Southern England has shaped stories for two millennia—Romans built, Saxons settled, Tudors ruled, and Victorians reimagined the modern city. Today, you can stand beneath Big Ben’s clock face in the morning and watch gulls skim Torquay’s harbor by sunset a few days later. This 9-day itinerary balances headline attractions with time to slow down and live like a local.

Expect postcard-ready photography at every turn: St. Paul’s dome from Millennium Bridge, pastel terraces in Notting Hill, the cinematic arches of Leadenhall Market, and Devon’s chalk cliffs glowing at golden hour. Food is part of the journey—market bites at Borough, a pub lunch in Lacock, cream tea in Babbacombe, and just-landed seafood on the English Riviera.

Practical notes: contactless payment (or Oyster) makes London transport simple; tips are appreciated but modest (10–12.5% in restaurants if not included). Pack layers for changeable weather, comfy shoes for cobblestones and coastal paths, and a portable battery for all those photos.

London

London is an open-air museum of eras—Roman walls, medieval fortresses, Georgian squares, Victorian engineering, and striking contemporary design. It’s also intimate at street level: fragrant curry houses, indie coffee bars, corner markets, and parks that function like outdoor living rooms.

For photographers, the city is a playground: sunrise at Tower Bridge from Shad Thames, reflections at the Barbican lakes, street art off Brick Lane, and skyline views from Primrose Hill. For living-like-a-local moments, browse Broadway or Maltby Street markets on weekends, catch a matinee, and end with a riverside pub.

• Top sights: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, British Museum.
• Local gems: St. Dunstan in the East (romantic church ruins), Leadenhall Market, Neal’s Yard, Little Venice canals, Columbia Road Flower Market (Sun).
• Coffee & bites: Monmouth Coffee (filter specialists), Kaffeine (Aussie-style espresso), Borough Market stalls like Kappacasein (grilled cheese) and Brindisa (chorizo roll).

Where to stay: Explore options on Hotels.com (London) or browse apartments on VRBO (London). Mid-range picks that align with your budget:

• Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras: Compact, clean, unbeatable connections for trains and the Tube.
• YHA London Central: Private and dorm options; great for budget travelers who still want a central base.
• Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London: Larger rooms than most in this area; wake up to London Eye views.
• Splurge icon: The Savoy—a heritage stay steps from the Thames.

Getting there & around: Compare flights to London on Omio (flights). For UK trains, use Omio (trains). Tap in/out with contactless on the Tube, and consider a bus ride up top for inexpensive city views.

Day 1: Arrival, South Bank Stroll, and Borough Bites

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs along the South Bank from the London Eye to Tower Bridge—street performers, bookstalls, and skyline frames abound. Pop into Tate Modern’s riverside terrace for a free viewpoint.

Evening: Early dinner at Borough Market (Padella for silky cacio e pepe; Brindisa for chorizo rolls; Bread Ahead for doughnuts). Golden-hour photos on Millennium Bridge with St. Paul’s as your backdrop. Nightcap at The Harp (near Trafalgar) for a classic cask ale.

Day 2: London Essentials—Westminster to the Tower (Full-Day Tour)

Cover the big hitters efficiently with expert guides and a Thames cruise.

Skip the Line Tower of London & Westminster Tour and River Cruise

Tips: Arrive early for the Abbey; at the Tower, find the Beefeater talks and the Crown Jewels first to beat lines. Lunch near Borough Market or a quick sandwich by the river.

Day 3: Markets, Street Art, and a Night on the Thames

Morning: Coffee at Kaffeine (Fitzrovia), then head to Shoreditch for street art lanes off Brick Lane and Fashion Street. Browse Spitalfields Market (indie designers) and try Beigel Bake’s salt beef bagel on Brick Lane for a quick bite.

Afternoon: City of London textures: St. Dunstan in the East (ivy-laced ruins), Leadenhall Market’s Victorian ironwork, and riverside shots from Shad Thames back toward Tower Bridge.

Evening: Prefer a glittering skyline to end the day? Book this dinner cruise:

London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

Alternative dinner if you stay on land: Flat Iron (great-value steak), Bao (Taiwanese buns), or Barrafina (tapas). Catch a West End show—same-day tickets are often discounted.

Day 4: Harry Potter Magic and Soho Flavors

Morning: Breakfast at E. Pellicci (proper fry-up in a family-run East End café, a London institution). Head to your pickup for the studio tour.

Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London

Evening: Wander Soho and Chinatown—photogenic neon, tiny bakeries, and late-night noodles. Dinner ideas: Dishoom (Bombay comfort food), Kiln (northern Thai grill), or Hoppers (Sri Lankan hoppers and curries). End at Swift for cocktails.

Day 5: Stonehenge, Windsor, Bath, and a Pub Lunch (Full-Day Tour)

See ancient stones, royal Windsor, and Georgian Bath in one ambitious, photo-rich day. The included pub lunch in Lacock puts you in a village so pretty it doubles as a period-film set.

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock

Pack layers and a power bank; Stonehenge is windy and you’ll take more photos than you think. Back in London, keep dinner simple—Franco Manca’s sourdough pizza hits the spot.

