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Itinerary for 2 weeks in England

I have another post going for some transportation logistics, but I thought a separate post for our itinerary would be better than combining them.
We will begin with 25 hours of flights, landing at Heathrow at 8:30 am on June 5th. We plan to take a direct coach to Bath, probably arriving early afternoon. Sunday roast? We will grab a quick breakfast before leaving Heathrow, so will probably be starved for a proper meal upon arrival in Bath. Then walk around exploring and definitely visit the Roman Baths. Next day visit Stonehenge, then last night in Bath.
Travel to Stow on the Wold for 3 nights. Hopefully we'll be able to visit some villages on our way to Stow. Our 1st full day in Stow I think we will need a day without travel, so sleep in, eat, explore, shop, eat and sleep. I know we'll miss some things by spending the entire day in Stow, but we'll likely need that day! 2nd full day explore villages near Stow. Next day, make our way to Liverpool.
Liverpool for 2 nights. Full Day is all about the Beatles! National Trust tour of Lennon/McCartney childhood homes, Magical Mystery Tour and the Cavern. The next morning another Beatles tour, then off to London for 6 nights.
2 days in London will be used to visit the Harry Potter studio and Windsor. That leaves 3 days exploring London. There's no way to see and do everything in London in 3 days, and I don't want to dash around trying to cram in everything. My top priorities for London are Westminter Abbey, the Tower of London, the British Museum, the British Library, Buckingham Palace, and the Churchill War Rooms. I will group those as efficiently as possible.
It's a lot in a short amount of time, but seems realistic. We won't see everything, but I want quality over quantity. Opinions? Advice?

Posted by
8566 posts

You expressed the desire of quality over quantity but have an itinerary that IS too much in too little time.

Of course you won’t see everything. Been traveling to England for over 50 years. Haven’t seen
“ everything!”

The concept of arriving, eating breakfast at Heathrow then grabbing the coach to Bath isn’t a bad plan. Just remember jet lag is a reality and may hit you full bore of your lengthy flight(s) time.

Are you renting a car or solely relying on public transport? For instance there is no direct transport from Stow to Liverpool unless you drive.

Slow down. Crowds will be larger than usual as both locals and tourists will be vying to enjoy post lockdown existences.

Posted by
32515 posts

I hope that you enjoy your sunday roast but don't blame me if after a sunday roast on your day of arrival after 25 hours of flights you find yourself fast asleep.

Posted by
47 posts

Yes, it is a lot!! We plan to drive to Birmingham to return our rental, then take a train to Liverpool.
A big meal might very well do us in! We'll walk around town until we're ready to drop and hopefully won't keel over in the street! 🤣

Posted by
1321 posts

What is the 3rd Beatles tour you’re taking in Liverpool? I’ve been 7 times and you pretty much see as much as there is to see if you’re doing both the NT tour and the MMT.

Are you doing the two Beatles museums? The Beatles Story gives a decent overview of their career, stronger in the early years since they had stronger ties to Liverpool. The Beatles museum on Mathew Street is focused on the very early years.
Liverpool is a wonderful city beyond the Beatles. You might want to add something different, but that’s your choice.

Posted by
47 posts

I haven't decided on the 3rd tour, but I'm open to suggestions! The museum would be a better choice than another tour that's essentially the same. The Magical Mystery tour looked the best, but if one of the others is better, I'm open to suggestions!

Posted by
7595 posts

We spent three nights in Bath and did a day trip to Wells and Glastonbury.

Recommend staying at the Brooks Guesthouse, a great B&B with fantastic breakfast.
For dining, we loved The Scallop Shell restaurant that had the BEST fish and chips in England.

I would not try to do Stonehenge from Bath, why not do it when you do Windsor Castle?

Posted by
47 posts

We are making our way northwest to Liverpool from London with stops along the way to see and be places we've read about and seen on travel shows on the Travel Channel. Bath is west of London. I want to see Stonehenge, which is in the vicinity, and the Roman Baths. We're then traveling north to the Cotswolds because I love beautiful scenery, and I want to poke around some old villages to see what there is to see. Cool houses, old streets and buildings, antique shops, and pubs. Then we're heading northwest to Liverpool because I love the Beatles. Then we're going back to London for a week. So Bath is somewhere I've wanted to go for years, and it's a stopping place towards another destination.
bpaul, I've traveled quite a bit, and I've read forums to get information about places I'm going, but I've never seen someone who wants to know why people want to go where they want to go. It puzzles me. People on New York City forums don't ask posters why they want to go to Times Square. I don't particularly care for Times Square, although I go there to attend plays, but I understand why most tourists want to go see it. Offering advice is great, but your approach is a bit aggressive.

Posted by
32515 posts

knowing why is another way of knowing what which allows for better answers

It is our way of being more helpful

Posted by
47 posts

Ok, perhaps I misinterpreted the post. In my other post b.paul asked what my obsession with Bath was - a question he frequently asks posters. Hopefully my explanation as to why I am choosing to visit Bath was informative. I really do appreciate advice and answers to questions.

Posted by
8566 posts

You’ve provided a lengthy and informative itinerary but I’m a tad confused? Are you asking for suggestions regarding the 3 days in London?

The most obvious grouping in Parliament Square
( Parliament, Elizabeth’s Tower with the bell, Big Ben, Westminster Abby, Churchill Statue ) then the nearby Churchill War Rooms. If you walk up Whitehall from Parliament Square to Trafalgar Square you’ll pass the Horse Guards and the gated entrance to where 10
Downing Street is located. The Cenotaph in the Middle of Whitehall is where the Queen has traditionally laid a wreath on Remember Day. Believe Prince William did it 2021.

If you choose to head to the Palace simply walk along side St James Park along Birdcage Walk. Lovely stroll and after 11am you can watch and hear the Royal Guard march back from the Changing of the Guard ceremony to Wellington Barracks.

A good tour of the Abbey is done by www.walks.com or pay for the Vergers Tour.

Be first in line when the ticket office opens for the Tower of London. Once through the massive gates head straight to the Crown Jewels. Then meander. Nice old / new architectural POV of the Gherkin from the Tower grounds. From the Tower of London walk towards the Gherkin. Its about 7 blocks and you’ll Discover Leadenhall Market. Its the last glass covered market place in London. Love all the architecture in area. The Tower, St Marys Axe ( The Gherkin), St Helen’s Church, Bishopgate. From there I always meander up to Spitalfields market for lunch.
You can head from Spitalfields over to the Truman Brewery and into and about Brick Lane. Great street art. If truly into walking head off to the Columbia Flower Market and if wanting a coffee i liked mine at Cafe Columbia.

Try to book tours of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Tower of London. All fascinating in their own right.

Lots to experience in 3 days. Great city. Check opening times. And remember nothing better than a pub lunch to rest weary feet.

Posted by
47 posts

Thank you Claudia, love the tips!
Do you know anything about the Royal Mews tour at Buckingham Palace? I looked for it on the Palace website, but I didn't see it. That looks interesting to me and something my husband would love!

Posted by
3586 posts

The British Museum is massive. I suggest that you look into what the various collections are and choose a couple that particularly interest you. Some of my own favorites are the artefacts from the ancient Middle East and the Sutton Hoo hoard. It’s not a place for aimless wandering.