2 Weeks in England: 3 Itineraries

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England is undeniably one of the most well-liked vacation spots in the world, has practically offers a wide selection of exciting things to do and places to venture for any type of visitor. This small but influential nation, a part of the stunning British Isles, is packed with fascinating history, attractive cities, and a wealth of cultural traditions.

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There are historical sites wherever you look, including ancient structures, Roman ruins, medieval town centres, and castles dating back hundreds of years.

The United Kingdom is situated between the North Sea and North Atlantic. Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, and the Faroe Islands share maritime borders with England.

In this collection of travel itineraries for 2 weeks in England, there are three options for you to choose from depending on what you prefer to see. There is a travel plan for first-time visitors, hiking itinerary, and a guide for those who want to explore the coasts of England.

RELATED POST: 2 weeks in the UK and 2 weeks in Ireland and Northern Ireland itineraries

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING ENGLAND

4 images - aerial shot of stonehenge, london bridge, royal pavilion, and peak district - 2 Weeks in England Itinerary

Before you book your flight and hotel, check out these basic travel tips for England. Make sure you are visiting at the right time, depending on the activities you plan to do. The following information will also help you write your own travel itinerary that is suitable for you.

When is the best time to go to England

Have you heard of the joke about how much it rains in England? Well, it’s true. But you can still enjoy a sunny day if you plan right. England’s driest time of the year is from February until April. However, this is also the busiest time of the year.

If you want to come here during this time, best book your accommodation in advance. Both to make sure you have a place to stay that is decent in quality and to avoid high costs due to last-minute planning.

The wettest months in England are from autumn until winter. It doesn’t snow that much in England in winter, but it rains most days. If you don’t mind that, it’s a great time to visit in terms of cost. Accommodations are more affordable from September to November. At Christmas, it starts to go up again all the way until January.

Are 2 weeks enough for England

14 days in England is an ideal time. You will be able to cover many magnificent places but also, won’t find yourself with too much extra time feeling bored. If you rent a car to explore outside London, you can maximise your time even more.

If you have two weeks in England, you can definitely visit 3-4 cities. Just make sure to arrange the places according to the distance from one another, so you don’t track back and waste too much time in a train, bus, or car driving around.

Getting around

The best way to get around England is by using public transport; trains and buses. The trains go to pretty much most major cities in England. If you plan to go to rural areas, the bus will surely service there.

You will find ticket machines at the train or bus station that accept card and/or cash payments. Make sure to download the Trainline app to purchase your train tickets in advance.

If you want more freedom of your time, you can rent a car. But only do this once you’re ready to explore outside London. Traffic in London is just not worth your time. It would make more sense to pick up the car in London and drop it off in the exact location, especially if your flight will leave from London anyway.

Language and currency

English is the primary language in England. However, there are many accents as you move around that can be hard to understand at times.

GBP or Great British Pounds (£), is the main currency in England. ATM machines will produce cash in pounds. Payment using a bank card is the most preferred way in England when settling your bill. There are also now e-wallet which might not be possible for you. But remember to always bring cash with you. Around £50 will be ideal in case your card doesn’t work.

Visa

England is part of the UK, meaning the government implements the same visa policies as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

If you hold a passport from most countries in the Americas (North and Latin America), you can enter and travel around England for six months. The same visa policy for visitors with passports from Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Namibia, Botswana, Europe, and of course, territories of the British colonies.

You must get an electronic visa waiver if your passport is from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE. Passport holders of Ireland have freedom of movement in the UK.

ELECTRONIC VISA WAIVER

What is the average cost for 2 weeks in England

London alone is such an expensive city, England in general for a 2-week trip can cost more than any other country in the world you have been to.

On average, $2,200 for two weeks in England is ideal. Accommodation is the most expensive. Regarding food, you can bring down the cost a little bit. You should also plan to use public transport, which will help to ensure you don’t spend too much.

