London and the southern region of England offer a paradise for tourists, and this itinerary is specifically designed for senior travelers seeking an enjoyable vacation. The suggested itinerary includes 3 to 4 days in London and up to 6 days exploring the south of England before circling back to London.
Popular itinerary for to South England and London for Senior Travelers:
The itinerary relies on public transportation within London and a rental car for the days spent outside the city. For convenient public transport in London, consider obtaining a Visitor Oyster card—a smart card accepted for bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, River Bus, and most National Rail services in London.
To streamline travel time, this itinerary strategically divides the city into zones or neighborhoods, allowing each day to be dedicated to exploring a specific area.
Day 1: London City Center
Start your day at Trafalgar Square, home to the iconic Admiral Nelson column. Legend has it that the lions guarding the column are cast from iron taken from French ships! The square serves as a focal point for many events and demonstrations, including the traditional Christmas celebrations featuring the annual Norwegian Christmas tree—a gesture of gratitude for British support during World War II.
An interesting feature in the square is the Fourth Plinth. While the three corner plinths boast statues of historic figures, the fourth, on the northwest corner, typically hosts modern works of art. Initially left empty due to insufficient funds for a statue, a committee has since curated and displayed selected artwork on the Fourth Plinth for two-year intervals since the 2000s.
Explore Trafalgar Square and venture into the National Gallery for a captivating collection of British and international works of art and portraits. Entry is free, but it’s advisable to book online. With over 150,000 items, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts by renowned British and European artists like Da Vinci, Botticelli, Velázquez, Titian, Monet, and Van Gogh, the gallery is a cultural gem.
For lunch, stroll to Leicester Square, which offers a plethora of dining options. If you’re craving Asian cuisine, head to the nearby Chinatown. Leicester Square is also a prime spot for securing last-minute tickets to London’s famed musicals in the adjacent theaters.
After lunch, take a leisurely walk to Covent Garden, known for its arts, crafts, and vintage market. Next, head to Neil’s Yard, a hidden gem just a short walk from Covent Garden, and enjoy the quaint cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, which provide a tranquil respite in the heart of the bustling city. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation and capturing memorable photos.
Day 2:
In the heart of central London, within the South Kensington neighborhood, you’ll find a cluster of prestigious British museums, many of which offer free admission. Affectionately known as Albertopolis, this area is a tribute to the influential patron of arts and science, Prince Albert (Queen Victoria’s husband). It functions as a vibrant campus, hosting museums, schools, colleges, and various educational institutions committed to promoting arts and sciences.
The Victoria and Albert Museum, commonly referred to as the V&A Museum, is a celebration of human creativity across a diverse array of arts and crafts disciplines, spanning ceramics, textiles, fashion, and interior design.
After exploring the museum, take a break for lunch at the world-famous Harrods department store. With a vast selection of restaurants and cafes on every floor, it offers a culinary adventure for every taste.
The Science Museum is a favorite spot for science enthusiasts. Boasting a wide array of diverse exhibits related to space, technology, and transport, it promises an engaging journey through knowledge.
If the weather permits, pick up some delicacies from Harrods’ food hall and head to Kensington Gardens for a delightful picnic.
Day 3:
Another full day of activities lies ahead. Here are 3 options to spend an relaxing day:
The first option is to explore the Notting Hill neighborhood. If you’re a movie lover, immerse yourself in this vibrant area, famously depicted in the movie starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Visit the iconic Notting Hill Bookshop and discover the famous Blue Door leading to Hugh Grant’s home. Wander through Portobello Road, lined with colorful houses, street vendors, and cozy cafes. Don’t miss the renowned Portobello Road Market, featuring antiques, second-hand clothes, jewelry, and books (closed on Sundays).
