Taste of England | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour

Arrive in London and head to your accommodation where you will stay for the first two nights of your tour. Depending on your arrival time, we recommend a visit Hampton Court Palace, a grade 1 listed royal palace located in the London borough of Richmond upon Thames. Building of this Tudor palace commenced in 1515 for Cardinal Wolsey, the chief minister of Henry VIII, and it is set amongst acres of beautiful gardens. Alternatively, visit Windsor Great Park to visit the Valley Gardens, Virginia Water or nearby Runnymede, where the historic Magna Carta was sealed over 800 years ago. 2x overnights in the London area.

Head into central London for the day. From museums and architecture, to its modern food and music scene, there really is something for everyone in this cosmopolitan city. Talk a walk along the Thames from Westminster to see Tower Bridge, passing by the famous ‘The Shard’, the UK’s tallest building. Enjoy the wonderful food in Chinatown and explore nearby Soho.

Drive southwest to the Bath/ Bristol area, ca. 180km from London. We recommend planning your journey via Salisbury to visit its wonderful cathedral, a masterpiece of the early Gothic style. A piece of the original Magna Carta can also be viewed. The UNESCO site of Stonehenge, the famous prehistoric site on Salisbury Plain, is on the way too and visits must be prebooked to gain access to the site. Plan a stop at the Cheddar Cheese Gorge, one of the last remaining cheddar cheese companies driving to your next accommodation. 2x overnights in the Bath/Bristol area.

Use this day to explore the Roman City of Bath, also known as the most beautiful City in South England and a world heritage site. Bath was named after its Roman-built baths and a visit (included) to the Roman Baths and Pump Room are very worthwhile or you can walk around the beautiful Georgian architecture on the Royal Crescent.

Continue your journey towards Stratford-upon-Avon/ Warwickshire, ca. 130km drive. Plan your route through the beautiful and romantic area of the Cotswolds and enjoy a traditional English Cream Tea. Visit Burton-on-the-Water, a scenic Cotswold village, often called Venice of the Cotswolds and walk along the traditional stone buildings that the Cotswolds area is renowned for. Garden lovers should visit Painswick Rococco Gardens, a 18th century garden with café in the nearby area of Stroud. 2x overnights in the Stratford-upon-Avon/Warwickshire area.

Explore the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare. Take a walk down the pedestrianised Henley Street where there are many cafes and local shops to enjoy and visit the birthplace of the famous bard himself, Shakespeare. There are five Shakespeare houses in total, 3 of which are in the town itself and they are wonderfully preserved and offer fascinating insights into the life of Shakespeare and his family. Take a River walk (ca. 2km – 1 hours) and visit Holy Trinity church where William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway are buried.

Return to the London area, a drive of circa 220km. En-route, a stop to visit Blenheim Palace is included, birthplace of Winston Churchill or drive to the famous city of Oxford, a city that revolves around its famous ‘University of Oxford’ first established in the 12th century. The architecture of the city has led it to be called ‘the City of Dreaming Spires’ and whether exploring the many historic buildings, museums and colleges or taking in the modern shopping and eating facilities the city has a lot to offer. For shopping lovers, a stop at the Bicester Outlet Centre is highly recommended. 1x overnight in the London area

Time permitting, we recommend a visit to the history town of Royal Windsor with is magnificent Castle. Queen Elizabeth II spent many weekends here and the town is picturesque and compact and a hive of activity in the summer months. Journey to London airport, ca. 50km for your return flight.