written by
Joanne Owen
updated 05.02.2025
Encompassing some of the world’s most vibrant cities (hello, London, Manchester and Liverpool!), quintessentially quaint villages that are all but impossible to fall in love with, along with stacks of scenic seaside towns and iconic ancient sites, England delivers an intoxicating blend of travel experiences. To make the most of your vacation, keep reading for detail on how to plan a trip to England.
First up, before getting into the nitty gritty details of how to plan a trip to England, we’ll share tips that’ll make planning any big trip all the smoother.
Our top advice is to start early, so you have plenty of time to research all your options before deciding where to go, how to get there, what to do and where to stay.
As a bonus, starting early gives you a head-start on making decisions and moving to the booking stage of the planning process, which will, in turn, give you a better chance of saving money.
If you’re traveling with friends or family, we suggest setting up a Google doc and WhatsApp group so everyone can share ideas, and have access to plans and information
Finally, while it’s great to be ambitious and look to cover a range of locations and experiences — including a fair few of the best things to do in England — we warn against stuffing too much into your itinerary.
The best way to experience the joy of travel is to leave time to embrace the unplanned and the unexpected.
Put off by the sound of the planning process? Browse our suggested England itineraries.
You could also contact our travel experts to have them curate your perfect England vacation for any duration.
Westminster Cathedral, London © Shutterstock
When to do this: at least 6 months before your trip to England
To get started, you need to give thought to what you want most from your trip, when to go, and how long you’re going to visit for before moving to define where — exactly — you want to base yourself, and what — exactly — you want to see and do.
Factors to consider first while planning your trip to England
Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor National Park, Devon UK © Shutterstock
The truth is, it’s nigh impossible to say with any degree of certainty exactly what England’s weather will be like in any given month — the country tends to experience pretty big swings in temperatures and rainfall from year to year.
For example, while the merry month of May can be gloriously warm and sunny one year, the following year this exact same month might be rainy and grey.
With that in mind, it’s also true to say that there’s not really a bad time to visit England. The country is packed with festivals and events around the year, and the weather isn’t ever really that bad.
It’s all a question of the kind of activities you’re hoping to enjoy. If you’re hoping to hike or hit the beach, it’s best not to visit in winter. If you like the sound of sitting in a quintessential pub garden or cool rooftop bar after a day exploring English cities, towns, villages and heritage sites, visit from late-spring to early-fall.
At the same time, those same quintessential English pubs are charmingly cozy in winter, not least around Christmas.
On balance, for the best balance of crowds, costs and decent weather, you might want to visit between April and early June, or in September or October.
But we can’t overstate the fact that the best time to go to England depends on the kinds of activities you want to enjoy.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub in London © Arndale/Shutterstock
If it’s your first time visiting England, try to work to a 10-14-day itinerary.
In that timeframe, you’ll be able to see a fair few cities around different regions of the country without feeling too rushed.
That length of vacation will also enable you to visit some of England’s coast and countryside, with many top destinations easily accessed on day trips from London, among them Brighton, Cambridge and Oxford.
You could also look to include a few days in the likes of Devon and Cornwall, or the Cotswolds.
If you don’t have that long, with careful planning, it’s possible to see plenty in 5-7 days, but you’ll want to focus your attention on one or two destinations that offer easy access to places you really want to see on day trips.
The cost of a trip to England varies hugely depending on your travel style, accommodation choices, eating out choices and the kinds of tours and trips you take.
Keeping that warning in mind, here’s a breakdown of average costs for a 10-day trip to England, based on mid-range travel choices, and excluding international flights.
Accommodation: expect to pay approximately £80-£100 a night for stay in mid-range hotels, though prices are higher in London.
Food: allocate at least £30-£40 per person per day for meals, combining dining at mid-range restaurants and casual eateries.
Transport: within cities, public transport (buses, underground) costs approximately £5-£10 per day. Train journeys between cities can range from £35-£95, depending on distance and booking time. If opting for a rental car, prices start from £40 per day, excluding fuel and insurance. This totals £150 - £300 per person
Activities and entertainment: while many museums and galleries offer free entry, paid attractions and seeing a few shows could add up to an average of £200-£300 per person.
Overall estimated total: £1500 - £2220
Looking to visit England for less? Find out about free things to do in London.
London, England © Shutterstock
Entry requirements to England vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
The Standard Visitor visa permits stays in the UK for up to six months for purposes such as tourism, business meetings, short-term studies, or medical treatment. The application process involves completing an online form, paying a fee of £115, and providing supporting documents. It's advisable to apply up to three months before your intended travel date.
At the time of writing, the UK is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This system requires travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain authorization before entry. This ETA is valid for two years and allow multiple entries, with the rollout scheduled as follows:
From January 8, 2025, citizens from countries such as the USA, Australia, Canada, and Japan will need to obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK.
From April 2, 2025, European Union citizens — except those from Ireland — will also be required to have an ETA for entry into the UK.
