Planning your trip to England: everything you need to know before you leave

Organizing your trip to England It requires some preparation to fully enjoy your stay. London naturally attracts many travelers, but the country is not limited to its capital. The Cotswolds, Bath, Oxford, York, Cornwall, and the Lake District offer the chance to discover very different sides of England.

In short: Documents required for French citizens: a valid passport and an ETA (the UK's electronic travel authorization). Duration: 3 to 5 days for London, one week for a region, 10 days for Oxford, the Cotswolds, and Bath. A car is unnecessary in London but very useful in the Cotswolds, Devon, Cornwall, or the Lake District. Practical information: British pounds, contactless payment, and a Type G adapter.

What is the best time to go? How many days should I plan for? Should I rent a car? What budget should I anticipate? What documents do I need to prepare?

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Planning your trip to England: everything you need to know before you leave "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

To choose your dates, you first look at…

The long daysPeace and quiet, and fewer people

Question 2 of 5

Regarding the weather…

I try to aim for the gentlest periodI adapt; the atmosphere matters more.

Question 3 of 5

You would rather leave…

In high seasonOff-season

Question 4 of 5

Your program will primarily be…

Outside, in natureIn the city and in cultural venues

Question 5 of 5

You are looking for…

Light and animationA more tranquil atmosphere

Here are all our tips for planning a trip to England and create a stay tailored to your desires.

What time of year should I choose to plan my trip to England?

England can be visited all year round. However, each season offers a different experience.

Spring, especially from April to June, is an excellent time to discover the country. The days get longer, the gardens bloom, and the temperatures gradually become more pleasant.

Summer offers long days, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery and outdoor activities. This season is particularly well-suited to road trips in the Cotswolds, Devon, or Cornwall. July and August, however, remain the busiest months.

September and October bring a calmer atmosphere. Autumnal colors transform the parks, gardens, and English countryside.

Finally, winter is ideal for city breaks. It's the season of Christmas markets in England, From the beginning of November to the end of December, London, Bath, and York offer a different atmosphere during this period, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The English weather can change quickly. Even in summer, it's best to pack a waterproof jacket. Our guide when to go to England detailed each month.

How many days should I plan my trip to England?

The ideal length of stay depends on the type of trip you are looking for and the regions you wish to explore.

To visit London alone, three to five days is enough to explore the main districts and monuments of the capital. See also our London's off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.

With a week, you can combine London with a second region. Oxford, Bath, Windsor or the Cotswolds can easily be included in a first trip.

A 10-day stay allows you to create a more comprehensive itinerary. For example, you could combine London, Oxford, the Cotswolds villages, and Bath. See our guides to the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds and What to do in Bath in two days.

With two weeks, it becomes possible to reach more distant regions such as Yorkshire, the Lake District, Devon, or Cornwall. Our must-sees of England from north to south give a glimpse of it.

For plan your trip to England, It's best to avoid making too many stops. Spending several nights in each region allows you to discover the country at a much more pleasant pace.

Should you rent a car in England?

The car offers great freedom when you want to explore the English countryside.

In particular, it allows access to small villages, castles, gardens and regions less accessible by public transport.

The Cotswolds are particularly well-suited to a road trip. The villages are relatively close to each other, but some public transport links remain limited.

The car also becomes interesting in Devon, Cornwall and parts of the Lake District.

However, one essential rule must be kept in mind: In England, they drive on the left..

Small country roads can be narrow. Therefore, it's not always necessary to choose a very large car. See our tips for rent a car.

If you plan to stay only in London or visit several major cities, then a car becomes much less appealing.

Traveling in England without a car

It is entirely possible to explore England without renting a car.

The rail network allows you to reach many cities from London. Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, York and Brighton are among the cities accessible by train.

For a stay that is mainly in the city, renting a car is therefore not essential.

In rural areas, however, it may be necessary to supplement some journeys with buses, taxis or organized excursions.

Another solution is to combine several modes of transport. You can use the train between major cities and then rent a car for a few days to explore a rural area.

This formula offers a good compromise between comfort and freedom.

What budget is needed to organize a trip to England?

The budget depends heavily on the period, the length of stay and the level of comfort desired.

Accommodation, transport, prices of visits and our trips: find all the figures in our guide to budget for a trip to England.

London is generally more expensive than many other English cities. Accommodation often represents a significant portion of the budget.

In some very touristy areas such as the Cotswolds or Cornwall, prices can also increase during the summer.

For a road trip, remember to factor in vehicle rental, fuel, and any parking fees.

Sightseeing can also represent a significant expense. Castles, palaces, gardens, historic homes, and special experiences often come at a price.

Booking early enough allows you to benefit from a wider choice of accommodation and to better control your budget.

Which accommodations should I choose?

England has a wide variety of accommodation options.

In the cities, you will easily find hotels of all categories.

In the countryside, Bed & Breakfasts and small inns allow you to enjoy a more local atmosphere.

Cottages are also an excellent option for families or travellers wishing to stay several nights in the same place.

For a different experience, some old houses, mansions and country houses have been converted into hotels.

Choosing accommodation can therefore become a significant part of the travel experience, especially when staying in the English countryside. Our advice on’accommodation in the UK detail each formula.

What weather conditions can be expected in England?

The weather in England remains difficult to predict far in advance.

Rain can occur in any season, but that does not mean it rains continuously.

A single day can bring a mix of sunshine, clouds, and showers. It's therefore better to pack accordingly rather than completely changing your plans based on the forecast.

The most practical approach is to wear several layers of clothing so that you can easily adapt.

A waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes will be especially useful if you plan on doing a lot of walking.

For hikes in national parks or along the coast, also choose shoes suitable for paths that are sometimes wet.

