London is one of those cities where you could easily spend a week and still feel like there is SO much left to see. There are iconic landmarks, beautiful neighbourhoods, markets, museums, cute cafés, great restaurants and, if you’re a foodie like me, endless places you’ll want to try.
But then you leave London and suddenly everything changes. Little stone villages, castles, countryside, tiny streets, cozy pubs and places that honestly look like someone created them for a movie set.
I absolutely loved combining the two. So if you have six days and want to experience both London and some of the most beautiful places in the English countryside, let’s plan it together. 💖
How to Get From the Airport to Central London
Before we start exploring London, we need to actually get you there. 😂 One thing that can be a little confusing when you book a flight to London is that there is not just one London airport.
There are six main airports, and some of them are MUCH further from central London than you might expect. So before getting excited about that super cheap flight you found, always check which airport you are actually flying into. Sometimes saving £20 on the flight means spending more money and another hour getting to your hotel.
The good news is that all of them have public transport options, so once you know what to take, it is actually pretty easy. Here are the options I would consider from each airport. Journey times are approximate and depend on where you are going and which service you take.
Heathrow
Heathrow is probably the easiest airport for getting into central London because you have three really good rail options.
For most people, this is probably the option I would choose. Depending on where you are staying, you might not even need to change trains.
Journey time depends on your terminal and destination. The Elizabeth line serves Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street directly. The current pay as you go fare between Heathrow and Zone 1 is £15.50, and you can simply use a contactless bank card, your phone or an Oyster card.
For me, this is the perfect balance between speed, convenience and price.
If you want to get into London as quickly as possible, Heathrow Express is the fastest option. It takes only 15 minutes from Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 to London Paddington, with trains running every 15 minutes.
A standard single ticket costs £26, but if you book 30 or more days in advance, discounted tickets start from £10. Limited advance fares, subject to availability. So if you already know your travel dates, check the advance fare because suddenly Heathrow Express becomes a completely different deal. 😂
If budget is your priority, take the London Underground. The Piccadilly Line runs directly from all Heathrow terminals into central London, with stops including South Kensington, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and King’s Cross St Pancras.
The journey takes around 50 minutes, and the fare from Heathrow into Zone 1 starts from £5.90. It takes longer than the other options, but if your hotel is close to a Piccadilly Line station, it can actually be incredibly convenient because you may not need to change at all.
Val’s tip: I would personally choose the Elizabeth Line in most cases. But if you find a £10 Heathrow Express ticket in advance, take it. Fifteen minutes to Paddington for £10 is amazing.
Gatwick
Gatwick is further from central London than Heathrow, but the train connections are excellent. All trains leave from the station at the South Terminal. If you arrive at the North Terminal, there is a free shuttle between the two terminals that takes around two minutes.
Gatwick Express goes directly from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria. The journey takes around 30 to 31 minutes. Fares depend on your destination, the service, when you travel and the ticket you buy, and there are sometimes discounts on selected tickets booked online.
This is a very easy option if you are staying around Victoria, Westminster, Belgravia, Chelsea or nearby.
This is the alternative I really want girls to know about because you do NOT automatically need to take Gatwick Express. Thameslink connects Gatwick directly with London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras International.
Southern runs services to London Victoria and Clapham Junction. Journey times into London are generally around 30 to 45 minutes. Fares depend on your destination, the service, when you travel and the ticket you buy.
So depending on where your hotel is, Thameslink or Southern can actually be both cheaper and more convenient than Gatwick Express. If you are staying near London Bridge, Farringdon or St Pancras, I would definitely check Thameslink first.
If you are trying to save money, National Express coaches travel between Gatwick and London Victoria. Check the operator's current fare for your destination and travel date. The fastest journey to Victoria takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes, but traffic can add significant time.
Just remember that buses are affected by London traffic, so I would not choose this one if you are in a rush.
Val’s tip: Check where your hotel actually is before buying anything. Taking Gatwick Express to Victoria and then crossing London again makes no sense if Thameslink already takes you directly to a station near your accommodation.