The second option is to head over the picturesque Little Venice neighborhood, nestled around the historic Grand Union and Regent’s canals. Enjoy the tranquility of this canal-side haven, dotted with cafes and small restaurants. Embark on a boat trip from Little Venice to Camden Markets, savoring a leisurely journey along the water. Explore Camden Markets, evolving from its origins around Camden Lock and stables into a vibrant hub of shops, vintage finds, antiques, and diverse international food venues.
Lastly, the third option is to venture east to Shoreditch, renowned for its street art, art galleries, and youthful atmosphere. Take a guided walking tour to explore the neighborhood’s history and appreciate the vibrant art scene. Afterwards, visit the iconic Tower of London, initially constructed by William the Conqueror in 1070. Explore its rich history as a royal palace and an infamous jail, with highlights including the Crown Jewels exhibit. If you stay late, witness the traditional Ceremony of the Keys, a symbolic evening event for closing and locking the Tower gates. Along the River Thames, discover numerous restaurants and bars for a delightful evening meal.
Day 4:
Today we bid farewell to London and start our adventure in the southern region of England. To ensure a leisurely schedule, we’ve planned relatively short driving distances between stops.
Start your journey by picking up your rental car and heading about 62 miles to Oxford, the renowned university town nestled in Oxfordshire. Oxford, home to the first university in England, boasts several colleges with stunning architecture. The town center is compact and easily navigable.
Given that these buildings operate as functional colleges and schools, it’s advisable to verify their opening hours before planning a visit. To make the most of your exploration, consider taking a guided walking tour. Led by an informative guide, you’ll gain valuable insights into the town’s history, architectural marvels, prominent personalities, and even discover intriguing film locations.
Conclude the day with a restful night’s stay in Oxford.
Day 5:
Embark on a scenic drive through the Cotswolds district, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966. The Cotswolds are renowned for their charming small towns and villages crafted from locally sourced honey-colored limestone. Some of these villages have earned the distinction of being among the most beautiful in England. Highlights include Bourton-on-the-Water, featuring a model village and bird park, picturesque Bibury with its famous Arlington Row historic houses of wool weavers, and the enchanting Castle Combe.
Conclude your day with a peaceful night’s stay in Bristol.
Day 6:
Explore Bristol, situated on the Avon River in the South of England- a city steeped in Roman-era history and a rich tapestry of heritage and culture. Once a central port town renowned for shipbuilding and pioneering voyages to the New World, Bristol played a major role in the trade of tobacco, cacao, sugar, and unfortunately, slave trade.
The notorious pirate “Blackbeard” (Edward Teach) hailed from Bristol, setting sail from here for operations and raids in the Caribbean Sea and along the East Coast of the British colonies in America. The enigmatic street artist Banksy is a contemporary icon associated with Bristol, though his true identity remains shrouded in mystery, sparking numerous speculations.
Embark on a walking tour tracing Banksy’s artistic footsteps, wander along the picturesque docks, and explore the free M Shed Museum to learn about Bristol’s compelling history. Visit the Brunel’s SS Great Britain ship, a pioneering ocean liner.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Arts Quarter surrounding the Christmas Steps and the numerous markets scattered throughout the town center.
Conclude your day with a comfortable night’s stay in Bristol.
Day 7:
Today’s adventures will take us to another capital – Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, located just 40 miles west of the Bristol Channel. No passport is necessary! Wales, once an independent kingdom, became part of the United Kingdom through the conquest and annexation by King Edward I in the 13th century. Presently, Wales operates an independent National Assembly, known as Senedd Cymru in Welsh, overseeing internal affairs. Cardiff has held the status of Wales’ capital since 1955.
As you bid farewell to Bristol along the Avon River, take note of the Clifton Suspension Bridge – a Victorian masterpiece designed by the esteemed civil engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and unveiled in 1864.
A highlight in Cardiff is Cardiff Castle, situated the heart of the city and originally built by the Normans in the 11th century atop a Roman fort. Enhance your visit with a guided tour, offering access to exclusive spaces and a deeper understanding of the castle’s rich history.
