England rewards curious travelers with layers of history and a modern cultural pulse. London started as Roman Londinium and grew into a global capital where royal pageantry, cutting-edge art, and neighborhood markets meet on the banks of the Thames. Two hours west, Bath’s golden Georgian crescents and steaming natural springs still echo with Roman voices.

Across a week you’ll trace royal routes past Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, walk in the shadow of the Tower of London, and toast the skyline on a Thames cruise. Then slow the tempo in Bath: linger at the Roman Baths, float in rooftop thermal waters, and wander to the Royal Crescent at golden hour. Along the way, feast well—London’s food halls and izakaya-like counters, Bath’s bakeries and snug pubs.

Practical notes: Contactless cards work on most transport and in nearly all venues; tipping is modest (10–12.5% if service isn’t included). Pack layers for changeable weather and a Type G adapter (230V). For trains, reserve in advance for best fares, and consider off-peak travel to save.

London

London is a city of narratives: monarchs crowned at Westminster Abbey, ravens guarding the Tower, and playwrights filling West End stages. It’s also easily navigable: ride the Tube, walk the South Bank, and cross footbridges for postcard views at every turn.

Top highlights include the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, the British Museum, the National Gallery, Borough Market, and vibrant neighborhoods like Soho, Covent Garden, Shoreditch, and Notting Hill. Food spans everything from Sri Lankan hoppers to next-level fish and chips.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• Classic grande dame: The Savoy — for storied suites and river views steps from Covent Garden.
• Best for families and views: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London — pool, spa, and Big Ben in your frame.
• City-side base for Tower/Thames: Novotel London Tower Bridge — modern rooms minutes from the Tower.
• Value in a great location: Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras — compact, smart, super-connected.
• Hostel with private rooms by Eurostar: YHA London St Pancras — reliable budget base.

Looking for an apartment? See VRBO London stays or browse Hotels.com London.

How to get to London: Fly into Heathrow, Gatwick, or London City. Compare flight options with Omio (flights to/from Europe), or try Trip.com (global flights) and Kiwi.com. If arriving by rail from Europe, search Eurostar times via Omio (trains). In town, use the Tube or buses with a contactless card or Oyster.

Day 1: Arrival, South Bank stroll, and a London welcome

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the flight with a Thames-side walk along the South Bank from the London Eye to Tate Modern. It’s low-effort, all-views: street performers, book stalls under Waterloo Bridge, and St Paul’s across the water. Coffee stop: WatchHouse Somerset House for bright, modern roasts.

Evening: Eat near Covent Garden or Borough. Favorites: Dishoom (Bombay comfort—order the black dal and bacon naan), Barrafina (counter-seat tapas; the tortilla is a benchmark), or Wright Brothers Borough (oysters and stout). For a nightcap, slip into Gordon’s Wine Bar—candlelit vaults and fortified wines.

Day 2: Royal Westminster, parks, and a city overview by open-top bus

Morning: Start in Westminster: admire Big Ben, go inside Westminster Abbey (tombs of monarchs, Poets’ Corner), and walk The Mall through St James’s Park to Buckingham Palace. Check the Changing of the Guard schedule (typically 11:00 on set days; arrive ~45–60 minutes early). Breakfast ideas: Regency Café (1930s art deco, hearty fry-ups) or Ole & Steen near Victoria (excellent cinnamon socials).

Afternoon: Circle the city on the Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour for flexible sightseeing—hop off at Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, or Notting Hill. Tip: use it as transport between clusters of sights while listening to the commentary for historical context.

Evening: Soho for dinner. Try Bao (Taiwanese buns; the classic pork is famous), Kiln (smoky Thai grill; sit at the counter), or Hoppers (Sri Lankan and South Indian; order a ‘hopper’—a lacy bowl-shaped pancake—with black pork curry). Cocktails in a retro Tube-station bar at Cahoots, or a proper pint at the 17th‑century Lamb & Flag.

Day 3: The Tower and the Thames by night

Morning: Enter early at the Tower of London and Crown Jewels. Meet the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) for stories of prisoners and ravens, then marvel at the regalia. Walk over Tower Bridge for panoramas and Victorian engineering up close.

Afternoon: Browse Borough Market for lunch: Kappacasein’s grilled cheese, Scotch Tails’ scotch eggs, Padella’s hand-rolled pappardelle, and Bread Ahead doughnuts for dessert. Coffee at Monmouth; then stroll the riverside to Tate Modern or the Globe.

