, but interesting maritime history. Had I had more time, I would have rented a car to go to The South Downs. But I had a ferry to catch out of Portsmouth.
