Michael Cohen – first trip to England in 2008 My acquaintance with England began during a student trip to London. These two weeks grew into a deep love for the country that changed my entire professional path. For the past 17 years, I have explored every corner of England – from the bustling streets of London to the quiet villages of the Cotswolds, from the rocky shores of Cornwall to the green hills of the Lake District. England is an amazing blend of antiquity and modernity. Here, medieval castles stand alongside ultra-modern skyscrapers, and centuries-old traditions are harmoniously woven into dynamic urban life. I have learned to find hidden places of authentic England and share them with those who want to discover the country beyond the typical tourist route. Over the years, I have developed more than 300 individual itineraries, published a series of guidebooks, and conducted hundreds of tours throughout England. Let me help you discover the real England – not just the one depicted on postcards, but the one that lives in the hearts of local residents.
Great Britain
Picture a land where ancient Roman baths sit alongside ultra-modern skyscrapers, where medieval castles crown emerald valleys, and where every corner tells a story spanning millennia. Great Britain masterfully blends history with innovation, offering travelers an extraordinary diversity of experiences from bustling London to mystical Scottish islands, Welsh mountains to dramatic Irish cliffs.
The United Kingdom unites four historic nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each promises unique treasures—whether it’s enigmatic Stonehenge, romantic castles, or landscapes that inspired Game of Thrones and Harry Potter films.
England: The Heart of Empire
London — Where History Meets the Future
Britain’s capital ranks among the world’s greatest cities, seamlessly combining millennia of heritage with cutting-edge culture. Smart planning maximizes your London experience while managing the notorious costs.
Westminster’s iconic trio demands priority attention. Big Ben (under restoration until 2024) towers over Parliament, best viewed from Westminster Bridge during golden hour. Buckingham Palace draws crowds for Changing of the Guard—arrive by 10:30 AM on ceremony days (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday) for prime viewing spots along palace railings.
Tower of London justifies its £29.90 online price tag (£33 at gate) with Crown Jewels and fascinating Yeoman Warder tours. Visit Tuesday-Wednesday mornings to dodge weekend crowds, and book early access tours for exclusive behind-the-scenes stories.
Tower Bridge’s glass walkways offer spectacular Thames views for £10.60. The Victorian engineering marvel lifts approximately 800 times yearly—check online schedules to witness this spectacular event.
The London Eye costs £27-37 but remains unbeatable for panoramic city views. Book online for discounts and fast-track options during peak season. Budget alternatives include free Sky Garden (advance booking required) or street-level exploration along the South Bank.
West End theaters offer world-class entertainment with same-day discounted tickets available at Leicester Square’s TKTS booth. A pint costs £5-8 in central pubs, while Borough Market provides excellent food experiences away from tourist traps.
The Cotswolds — England’s Picture-Perfect Countryside
Just 90 minutes from London by train, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty showcases quintessential English villages with honey-colored stone cottages that seem frozen in time.
Bourton-on-the-Water, the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” features charming bridges crossing the River Windrush. Parking costs £2 hourly, but early arrival (before 9 AM) often secures free roadside spots. Summer weekends bring crushing crowds—weekday visits offer peaceful exploration.
Stow-on-the-Wold’s St. Edward’s Church inspired Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings imagery. The north door, framed by ancient yews, supposedly influenced the Doors of Durin. Entry is free, with best photography light in early morning hours.
Regional pick-your-own farms operate June-October, offering strawberries, raspberries, and apples for £3-5 per kg. Many include cafes serving homemade cakes and local cider, providing authentic countryside experiences.
Bath — Roman Heritage Meets Georgian Elegance
This UNESCO World Heritage city perfectly preserves 2,000 years of history within magnificent Georgian architecture, located 115 miles west of London.
Roman Baths remain the star attraction, with ticket prices varying by season (typically starting from £20+ for adults). The included audio guide provides excellent historical context in 13 languages, while the museum displays fascinating artifacts including ancient curse tablets. The hot springs maintain constant 46°C temperatures year-round. Opening hours vary seasonally but generally run from 9 AM with last entry 2 hours before closing.
