3-Day England Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day England itineraries

Compiled by

SteffEngland travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Lake District, incl. Windermere and Keswick

  The Lake District reveals its charm from Manchester across 10 destinations including Ambleside, Keswick, and Grasmere. The route includes England's deepest lake, Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, and 5,000-year-old Castlerigg stones, with lodging in traditional Keswick B&Bs.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Manchester to Lake District

    Morning: Leave Manchester at 10:00 AM from Store Street near Piccadilly Station. Get there by 9:45 AM and bring only carry-on sized luggage (14kg limit) since mini-coaches have limited space. The trip to Ambleside takes about 2 hours. Afternoon: Walk through Ambleside's stone buildings and stop for lunch at a local cafe. Take the drive up Kirkstone Pass, the highest driveable road in the Lake District, for stunning views. Visit Ullswater, known as England's most beautiful lake, and walk to Aira Force waterfall. The paths can get slippery, so wear good shoes. Evening: Check into Keswick, your home for two nights. You can easily walk around the town center, which has traditional pubs offering local ales and filling meals.

    
  • Day 2

    Castlerigg and Grasmere

    Morning: Visit the 5,000-year-old Castlerigg Stone Circle early. You'll get great photos in the morning light and might have the prehistoric site to yourself. Head to Grasmere next, which Wordsworth called "the loveliest spot that man hath found." Afternoon: Stop at Wordsworth's Dove Cottage (book ahead in peak season) and sample the local Grasmere gingerbread. Have lunch in Bowness-on-Windermere and take a lake cruise if you'd like. "The pace of the tour was great, with just the right combo of walking, hiking and riding," one visitor shared. Evening: Travel back to Keswick through Hawkshead village. Remember that B&Bs are usually 20-30 minutes on foot from town restaurants.

    
  • Day 3

    Lakes and Mountains

    Morning: Drive along Crummock Water and Buttermere for mountain views. Stop at Honister Pass to see the working slate mine and learn about traditional Cumbrian industry. Afternoon: Visit the Bowder Stone and take a final walk by Ullswater. Finish in Kendal, where you can try the famous mint cake. You'll reach Manchester around 18:30. A helpful tip from one traveler: "Consider the possibility of traffic delays, especially during summer months."

    

  View itinerary

• 3 Days in South West England, incl. Stonehenge and Bath

  The southwest of England unfolds across 8 key locations over 3 days. Highlights include Stonehenge's ancient circles, Exeter's Roman walls, Dartmoor's wilderness, and historic Bath. Package costs approx. $220 per day with B&B accommodation.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    London to Stonehenge and Jurassic Coast

    Leave London's Victoria Coach Station at 9:15 AM. Get there by 9:00 AM since the coach leaves right on time. The journey to Stonehenge takes about 2 hours. "Stonehenge was incredible. Get there before the tour buses arrive to really appreciate the ancient stones in peace." Book your entry ticket online to skip the lines. Next is a 1.5-hour drive to the Jurassic Coast. The walk to Durdle Door is steep and takes 15-20 minutes. You'll want good walking shoes because the chalk path gets slippery. Your final stop is Exeter, another 1.5 hours away, where you'll check into your hotel.

    
  • Day 2

    Dartmoor National Park

    Start your day early in Dartmoor to catch the best morning views. A recent visitor noted: "We were delighted to witness the wild ponies in the National Park - they were everywhere, along with fat sheep and shaggy cows." Plan about 30 minutes to see the old Clapper Bridge at Postbridge. Bring waterproof shoes since the stepping stones are usually wet. Back in Exeter you can spend the afternoon seeing the 900-year-old cathedral (£8 to enter) and walking along the medieval city walls. For dinner try the Quayside area but book your restaurant ahead if it's a weekend.

    
  • Day 3

    Glastonbury and Bath

    It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Exeter to Glastonbury. Want to climb Glastonbury Tor? Set aside 45 minutes for the uphill walk. The morning views from the top make it worth getting up early. Bath is an hour away and will be your last stop. A previous visitor shared: "We needed more time in Bath - don't try to do everything. Focus on either the Roman Baths or the city walking tour, not both." You should be back in London by 7 PM but traffic might change that. Keep this in mind for any evening plans.

    

  View itinerary

• 3 Day Southern England Itinerary, incl. Isle of Wight and Portsmouth

  London, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight, and Winchester form the pillars of this 3-day excursion. The package includes 2 nights at 3-star hotels, 2 breakfasts, and visits to Osborne House, The Needles, and Runnymede's Magna Carta site.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    London to Isle of Wight

    Plan to arrive at London Victoria by 9:00 AM for your 9:30 AM departure. The coach ride to Portsmouth takes about 2 hours. When you arrive, visit the Spinnaker Tower before noon to avoid crowds and enjoy clear views across the Solent. A 45-minute ferry ride will take you to the Isle of Wight. "The ferry ride was smooth and comfortable - grab a seat on the port side for the best views of Portsmouth's naval ships." If you have extra time before your ferry, visit the Mary Rose Museum. You'll need about 90 minutes to explore it properly, and it opens at 10 AM. Consider visiting Quarr Abbey in the late afternoon when sunlight bathes the Byzantine-style architecture in golden light.

    
  • Day 2

    Isle of Wight Exploration

    Start your day at Osborne House right when it opens at 10 AM to avoid tour groups. You'll find impressive Italian-inspired interiors, but make sure to visit the private beach and children's Swiss Cottage in the gardens. These spots offer a more intimate look at royal family life. The Needles are best visited in the afternoon. Skip the touristy chairlift station and head to the Old Battery viewpoint for the best photos of these famous chalk stacks.

    
  • Day 3

    Winchester and Return to London

    Take the 9 AM ferry back to Portsmouth. Winchester Cathedral opens at 9:30 AM. You'll want about 90 minutes to explore its historic interior and grounds. The Great Hall, home to the famous "Round Table," is just a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. When you visit Runnymede, remember the Magna Carta memorial requires a 15-minute walk from the car park. The path can get muddy after rain, so wear good shoes. You'll likely return to London Victoria around 5:30 PM, not 7:30 PM as listed. This gives you extra time for evening plans in London. One traveler notes: "Don't overpack - the 14kg luggage limit is strictly enforced and you'll be carrying your bag up hotel stairs."

    

  View itinerary