Stansted
Stansted is one of those airports where you see the flight price and think, OMG, bargain! And then you look at the map. 😂 It is quite far from central London, but you still have two easy options.
The Stansted Express travels directly from the airport to London Liverpool Street. The journey takes around 48 minutes, and trains normally run every 15 minutes during the day.
Advance fares start from £9.90 one way, although these cheaper fares are limited and depend on availability. The train also stops at Tottenham Hale, where you can connect with the Victoria Line. This can actually be more convenient than Liverpool Street if you are staying around King’s Cross, Oxford Circus, Green Park or Victoria.
Contactless payment is now available at Stansted Airport as well, which makes things much easier than it used to be. Oyster is not accepted for the journey to or from Stansted Airport. Compare the contactless fare with advance tickets before travelling.
National Express coaches run 24 hours a day and have more than 20 stops across London, so this option can be surprisingly convenient if one of those stops is near your hotel. Check the operator's current fare for your destination and travel date.
The fastest coach journeys reach some London stops in around 45 to 50 minutes, while a journey to Liverpool Street takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Obviously, traffic can add significant time.
Val’s tip: Do not automatically choose Liverpool Street just because that is where the train goes. Check your hotel first. Sometimes one direct coach that leaves you nearby is much easier than arriving by train and then dragging your suitcase through the Underground.
Luton
Luton is the one that can sound slightly confusing because the railway station is not actually inside the airport terminal. But once you understand the DART, it is very easy.
The Luton DART is an automated shuttle connecting the airport terminal with Luton Airport Parkway railway station. It takes around 4 minutes and operates 24 hours a day. A separate ticket costs £4.90 adult single when bought on the Luton DART website. Other sales channels may charge differently.
Important: When buying your train ticket, select Luton Airport, not just Luton Airport Parkway. A rail ticket to ‘Luton Airport’ includes the DART; a ticket to ‘Luton Airport Parkway’ does not. Much easier.
The Luton Airport Express is operated by East Midlands Railway. From Luton Airport Parkway, the fastest trains take around 22 minutes to St Pancras International. Including the DART connection, the journey between the airport and St Pancras can take as little as around 32 minutes.
Thameslink is another really useful option because it does not just stop at St Pancras. Direct services also connect Luton Airport Parkway with Farringdon, City Thameslink, Blackfriars and London Bridge.
Journey time between Luton Airport Parkway and London depends on the service and destination.
Advance rail fares and combined airport tickets vary. Compare the full price, including the DART, before booking.
National Express coaches leave directly from outside the terminal, so you do not need the DART at all. Check the operator's current fare for your destination and travel date. They stop at places including Golders Green, Baker Street, Paddington, Marble Arch and Victoria.
The fastest journey to Golders Green is around 40 minutes, while journeys to Victoria take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the service and traffic. This can actually be a really good option if one of the coach stops is close to where you are staying.
Val’s tip: For central London, I would usually choose the train. But if your hotel is around Baker Street, Marble Arch or Victoria and you have a big suitcase, check the coach too. One seat all the way from the terminal can sometimes be worth the extra time.
London City
This one is EASY. London City Airport is actually in London, in Zone 3, so you do not need a special airport train.
The Docklands Light Railway station is directly connected to the airport. There are direct DLR services towards Bank, where you can connect with several Underground lines.
The journey to Bank takes roughly 20 to 23 minutes, and trains are very frequent. You can pay with contactless or Oyster. Check the operator's current fare for your destination and travel date.
Honestly, unless your hotel is somewhere awkward to reach by public transport or you have a lot of luggage, I would not bother with a taxi from this airport.
Val’s tip: When comparing flights, do not dismiss London City just because the airfare looks slightly more expensive. Saving an hour on your airport transfer has value too.
Southend
You are less likely to fly into Southend, but some airlines do use it, so let’s include it.
