Southern England: the ideal itinerary

Southern England is among the most beautiful regions in the UK. From picturesque villages and royal castles to historic towns, dramatic cliffs, and rolling green countryside, it offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences. Whether you're traveling for a few days or two weeks, this itinerary through southern England brings together all the must-see sights.

London, the starting point for the route through the south of England

Most travellers actually begin their stay in London, the British capital with its exceptional heritage.

It's impossible, for example, to miss Westminster, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, or Covent Garden. Museum lovers will appreciate the British Museum, the National Gallery, or the Natural History Museum, while food enthusiasts can enjoy the many markets like Borough Market.

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The long daysPeace and quiet, and fewer people

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Regarding the weather…

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

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In high seasonOff-season

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Outside, in natureIn the city and in cultural venues

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London also makes an excellent starting point for a route throughout the south of England.

The Cotswolds, postcard England

The Cotswolds represent above all the most iconic image of the English countryside.

This region is particularly famous for its green hills, honey-colored stone cottages, flower gardens and charming little villages.

Among the must-sees:

• Bibury
• Bourton-on-the-Water
• Stow-on-the-Wold
• Broadway
• Castle Combe
• Chipping Campden

Each village has its own identity and deserves to be explored at leisure.

Bath, one of the most beautiful cities in England

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath is particularly appealing for its elegance and Georgian architecture.

The city is particularly known for:

• the Roman baths; ;
• Bath Abbey; ;
• the Royal Crescent; ;
• The Circus; ;
• Pulteney Bridge; ;
• The Thermae Bath Spa.

Bath is therefore an essential stop on a tour of southwest England.

Stonehenge, a fascinating monument

It is impossible to talk about the south of England without mentioning Stonehenge.

Built nearly 5,000 years ago, this megalithic monument remains one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries.

Located in the heart of the Wiltshire plains, it attracts several million visitors each year who come to admire this iconic site.

Windsor and its royal castle

Just an hour from London, Windsor is home to the oldest inhabited royal castle in the world.

Windsor Castle, the official residence of the British royal family, is particularly impressive for its state apartments, St. George's Chapel and its magnificent gardens.

Windsor's historic centre is also worth a stroll with its traditional shops, tea rooms and typically English pubs.

The Jurassic Coast

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast stretches for over 150 kilometers along the English Channel.

This spectacular coastline is best known for its limestone cliffs, natural arches and some of the most beautiful scenery in England.

The most famous sites are:

• Durdle Door; ;
• Lulworth Cove; ;
• Old Harry Rocks; ;
• Chesil Beach.

Hiking enthusiasts can take the South West Coast Path to enjoy exceptional views.

Devon and Dartmoor National Park

Devon offers another side of southern England. We travel through it, in particular, during our road trip from London to Cornwall.

Between seaside resorts, small fishing ports and rolling landscapes, this region particularly appeals to nature lovers.

Dartmoor National Park is particularly renowned for its wild moors, free-roaming ponies, granite rock formations, and the legends surrounding its mysterious landscapes.

Arthur Conan Doyle was actually inspired by it when writing The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Winchester, former capital of the kingdom

Winchester, the former capital of England, also possesses an exceptional heritage.

Its magnificent cathedral is among the longest in Europe, while the Great Hall houses the famous Round Table of King Arthur. Discover other buildings in our selection of England's most beautiful cathedrals.

The historic center is finally ideal for strolling among half-timbered houses, independent shops and traditional cafes.

The best experiences on a road trip through the south of England

Beyond the must-see sights, a tour of southern England also offers many authentic experiences.

• Explore the villages of the Cotswolds.
• Admire the sunset on the Jurassic Coast.
• Discover the Roman Baths of Bath.
• Visit the most beautiful castles in England.
• Take a stroll through the royal gardens at Windsor.
• Enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea.
• Explore local markets.
• Take the scenic roads of Devon.
• Observe the cliffs of the south coast.
• Discover the wild landscapes of Dartmoor.

Where to stay during a road trip in the south of England?

The choice of accommodation therefore depends on your itinerary in the south of England.

The Cotswolds offer charming country inns, Bath seduces with its historic hotels, while Devon and Dorset offer magnificent hotels with sea views.

To visit several regions, the best option is to change accommodations throughout your trip to minimize travel time. See also our tips on...’accommodation in the UK.

When is the best time to follow a route in the south of England?

Spring and early autumn are the ideal times to discover the south of England.

Indeed, between April and June, the gardens are in bloom and the temperatures are particularly pleasant.

In September, the landscapes retain their beautiful colors while tourist sites are generally less crowded. Our guide when to go to England details each season.

Summer remains perfect for enjoying the coast, while winter offers the chance to discover historic cities in a more peaceful atmosphere. In December, the English Christmas markets They also add a good reason to leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should I allow for a trip to the south of England?

A few days are enough, for example, for London and one or two excursions. For a complete road trip, from the Cotswolds to Cornwall, two weeks, on the other hand, offers a much more comfortable pace.

What are the must-see attractions in the south of England?

London, Windsor, the Cotswolds, Bath, Stonehenge, Winchester, the Jurassic Coast and Dartmoor National Park form the core of a first circuit.

Where can I see the Jurassic Coast?

It stretches for over 150 kilometers along the English Channel. Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Old Harry Rocks and Chesil Beach are among its most famous sites.

Is Windsor far from London?

No, it's about an hour from the capital. Its castle is the oldest inhabited royal castle in the world.

What is the best season to visit the south of England?

From April to June, the gardens are in bloom. In September, the sites are less crowded, while summer remains ideal for enjoying the coastline.

Where to stay during a tour in the south of England?

The Cotswolds offer country inns and Bath historic hotels. Devon and Dorset, meanwhile, offer hotels with sea views.

Your itinerary in the south of England with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, We create fully tailor-made trips to England.

We select the best accommodations, the most beautiful scenic routes and the most authentic experiences to help you discover the south of England according to your desires.

Also check out our other guides:

• What can you do in Bath in two days?
• England’s most beautiful castles
• London off the beaten track
• The most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds
• Our tailor-made trips to England

Discover all our bespoke holidays:
brightside-travel.com

To help you plan your trip, please also visit the official VisitEngland website:

visitengland.com

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