There are six Historic Cities in the south of England which can easily be explored by car or train, and England Originals has put together a new multi-destination itinerary taking in the delights of Bath, Salisbury, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, Greenwich and Cambridge.

Janet Redler Travel is proud to be a trade partner for England Originals, which is brought to you by England’s Historic Cities – a partnership of 13 historic cities in England. The six cities in southern England can easily be explored as a self-drive itinerary, with a driver guide or by train with a Brit Rail Pass.

Day 1 – Greenwich

Greenwich in East London is the perfect starting point for your tour, as it’s just a short hop from the airports and railway stations of London, making it easy to reach from wherever you arrive in the capital. Home to Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian of the world at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, there is so much to experience in this delightful place.

The Prime Meridian in Greenwich © England Originals

Explore Britain’s momentous naval history at the National Maritime Museum and visit Cutty Sark, built in 1869 and the fastest ship of its time. Visit the Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of St Paul’s Cathedral, and learn about the fascinating 600-year story of this site, which was the birthplace of King Henry VIII. Travel on the IFS Cloud Cable Car high over London or, for something a little different, climb to the top of the O2 Arena for stunning views of the capital city.

The Old Royal Naval College © England Originals

Greenwich is the perfect embarkation point for a ‘boat trip through history’ on the River Thames or why not enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise? Take time to explore more of London’s sights if your schedule allows and, of course, there’s no shortage of first-class accommodation in the area.

Day 2 – Cambridge

It’s only 56 miles from Greenwich to Cambridge, so you can be there in less than an hour and a half by road or rail.

Trinity Lane, Cambridge © England Originals

Packed full of stunning architecture, Cambridge is renowned for its university and its impact on English history, education and pioneering scientific research. Grab a pint at the Eagle Pub, the birthplace of the discovery of DNA, or take a peek inside the stunning King’s College Chapel, an astounding piece of Gothic architecture which took over a century to build.

Punting under the Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge © VisitBritain / Leif Moore

A walking tour will allow you to find out more about the city’s heritage and its university life, with entry into one or more of the famous central colleges, or book a unique punting experience and witness the city from river-level. Enjoy a stroll around Cambridge University Botanic Garden, which boasts 40 acres of green space, or why not visit Fitzwilliam Museum? Here you can see everything from Egyptian coffins to suits of armour!

Cambridge is bursting with independent restaurants, traditional British pubs and great hotels to suit all budgets.

Day 3 – Oxford

Journey on to Oxford – the city of dreaming spires - just over 100 miles from Cambridge, to discover a history stretching back more than 1,000 years. On a walking tour you can explore iconic buildings, Oxford’s stunning college architecture and cobbled streets and alleyways. Alternatively, hop on (and off) an open-top bus tour.

Balliol College in Oxford © England Originals

Visit the Oxford Castle and Prison, a 1,000-year-old medieval castle, where visitors can climb the Saxon tower for panoramic views of the city, or descend underground into the 900-year-old crypt. Don’t forget to take a sightseeing cruise on the River Thames which runs through the city.

Blenheim Palace near Oxford

The wider region of Oxfordshire is replete with picturesque villages, cosy pubs, churches and thatched cottages. Blenheim Palace, on the outskirts of the city, is well worth a visit. This magnificent place was the childhood home of Winston Churchill.

There’s a wide range of accommodation and eateries in Oxford to suit all tastes and budgets.

Day 4 - Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is just a short hop north from Oxford and should not be missed! The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a cultural hub rich in unique offerings with award-winning museums and attractions.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace © England Originals

Visit all three of Shakespeare's Family Homes – Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Shakespeare’s New Place. Don’t miss Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, where visitors can experience Tudor school life with Shakespeare’s teacher, in the very room where young William was a pupil in the 1570s.

‘The Bard’ William Shakespeare © England Originals

Visit the Royal Shakespeare Company to see a show or book a behind-the-scenes theatre tour and the British Motor Museum is worth a visit, as it's home to the largest collection of British historic cars in the world. A short drive away explore Compton Verney, an accredited art gallery housed in a Grade I-listed Georgian manor set in 120 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown parkland.

With a plethora of accommodation in the town and surrounding area, we can advise you about the best places to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Day 5 – Bath

Travel 85 miles south west to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, which really should not be missed! In the heart of the city centre, you will find the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Here, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex on the site of Britain’s only hot spring, which still flows with natural hot water today. Thermae Bath Spa marries old and new, letting you soak in the naturally warm, mineral-rich spa waters whilst enjoying award-winning modern facilities, from steam rooms to a rooftop pool with breathtaking city views.

The Roman Baths in the city of Bath © England Originals

For literary enthusiasts, take a short walk to visit The Jane Austen Centre and next-door Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein. Get a taste of Georgian Bath at No. 1 Royal Crescent, an immersive museum located on Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent. The Holburne Museum is one of Bath’s grandest buildings and should not be missed by Bridgerton enthusiasts – it doubles as Lady Danbury’s residence in the TV series.

The Georgian Royal Crescent in Bath © England Originals

Alternatively, explore the American Museum & Gardens, set in a Georgian manor house and estate on the edge of the city, which boasts a remarkable collection of folk, decorative arts and cultural objects, showcasing American traditions from the 14th to the 20th centuries.

There’s no shortage of places to stay and fine restaurants in and around Bath – let us advise you on the best!

Day 6 – Salisbury

Our itinerary concludes in the stupendous medieval city of Salisbury, just an hour away from Bath. At the city’s heart is Salisbury Cathedral, Britain’s finest 13th century cathedral with the tallest spire in Britain, the world's oldest working clock (1386) and the world’s best-preserved original Magna Carta (1215).

Awe-inspiring Salisbury Cathedral © England Originals

In the famous Cathedral Close, visitors can explore many attractions including Mompesson House and Salisbury Museum. Stop for a coffee and refreshments at Fisherton Mill – an old 1880 grain mill and now England’s largest independent gallery and award-winning café and artist studios.

Magical Stonehenge is a World Heritage Site © England Originals

Don’t miss a visit to the magnificent stones and visitor centre at Stonehenge. The Stonehenge Tour Bus runs regular services from the centre of Salisbury and the railway station to the visitor centre. The bus includes a recorded audio commentary and there is an inclusive bus and Stonehenge admission price.

Spend a night or two in one of the many fine hotels around Salisbury before returning to London, or extending your vacation in southern England, perhaps by continuing to Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, or travelling east to see England’s south coast.

If you or your group would like to explore the Historic Cities of southern England by rail or car, please do contact our friendly team today. Whether you choose to travel by train, with your own private driver or to drive yourself, we can create the perfect tailor-made itinerary!

Find out more about our England Originals tours.