What should I pack in my suitcase for a trip to England?

When packing your suitcase, opt for versatile clothing.

A lightweight waterproof jacket is useful year-round. Also, pack several layers of clothing and comfortable shoes.

Even in summer, evenings can sometimes be cool.

If your trip includes hiking in the Lake District or walks along the coast, pack a suitable pair of shoes.

Also remember to bring a type G electrical adapter, used in the United Kingdom.

Finally, a small backpack will be handy for sightseeing days and excursions.

What currency is used in England?

The currency used in England is pound sterling (£).

Payment by bank card is very widespread. Contactless payment is also used in many shops, restaurants and transport services.

However, it remains practical to keep a small amount of cash on hand during the trip.

Before you leave, also remember to check any fees your bank may apply for payments and withdrawals made in the UK.

Organizing your trip to England: what formalities are required?

Since Brexit, European travellers have had to anticipate certain formalities before their stay.

For French nationals travelling to England for tourism purposes, a valid passport is necessary.

A Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is also required for French travelers and many other nationalities exempt from visa requirements.

Entry requirements can change, so always check official information before you leave. Everything is summarized in our guide. formalities for the United Kingdom.

You can find information and details regarding the ETA directly on the official British government website: GOV.UK.

Which regions should you choose to organize your trip to England?

London is naturally an excellent gateway to discovering England.

Westminster, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Covent Garden and the numerous museums easily allow you to spend several days there.

To the west, Bath captivated by its Georgian architecture and Roman heritage. Our itinerary in the south of England associates the city with Stonehenge and the Jurassic Coast.

Not far from there, the The Cotswolds offer a completely different atmosphere. Rolling green hills, stone villages and traditional pubs make up one of the most iconic landscapes of the English countryside.

Oxford and Cambridge allow you to discover the world of famous British universities.

Further north, York It boasts a remarkable medieval heritage and makes an interesting stopover on the way to the north of England. Its cathedral is among the England's most beautiful cathedrals.

Nature lovers will be able to join the Lake District, known for its mountains and lakes.

Finally, Devon and the Cornwall offer very different landscapes with their cliffs, beaches, small fishing ports and coastal villages. Our road trip from London to Cornwall they cross.

To further prepare for your stay, also discover our tailor-made holidays in England, designed by our team according to your wishes and your pace.

Do we need to book the tours in advance?

Not all tours require a reservation.

However, some very popular attractions can be fully booked, especially during weekends and school holidays.

Experiences with fixed schedules, certain historic residences, some castles, and particularly popular attractions are therefore worth booking in advance.

This organization also allows for a better distribution of visits during the stay. This is particularly true for the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, on display until July 11, 2027, or for the England’s most beautiful castles.

However, do leave some free time in your itinerary. We explain why in our article on the Tailor-made trip to England with a local agency. They allow you to enjoy a neighborhood, a village, or simply adapt your day to the weather for longer.

Planning a road trip in England

A road trip allows you to discover an England very different from that of the big cities.

The small roads pass through historic villages, agricultural landscapes and numerous countryside areas.

However, avoid planning to drive too many kilometers each day.

A day in the Cotswolds can quickly take longer than expected. You'll probably want to stop in several villages, explore a garden, or have lunch in a traditional pub.

The same logic applies to Cornwall. The small coastal roads can lengthen journeys, and the numerous viewpoints regularly make you want to stop.

The goal is therefore not to cover the maximum number of kilometers, but to truly enjoy the regions traversed.

Neighboring Wales can easily be combined with a stay in England: find out how organizing a trip to Wales. If you are travelling with children, also consult our guide to family trip to England.

Also read: Visiting London in 3 days: our itinerary ; Lake District: what to see, hikes and tips ; Things to do in Cambridge: colleges, punting and advice ; Visiting Stonehenge: tickets, access and tips.

If you're going in winter, include a Christmas market in your itinerary: the Birmingham German market, the Manchester Christmas market or the York Christmas market.

Are you travelling in retirement? Also read our guide to Senior citizens' trip to England, with no-driving formulas and a gentler pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are needed to organize a trip to England?

For French citizens, a valid passport and an ETA (the British electronic travel authorization) are required. However, please check the official requirements before departure.

How many days does it take to discover England?

Three to five days for London alone. A week allows you to add another region, ten days to combine Oxford, the Cotswolds and Bath, and two weeks to go as far as the Lake District or Cornwall.

Should you rent a car to organize your trip to England?

Not for London and other major cities, which are well connected by train. However, a car is very useful in the Cotswolds, Devon, Cornwall, or the Lake District.

What currency is used in England?

The pound sterling. Bank cards and contactless payments are very common, but a little cash is still handy.

What electrical adapter should I get?

A type G adapter, used throughout the United Kingdom.

Do we need to book the tours in advance?

Not all of them. However, book highly sought-after attractions, experiences with fixed schedules, and certain castles, especially on weekends and during school holidays.

Organizing your trip to England without planning everything

A successful trip relies on a balance between preparation and freedom.

Prioritize booking accommodations, main transport options, and the visits you absolutely don't want to miss.

Then leave enough time for unexpected discoveries.

A village glimpsed on the road, a local market, a garden or a historic pub can sometimes become the best memories of the trip.

Organizing your trip to England This doesn't mean filling every day with visits. The main objective is to create a coherent itinerary and take the time to discover each region.

England has the advantage of offering a wide variety of landscapes and experiences within relatively short distances. London, historic cities, villages, countryside and coastline can all be combined in a single trip.

For plan your trip to England In the best conditions, it is therefore better to anticipate the essential elements while leaving a degree of freedom once there.

BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL

Do you want to experience this trip?

Our local team creates your tailor-made itinerary in the UK and Ireland.

Create my trip