Hello, I can't thank everyone enough for the great feedback on my first draft itinerary. I have made a number of changes, and would appreciate feedback, and any special spots to keep in mind. This trip will be my second to England, but my husband and 16 year-old son's first. One of the great motivators for this trip is my son's long held desire to visit the Bovington Tank Museum. We have decided to keep the trip to the southern part of England, leaving York and other northern spots for another time. We are also not planning on spending much time in London this go around. After lots of excellent advice, here is my revised itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive LHR Sunday 10:20am. Get through customs/baggage claim and head to Oxford by bus. I expect we should be there by around 2? We will get settled and wander Oxford to get our bearings and walk off the travel.
Day 2: Take the bus to Woodstock and Blenheim Palace for the day, return to Oxford for night 2.
Day 3: Oxford, tour a college, perhaps a museum (The history of Science Museum sounds interesting), perhaps the Botanic Gardens, a river cruise with tea? Maybe even a ghost tour. I am open to ideas here, but also like to leave some time open for unplanned fun. Oxford for night 3.
Day 4: Head out right after breakfast traveling by train to Southampton. I am planning to pick up a rental car there. Drive through New Forest National Park and make our way towards Wareham. Possible stops for Corfe Castle, a hike or e bike rental or other interesting stops along the way. Get to our Wareham base, and settle in for night 4.
Day 5: The Tank Museum, I expect we will be there for the whole day, we are not quick through museums as a rule! Wareham for night 5.
Day 6: Explore the Dorset Coast by car: Weymouth, perhaps Lyme Regis, Durdle Door and return to Wareham for night 6.
Day 7: Drive towards Bath. I am thinking about Bradford on Avon as a base? Stop in Salisbury en route, and then explore BOA and settle in for night 7 in BOA. I am open to another spot for the base!
Day 8: Explore Wells, perhaps Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge for the day, return the car in Bath, and take the train back to BOA for night 8.
Day 9: Spend the day in Bath (travel by train), tour the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and wander, returning to BOA for night 9.
Day 10: Head to London by train, we are staying at the Hilton Paddington Station hotel. We can drop off bags there, then head into London for the day. We would like to visit the Churchill War Rooms, and perhaps just walk around central London/Southbank area for the day before returning to Paddington for the last night.
Day 11: We have an 11:05 flight out from Terminal 5, I plan to be at the airport by 8am.
So 3 main bases, with 3 nights at each. I am looking for a balance charming old cities/villages with some natural wonders and history. My husband wants to see ancient oak trees and quaint villages, and my son is into WW2, but expecially all things tank related. We all love museums, interesting history/cultural experiences and time outside in nature. I would love recommendations for specific stops, or anything I may be missing. The Paddington hotel is booked, as is a 2 bedroom apartment in Oxford. I don't have anything set for the Dorset nights, I am using Wareham as a target, but would be open to another spot. I also don't have anything for BOA/Bath area. I am open to guest houses/inns/hotels or AirBnB type rentals. It would be nice to have someone on site to get recommendations from, and we will need parking in Dorset and Bath areas. Thanks!!