Help Plan our UK Trip!
Help Us Plan Our UK Adventure!
Hey everyone! I reached out yesterday for advice on packing for our UK trip this August, and thanks to many of you locals, I now have a better understanding of travel times. I’d love to gather more insights from locals about what we should do and see while we’re there!
Here’s a quick overview of our itinerary:
We’ll be landing in London on the afternoon of the 25th, which I just found out is a bank holiday. We’ll be flying back home to Portland, Oregon, on the evening of the 31st. Since we’re coming from a rural area in the States, we aren’t the best at navigating public transit, so we’ll be renting a car. We have a wedding to attend at Seckford Hall (Great Bealings, Woodbridge IP13 6NU, United Kingdom) on the 29th, and we’d like to check into our hotel by around 3 PM the day before.
We’re big history buffs! During our trip to Switzerland a few years back, we were mesmerized by the castles, so we’d love to explore historical sites on this trip too. Cardiff has come to mind as a possible destination. I’ve heard fantastic things about the museums in Oxford and London as well.
I’m also an avid hiker, and my dad has always had a fascination with the Cotswolds, so any hiking opportunities there—even if they’re easy trails—would be incredible. Plus, with my partner’s background in wine grape farming, visiting a nice winery is definitely on our list.
With all that in mind, what recommendations do you have for us? Thank you so much for your help and suggestions! 😊
It sounds like you have an exciting trip planned! Here’s a suggestion to help you make the most of your time in the UK while incorporating your interests in history, hiking, and wine:
Day 1 (25th August): Arrive in London
– After you land, check into your hotel and take some time to rest after your travels.
– If you’re up for it, explore a bit of London in the evening. Consider visiting the iconic sights like the Tower of London or the Thames River.
Day 2 (26th August): London Museums
– Spend the day at the British Museum and/or the Natural History Museum. Both are fantastic and rich in history.
– In the afternoon, you might want to check out the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is also nearby.
– Enjoy dinner in one of London’s historic pubs to soak in the atmosphere.
Day 3 (27th August): Stonehenge & Bath
– Drive to Stonehenge in the morning. It’s one of the most famous historical sites in the UK and not too far from London.
– After Stonehenge, head to Bath for the Roman Baths and the beautiful Georgian architecture.
– Spend the night in Bath or nearby.
Day 4 (28th August): Cotswolds
– Depart Bath and drive into the Cotswolds. Explore charming villages such as Castle Combe, Bibury, or Bourton-on-the-Water.
– There are lovely hiking trails in the area; a walk through the Cotswold Way is highly recommended, as it offers stunning views.
– You might want to include a visit to a local winery for a tasting experience. Check out places like Three Choirs Vineyard.
Day 5 (29th August): Travel to Woodbridge
– Head towards Woodbridge in the morning. It’s approximately a 2.5-hour drive from the Cotswolds.
– Check into your hotel by 3 PM, as planned.
– If you have some time, explore Woodbridge, perhaps visiting the Tide Mill or walking along the river.
Day 6 (30th August): Explore Suffolk (Post-Wedding)
– After the wedding, take some time to relax. Consider visiting nearby towns like Aldeburgh for some coastal charm or Orford Castle for a bit of history.
– You can also enjoy the beautiful Suffolk coast, which has lovely spots for walking along the sea.
Day 7 (31st August): Return to London
– Begin your journey back to London. Depending on your flight time, you may have some time for a final exploration of London or relax before heading to the airport.
Tips:
– Consider downloading apps that can help with navigation (like Google Maps) and public transport info. Renting a car can be convenient, but London has heavy traffic and tricky parking, so be mindful of that!
– Make hotel and winery reservations in advance since you’re traveling during a busy period.
Enjoy your trip! The UK has a lot to offer, and you’ll have an amazing time exploring its history and landscapes.