England, the largest country in the United Kingdom, is a blend of old and new. From its bustling urban areas to its countryside towns steeped in history, England is abundant in activities and sights for visitors and locals alike.
During my visit to England in June 2023, I spent time in both London and Rye. What stood out to me was the stark contrast between the hustle and bustle of London and the stillness of Rye. London is lively and vibrant with its sprawling markets, expansive city parks, thriving arts scene, diverse culinary scene, and iconic historical landmarks. Beyond the city, Rye is quiet and idyllic with its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, storybook cottages, and cozy shops and restaurants.
To help plan your visit to England, keep reading for my 5-day itinerary and watch my YouTube video. This itinerary includes four days in London and one day in Rye.
Table of Contents
Skip ahead to specific places on the itinerary!
• Airbnb in London
• Padella
• Borough Market
• Tower Bridge
• Big Ben
• Flat Iron
• Covent Garden
• Neal's Yard
• Platform 9¾
• Rye
• Hoof
• Mermaid Street
• St. Mary’s Church • Cobbles Tea Room
• Chinatown
• Hyde Park
• Notting Hill
• Daunt Books • The Windmill
A 5-Day Itinerary in England
Day 1—London:
Check into Airbnb: After my flight to Heathrow Airport, I settled into my Airbnb. If you're a solo traveler, I cannot recommend Amelia's home enough—it's in a safe, quiet neighborhood and located right by public transportation going into the city.
Padella: After settling in, I grabbed lunch at Padella which specializes in pasta. This restaurant is popular for good reason—they offer quality dishes at affordable prices.
Borough Market: Borough Market is one of the largest and oldest markets in London with over 100 vendors offering a diverse selection of food, locally-made goods, and so much more. The market's twists and turns in its expansive layout make it fun to explore.
Tower Bridge: Sitting above River Thames, Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. This centuries-old bridge is known for its distinct Gothic architecture, and it is still accessible today. The bridge has pedestrian walkways which offers close-up views of its towers.
Day 2—London:
Buckingham Palace: As a fan of Netflix's "The Crown," I was excited to visit Buckingham Palace in person after years of only seeing it on screen. Steeped in centuries of history, Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch.
I recommend visiting the palace during the "Changing of the Guard" ceremony, where the Old Guard (the soldiers currently on duty protecting the palace) exchange places with the New Guard. The ceremony is accompanied by a full military band playing music ranging from traditional songs to pop songs.
Purchase tickets here in advance.
St. James’s Park: Located right by Buckingham Palace is St. James’s Park. This park features a lake, as well as plenty of benches and walking paths—it is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, away from the fast pace of the city.
Westminster Abbey:Â Westminster Abbey is a royal church with over a thousand years of history, serving as the location for numerous royal occasions including every coronation since 1066, royal weddings, and more. The church features Gothic architecture with an intricately carved exterior and stained-glass windows.
Purchase tickets here in advance.
Big Ben: Big Ben is another one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Standing at over 300 feet, this ornate tower features a clock recognized by its distinctive chimes which ring across the city. I recommend visiting Westminster Bridge for an unobstructed view of both Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
Flat Iron: For lunch, head over to Flat Iron. Enjoy high-quality steak at this popular restaurant—without breaking the bank. Don't forget to grab their free, salted caramel ice cream before leaving!
Make a reservation here in advance.
Covent Garden: Covent Garden is a lively district in London, offering a plethora of shopping and dining options. The area is lined with shops from local boutiques to high-end brands, as well as eateries from restaurants and pubs to cafés and bakeries.
While you're in the area, visit Neal's Yard—a mix of independent shops and restaurants tucked away in a colorful courtyard.
Piccadilly Circus: Piccadilly Circus is a public square and is one of the busiest places in London. Known for its bright lights and massive advertising screens, Piccadilly Circus might feel familiar if you've visited Times Square in New York City. This bustling area is surrounded by shops, restaurants, hotels, and more.
Day 3—Rye:
Platform 9¾: Before traveling to Rye, I stopped by King's Cross to check out Platform 9¾. As a long-time fan of Harry Potter, being able to see it in person made me giddy with excitement. You'll find free props onsite including scarves and wands for your photos!
Rye: Rye is a small town near the coast in East Sussex. Dating back to the medieval times, Rye's cobbled streets and historic buildings feel like something out of a fairytale. I find myself feeling nostalgic about my visit here because it felt so magical—I cannot recommend it enough! While it is possible to see all of the town in one day, I'm highlighting the places I visited in case it's helpful.
• Hoof: Begin your day in Rye with lunch at Hoof—a cozy restaurant that uses locally-sourced produce in their dishes. I recommend trying one of their burgers!
• Mermaid Street: Mermaid Street is one of Rye's most picturesque streets—its cobbled pathway winds on a sloping hill and is lined with beautifully-preserved buildings. While you're on Mermaid Street, visit Mermaid Inn which dates back to 1420.
• St. Mary’s Church: Built in the 12th century, St. Mary's Church allows visitors to climb to its bell tower which offers panoramic views of the entire town.
• Cobbles Tea Room: Cobbles Tea Room is a traditional tea room that offers tea, cakes, scones, and light meal options.
Day 4—London:
Chinatown: Adorned with colorful lanterns and intricate decor, Chinatown's streets are often packed with tourists and locals visiting the neighborhood to try one of its many restaurants specializing in Asian cuisine.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Whether you're a long-time fan of Harry Potter or a newcomer to the wizarding world (ugh, muggle), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Palace Theatre is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. This play is an immersive experience that blends a thrilling storyline, tear-jerking scenes, and magical special effects that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Note that the play is split into two parts that can either be watched on the same day (with an intermission in between) or on separate days—the first option is recommended.
Purchase tickets here in advance.
Hobson’s Fish & Chips: During the intermission for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, I walked over to Hobson’s Fish & Chips for lunch. This family-owned restaurant specializes in classic British fish and chips—battered and deep-fried fish served alongside thick-cut fries and tartar sauce.
Soho Square Gardens: Right by Hobson's is Soho Square Gardens. This small park offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, but becomes a lively gathering spot for locals and tourists on warmer days.
Day 5—London:
Hyde Park: Begin your day at Hyde Park, one of London's largest green spaces. This 350-acre park has expansive lawns, numerous walking paths, and a recreational lake—making it the perfect spot for picnicking, walking, swimming, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
Kensington Gardens: Adjacent to Hyde Park is Kensington Gardens, a 265-acre green space that's home to a number of historic landmarks including Kensington Palace—the former residence of Queen Victoria. While you're here, I recommend visiting the Round Pond where there are often swans that can be spotted!
Portobello Road Market: Portobello Road Market is a busy street market known for its eclectic mix of antiques, vintage goods, handmade crafts, clothing, food, and much more. There’s something for everyone at this market, whether you’re looking for a rare antique or simply browsing for fun.
After visiting the market, I recommend walking around Notting Hill—a charming neighborhood lined with pastel-colored homes.
Daunt Books: Housed in an original Edwardian building from 1910, Daunt Books makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. Daunt Books feels more like a library than a bookstore—you can easily spend hours browsing the books here.
The Windmill: The Windmill is a traditional British pub—it's the perfect place to grab lunch, dinner, or casual drinks. They offer a number of classic British dishes, and are most known for their savory pies with warm, hearty fillings and golden, flaky crusts.
Make a reservation here in advance.
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