Torquay (English Riviera)

Three hours from London, Torquay unfurls palm-lined promenades, cliff-backed beaches, and a working harbor that glows at sunset. It’s a gateway to the South West Coast Path, threading coves, sea caves, and bird-filled headlands.

Agatha Christie was born here; follow her “literary trail” and sip cream tea with a sea view (cream first, then jam—Devon style!). For photographers, aim for Meadfoot Beach at golden hour and Thatcher Point for rugged coastal drama.

• Top sights: Babbacombe Cliff Railway, Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Torre Abbey & gardens, Meadfoot Beach, Thatcher Point, Paignton Pier.
• Local eats: No 7 Fish Bistro (harborside seafood), The Elephant by Simon Hulstone (Michelin-starred), Rockfish (day-boat fish), Angels (cream tea with views).
• Easy day wanders: Cockington Village (thatched cottages), ferry to Brixham for a harbor stroll and fish and chips.

Where to stay: Compare stays on Hotels.com (Torquay) or browse homes on VRBO (Torquay). Specific picks:

• The Imperial Torquay: Cliff-top grande dame with sea-view terraces—great sunrise frames.
• Premier Inn Torquay Seafront Hotel: Reliable value steps from the waterfront.
• TLH Derwent Hotel: Access to leisure facilities and a short stroll to the bay.

Getting there from London: Morning trains from Paddington to Torquay (typically 3–3.5 hours; £35–£80 if booked early). Check schedules and prices on Omio (trains). If you prefer coaches, compare on Omio (buses).

Day 6: London → Torquay, Harbor Walk, and Meadfoot Sunset

Morning: Train London Paddington → Torquay via Newton Abbot (aim for a departure around 9:00 a.m.). Grab a station pastry and coffee before boarding.

Afternoon: Check in and amble the harbor, Princess Pier, and Abbey Sands. Snack stop: Calypso Coffee Company for a flat white and a pastel de nata.

Evening: Golden-hour stroll at Meadfoot Beach (wave-carved rocks and mirrorlike tide pools). Dinner at No 7 Fish Bistro—daily chalkboard menu, precise cooking, and views of bobbing boats. Nightcap at The Hole In The Wall, Torquay’s oldest pub.

Day 7: Babbacombe Heights and Underground History

Morning: Ride the Babbacombe Cliff Railway to Oddicombe Beach; frame shots of the funicular against red cliffs. Cream tea at Angels (go for the fruit scones; in Devon it’s cream first, then jam).

Afternoon: Explore Kents Cavern—prehistoric chambers where Ice Age humans once sheltered. Continue to Anstey’s Cove for emerald water and limestone outcrops.

Evening: Dinner at The Elephant by Simon Hulstone (book ahead; tasting menus spotlight South Devon produce). For a relaxed alternative: Below Decks on the marina—fresh fish and harbor lights.

Day 8: Coast Path Views and Thatched Villages

Morning: South West Coast Path hike towards Thatcher Point for dramatic headland views and seabird action; continue to Hope’s Nose if you want a longer walk. Pack water and a light windbreaker.

Afternoon: Taxi or bus to Cockington Country Park: thatched cottages, artisans’ studios, and reflective ponds—one of the region’s most photogenic villages. Coffee and cake at the tea rooms.

Evening: Dinner at On The Rocks (modern British with sea views) or Rockfish (when turbot or gurnard’s on the board, say yes). Gelato along the promenade to finish.

Day 9: Torquay → London and Departure

Morning: Train back to London (3–3.5 hours). If you’re flying later, stow bags and squeeze in a last photo sprint—King’s Cross light shafts, Coal Drops Yard, or Regent’s Canal by Granary Square.

Afternoon: Head to your airport or onward train. If time allows, a quick lunch at Dishoom King’s Cross (black daal and garlic naan) or a salad box from nearby market stalls keeps things efficient.

Evening: Wheels up. Sort your favorite shots and notes—this route is easy to tweak for a return visit in spring bloom or autumn light.

Optional Hop-On, Hop-Off Flex (if you prefer DIY London sightseeing)

Want to roam at your own pace while still hitting highlights? Swap Day 2 for a flexible bus-and-boat ticket:

London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

Tip: Start early at Westminster or Tower to get the best morning light and quieter decks up top.

Budget & practical tips for your 46/100 spend:

• Use supermarkets for meal deals and fruit; save dinners for places you’re excited about.
• Book trains early on Omio (trains) for cheaper fares; off-peak is often significantly less.
• In London, prioritize a few paid entries (Abbey, Tower) and enjoy free museums (Tate Modern, National Gallery) the rest of the time.

Accommodations quick links once more for convenience:

• London stays: Hotels.com | VRBO
• Torquay stays: Hotels.com | VRBO

Getting to/around quick links:

• Flights (to/from Europe): Omio (flights)
• UK Trains: Omio (trains)
• UK Buses/Coaches: Omio (buses)

That’s your Southern England arc: city spires to sea cliffs, pageantry to pebble beaches, and food that tracks the journey. Keep your camera handy—this route is engineered for memorable frames and easy logistics, with room to improvise like a Londoner and linger like a Riviera regular.