If a bunk bed and sharing living spaces don’t bother you, a shoestring budget of $1,900 is possible for a 14 days trip in England. But remember that most hostels are located a bit out of the city. Check if you can rent a push bike to help you get around. Instead of booking a tour, you can try to look for “free walking tours” which operate in “tips”.

For those with a budget to go on a luxury trip, $3,500 will be a friendly budget. You won’t be able to stay in 5-star hotels the entire time, but you can book them if you plan to do so outside London. You can eat out and move around using a taxi and ride-hailing apps on this budget.

Other basic travel tips

As mentioned before, it’s best to book things in advance regarding taking a trip to England. Good hotels get books quickly. Don’t worry, many of these travel sites offer flexible cancellations if you change your mind or plans.

HOTELS
VISA
CAR RENT
TOURS
FLIGHTS
HOTELS
VISA
CAR RENT
TOURS
FLIGHTS
BUS (EU/US/CA)
TRAINS (EUROPE)
TRAIN/BUS (ASIA)
BOOKED TOURS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
TOURS (ASIA)
HOSTELS
AIRPORT PICK UP
ESIM
BIKE RENTAL

PINNED MAP OF TOP THINGS TO SEE IN ENGLAND

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN ENGLAND ITINERARY

England might be intimidating for newcomers, with plenty of tourists and citizens populating the country. To help you save time, you can use this comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip to easily navigate the cities, seaside destinations, and hiking trails.

The places you can explore on particular days are listed below. I also added a section about what you can do in every city to help you make the best out of your two weeks in England. There are 3 sample itineraries.

Itinerary #1: First-Time Visitor (London, Brighton, Cotswold, Northern England)

If it’s your first visit, I’d suggest concentrating on these areas and taking at least 2 weeks to explore. You can travel quickly and see a new location every day, but if you’d prefer a more leisurely tour, you should probably spend at least 3-4 days in every city, especially considering the transport time.

I must admit that deciding which cities to include in this itinerary has been quite challenging. It is showcased in this two-week in England itinerary if you want to see the best of England. Although many other locations are just as stunning, this tour offers a good variety.

London for 4 days

London, one of the most charming cities in the world, is known for its modern cobblestone streets lined with ancient buildings, award-winning theatres, and modern buildings like The Shard. Some trendy locations are Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace, all encircled by charming streets.

Generally, Britain’s capital offers a unique experience for everyone, including foodies, adventurers, history buffs, families, and shopaholics.

Big Ben, the 318-foot tower that holds the giant clock and its booming bell, is the best example of what “London” is all about. Several excellent sightseeing choices outside the city are entirely doable on a day trip from London. The two locations that you must visit include Cambridge and Stonehenge.

2 images - aerial shot of stonehenge and bath river - 2 Weeks in England Itinerary

Brighton for 3 days

With its magnificent peaks that seem more at home in India, The Royal Pavilion, located in the heart of Brighton, is hard to overlook. You can also check out the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, which is set in the pavilion’s former Royal Stables and Riding School area.

The outstanding Willett Collection of porcelain and ceramics, the remarkable Art Deco collection, and the costume exhibit with 18th-century clothes all make this top-notch museum worthwhile.

A trip to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Brighton Palace Pier, surrounded by shops, amusement arcades, and food stalls. The quickest train travel time from London to Brighton is around 1 hr 8 min with a distance of 75 km (47 miles).

Cotswold for 3 days

The Cotswolds’ charming villages and historic market squares, which frequently serve as movie sets, make travelling here like walking into a storybook. Don’t miss out on Bourton-on-the-Water, a charming village that has earned the nickname “Venice of the Cotswolds”, thanks to the clear River Windrush that passes through the centre of the community.

If you’re eyeing antiques, Broadway has numerous stores, art galleries, and cafes along the streets.

Bath has several spa towns, including Thermae Bath Spa, which is right next to the Roman Baths and offers visitors a unique and relaxing experience. There are numerous spa services to choose from, including hot stone therapy and water massages, perfect after a tiring day of exploring.

