Day 1: Arrive in London, High Tea at The Savoy Hotel & Rooftop Cinema

Welcome to London! Upon arrival, meet your private driver, who will take you to your hotel. Check in and get settled before kicking off the trip with The Savoy Hotel’s world-famous afternoon tea. Enjoy the 2-hour experience in the heart of the hotel’s Thames Foyer, where a stunning, glass-domed atrium radiates natural light and warmth. This afternoon tea offering features both traditional afternoon tea and high tea favorites. More than 30 teas are accompanied by twists on classic sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream, jam, lemon curd, and the talented pastry team’s artful selection!

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Next, head to the open-air Rooftop Film Club. Here, you’ll take in the city skylines with panoramic views, and a stunning sunset—a trip to the movies has never looked so great! Sit back in a comfortable deck chair, toss on your state-of-the-art wireless headphones, enjoy delicious food and drink options, and watch a great movie on the big screen. From “Dirty Dancing” to “Forrest Gump” and “The Goonies” to “The Big Lebowski,” expect nostalgic favorites and cult classics alike.

After your trip to the cinema, return to your hotel, and rest easy after a long, eventful first day. 

Day 2: Hidden Gems Food Tour & Villains of London Evening E-Scooter Tour

Good morning—hope you’re hungry! Start the day off with the 3-hour “Hidden Gems Food” tour from the Tower Bridge to Borough Market. Designed to take you to local hidden gems to try tasty delights, this tour shares plenty of history. A local tour guide will share all that’s weird and wonderful along your route. Make six yummy stops, one of which includes a gin distillery. 

 

Once you’ve had your fill of delectable food and drinks in the daytime, head to Circus Place next to Finsbury Circus (opposite Liverpool Street Station). Here, you will take the 2.5-hour Villains of London Evening E-Scooter Tour. The adventure begins with a safety tutorial and a lesson on riding an e-scooter—a high-visibility jacket, helmet, and rear light are included. Take well-lit streets, scooter-friendly roads, and use bicycle lanes to navigate this fun London adventure.

 

The guided tour begins at the edge of the city to discuss the murders and mysteries connected to the Tower of London. Learn all about the disappearing princes, executed queens, and some criminals who desperately attempted to escape the block. Next, weave through the city, stopping at churchyards, alleyways, and pubs as you uncover London’s dark and paranormal side. Then, stop at The Old Bailey, on the site of the former Newgate Prison, and hear about the true villains and scoundrels who were once imprisoned there. The tour finishes around Holborn to look at some of the most ancient areas of London.

Day 3: Transfer to Oxford, Punting & Picnic 

It is time to say goodbye to London today and make the 1-hour train transfer to Oxford. With the help of a trained punter, board a four-passenger, handcrafted punt, and set out to explore the River Cherwell. Your guide will join you for 30 minutes, but you may stay on the river as long as you like—make sure to return at least 30 minutes before sunset. 

Set off south from the boathouse and glide gently past Oxford’s famous Botanic Gardens, the fields of Magdalen College School, and through Christ Church Meadows—where Lewis Carroll was teaching students in the mid-19-century when he wrote his famous works, “Alice Through the Looking Glass” and “Alice in Wonderland.” Next, pass the gardens along St Hilda’s College and enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to the boathouse. Alternatively, if time permits, your guide can continue south toward the Isis (Oxford’s name for the River Thames), where the river opens up. 

Once you arrive back at the boathouse, the rest of the afternoon is yours. Want to explore more of historical Oxford? You can choose from: 

In the evening, enjoy a pint or two and a hearty meal at one of the city’s traditional pubs (or hop from one to another), some of which are the former haunts of famous English writers and musicians.

Day 4: Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace

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This morning, take a bus from Oxford to Blenheim Palace, home of Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, this is no ordinary visit—you are invited to a tour that includes afternoon tea, complete with a champagne toast, in the high-ceilinged Orangery right inside the Palace! Choose from a selection of traditional finger sandwiches and scones with cream and Blenheim jam. Then comes an array of pretty cakes and pastries, and the entire experience is accompanied by unlimited loose leaf tea or coffee.

 

Following the tour, return to Oxford by bus. If you did not have a chance to do so yesterday, take a stroll through the University of Oxford grounds or visit the Bodleian Library before an evening pub crawl for some local food and drink.

Day 5: Transfer to Chester & Craft Beer Tasting Experience

On today’s menu: plenty of craft beer! Make the transfer to Chester and check into your hotel. Then, head out on the 2.5-hour “Craft Beer Tasting Experience” at Chester Brewhouse & Kitchen. Your group expert will welcome you to the brewery and provide background information on each of the eight samples. Find out how to distinguish between your hops and your malt and discover distinct flavors like citrus, apple, and mango. Throughout the masterclass, you’ll be treated to nibbles to pair. If you’re still hungry, enjoy a mouthwatering gourmet burger, too. 

 

Following the craft beer tour, spend more time getting to know Chester, home to the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman amphitheater in Great Britain. Plus, there’s a 1,000-year-old cathedral with medieval carvings. Or, visit 700-year-old The Row, home to plenty of galleries and shops and a great place to grab dinner tonight. 

Day 6: Eat the City Tour

Today, make the transfer to Manchester for an exciting foodie-focused adventure: the “Eat The City” tour! Sample some of the best bites and sips the city offers and learn the history and impact of Manchester’s now-booming food and drink scene. 

The tour lasts between 3.5-4 hours and includes eight tastings across the city, taking you to several local haunt favorites. Learn fascinating facts about Manchester, touch on food science, and sample local food. Discuss the city’s influential food and drink stories, from the ice cream vendors of Ancoats Little Italy to the diet of the Victorian mill worker to the birth of vegetarianism. Prepare to feed both your brain and your belly!

 

After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Want to work off some of your indulgences? Some notable sites to visit, include:

Day 7: Depart Manchester

Prepare to depart Manchester. If you have time to explore more of the city, feel free to do a little sightseeing if you did not have the time yesterday. Then, head to the airport to board your flight home.

Safe Travels!

More Great 1-Week England Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to England? Check out these other 1-week England itineraries, with outdoor adventures, countryside trips, and food and drink tours to hit the highlights.