Tower Bridge, London © Shutterstock
When to do this: 5 months before
In order to focus your trip and get into fine-tuning your England itinerary, make a list of everything you’re keen to see and do, considering your absolute must-visit destinations, and the kind of experiences you’re looking for.
If you're not traveling solo, ask everyone in your group to suggest 3-5 must-see destinations, and together you can come up with a plan that delivers for all.
Factors to consider when fine-tuning your England itinerary:
London Underground © Shutterstock
As revealed in our guide to getting around England, while public transport coverage is pretty good, it can be costly.
As a general rule, to save a lot of money, you’ll want to pre-book train journeys, travel by cheaper buses (though journey times are longer) or else consider hiring a car if you’re planning to cover big distances and have multiple bases during your vacation.
Here's an overview of transport in England to help you navigate your way round the country, and through your vacation planning process:
Train travel
England’s rail system is extensive and connects major cities, towns and scenic regions. As said above, it’s also expensive, so book tickets in advance, especially for long-distance journeys.
Use platforms like www.thetrainline.com for discounted advance fares, and journey-planning tools.
Bus and coach services
Buses and coaches provide an economical way to travel, and they also cover areas that might not be accessible by train.
Companies like National Express and Megabus offer intercity routes, often at lower prices than trains, while local services connect regional towns and villages.
Car hire
Renting a car offers flexibility, especially when exploring rural areas or regions with limited public transport. It might also be cheaper if you’re planning to cover big distances.
Drivers need a valid driving license, and international visitors should check whether an International Driving Permit is necessary for their particular status.
Also note that England drives on the left side of the road.
Domestic flights
While England's compact size makes ground transportation more practical, domestic flights are available between major cities. For example, London Heathrow, London City, Manchester, and Birmingham aiports offer domestic routes.
Taxis
For short trips within cities, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available.
In London, Oyster Cards (available from stores and stations) provide discounted fares on public transport, including buses and London Underground and Overground train services.
Shambles alley, York, England © Shutterstock
Being devotees of immersive travel, we suggest you devote at least 2-3 days to the main destinations in your England itinerary.
In fact, if London is part of your trip, we recommend staying there for (at least) 2-3 days
Of course, the finer details of how long you spend in each of your chosen bases will be up to you, depending on your travel priorities.
The key message we want to convey is that that less is often more. That is to say, better to spend more time in fewer destinations than racing around the country, barely having time to take stock of what you’ve seen and done.
Ullswater lake in the English Lake District © Joe Dunckley/Shutterstock
By no means exhaustive, here’s a handy run-down of some of the best regions and cities to visit in England to help you hone in on places to include in your itinerary.
London
From iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, British Museum and Buckingham Palace, to its vibrant arts scene, global cuisine, great shopping (don’t miss Camden Market), London deserves a spot on any England itinerary, The capital is also packed with fun things to do with kids.
York
Located in Northern England, York is known for its well-preserved Viking history and medieval architecture, including the magnificent York Minster cathedral. The wider Yorkshire county is also a joy for walkers.
Lake District
Located in Cumbria, the Lake District National Park is rightly renowned for its lakes, mountains and forests. As such, it the ideal destination for hiking and boating while soaking up the scenic English countryside.
On that subject, take inspiration from the most beautiful places in the Lake District.
Peak District
The Peak District — England's first national park — presents a picture of rugged moorlands, limestone valleys and charming villages beloved by walkers, climbers and nature lovers.
Lands End, Cornwall, England © ian woolcock/Shutterstock
Cornwall and Devon
Located in the southwest, Cornwall is a captivating place of dramatic coastline, sandy beaches, and quaint fishing villages.
Right next door, Devon also offers a mix of sandy shores and rugged cliffs, and two scenic national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, as covered in our feature on the best things to do in Devon.
Brighton
Easily reached from London by train, the buzzy seaside city of Brighton is a top seaside day trip destinating that also invites longer city break stays. Take your pick from exploring independent shops in The Lanes, soaking up the seaside vibe on the pier, and diving into the city’s excellent eating and entertainment options.
Brighton is also a great base from which to explore the rest of Sussex.
Want to stay on the coast? Read up on Britain’s best seaside towns.
Brighton's Pride Parade © Shutterstock
Looking for a romantic getaway? Head to the Cotswolds, which is loaded with impossibly pretty villages and scenery. — think rolling hills and honey-colored stone houses.
Bath is another top destination that delivers history — of the Roman and Georgian scenery — and romantic vibes,
Mention must also be made of Oxford and Cambridge. Both easily reached by train from London, these historic university cities are renowned for their prestigious academic institutions, stunning architectures, and museums plus you can punt on their respective rivers.
Traveling as a family? Discover the best British holiday ideas for children.
Oxford University © aslysun/Shutterstock
When to start: 5 months ahead of travel
To spread costs and secure your ideal accommodation — while also standing a better chance of bagging a bargain — it’s advisable to book your main travel components around five months ahead of your trip.
At this stage, book:
When it comes to getting to England, given that London is one of the world’s biggest and busiest transport hubs, it’s served by multiple airlines from multiple cites.
