The capital
Most trips begin in London, a world city of free museums, royal palaces, parks, markets and theatres. Give it four or five nights, and use it as a base for Windsor, Oxford or Cambridge.
Classic England
West of London, Bath and the Cotswolds combine Roman baths and Georgian crescents with golden stone villages. North on the main line, York brings medieval walls, a great Gothic Minster and Viking history.
Lakes and fells
In the north west, the Lake District is England's favourite national park, with lake cruises, gentle walks and Wordsworth's villages.
Scotland
Edinburgh is a castle crowned capital and the home of the world's biggest arts festival every August. Beyond it, the Scottish Highlands offer Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye.
Putting it together
A classic two week trip runs London, Bath, York, the Lake District, Edinburgh and the Highlands by train. With one week, choose London and one or two others. Find bases and sights on our places to visit page, and shape your route with the free trip planner.