7-Day England Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Visiting England for the first time is such a treat. There’s history, culture, amazing food, and stunning views at every corner. If you’ve got your UK ETA Online ready, you can breeze through the airport and dive straight into exploring. Here’s how I’d spend a full week discovering England.

Day 1: Arrive in London

Touching down at Heathrow or Gatwick is always exciting. With your UK ETA, the airport process is quick. I usually grab a taxi or take the Heathrow Express into central London—it’s about 30–45 minutes and gives you your first taste of the city.

After checking into a hotel in Covent Garden, South Bank, or Kensington, head out for lunch at Dishoom. The mix of Indian and British flavors is a perfect way to kick off your trip.

In the evening, wander along the Thames River, take in views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, then enjoy dinner at The Dickens Inn.

Traveler tip: Cross the Millennium Bridge around sunset—it’s quiet and makes for some great photos.

Day 2: Iconic London Sights

Start the day with a classic English breakfast at The Wolseley. Then make your way to Buckingham Palace to catch the Changing of the Guard around 11:00 am.

Afterwards, stroll to Westminster Abbey, admire Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and grab a quick lunch at The Cellarium Café inside Westminster Abbey.

In the evening, ride the London Eye for incredible city views, and then have dinner at Skylon, which overlooks the river.

Hidden gem: Take a quiet walk through St. James’s Park and watch the pelicans—it’s like stepping away from the city for a moment.

Day 3: Windsor Castle

Take the train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (30–40 minutes). Spend the morning exploring Windsor Castle—don’t miss St. George’s Chapel.

Lunch at The Duchess of Cambridge Pub for classic fish and chips, then stretch your legs along the Long Walk for amazing castle views.

Return to London in the evening for dinner at Rules, the city’s oldest restaurant with hearty British dishes.

Hidden gem: Cross the river to Eton, a quiet town with charming streets and little shops.

Day 4: Travel to Bath

Catch a train from London Paddington to Bath Spa (about 1.5 hours). Check into The Gainsborough Bath Spa.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Roman Baths, stroll along Royal Crescent and The Circus, and enjoy a famous Bath bun at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House.

Evening: unwind at Thermae Bath Spa and have dinner at The Scallop Shell for fresh seafood.

Insider tip: Early morning walks along Pulteney Bridge are peaceful and perfect for photos.

Day 5: Stonehenge and Salisbury

Take a drive or join a tour to Stonehenge (around 1 hour from Bath). Spend 1–2 hours wandering around the stones—it’s magical!

Next, head to Salisbury Cathedral (30 minutes from Stonehenge). Climb the tower for panoramic views and check out the Magna Carta. Lunch at The Chapter House.

Return to Bath or stay in Salisbury for the night. Dinner at The Cosy Club for a relaxed vibe and tasty British-European dishes.

Hidden gem: Take a quiet stroll along the Water Meadows in Salisbury. It feels like a little secret spot away from tourists.

Day 6: Oxford or Cambridge

Train to Oxford (about 1 hour from Bath). Explore colleges like Christ Church and Magdalen College.

Lunch at The Eagle and Child, a pub once frequented by Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Walk through the Botanic Garden and along the river paths.

Evening: go punting on the River Cherwell for a fun, relaxing experience. Return to London (1.5 hours by train) and enjoy dinner at Dishoom Shoreditch.

Hidden gem: Oxford Covered Market has little shops and snacks that are easy to miss—but worth exploring.

Day 7: London Markets and Farewell

Start the morning at Borough Market, sampling cheeses, pastries, and street food.

Spend the afternoon exploring Covent Garden or Camden Market. Optionally, step into Shakespeare’s Globe for a taste of theater history.

For your last night, have dinner at Simpson’s in the Strand for roast beef and classic British desserts. Then head to the airport, happy and relaxed, with your UK ETA ready for departure.

Hidden gem: Leake Street Tunnel near Waterloo has amazing street art and a quirky vibe—perfect for a last walk in London.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Apply for UK ETA ahead of time for a smooth arrival.
• Use trains and the Tube—they’re efficient and easy to navigate.
• Wear comfortable shoes; walking is the best way to explore.
• Mix famous landmarks with quiet, offbeat spots to experience real England.

Final Thoughts

England is full of history, charm, and surprises. This itinerary blends the big sights with hidden gems so your week feels balanced and memorable. With a UK ETA in hand, you can focus entirely on enjoying your trip, tasting great food, and making memories you’ll never forget.