While historic baths are viewing-only, Thermae Bath Spa allows bathing in natural thermal waters. Two-hour sessions cost £42 weekdays, £47 weekends. The rooftop pool offers stunning city views, especially magical during evening sessions. Advanced booking essential for weekend slots.
Royal Crescent showcases Georgian architecture at its finest. These 1760s curved terraces are free to admire, while No. 1 Royal Crescent museum (£6 entry) recreates 18th-century domestic life with period interiors.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryStonehenge — Ancient Mysteries Unveiled
This prehistoric monument, 90 miles southwest of London, ranks among the world’s most famous archaeological sites and requires careful advance planning.
Standard tickets cost £21.10 online (£23.10 at gate) and often sell out weeks ahead for summer weekends. The included audio guide explains theories about the monument’s purpose and incredible construction methods spanning 3000-2000 BC.
Massive sarsen stones weighing up to 25 tons—some transported from Wales over 150 miles away—create the iconic circle. The monument aligns with summer and winter solstices, suggesting astronomical significance.
Special access tours (£37.40) operate outside normal hours, allowing closer stone approach away from crowds. Early morning or late evening tours provide optimal photography conditions and mystical atmosphere. Allow 2-3 hours for the complete visitor center experience.
Jurassic Coast — Geological Time Machine
This 95-mile Dorset-Devon stretch represents England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing 185 million years of geological drama in spectacular cliff formations.
Durdle Door’s natural limestone arch creates the coast’s most photographed landmark. The 20-minute walk from the car park (£6 daily fee) crosses undulating grassland, with sunset providing most dramatic lighting for photography.
Old Harry Rocks stand as magnificent white chalk sea stacks. The 1.5-mile coastal walk from Studland Beach offers spectacular views of these pillars that served as WWII pilot target practice.
Lyme Regis earned fame as England’s fossil hunting capital. Guided fossil walks cost £8-12 and operate at low tide on Monmouth Beach, where ammonites and belemnites are commonly discovered.
Scotland: Castles, Lochs, and Highland Magic
Edinburgh — The Festival City
Scotland’s capital seamlessly blends medieval Old Town with Georgian New Town, creating one of Europe’s most beautiful cities perched on ancient volcanic rock.
Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline, housing Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny. Tickets cost around £21.50 for adults (prices vary seasonally), with the famous one o’clock gun firing daily except Sundays. The castle opens daily at 9:30 AM, closing at 5 PM in winter and 6 PM in summer. August’s Festival Fringe transforms the city into the world’s largest arts festival, with over 3,000 simultaneous shows, but book well in advance as tickets often sell out.
Arthur’s Seat, the city’s highest peak at 251 meters, provides panoramic Highland views. The moderate 45-60 minute hike from Holyrood Park offers spectacular sunrise and sunset vantage points, though the final approach requires scrambling over volcanic rock.
Royal Mile stretches from castle to palace, lined with medieval buildings housing whisky shops and traditional pubs. Street performers entertain year-round, intensifying dramatically during August festivals.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for Great BritainIsle of Skye — Scotland’s Mystical Island
The Inner Hebrides’ largest island captures hearts with otherworldly landscapes straight from fantasy novels. Weather changes rapidly, and accommodation books months in advance.
The Old Man of Storr stands as Skye’s most iconic 50-meter rocky pinnacle. The 4-kilometer round-trip hike gains 300 meters elevation over 2-3 hours. Early morning visits avoid crowds and offer optimal photography lighting.
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls showcase dramatic coastline where a 60-meter waterfall plunges directly into the sea. The clifftop viewpoint is easily accessible and free, though strong winds are common.
Fairy Pools at Black Cuillins’ base offer crystal-clear blue pools connected by waterfalls. The 2.4-kilometer walk from car park follows good paths, though swimming requires bravery—water temperatures rarely exceed 12°C. Bring insect repellent for summer midges.