Evening: Dine and glide on the London Dinner Cruise on the Thames—course after course as the skyline lights up from Westminster to Canary Wharf. It’s a relaxed way to see illuminated landmarks with live entertainment.

Day 4: Harry Potter day—Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Give the day to wizarding London with the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London. Walk the Great Hall, peek into Dumbledore’s office, step onto Platform 9¾, and sip Butterbeer. Round-trip coach makes logistics easy; count on ~7 hours door-to-door.

Back in the city, eat near King’s Cross: Dishoom King’s Cross (industrial-chic; order the chili cheese toast), The Lighterman at Granary Square (canalside, seasonal), or a sourdough pie at Franco Manca. If you still have fuel, wander Coal Drops Yard’s boutiques after dinner.

Bath

Bath unfolds in honey-colored stone—terraces and crescents set against green hills and a Roman heart. The thermal springs still feed the city’s spa culture, while indie cafés and wine bars add modern flavor.

Don’t miss the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, Royal Crescent, The Circus, and the Holburne Museum at the end of a plane-tree-lined avenue. The Kennet & Avon Canal path and Skyline Walk thread quiet nature right from the city center.

Where to stay: Browse handpicked stays on Hotels.com (Bath) or look for apartments via VRBO Bath.

Getting there from London: Morning trains from Paddington to Bath Spa take ~1h15–1h30 and can be £25–£60 if booked ahead; compare times and fares on Omio (trains). Coaches take ~2.5–3 hours and can be cheaper; search via Omio (buses).

Day 5: London to Bath, Roman Baths, and twilight spa

Morning: Depart London by train to Bath Spa (aim for ~9:00). Drop bags and grab a light lunch: Landrace Bakery (legendary sourdough, seasonal sandwiches) or Society Café (single-origin coffee and cakes) near Kingsmead Square.

Afternoon: Explore the Roman Baths: remarkably preserved pools, altars, and curse tablets. Pop into Bath Abbey next door—consider the tower climb for a carillon and rooftop city views. Stroll over Pulteney Bridge to admire shopfronts spanning the river.

Evening: Soak at Thermae Bath Spa’s rooftop pool as the city glows (book a sunset slot). Dinner picks: The Circus Restaurant (refined modern British; Cornish fish or venison), Sotto Sotto (brick-arched Italian; truffle tagliatelle), or The Raven (proper pies and local ales). Nightcap at The Dark Horse—intimate, seasonal cocktails.

Day 6: Georgian crescents, canals, and galleries

Morning: Breakfast at Colonna & Small’s (coffee purists will be in heaven) or Good Day Café (biscoff-stuffed bakes). Walk to The Circus and the Royal Crescent; visit No. 1 Royal Crescent to see 18th-century life fully staged. If the weather’s fine, take the National Trust Skyline Walk (short loops available) for vistas back to Bath’s rooftops.

Afternoon: Amble along the Kennet & Avon Canal from Sydney Gardens—narrowboats, bridges, and swans. Culture options: the Holburne Museum (Gainsboroughs and decorative arts) or the American Museum & Gardens above the valley. Lunch at Noya’s Kitchen (bright Vietnamese dishes; the lemongrass pork is a favorite) or Beckford Canteen (seasonal plates in a former Georgian greenhouse).

Evening: Consider a show at Theatre Royal Bath (grab same-day returns). For dinner, Olive Tree (Bath’s Michelin-star—tasting menus spotlighting West Country produce) or Corkage (small plates, serious wine list). Classic pubs for a mellow finish: The Star Inn or The Bell.

Day 7: Slow morning and depart

Morning: Brunch at Boston Tea Party (Alfred Street; reliable all-day, ethically sourced) or The Green Rocket (vegetarian, creative). Browse Walcot Street’s independents and Guildhall Market for last-minute gifts—Bath gin, Bath Soft Cheese, or artisan chocolates.

Afternoon: Depart. Direct trains head to London Paddington; for flights, connect to Heathrow via a train change at Reading (often ~1h50 total). Check options with Omio (trains) and compare London-airport flights on Omio (flights in Europe) or globally via Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Optional swaps and add-ons (time permitting): British Museum (free; Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures), National Gallery (Turner, Van Gogh), Camden Market (street food galore), or a Greenwich half-day (maritime history and the Prime Meridian). If you crave countryside, consider a guided Cotswolds or Stonehenge day trip on a future visit.

Summary: In one week you’ve walked through a millennium of London history, sailed the Thames at night, and chased Roman echoes in Bath’s steaming waters. England’s best city-and-spa pairing—rich culture, easy trains, and unforgettable food—makes a trip that lingers long after you’re home.