Travelling from Brighton to Cotswold by car rental would be ideal as it usually takes roughly 2 hr 25 min rather than by train which is around 4 hr 34 min.

Northern England 4 days

The cities in Northern England include Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Lancaster, York, Newcastle, Windermere, and Chester. The most popular cities are Manchester and Liverpool because of their popularity in history, sports, and music. The Beatles is from Liverpool, while Oasis is from Manchester, just to name a few.

Many local and foreign visitors go to Liverpool for its football club, but there are lots more attractions to see in Liverpool apart from this. While Leeds features the Royak Armouries Museum and Manchester, it is the place to learn about the atomic theory and the journey of splitting it.

The historic city of York, the spiritual centre of the Church of England, is among Northern England’s most well-known tourist sites. It is home to one of the nation’s most magnificent cathedrals, the York Minister. The ancient City Walls that encircle the former medieval city centre for approximately 5 kilometres are another attraction worth exploring.

You’ll have great views of The Shambles, a street that dates back to the 14th century and is noted for its beautiful wooden buildings, as well as other nearby restaurants, boutique stores, and art galleries, which make this city a great place to end your 2 weeks in England trip.

You can expect the trip from Cotswold to Northern England, which spans 412 km (256 miles), by driving for 4 hr 24 min through the A1 (M) route.

Itinerary #2: Hiking Itinerary (Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales/Dartmoor National Park)

Apart from the typical tourist destinations, England is the ideal vacation option for anyone who enjoys spending time in nature. There are many hiking trails to discover, and they are all enclosed by the country’s breathtaking scenery, extensive history, and hospitable culture.

Whether you like to wander in the Dartmoor National Park, discover the Lake District, or stroll through the Yorkshire Dales, each provides a unique hiking experience for your upcoming vacation.

I’ve compiled some of England’s most incredible outdoor adventure spots. If you’ve longed to get away from England’s busy cities, this 14-day in England itinerary is ideal.

London for 2 days

If London isn’t part of your itinerary, you can still make the most of your time when you land here. Ensure necessary arrangements before visiting England’s off-the-beaten-track areas, including renting a car, stocking up on cash, getting a local sim card, and purchasing hiking equipment.

Peak District for 3 days

Mam Tor, which translates to “Mother Hill,” is a 517-meter-high hill close to Castleton that genuinely deserves a spot on your bucket list. Another note-worthy hike is the beautiful 46-mile path through the Peak District National Park’s White Peak region, called The Limestone Way.

For quick treks, consider the Bolsover Town Walking Route, which leads you through the historic streets of Bolsover and reveals hidden gems like courtyards, vistas of the surrounding countryside, and even a splendid 13th-century church.

Buxton, Buxton, and Sheffield are the ideal locations to stay if you intend to explore the Peak District. These towns are mainly untouched and have maintained their small-village charm despite the surge of tourists.

I recommend travelling from London to Peak District by high-speed train, which takes 90 to arrive. You can also drive your rented car. The journey will take around 3 hr and 20 mins.

2 images of Peak District and Brentor Church at Dartmoor National Park - 2 Weeks in England Itinerary

Lake District for 3 days

Helvellyn, one of the tallest peaks in the Lake District, is a favourite trip for experienced and novice climbers. Hikers enjoy Ullswater, where they can travel the 32-km Ullswater Way all around the lake or shorten their trip to 12 kilometres by adding boat rides. You can hike the 451-m high Catbells High Ridge for a quick half-day trip.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, I recommend heading to Ambleside, a small town with numerous restaurants and accommodations. Another excellent option is Penrith, a vibrant market town with sandstone structures famous for its abundance of shops.

Yorkshire Dales National Park or Dartmoor National Park for 3 days

Next up are 2 national parks that I highly recommend: Dartmoor National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park. If you prefer exploring with less crowd, pick Dartmoor. Choose Yorkshire if you want to stay in the North while driving less. If you’re still undecided, I suggest reading more about them to determine which best suits your preferences.

