19 days in United Kingdom Itinerary

Home to an impressive 25 World Heritage sites, the United Kingdom, which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has hundreds of museums to explore, thousands of parks and gardens to stroll through, and tens of thousands of communities to discover. From Land’s End in the south to John O’Groats in the north, the country is packed with tourist attractions that can fill a range of itineraries. With nearly 30 million tourists visiting every year, the UK is ranked among the top ten holiday destinations in the world. Known for its royalty, this country also represents a diverse patchwork of native and immigrant cultures. Although Britannia no longer rules the waves, it possesses a captivating history and a dynamic modern culture, both of which remain hugely influential on the rest of the world.

Located practically in London's backyard, Kent features a lush countryside dotted with thriving farms and fruitful orchards. Popularly known as the "Garden of England" due to its extensive agriculture, Kent has historically been the focal point for invasion attempts from Europe. In a fascinating reversal, the region is now a major embarkation point for tourism to mainland Europe. This area is also the beer heartland of England, with flourishing production of world-famous Kent hops, fine ales, and award-winning local wines, all of which are a must on your list of things to do here. The long coastline includes numerous beach towns and villages, many still retaining their Victorian charm. A holiday would not be complete without a visit to the pride of Kent, its celebrated Canterbury Cathedral, the most famous religious structure in England and a World Heritage Site.

Cornwall, or Kernow as the locals often call it, features the longest stretch of continuous coastline in Britain. No longer just a series of idyllic beaches and imposing cliffs, this rugged region has recently experienced a cultural and culinary revival that has turned it into one of the most vibrant parts of the country. Considered home of the legendary King Arthur, Cornwall is one of the more distinct parts of the UK, providing a vacation that will immerse you in its diverse Celtic heritage and an enormous wealth of archaeology. During your trip you will experience the many locals, fiercely protective of their Celtic roots, considering themselves more Cornish than British. Regardless of how they see themselves, the world regards the land of the proud Cornish as a captivating blend of ancient and new, where modern attractions stand right alongside historical mines and picturesque market towns.

Famous for its unspoiled natural beauty, Northumberland is considered one of the most picturesque areas of countryside in the entire UK. The region is best explored by car, on the county's well-maintained and very quiet roads. Visitors to the area often report driving distances of over 100 km (70 mi) and meeting only a dozen other cars. In a country so modernized and populous, it's hard to imagine such an undiscovered area of wilderness and tranquility. As you drive over the rugged landscape, only a few houses and some secluded villages dot the horizon. With a mere hour separating it from the Scottish capital, it has a distinctly Scottish feel.

Named after an ancient kingdom that existed at the end of the Roman period, Gwynedd is a sparsely populated area mostly known for containing Snowdonia National Park. The rugged landscape attracts adventurous walkers and rock climbers, who come here to explore some of the highest peaks in the region. Proud of their heritage, most natives of this area, which is known as the heartland of Welsh nationalism, use their mother tongue. Travelers unfamiliar with Welsh may struggle reading place names, especially in remote areas without English signposts. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions, as most locals, though they may be ardent Welsh-speakers at home, also speak excellent English.

Lush rolling hills and picture-perfect villages make Cotswolds one of the most popular leisure spots for locals and passing visitors alike. During the height of the season, the area gets packed with tourists exploring the region’s numerous stately homes, thatched cottages, historic churches, and attractive stone-built villages. The wood trade brought wealth and prosperity to this area centuries ago, and the region still proudly boasts hundreds of notable buildings constructed during the Middle Ages. Within easy striking distance of London and several other urban centers, this wealthy area supports a thriving artisan scene, as well as a strong food culture centered around farmer's markets and numerous organic producers.