My partner and I are making are second visit to the UK from Australia, we’ll be there in March so hoping the weather isn’t too bad! The first time we came here in 2018, we only visited London and Edinburgh, both are great cities, but we feel we’ve explored these a lot already and want to check out some other places. We are considering hiring a car, but trains might also be an option. We’re particulalry interested in seeing historical sights like Stone henge, but also in arts history like writers, artists and the British music scene. Which destinations can you recommend in England for a 6 day trip? And is train doable or is a hire car recommended?
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I’m not too sure about the best destinations as I tend to get stuck visiting family when I’m there. But I will say the trains can be tough, I hear a lot about delays and cancellations etc. if you’re comfortable driving a manual car driving may give you some more flexibility.
Also, you could consider a tour? All the transportation is taken care of for you so you can sit back and relax!
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Hi @heather - I live in the UK and happy to help!
Firstly, I agree with @olivetheplaces about the trains - it is doable, but trains are very expensive here and driving is a lot more economical. If budget is not a big deal, then train travel is a very easy to get around (if you don’t get delayed!).
If you’re into art and music (outside London and Edinburgh, otherwise London is definitely the capital for both):
Bath
- This is famous for literary works - a lot of writers flocked there at the turn of the century and to this day has many book readings/signing etc and some great book shops. It is also one of the only 2 cities in the world where the whole city is Unesco world heritage listed (the other is Venice). It has very unique Georgian architecture there, and is a beautiful place!
Liverpool and/or Manchester
- Liverpool is Famous for the Beatles - so there’s that. and Manchester had a huge music scene in the 80’s/90’s for Brit pop, if you like that. Ive never actually been to either city so thats about all I can say!
Bristol
- If you like street art - this is the place for you. It i known for it and Banksy grew up near here and left a legacy. There are street art festivals, and many galleries and art spaces to hang out at.
- It also has a great music scene, more electronic music is big here (home also of Massive attack for example)
Also agree with @olivetheplaces - a great way to get around would be on a tour. If you are 18-35, this Contiki one hits all the spots I mentioned above, then some, so would give you a real taste! England in a Week (Classic, Winter) by Contiki - TourRadar
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If the weather is nice in March, when you’re there, how about The Cotswolds?
Definitively need a car for this; and hiking boots.
If you prefer a packed six-day itinerary, you could try this.
Day 1 - London to Bath (by train), explore Bath.
Day 2 - Hire a car, visit Stonehenge and the Cotswolds, overnight in the Cotswolds.
Day 3 - Explore more Cotswolds villages, return car, train to Oxford.
Day 4 - Oxford, then train to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Day 5 - Stratford-upon-Avon (William Shakespeare), then train to Liverpool.
Day 6 - Liverpool (music and arts), return to London.
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