The Best One-Week Itinerary in England for Americans
Planning a trip to England and wondering how to see the best bits in just one week? We’ve got you covered.
This itinerary hits the highlights Americans tend to love – a mix of London icons, royal palaces, charming villages, Shakespeare country, and even a day in the countryside. It balances the must-sees with a slower pace so you can actually enjoy your time here (and not just tick off a list).
Day 1: Land in London & Get Your Bearings
Most Americans arrive at Heathrow. After clearing immigration (yes, you can use the eGates with your US passport!), take the Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth Line into central London. Drop your bags and start your England adventure.
- Morning/Afternoon: Stroll around Westminster – Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. These sights are clustered together and perfect for a first wander.
- Evening: Head to Covent Garden for dinner and street entertainment. If you’re not too jet-lagged, ride the London Eye for a beautiful sunset view over the Thames.
Tip: Book the London Eye online ahead of time – sunset slots sell out quickly.
Day 2: London Icons & River Cruise
London has enough to fill a month, but here’s how to pack in the biggest hitters.
- Morning: Tower of London tour – don’t miss the Crown Jewels. Walk across Tower Bridge for those classic photos.
- Midday: Hop on a Thames river cruise from Tower Pier to Westminster. It’s a relaxing way to see St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the skyline.
- Afternoon: Visit Borough Market for incredible food, then walk along the South Bank past Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge.
- Evening: Consider a West End show – book ahead for popular musicals like Hamilton, Matilda, or Phantom of the Opera.
Tip: Use contactless cards or Apple Pay for the Tube and buses — you’ll never pay more than the daily cap.
Day 3: Windsor Castle & Stonehenge (or Bath)
Time to leave the city behind for a day trip.
- Option 1: Windsor Castle in the morning – the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world – followed by an afternoon tour to Stonehenge.
- Option 2: Spend the day in Bath instead. Tour the Roman Baths, stroll the Royal Crescent, and enjoy tea at Sally Lunn’s, one of the oldest houses in the city.
If you take Option 2, consider spending the night in Bath. It’s a beautiful, walkable city after the day-trippers leave.
Tip: Trains to Bath take 90 minutes from London Paddington – buy advance tickets for cheaper fares.
Day 4: The Cotswolds – Quintessential English Countryside
Rent a car (automatic if you’re not confident with manual!) or join a small-group tour to explore the Cotswolds — a region of rolling hills and honey-stone cottages.
- Stops to include: Bibury (famous Arlington Row), Castle Combe (often called the prettiest village in England), and Bourton-on-the-Water (dubbed the Venice of the Cotswolds).
- Stay: Book a charming pub with rooms or a boutique B&B to really enjoy the slower pace of rural England.
Tip: Country roads are narrow – go slow and be ready to reverse if needed.
Day 5: Oxford & Stratford-upon-Avon
From the Cotswolds, make your way to Oxford.
- Morning: Tour one or two colleges (Christ Church is the most famous), wander the Bodleian Library, or take a punt on the River Cherwell.
- Afternoon: Head to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, stroll the Tudor streets, and maybe see a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
- Stay: Overnight in Stratford or return to London for an easier departure the next day.
Day 6: London Museums & Neighbourhoods
Use your last full day in London for culture and neighbourhood exploration.
- Morning: Choose your favourite museum – The British Museum (Rosetta Stone, mummies), Victoria & Albert (fashion & design), or Natural History Museum (dinosaurs!).
- Afternoon: Explore Notting Hill (Portobello Road Market if it’s a Friday or Saturday), Kensington Gardens, or Camden Market for a different vibe.
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a classic London pub or try a Sunday roast if it’s the weekend.
Day 7: A Slow Goodbye
If your flight is later in the day, start with a gentle breakfast and one last walk.
- Ideas: Greenwich for the Prime Meridian, Kensington Palace for royal fans, or just a relaxed morning in Hyde Park.
- Allow plenty of time to get back to Heathrow or Gatwick — London traffic can be unpredictable.
Practical Tips for This Week in England Itinerary
- Transport: Use trains for Bath, Oxford, and Stratford. For the Cotswolds, a car is easiest — but you can book guided day tours from London if you don’t want to drive.
- Accommodation: Split your stay — 3–4 nights London, 1–2 nights countryside, 1 night Bath/Stratford.
- Budget: Expect £150–£250 per night for mid-range London hotels. Pub stays and B&Bs in the countryside can be better value.
- Weather: Pack layers and a light raincoat — English weather changes quickly.
- Tipping: 10–12% at restaurants is plenty; no need to tip in pubs.
Why Americans Love This Route
This itinerary ticks off the most iconic English experiences:
- London’s royal and historic highlights
- A castle, a world wonder, and a Roman city
- Rolling countryside with thatched cottages
- Literary and academic history in Oxford and Stratford
It’s busy but doable – and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve really seen England.
Click for a map to follow this week itinerary for England.
The route for England in a week
- Day 1–2: London (Westminster + British Museum for your ‘last day’ stop)
- Day 3: Windsor → Stonehenge → Bath
- Day 4: Cotswolds (Bibury, Castle Combe, Bourton-on-the-Water)
- Day 5: Oxford → Stratford-upon-Avon
- Day 6–7: Back to London (ending in Greenwich)
- Final stop: Heathrow Airport
Train & Public Transport Route: No-Car Itinerary
If driving on the left feels daunting, you can still see almost everything by combining trains, buses, and a couple of small-group tours.
🔗 Open Train & Walking Route Map
- Day 1–2: Explore London on foot & Tube
- Day 3: Take the train from London Paddington to Bath (90 mins). Join a Bath-to-Stonehenge half-day tour.
- Day 4: Day trip to the Cotswolds from London (join a guided coach or small-group tour).
- Day 5: Train from London to Oxford (1 hr), then train or bus to Stratford-upon-Avon (1.5 hrs). Return to London in the evening.
- Day 6–7: Museums, Notting Hill, Greenwich — all accessible by Tube, DLR, or Thames Clipper boat.
- Finish at Heathrow by train (Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express).
Train Tip: Book advance tickets for Bath, Oxford, and Stratford for cheaper fares. Railcards (Two Together, Senior, or Family & Friends) save 1/3 off most fares.
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