Witness the might of Hardraw Force, England’s tallest single-drop waterfall, on this challenging 3.5-mile trek starting at Hawes National Park. Soaring 723 m above the landscape is Ingleborough, Yorkshire’s 2nd highest peak and of the most popular hiking sites. If you’re looking for the best accommodation options, consider Hawes, Bainbridge, and Carperby.

If you want to opt for a short but scenic hike, head to Lydford Gorge, where you can glimpse the White Lady Waterfall. For advanced hikers, I recommend the circular route called Burrator, where you could take in some of Southern England’s most stunning sceneries. After days of exploring Dartmoor, a comfortable location to rest is necessary, and you can find one in either Exeter or Plymouth.

I recommend travelling by car from Lake District to Yorkshire Dales since it will only take 50 min, over an estimated 55 km (34 miles) from route 685. Whereas the travel time by car from Lake District to Dartmoor National Park is roughly 5 hr 2 min with a total distance of 523 km (325 miles) along routes M6 and M5.

Itinerary #3: Along the Coasts (Brighton, Dorset, Cornwall, North Devon)

You’re in for a treat when you visit these seaside destinations due to their impressive sea cliffs, wide bays, and magnificent beaches. For those seeking serene beachfront solitude, some of the best beaches are found off the usual path. There are many romantic beaches to choose from along England’s breathtaking coastline, which is perfect for couples.

This itinerary welcomes visitors to laze by the water and enjoy the sun. The beaches of England have excellent surfing waves and a variety of practice areas, making them ideal for both beginners and advanced surfers.

England offers countless vacation options for solo travellers, families, and anyone wishing to spend time by the sea. Many beaches are served by restaurants, hotels, and leading recreational services, including extensive water sports facilities.

London for 2 days

Even if London isn’t on your agenda, you may still take advantage of your time once you arrive. Be sure to make all necessary preparations before travelling along the coasts of England for a seamless trip. This includes renting a car, setting aside enough cash, obtaining a local sim card, and buying goods.

Brighton for 3 days

Long before the establishment of the railway, Brighton was already a well-known seaside destination with several outstanding beaches suited for sunbathing and swimming. For water sports enthusiasts, head to Brighton Beach, where you can enjoy kayaking, sailing, and surfing. Another option is Kemptown Beach which a short 15-minute walk can reach along Brighton Palace Pier for those who prefer a less crowded beach.

Set at the base of a stunning row of white chalk cliffs, the beach along Undercliff Walk is a popular diving and snorkelling spot with many rockpools to explore. The train journey from London to Brighton is around 1 hr 8 min, covering a distance of 75 km (47 miles).

Dorset for 3 days

There are more than a dozen Bournemouth beaches to select from, stretching approximately 10 miles of the breathtaking Dorset coastline. If you begin your adventure of Dorset in Bournemouth, ensure enough time for a trip to Brownsea Island.

The Jurassic Coast in England, which stretches 96 miles from Exmouth beaches, is still the sole World Heritage Site in the country and is packed with options for exploration.
Undoubtedly, Weymouth Harbour is one of the top places in England for a typical seaside holiday, a weekend break, or even a day trip.

I recommend travelling by car from Brighton to Dorset since it will only take 2 hr 17 min, over an estimated 182 km (113 miles) from routes A27 and A31.

Cornwall for 3 days

One of Cornwall’s loveliest beaches, St. Ive’s Porthiminster Beach, offers a great view of the Godrevy Lighthouse from across glittering water. You can also visit Porthmeor Beach, a trendy beach with neighbouring cafes and restaurants. The finest natural scenery is available in St Ives Bay, and boarding a cruise is one of Cornwall’s top things to do.

For those who want to relax and play by the shoreline with their children, Porthgwidden Beach is a family-friendly beauty with gentler waves and fine sand that’s great for kids to swim in.
It takes an average of 2 hr 39 min to arrive from Dorset to Cornwall by driving a total distance of 240 km (149 miles) along routes A35 and A30.