This one is straightforward. The railway station is only around a 2 minute walk from the airport terminal. Greater Anglia operates direct trains from Southend Airport to both Stratford and London Liverpool Street.
The journey to Liverpool Street takes around 55 minutes, while Stratford takes around 46 minutes. Check the current timetable and fares before you travel.
Contactless payment is now also available at Southend Airport.
Val’s tip: I would definitely take the train from Southend. It is direct, the station is basically next to the terminal and you avoid worrying about traffic.
So, Which One Would I Choose?
If you just want the super quick version:
- Heathrow: Elizabeth Line for the best combination of speed, convenience and price.
- Gatwick: Thameslink or Southern in most cases. Gatwick Express if Victoria is exactly where you need to go and you value the nonstop journey.
- Stansted: Stansted Express for speed. National Express if there is a coach stop close to your hotel.
- Luton: Thameslink or Luton Airport Express plus the DART. National Express can make sense depending on your hotel.
- London City: DLR. No question.
- Southend: Greater Anglia train.
And one last thing. Always check the route again shortly before you travel. Train fares, timetables, engineering works and coach prices can change, especially if you are arriving late at night or very early in the morning.
Now that we have actually made it into London, we can start the fun part. 😂💕
Day by day
This is a busy six-day route: three days in London, followed by a countryside road trip. I would use public transport in London and collect a rental car for the countryside section. If you prefer a slower pace, leave out a stop or add an extra night.
Driving times mentioned below are rough planning estimates and don’t include parking or stops.
Classic London Sights
For your first day, we’re doing London properly.
Today’s route Tower of London & Tower Bridge → Borough Market → Along the Thames to the London Eye → Big Ben & the Palace of Westminster → Soho → Covent Garden
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Tower of London & Tower Bridge~3 hours + queues
Start around Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. If it’s your first time in the city, I definitely think the Tower of London is worth visiting. Give yourself around three hours, plus extra time for queues, if you want to explore properly, see the Crown Jewels and actually enjoy it rather than rushing through.
And obviously, take your pictures around Tower Bridge. You’re in London after all. 😂
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Borough MarketLunch
From there, head towards Borough Market. If you love food, you are going to LOVE this place. There are stalls with everything from pastries and cheese to international street food and desserts.
When I went, I ended up at the Thai stall, because apparently I can travel anywhere in the world and still somehow find Thai food. 😂 It was really good though.
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Along the Thames to the London Eye
Once you’re full, walk along the Thames towards the London Eye. This is such a nice way to see the city because there is constantly something happening along the river and so many places to stop for pictures.
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Big Ben & the Palace of Westminster
Cross the river and make your way towards Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. This is probably one of those moments where it finally hits you.
Okay, I’m actually in London.
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SohoEvening
From there, head towards Soho. Grab a drink, wander around and enjoy the atmosphere. Soho has SO many cafés, restaurants and bars that I could honestly write an entire separate guide just for this area.
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Covent Garden
Before finishing the day, stop by Covent Garden. There are cute shops, restaurants, performers and usually some kind of seasonal decoration happening. It is also right in the middle of London’s theatre district.
I’ll admit it, I’m not really a theatre girl. 🙈 But if you are, this is definitely the area to stay around for the evening.
Camden, Parks and Little Venice
Today is a little more relaxed and gives you a different side of London.
Today’s route Camden Market → Primrose Hill → Regent’s Park → Little Venice
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Camden MarketMorning
Start your morning at Camden Market. This place has everything. Vintage shops, quirky little stores, food stalls and SO many different things to eat that choosing lunch might actually be your biggest problem of the day.
Do not eat before you go. Trust me. 😂
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Primrose Hill
After Camden, walk towards Primrose Hill. The walk is easy and once you get to the top, you have this gorgeous view over the London skyline. It is one of those places where you just want to sit for a while and enjoy where you are.
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Regent’s Park
From there, continue towards Regent’s Park. The gardens are beautiful and it feels surprisingly peaceful considering you’re still in the middle of London.
Take your time here. Walk around, sit somewhere for a little while and enjoy the slower pace.
