How to plan a trip to England

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.

When to go to England

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.

How many days are enough in England?

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.

Do I need a visa?

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. 

How to get around England

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.

How many days should you spend in one place?

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. 

What are the best regions and cities to visit in England?

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.

Best places for culture and history

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. 

Best places for natural beauty and outdoor activities

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.

Best coastal destinations

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 fantastic seaside day trip destination 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. 

Best of the rest

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, grand architecture, and museums. Don't pass up the chance to punt on their respective rivers. 

Traveling as a family? Discover the best British holiday ideas for children.

Traveling from the US? Major airlines like British Airways, American Airlines, and United Airlines offer direct flights from 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 also receive flights from the U.S.

Step 4: Book your top activity choices

When to do this: at least 4 months ahead of your trip

Now is also the time to make sure you have travel insurance for peace of mind.  

Doing this a few months ahead of your trip means you can compare options before investing in a policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage. 

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.

Step 7: Enjoy every moment

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 our top tips for how to plan a trip to England — don’t overpack your itinerary, and take time to savor special moments.