2 images - North Devon Coast and London Bridge

North Devon for 3 days

North Devon is home to some of the most renowned beaches, including Tunnel Beach, a unique privately owned beach paradise that has been a must-see since Victorian times. One of the area’s highlights is a massive tidal pool that retains fresh seawater.

Woolacombe Beach, which stretches for 3 miles along Devon’s breathtaking North coast, is favoured by families searching for a safe beach to take their kids to, making this city a superb destination to end your 2 weeks in England trip.

Head to Saunton Sands, which offers three miles of lovely sandy shoreline. If you’re seeking a quiet and uncrowded beach, head to Saunton Sands, which offers 3 miles of shoreline.

Travelling from Cornwall to North Devon would be ideal by car as it often takes around 2 hr 3 min with an estimated distance of 156 km (87 miles) along route A30.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN ENGLAND

Below is a list of must-see places in England and must-do activities. I also added my favourite and most recommended tours that you can book. Most of them have flexible cancellations in case you change your mind. But if you’re travelling during peak season, grab your spot as soon as you can.

London

Brighton

Cotswold

Northern England

Manchester:

Liverpool:

Sheffield:

  • Peak District – you can do a Scavenger hunt
  • Sheffield Botanical Gardens
  • Graves Park
  • Kelham Island Museum
  • Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet
  • Sheffield Town Hall
  • Beauchief Abbey and Ancient Woodlands

Leeds:

Peak District

  • Chatsworth House
  • Peak Cavern
  • Treak Cliff Cavern
  • Cave Dale
  • Speedwell Cavern
  • Alton Towers
  • Mam Tor
  • Ilam Park
  • Haddon Hall
  • Heights of Abraham
  • National Trust – Lyme
  • The Pavilion Gardens
  • The Roaches
  • Wyming Brook Nature Reserve

Lake District

  • Aira Force Waterfall
  • Loughrigg Fell
  • Stock Ghyll Force (waterfall)
  • Cathedral Cave
  • Skelwith Force (waterfall)
  • Stanley Ghyll Waterfall
  • National Trust – Wray Castle
  • Scale Force Waterfall
  • Holehird Gardens
  • Moss Force Waterfall
  • The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
  • National Trust – Hill Top

Yorkshire Dales/Dartmoor National Park

  • Yockenthwaite Stone Circle
  • Malham Cove
  • Gordale Scar
  • Janet’s Foss Waterfall
  • Linton Falls and Linton Stepping Stones
  • Kilnsey Park
  • Fountains Fell
  • Hull Pot
  • Ribblehead Viaduct
  • Scaleber Force Waterfall
  • Jubilee Cave
  • National Park Visitor Centre (Dartmoor)
  • Bellever Tor
  • Laughter Tor
  • Fernworthy Stone Circle
  • Bennett’s Cross
  • Black-a-Tor (North Dartmoor)
  • National Trust – Castle Drogo
  • Ditsworthy Warren House
  • Foggintor Quarry

Dorset

  • Corfe Castle
  • Dorset AONB
  • The Tank Museum
  • Weymouth Beach
  • Durdle Door
  • National Trust – Kingston Lacy
  • Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
  • National Trust – Brownsea Island
  • Sandbanks Beach
  • Highcliffe Castle
  • Lulworth Castle Wareham
  • Portland Bill Lighthouse
  • The Blue Pool
  • Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
  • Lulworth Cove
  • Borough Gardens
  • Osmington White Horse
  • Dancing Ledge

Cornwall

  • Land’s End
  • Surf at St. Ives Bay
  • Polperro Heritage Coast
  • Hike along the South West Coast Path (630-mile
  • Towan Beach
  • National Trust Properties – Trelissick Garden, Godrevy, Lanhydrock House, Trerice, or the Cotehele House
  • Pendennis Castle
  • Eden Project
  • Enys Gardens
  • Lankidden Cove
  • Isles of Scilly
  • Kynance Cove
  • Tate St Ives
  • Tintagel Castle
  • Eat Cornish dishes
  • Mining Heritage – Geevor Tin Mine, Poldark Mine, or the Heartlands Heritage Centre