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Little VeniceAfternoon
Then finish your day in Little Venice. This area is completely different again, with canals, colourful houseboats and cute cafés along the water. If you fancy a short detour, Boxcar in Marylebone is a lovely optional stop for coffee and something sweet.
After spending the entire day walking around London, you deserve it. 😻
Notting Hill, Kensington and a Little Shopping
Today we’re heading to one of London’s prettiest areas.
Today’s route Victoria and Albert Museum → Notting Hill & Portobello Road → Kensington Gardens & Palace → Thames River Cruise
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Victoria and Albert MuseumSouth Kensington
Start at the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington. General admission is free (some exhibitions cost extra), and it has everything from fashion and photography to art and design. Even if you are not usually someone who spends hours inside museums, this is a really nice one to explore.
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Notting Hill & Portobello Road
From there, head towards Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market. Pastel houses, cute cafés, little shops, colourful buildings, this whole area is ridiculously photogenic.
So yes, your camera roll is probably going to suffer today. 😂 Take your time walking around because some of the prettiest streets are actually away from the busiest parts of Portobello Road.
For lunch, I stopped at Farm Girl Cafe. It is cute, colourful and a nice place to take a little break before continuing.
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Kensington Gardens & Palace
After lunch, walk through Kensington Gardens and make your way towards Kensington Palace. The gardens are beautiful, peaceful and perfect for wandering around without needing too much of a plan.
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Thames River CruiseSunset
Then I would finish your last full London day with a Thames River Cruise. Seeing London from the water gives you such a different perspective of the city, and if you can time it around sunset, even better. 💕
If you prefer afternoon tea on the water, the cruise linked below is an alternative afternoon activity. Check its departure time and adjust the rest of your day around it.
Windsor or Blenheim Palace, then the Cotswolds
Okay girl, today we are leaving London. And this is when the trip starts feeling completely different. There are two ways you can do this part. You can rent a car and turn it into a mini road trip, or you can book organized tours from London if you do not want to drive.
I was lucky enough to do this part with a local friend, which made everything SO much easier because I basically just followed along while someone who actually knew where he was going did the driving. 😂
Today’s route Windsor Castle or Blenheim Palace → Bourton on the Water → Stow on the Wold → A night in the Cotswolds
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Windsor Castle2–3 hours
If you are driving, start early and head to Windsor Castle. Give yourself around two to three hours if you want to explore the castle grounds and St George’s Chapel properly.
Check opening dates before you arrange this day: the castle normally closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and St George’s Chapel is closed to sightseeing on Sundays.
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Blenheim Palace
Then continue towards Blenheim Palace. And this one has a story. Blenheim was not even part of my original itinerary. My friend basically told me, “Val, trust me, you need to go.”
And thank God I listened to him. It is absolutely stunning. I ended up spending hours there, wandering around, taking pictures and being VERY happy that someone else had changed my plans for me. 😂
If you have enough time, visit the palace interiors as well. If your schedule is getting tight, you can focus on the gardens and exterior.
One important thing here though. Windsor, Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds in one day is a lot. For a more comfortable pace, I’d recommend choosing either Windsor OR Blenheim Palace before continuing into the Cotswolds.
I would rather properly enjoy three places than rush through five just so I can say I saw them.
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Bourton on the Water
Once you reach the Cotswolds, everything slows down. The drive itself is beautiful. I visited during autumn and the red and orange colours everywhere were honestly incredible. It felt like driving through a fairytale.
Stop at Bourton on the Water, sometimes called the Venice of the Cotswolds, and walk along the little river and bridges.
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Stow on the Wold
Then head to Stow on the Wold. There are antique shops, stone buildings and the famous doorway at St Edward’s Church that looks like it belongs in a fantasy movie.
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A night in the CotswoldsOvernight
Spend the night somewhere around Stow on the Wold or Bourton on the Water. Staying overnight makes SUCH a difference because instead of rushing back to London, you actually get to experience the countryside when everything becomes quiet.
