7-Day England and Wales Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day England And Wales tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaEngland and Wales travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in UK & Ireland, incl. Dublin and London

  A 5-day trek between Wales and England highlights UNESCO World Heritage Caernarfon Castle, Liverpool's historic port, and Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. The route ends with Oxford's prestigious university town and London's Westminster landmarks.

  

  View itineraryCompare 7 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Dublin

    Start in Dublin and give yourself time to adjust to the time zone. Stay near Trinity College for convenient access to the main sights. Visit the Book of Kells early on day 2 around 8:30 AM before the tour groups arrive. Take a morning walk along the River Liffey when the light is best and visit St. Patrick's Cathedral in the afternoon when it's quieter. If you plan to visit several museums, a Dublin Pass might save you money.

    
  • Day 3

    Dublin to Liverpool

    Take the morning ferry to Wales. The crossing takes about 3-3.5 hours. Bring motion sickness tablets if you need them. You'll visit Caernarfon Castle, so wear sturdy shoes for the uneven medieval steps. Once in Liverpool, head to Albert Dock in the early evening for the best atmosphere. Book your Beatles Story museum tickets online to skip the lines and note it closes at 5 PM.

    
  • Day 4

    Central England

    You'll cover lots of ground today. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon right when it opens at 9 AM. In Oxford, explore the University area on foot. Pick up a free map at the tourist office on Broad Street so you don't get lost. Leave plenty of time for the drive to London since traffic can be heavy.

    
  • Days 5-7

    London

    Book Westminster Abbey tickets for 9:30 AM to avoid the crowds. If you're interested in Windsor Castle, check closing times for the State Apartments as they vary. Take your evening walk through Soho and Chinatown before dinner when the area is busy but manageable.

    

  View itinerary

• 7 Day Southern England & Wales Itinerary, incl. London and Cardiff

  A 7-day route through England and Wales covers 12 distinctive locations. From London's bustling center to ancient Stonehenge, the path winds along the Jurassic Coast to Lyme Regis. The tour features Cardiff Castle and Pembrokeshire Coast, Bath's Roman heritage, and concludes at Windsor Castle.

  

  View itineraryCompare 7 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    London to Southampton Area

    Drive south from London on the M3 (about 2.5 hours with traffic). Visit Winchester's medieval cathedral in the morning to beat the crowds. Next, head to Stonehenge. Book tickets ahead to save time in the queue. A recent visitor shared: "The audio guide at Stonehenge is excellent - don't skip it, especially for the background on the newer archaeological discoveries."

    
  • Days 2-3

    Exeter & Jurassic Coast

    Take the coastal route to Exeter (4 hours with stops). The Jurassic Coast offers beautiful sea views but includes some tight turns. Stop in Lyme Regis and use the Holmbush car park to avoid town center congestion. Stay in Exeter for two nights. Spend your full day exploring either Cornwall's St. Michael's Mount (check tide times) or Dartmoor National Park. For Dartmoor, start at Princetown's visitor center to get current walking maps and find the best spots to see wild ponies.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Cardiff & Welsh Coast

    Drive to Cardiff (3 hours). Stop at Cheddar Gorge on the way and get there before 11 AM for the cheese-making demo. In Cardiff, visit the castle but consider upgrading to the "Behind the Scenes" tour. Use your extra day to explore the city or visit Pembrokeshire Coast. A previous visitor noted: "The walking paths along Cardiff Bay are well-marked but quite exposed - bring a windproof jacket even in summer."

    
  • Day 6

    Bath & Bristol

    It's just an hour to Bath/Bristol. Book the first 9 AM entry at the Roman Baths to get photos before the crowds arrive. Skip parking in the city and use the Park & Ride instead. If you want a modern spa experience, try Thermae Bath Spa.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to London

    Take the M4 back to London (2.5 hours). You can stop at Windsor Castle if time permits, but check their website for closure notices. Plan to reach London after 3 PM to avoid peak traffic.

    

  View itinerary

• 5 Day Wales Itinerary, incl. London and Tenby

  The route through England and Wales spans 17 destinations over five days. Visitors will see Cotswolds villages, medieval castles, and three national parks. Overnight stays in seaside Aberystwyth and historic Tenby showcase the region's rich heritage.

  

  View itineraryCompare 5 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    London to Aberystwyth

    Depart London Victoria Coach Terminal at 9:15 AM. Make sure to arrive 15 minutes early. The route takes you through the Cotswolds before entering Wales to visit Hay-on-Wye, a town famous for its bookshops. Remember to bring cash since many shops don't take cards. Your journey continues through the beautiful Elan Valley and Cambrian Mountains to the coastal town of Aberystwyth. The trip takes 6-7 hours with stops, so pack snacks and water.

    
  • Day 2

    Snowdonia National Park

    Spend the day exploring North Wales from Aberystwyth. Visit the village of Beddgelert and learn about the touching story of Gelert the faithful hound. At Harlech Castle, wear good shoes since the medieval steps get slippery in wet weather. The mountain roads in Snowdonia are narrow, so you'll travel at a relaxed pace with plenty of stops for photos.

    
  • Day 3

    Cardigan Bay to Tenby

    Travel along the beautiful Cardigan Bay coast through colorful Aberaeron to New Quay. Bring binoculars to spot dolphins. You can visit either the Dinefwr Estate or Carreg Cennen Castle before stopping at Dylan Thomas's Laugharne. Your day ends in Tenby. If stairs are difficult for you, ask for a room in the newer part of your accommodation.

    
  • Day 4

    Pembrokeshire Coast

    Discover Britain's only coastal national park. Visit St Davids, which is technically a city but feels more like a village with its impressive cathedral. In the afternoon, explore Pembroke Castle. A visitor noted: "The Pembrokeshire coastline took our breath away - the beaches are pristine and the coastal walks are manageable for all fitness levels."

    
  • Day 5

    Return to London

    Travel east through South Wales. Stop at St Fagans National Museum of History near Cardiff (keep some 20p coins for toilets). Cross the Severn Bridge into England and visit the beautiful Cotswolds village of Castle Combe. You should reach London around 7:30 PM, but traffic might delay arrival.

    

  View itinerary