Help Plan our UK Trip!
Help Us Plan Our UK Adventure!
Hey everyone! I posted recently asking for packing tips for our upcoming trip to the UK in August, and I got some great advice from locals (thank you!). Now I’d love to gather more suggestions on what to see and do!
Here’s a quick overview of our plans:
- We arrive in London on the afternoon of the 25th, which I just realized is a bank holiday.
- We’re flying back home to Portland, Oregon, on the evening of the 31st.
Since we come from a rural area in the States, we’re not the best at navigating public transport and will be renting a car. We have a wedding to attend at Seckford Hall (Great Bealings, Woodbridge IP13 6NU, UK) on the 29th, and we’d like to check into our hotel around 3 PM the day before.
We’re really passionate about history, and during a previous trip to Switzerland, we were amazed by the castles, so we’d love to include that in our itinerary (Cardiff is on our radar!). I’ve heard wonderful things about the museums in Oxford and London as well. I enjoy hiking, and my dad has always dreamed of exploring the Cotswolds—any hiking opportunities there would be fantastic! Additionally, my partner is a wine grape farmer, so we’d love to visit a nice winery.
With all of this in mind, what would you all recommend? I appreciate any recommendations and feedback you can share! 🙂
Sounds like you have an amazing trip planned! Here’s a suggested itinerary that incorporates your interests in history, hiking, and wine, along with some tips on navigating public transit and travel times:
Itinerary Suggestions
Day 1 (25th August – London)
– Land in London in the afternoon. Settle into your hotel.
– Since it’s a bank holiday, many attractions might be busier than usual. Consider visiting Buckingham Palace (changing of the guard, if the timing aligns) and taking a walking tour of the historic Westminster area (Houses of Parliament, Big Ben).
– Grab dinner at a local pub nearby.
Day 2 (26th August – London)
– Visit the British Museum in the morning (free entry, but be prepared for crowds).
– In the afternoon, head to the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels (get tickets in advance to save time).
– Consider taking a walk along the Southbank for some great views and street food.
Day 3 (27th August – Oxford & Cotswolds)
– Drive to Oxford in the morning (about 1.5-2 hours from London).
– Spend the day exploring the historic university, its colleges, and the Ashmolean Museum.
– In the late afternoon, drive into the Cotswolds (don’t miss Bourton-on-the-Water or Stow-on-the-Wold) and stay overnight in a charming village.
Day 4 (28th August – Cotswolds Hiking & Winery)
– Start with a hike in the Cotswolds. The “Cotswold Way” trail offers beautiful scenery; you can choose a section that fits your hiking level.
– In the afternoon, visit a winery in the area, such as Three Choirs Vineyard in nearby Gloucestershire, for a tour and tasting.
– Spend another night in the Cotswolds.
Day 5 (29th August – Travel to Woodbridge)
– Depart early for Great Bealings (about a 2-hour drive) to check into Seckford Hall by 3 PM for the wedding.
– Enjoy the evening festivities!
Day 6 (30th August – Explore Suffolk)
– Spend the morning in Woodbridge exploring the town and the historic Tide Mill.
– If time allows, visit nearby Framlingham Castle for some history and great views.
– In the evening, enjoy a nice dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 (31st August – Back to London)
– Head back to London. Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute sightseeing or shopping.
– Return your rental car and prepare for your flight back to Portland.
Additional Tips
I hope this helps you plan your trip! Enjoy your adventure in the UK! 🍷🏰🌄