Cozy B&B, little village, maybe a pub dinner. Perfect. 💕
Castle Combe, Lacock and Bath
Today’s route Castle Combe → Lacock → Bath
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Castle CombeShort stop
Start your morning heading towards Castle Combe. This village is tiny. Like, really tiny. But it is absolutely worth stopping. Stone houses, a little church, quiet streets and that completely ridiculous English countryside charm that makes you want to photograph every doorway. 😂
You do not need hours here. Walk around, enjoy it and then continue towards Lacock.
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LacockSuggested ~1 hour
Lacock is another beautiful medieval village, and if you are a Harry Potter fan, you might recognize some of it because filming took place around the village and Lacock Abbey.
Allow around an hour to explore the village (more if you want to visit the abbey) before heading towards Bath, which is only about thirty minutes away.
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BathOvernight
Bath feels completely different again. You have the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent, plus beautiful streets, shops, cafés and restaurants everywhere.
And if you know me, you know food is always going to become part of the itinerary at some point. 😂 One place worth checking out is Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House, famous for its Sally Lunn buns.
It is also one of the oldest houses in Bath, so it is a fun little combination of food and history.
Spend the night in Bath. You have done enough for one day.
Go have dinner, grab a drink and enjoy the city instead of trying to squeeze another destination in. 💖
Stonehenge, Oxford and Back to London
Last day. But we are definitely not finished yet.
This is a full driving day. Allow time for the journey between Stonehenge and Oxford, parking and attraction entry. If you have an onward flight or train, choose one stop rather than both.
Today’s route Stonehenge → Oxford → Back to London
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Stonehenge1–2 hours
Start your morning at Stonehenge, around an hour from Bath. Spend around one to two hours visiting the stones and the visitor centre. It is one of those places you have seen in pictures your entire life, so seeing it in person is actually pretty cool.
I also had something to eat there. Would I recommend going for the food? No. 😂🙈
Stonehenge, yes. Lunch, maybe wait.
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Oxford2–3 hours
From there, drive towards Oxford. Give yourself around two to three hours to walk around and explore. See the Radcliffe Camera, wander around the Bodleian Library area and just enjoy the architecture because Oxford is honestly beautiful.
And if you are a Harry Potter fan, stop at Christ Church College. There are parts of Oxford where you genuinely feel like you have somehow walked into Hogwarts.
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Back to London~1.5–2 h drive (estimate)
After Oxford, make your way back to London. The drive should take roughly an hour and a half to two hours depending on traffic.
And once you arrive? Nothing else. Please. You have been moving around for six days. 😂
Go have a nice dinner, look through the approximately twelve thousand pictures you have probably taken, and start deciding which ones are going on Instagram first.
Day tours from London
Prefer not to drive? These tours cover selected stops from the itinerary. Most return to London the same day, so use them as alternatives to the countryside road trip rather than an exact replacement.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of these are affiliate links. If you book through them, Travel Girls Club earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting us! 💕
Final thoughts
I really love this itinerary because you get two completely different sides of England in one trip. You have the energy of London, the markets, restaurants, iconic landmarks and neighbourhoods, and then suddenly you are driving through tiny villages, visiting castles and wandering around countryside that feels completely removed from the city.
And that contrast is what makes the trip so special.
Would I try to squeeze even more places into six days? No. Actually, if you have extra time, I would do the opposite and slow it down.
Add another night in the Cotswolds. Stay longer in Bath. Give yourself another day in London.
Travel does not need to become a competition to see how many places you can tick off a list.
The moments you remember usually happen when you actually have enough time to enjoy where you are. 💖 And if you are planning this trip solo and would love to meet other girls along the way, come join us in Travel Girls Club.
Share your dates, ask for recommendations, find girls who might be traveling to the same places and maybe even meet your next travel bestie before you leave. ✈️💕
You can also follow @travelgirls.club for more itineraries, solo travel tips, group trips, meetups and travel inspiration.