Eilean Donan Castle — Scotland’s Most Romantic Fortress
This 13th-century castle sits on a tidal island where three sea lochs meet, creating Scotland’s most photographed castle. Destroyed in 1719 and reconstructed in the 20th century, admission costs £10 for adults.
Best photography occurs during golden hour when warm light illuminates Highland backdrops. The castle appears in numerous films including Highlander and James Bond movies, accessible via a connecting bridge that creates perfect photo opportunities.
Wales: Dragons and Mountain Adventures
Cardiff — A Capital Reborn
Wales’s vibrant capital blends Celtic heritage with modern regeneration, offering excellent value compared to other UK capitals.
Cardiff Castle occupies the city center with 2,000 years of history from Roman fort to Victorian Gothic mansion. Adult tickets cost £14.50, with guided tours revealing opulent state rooms. Cardiff Bay’s regenerated waterfront houses the striking Wales Millennium Centre and free attractions like the Norwegian Church.
Doctor Who filming locations scattered throughout Cardiff offer self-guided tours using smartphone apps, highlighting key scenes from the long-running series.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires. Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation. During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp. Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation. Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
Snowdonia National Park — Wales’s Mountain Playground
Wales’s first national park encompasses 823 square miles of stunning mountain scenery, including Wales’s highest peak.
Mount Snowdon reaches 1,085 meters with six different walking routes. The Llanberis Path provides gentlest ascent (9 miles, 4-6 hours), while Pyg Track offers the most direct route (7 miles, 3-5 hours). Weather changes rapidly even in summer.
Snowdon Mountain Railway operates steam trains to the summit from Llanberis. Adult return tickets cost £37-41 seasonally, running March-October weather permitting. The 2.5-hour journey includes 30 minutes at the summit with advance booking essential.
Northern Ireland: Natural Wonders and Screen Fame
Belfast — Maritime Heritage Meets Modern Culture
Northern Ireland’s capital transformed from industrial center to vibrant cultural destination with world-class attractions celebrating both maritime heritage and creativity.
Titanic Belfast stands on the original shipyard where the famous vessel was built. This £97 million visitor center features nine interactive galleries chronicling the complete Titanic story. Adult tickets cost £19.50-21.50 for the 2.5-3 hour experience.
Political murals throughout West Belfast tell Northern Ireland’s troubled past and peaceful present. Black taxi tours (£12-15 per person) provide essential historical context accessing both Loyalist and Republican areas.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for Great BritainGiant’s Causeway — Nature’s Geometric Marvel
This UNESCO World Heritage site features 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created by volcanic activity 50-60 million years ago.
Visitor center admission costs £12, including audio guide explaining geological processes. Most columns are hexagonal, reaching heights up to 12 meters. The causeway remains accessible year-round, though weather dramatically affects the experience.
Game of Thrones filming locations throughout Northern Ireland include the Dark Hedges (Kingsroad) and Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands). Full-day tours from Belfast cost £45-65, visiting multiple locations with expert guides.
Essential Planning Tips
- Transportation: BritRail passes start from £155 for 3 days, economical for extensive travel. Car rental provides rural flexibility from £25-35 daily, remembering left-hand driving.
- Accommodation: Book early for Edinburgh’s August festivals and London year-round. Premier Inn/Travelodge offer reliable budget options (£50-80 nightly), while B&Bs provide character and hearty breakfasts (£60-120).
- Weather: Pack layers regardless of season. Rain gear and waterproof footwear are essential. Summer rarely exceeds 25°C, while winter averages 2-7°C with limited daylight.
- Money: Contactless payments widely accepted. Restaurant tipping is 10-15% unless service charge included.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itinerary
Great Britain rewards careful planning with unforgettable experiences. Each region offers distinct character deserving dedicated exploration rather than rushed touring. Whether drawn by ancient mysteries, royal pageantry, natural beauty, or cultural innovation, the United Kingdom delivers lifetime memories through its remarkable diversity and timeless appeal.
What we propose Emma Heidi Take all the stress out of planning your trip! With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs. We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey. We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients. Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary. A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide. Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars. We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time. Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go. Want to know if it’s really worth it? Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us. Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection. Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever. How it works
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