North Devon

  • North Devon Coast and Saunton Sands
  • National Trust Properties – Baggy Point, Watersmeet,
  • Surfing or Swimming at Croyde Bay, Woolacombe Bay or Saunton Sands
  • Morte Point
  • Tunnels Beaches
  • Ilfracombe Harbour Devon
  • Heddon’s Mouth
  • Valley of Rocks
  • Exmoor Zoological and Conservation Centre
  • Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon
  • RHS Garden Rosemoor
  • Walk or Cycle along Tarka Trail – 180-mile
  • Boat from Appledore or Instow to Lundy Island
  • Clovelly Court Gardens

MUST-TRY ENGLISH DISHES, DRINKS, AND SNACKS

3 images - fish and chips, trifle, and tea

England is not known for its food, but it doesn’t mean there’s nothing to try. The list below is a compilation of traditional English dishes. Today, England is a melting pot of diverse cultures. This means that you can pretty much find restaurants serving different cuisines from western, Indian, Chinese, Latin, Greek, and American just to name a few.

Make sure to try at least 3-4 dishes during your 2 weeks in English. Of course, never leave without checking a traditional English pub.

  • Fish and chips (deep-fried fish and french fries)
  • Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding
  • Ploughman’s lunch (a selection of cheese, pickles, and bread)
  • Toad in the hole (sausages baked in a batter pudding)
  • Shepherd’s pie (ground lamb or beef topped with mashed potatoes)
  • Steak and kidney pie
  • Steak and kidney pie
  • Pork pie (a pastry filled with pork and seasonings)
  • Cumberland sausage
  • Bangers and mash sausages and mashed potatoes)
  • Cornish pasty
  • Bubble and squeak (mashed potatoes and vegetables)
  • Coronation chicken (chicken salad with curry and fruit)
  • Eton mess (mixture of strawberries, meringue and whipped cream)
  • Trifle (layered dessert with fruit, sponge cake, custard, and cream)
  • Apple crumble (a warm dessert made with cooked apples and a crumbly pastry topping)
  • Sticky toffee pudding (a moist sponge cake made with dates and topped with a toffee sauce)
  • Lemon Tart (a sweet pastry crust filled with a lemon custard made from eggs, sugar, lemon juice and zest)
  • Tea
  • Pub ale/beer
  • Cider
  • Pimm’s (gin-based liqueur)
  • Hot toddy (hot drink made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and fruits)
  • Whiskey

ACCOMMODATIONS IN ENGLAND (by city)

To help you find a place to stay in each city, depending on your budget, here’s a quick list of accommodations around England.

London

Brighton

Cotswold

Manchester

Peak District

Lake District

Yorkshire Dales

Dartmoor National Park

Dorset

Cornwall

North Devon

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN ENGLAND

England’s villages are as lovely as they come, with stone cottages, cobblestone streets, and rooftops. No trip to England would be complete without taking in the beauty of these small towns, whether it is the charming chocolate-coloured villages of the Cotswolds, Norfolk’s serene coastal villages, or the unique villages of North Yorkshire.

This guide has everything from the museums and famous sites of London to the breathtaking Jurassic Coast in Dorset, the history of Bath, and trekking in England’s national parks. You’re sure to fall in love with the country’s lush green environment, which features picture-perfect hills.

You’ll come across the beautiful countryside from the South to the North waiting to be explored. I hope you found this compilation of 2 weeks in England itineraries helpful in planning and writing your own travel itinerary.

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Spend two weeks honeymooning in England, exploring London's iconic landmarks, the charming Cotswolds, and the scenic Lake District. Enjoy historic castles, picturesque villages, and delicious English cuisine for a romantic and unforgettable experience. via @twoweektraveller