How Long to Stay in England

From the monarch’s thousand-year-old castle at Windsor to hiking trails that scour the Lake District. From village cricket matches on summer afternoons to some of Europe’s best club nights. England manages to be ancient and contemporary, unique in culture, and stunningly beautiful. No England itinerary can do it all, so check out our recommendations for how long to stay in England to compare all possibilities.

If you’re looking for a short break in England, you will be amazed at how much of it you can see in just four days. From the buzz of London to the idyllic countryside and stunning coastlines, four days in England offers something for every type of traveler. With great rail and bus links, it’s easy to get around and about. From London, popular day trips include Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge, Hampton Court Palace and Stonehenge. Easily cover beautiful regional destinations such as Devon and Cornwall, the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and the Cotswolds on a 4-day England holiday. 

Have less than a week to spend in England? Worry not. In just five days, you can capture the essence of England's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Five days is enough to hit at least three destinations in the country without feeling rushed. Unravel London's iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and the London Eye, immerse yourself in Bath's Roman baths and Georgian architecture, and take a drive through the Cotswolds and its charming villages and scenic countryside. You can also visit Oxford, Cambridge and York; hike the Isle of Wight or go on a coastal cycling trip. Five days in England can include urban excitement, rural charm or adventure galore. 

With one week in England, you can explore from the Scottish borders down to the northern cities of Liverpool and Manchester, or wander around the coastal paths in the south, combining your trip with the bustling capital of London. Not sure what a one-week itinerary should look like? Well, we know where to go during a week-long vacation in England. Check out three of our handpicked itineraries to spend 7 days in the country for inspiration. Some of these even go over the border into Scotland, so you get two countries for the price of one. 

Six days is plenty to discover your own little piece of England, splitting your time between a few destinations or selecting a base and opting for some day trips. Most first time visitors spend 6 days in England and find the pull of London irresistible, but if you’re wanting to see a bit more, Oxford, Stonehenge, Windsor and Canterbury are all doable day trips. You could also spend a few days in London and pair it with another destination. The Cotswolds, the Lake District and Yorkshire are all popular options. If you’re wanting to explore the country on foot consider a rewarding multi-day hike. There’s the Cotswold Way, James Herriot Way through the Yorkshire Dales or Saints Way which traverses Cornwall from Fowey to Padstow to name just a few.

Spending 8 days in England is the perfect duration to experience its diverse charm and beauty. This time frame allows you to delve deep into the vibrant culture of London, explore the quaint villages of the Cotswolds, or marvel at the stunning coastal scenery of Cornwall. Focusing on unique regional destinations such as Northumberland and Cumbria, Yorkshire or the Jurassic Coast is a great way to have a more in-depth, off-the-beaten-track experience. If you’re looking to get a broader look of the country on a 8-day England tour, take advantage of its good public transportation links and go for the major highlights. 

Spending 10 days in England offers the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation, allowing you to experience the country's diverse charm without feeling rushed. In this duration, you can comfortably cover five to six key destinations, exploring historic castles in the North, hiking around the South West Coastal Path, and even tick a few cities off your bucket list. Start in London to see iconic landmarks, explore Bath's Roman history, wander the quaint villages of the Cotswolds, visit Oxford's historic colleges, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Lake District. If done right, you can also squeeze in a couple of days in Scotland, wander through the Peak District, and explore medieval castles. With time for both bustling cities and serene countryside, a 10-day itinerary provides a comprehensive taste of England's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.

Spending two weeks in England allows travelers to not just tick off the country’s main attractions, like Hyde Park, Big Ben, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, and Windsor Castle, but also soak up some of its lesser-known sights. From touring the bustling capital of London to intriguing towns like York and Durham and the breathtakingly gorgeous landscapes of the Lake District, you can explore the best of England and cross borders to Wales, Ireland and Scotland when planning a 14-day holiday. Whether you are seeking a countryside escape or a multi-cultural metropolitan experience consisting of history, gastronomy, theater, and more, you will not find a better location than England. 

A 12-day journey through England allows you to experience a fascinating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you want to explore charming English countryside, bustling cities and historic landmarks, or serene countryside, 12 days are enough to cover a range of destinations and attractions. From the iconic landmarks of London to the picturesque beauty of the Lake District, a plethora of 12-day trips in England await your discovery.

With 3 weeks in England, you have all the time to explore the country’s length and breadth, its highlights as well as lesser-visited destinations. While you could easily spend all three weeks in London, consider venturing into the country’s various regions. Head to the South West, where Devon and Cornwall offer stunning beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Wander through the fairy-tale charm of the Cotswolds or explore Yorkshire's dramatic moors and rolling hills. Cities like Bath, York, Cambridge, and Oxford brim with history and architecture. If you love the outdoors, tackle sections of iconic hiking trails such as Pennine Way, South West Coast Path, or the Cotswolds Way.

A 9-day England itinerary allows you to immerse yourself in vibrant cities, quaint villages, historic landmarks, and breathtaking vistas. It is enough time to explore the scenic countryside or the buzzing streets of vibrant towns. From indulging in traditional afternoon tea to exploring majestic castles and undertaking hikes, the possibilities are endless. Explore our 9-day trips in England for inspiring itinerary ideas.