As a result, there’s a lot of competition, so you can get good deals of flights if you book early.
Most long-haul flights come into London Heathrow or London Gatwick, although it’s also worth exploring options into less crowded hubs outside London – notably Manchester, Birmingham or Newcastle.
Traveling from the US? Major airlines like British Airways, American Airlines, and United Airlines offer direct flights from U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago to London. Flight durations average around 7 hours, depending on departure city.
While London Heathrow is the primary international gateway, other airports like London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham (BHX) also receive flights from the U.S.
Camden, London © Shutterstock
Accommodation in England encompasses everything from swish city skyscrapers and old-fashioned country retreats, to budget guesthouses and chic boutique hotels.
In rural regions, characterful old buildings – such as former coaching inns in towns, converted mansions and manor houses —‚offer added historic atmosphere.
It’s all a question of your budget, and the places on your England itinerary.
Wherever you’re headed, it’s advisable to research and book accommodation early so you don’t miss out on your top choices and to (possibly) save a few bucks.
To get you started, dive into our guide to where to stay in London.
Bath's Roman baths © Shutterstock
When to do this: at least 4 months ahead of your trip
Given that England's top attractions get booked up quickly, we suggest picking your must-see attractions and booking tickets 4-5 months ahead of your trip.
We're not saying you should plan and book every activity (in fact, we suggest you keep a few days free from commitments), certain attractions really should be booked in advance so you don’t miss out.
Decisions to make:
If any of the following places have made it onto your final itinerary, we strongly recommend pre-booking your tickets and tours.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter: this often sells out months in advance. You have been warned…
The London Eye: while walk-up tickets are available, booking in advance will save time and maybe money, too, with fast-track options available.
Tower of London: book in advance to avoid queues and ensure entry, especially during the peak summer tourist season.
Westend shows: popular shows in London’s Westend sell out fast, so be sure to book well in advance.
Special exhibitions: many museums and galleries offer special touring exhibitions or guided tours that often require advance tickets.
Alongside choosing — and booking — your top activities, we also suggest researching what day trips you can take from your chosen base, or bases.
That way you can figure your transport arrangements and plan what you want to see and do during your day ahead of landing in England.
Doing this early also means you’re less likely to miss out any special local events and festival that are happening while you’re in town.
Torquay, Devon © Roberto La Rosa/Shutterstock
When to do this: three months in advance
To avoid last minute panics — and give yourself time to weigh up different options — take care of things like insurance a few months ahead of your trip.
Decisions to make:
We covered this above, but here’s your reminder to actually apply for that visa, if yoi haven’t already!
Now is also the time to make sure you have travel insurance for peace of mind.
Doing this a few months ahead of your tri means you can compare options before investing in a policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage.
While Wi-Fi is widely available in English cities and towns, and in the likes of cafés, bars, airports and stations, you could buy a local SIM card when to land to enjoy reliable internet access throughout your stay.
Alternatively, getting yourself an eSIM offers the convenience of activating a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card.
You can even set up connectivity before arrival — a service offered by our friends at Travelsim.
Little Venice canal, London © Shutterstock
When to do this: one week before
Around a week ahead of your flight, you’ll want to start giving serious thought to packing and money, and also check you have all your travel documents to hand, in digital and physical form.
Perhaps compile details of your day-to-day itinerary — with confirmation numbers, addresses and phone numbers — into one document.
Decisions to make:
When traveling to England, we suggest arming yourself with a combination of payment methods.
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, having some cash on hand will be useful when visiting the likes of local festivals and markets, and buying from street vendors.
For a better deal, compare rates in your home destination and pre-order sterling.
ATMs are plentiful in most places, but if you’re based in a small village, it’s best to check how much cash you have before heading further off the beaten track.
The contents of your luggage will, of course, need to align with the destinations you’re visiting and the time of year you’re traveling.
For city breaks in spring, bring light layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Also consider the kinds of city activities you plan to do. For example, if you’re dining someplace, fancy, being fancy attire.
In summer, while the temperatures are warm — which means bringing sunscreen and light clothing — temperatures drop in the evening, so you’ll still want a sweater or two.
In fall and winter, you’ll want to add a warm jacket or coat to your case.
The same pretty much applies to vacations on the coast, with the addition of packing swimwear, beach gear, attire, sandals and extra sun protection if you’re visiting in late-spring through to early-fall.
If you’re planning to spend time in rural areas, bring footwear that’s suitable for long walks or hikes, and consider insect repellent for outdoor activities in summer.
Oh, and it’s worth bringing an umbrella whenever you visit.
Dartmoor sunrise © Shutterstock
While you night not think this is a necessary tip, it’s all too easy to sometimes get caught up in the frenzy of following an itinerary.
So, this is your reminder to heed one of our top tips for how to plan a trip to England — don’t overpack your itinerary, and take time to savour special moments.
Another way to increase your chance of being able to enjoy every moment is to have our local travel experts curate your ideal itinerary.
They’ll have handled planning and booking on your behalf, including taking care of transfers, accommodation and tours.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 05.02.2025
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting England