Explore the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, with free access to its magnificent building and captivating special exhibitions. For deeper insights into Welsh politics, consider joining a guided tour.
Take a leisurely walk through Cardiff Bay, a vibrant cultural hub along the waterfront and the largest of its kind in Europe. Brimming with shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries, it is a delightful experience.
Conclude your day with a comfortable night’s stay in Bristol.
Day 8:
Today, our southern England journey leads us to Bath, a spa town located approximately 12.5 miles away. Bath’s history dates back to the Roman era when lavish hot baths were first constructed. In the 18th century, English nobility, captivated by the enchanting hot springs, flocked to Bath during “The Season.” This surge in social elite visitors prompted the construction of opulent structures, including theaters and the elegant Pump Room at the Roman Baths. The Royal Crescent and the Circus saw the development of luxurious homes during this era.
Start your exploration of Bath by visiting the iconic Royal Crescent, situated just outside the city center. To transport yourself back to the Georgian era and understand how people lived during that time, venture to No. 1 Royal Crescent, which has been transformed into a museum.
Bath, renowned for its hot springs, is intrinsically linked to the legacy of Jane Austen, the acclaimed English writer. Austen spent four years in Bath with her mother and sister, and the town proudly preserves her heritage. Delve into the world of Jane Austen at the Jane Austen Center, offering insights into life in Bath during Austen’s time.
Venture to the heart of the town to explore the Roman Baths, located next to the cathedral, and take a leisurely break at the Pump Room. For those seeking ultimate relaxation, a visit to the modern Thermal Baths offers a rejuvenating soak in the natural hot springs waters.
Conclude the day with a restful night in Salisbury.
Day 9:
Salisbury, located about 40 miles away in Wiltshire County, is a historic market town boasting a magnificent gothic cathedral, which dates back over 800 years. The cathedral houses an authentic copy of the Magna Carta, a pivotal document signed in 1215 by King John. By endorsing the Magna Carta, the king committed to limiting his power and acknowledging the rights of his barons. Even after so many centuries, the Magna Carta remains a symbol of justice and human rights. Over time, it has inspired human rights legislation, as evidenced by Eleanor Roosevelt’s statement in 1948 that the international declaration for human rights is “the international Magna Carta of all men everywhere.”
Market days in Salisbury are Tuesdays and Saturdays.
From Salisbury, drive to Stonehenge, the world-famous prehistoric stone circle. In addition to exploring the iconic stones up close, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Neolithic village, gain insights into life 4000 years ago, attempt to understand the construction of the stone circle and its builders, and uncover many more secrets.
Spend the night in Salisbury.
Day 10:
As we journey back to London, our exploration continues in Winchester, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Wessex, known for its association with King Alfred the Great and the crowning of William the Conqueror in the 9th century. Present-day Winchester, located about 25 miles from Salisbury, is a charming English town with rich historical significance.
Winchester Cathedral, one of England’s venerable cathedrals, is the final resting place of Jane Austen, and it boasts a compelling preservation narrative. Enhance your visit with a guided tour to uncover the cathedral’s hidden stories.
Take a leisurely stroll along the bustling high street, dotted with charming cafes and independent shops. Discover the Great Hall, the last remnant of Winchester Castle, featuring the iconic Round Table linked to the legendary King Arthur. A statue of King Alfred the Great, erected in 1899 to mark the 1000th anniversary of his death, proudly stands in 65 The Broadway, adjacent to the historic Guildhall, now a venue for public and private events.
Our journey then leads us northward to London. If time allows, consider a stop in Windsor, about 40 miles away. Windsor is a charming town centered around its grand castle. Windsor Castle is renowned as the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, having served as the family home of the British royals for nearly 1,000 years. You can choose to delve into the castle’s history, or if British history isn’t your primary interest, you can leisurely stroll past its impressive walls and snap a few photos
Conclude the day with a restful night in London.
