How To Tour The English Countryside & London Town Like A Pro

It went like this: woman takes tennis lessons, enters the Wimbledon public ballot on a whim, and wins tickets to the quarterfinals on No. 1 Court. So of course I would be headed to The Championships (as locals prefer to call it, not “Wimbledon”).

A trip across the pond is worth much more than just a day of matches, however. So, prior to enjoying my showcourt seats, I set off on another bucket-list adventure: a splendid tour through the English countryside to enjoy its stately manors, farm-to-table dining, and original cottage-core charm. Here’s how to trace each stop.

London to Eastbourne

It’s a two-hour drive from Heathrow to Eastbourne, a picturesque seaside town in East Sussex and the sunniest place in the UK.

Upon arrival, check into a spacious sea-view suite at The Grand Hotel, a historic 19th-century building once host to the likes of Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and Arthur Conan Doyle. Take a cue from the original oil paintings lining the walls and sink into a plush chair while you gaze peacefully out at the Atlantic.

Mind the towering white columns, cascading staircases, and heirloom furniture as you make your way downstairs. This grand old dame has a knack for drawing people together, so catch up in the sun-soaked breakfast hall before wandering the shoreline just across the street. Later, take a drive to the dramatic white cliffs at Beachy Head before strolling through Eastbourne’s main strip for local fare.

Eastbourne to The Cotswolds

On your way to The Cotswolds, a stunning rural area covering six counties, stop to visit Stonehenge. Widely considered a wonder of the world, you can expect “tourist trap” busyness that quickly fades to white noise. Loop the Neolithic stone circle at your own pace, admiring its ancient alignment to solstice sunrises and sunsets.

As you reconnect to your digital map and continue your journey, you’ll notice “AONB” accompanies the destination name—Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With the National Landscape holding this designation since 1966, it’s a near-guarantee that whichever townships you explore (and there are many), you won’t be disappointed.

Visit the Broadway area, dipping into the Cotswolds Lavender fields to breathe in the relaxing aroma and admire the endless rows of blooms. Wander the quiet village of Snowshill and its charmingly named cottages before continuing to the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Locals recommend the National Trust tea houses, so stop into Lucy’s Tearoom for a cream tea before browsing the many shops for charming souvenirs.

When you’ve had your fill of village-hopping (if that’s possible), head to Castle Combe for a stay at The Manor House, a 17th-century estate turned luxury hotel. Stone walls, exposed rafters, and patterned linens make entering your individually designed room feel like stepping into a period drama. Take a relaxing soak before heading to Bybrook for a Michelin-starred dinner. The tasting menu by executive chef Robert Potter is not to be missed, with seasonal produce harvested right from the on-site kitchen garden. Standout dishes include the Isle of Wight tomato course, where a delicate spoon of Stracciatella ice cream accompanies shaved fresh tomatoes in olive oil and impossibly fresh tomato water for sipping.

After a good night’s rest and a room-service breakfast, wander the Manor’s sprawling grounds and stunning gardens. Follow a path through orchard trees into the picturesque village of Castle Combe before heading back to London.

The Cotswolds to London

Whether you’re in town for the world’s best tennis or not, there is no shortage of art, fashion, and royal history in the capital. Check into The Ampersand, a boutique luxury hotel in South Kensington that draws smart inspiration from the arts and science district it calls home. From the lobby, a winged light installation follows the cascading staircase upwards to cozy rooms and suites. Darwinian-leaning designs line the hallways, while room interiors capture a modern sense of British whimsy. Choose a top-floor suite with geometry-inspired décor and peekaboo views of the London skyline.

Spend your days here keeping your countryside pace, gently wandering between neighbourhood shops, galleries, and restaurants. Stop into The Poetry Pharmacy for bottled capsules of prose, formulated for whatever ails or inspires you, including “sense of belonging,” “exhaustion,” and, of course, “love.” Head to Instagram-famous perfumery Ffern’s Soho shop to experience their artisan scents IRL. The tiered interior invites you to take your time with each seasonal release.

No trip to London is complete without a proper afternoon tea, and back at The Ampersand, the Science Tea menu is a citywide standout. Expect a hands-on experience where you’ll craft your own fizzy lemonade in chemistry-like beakers, watch dry ice fog swirl around planetary macarons, apply homemade lemon curd in squeeze tubes to freshly baked scones, and sprinkle freeze-dried fruit and chocolate toppings to finish.

Add a match at Wimbledon to experience even more English tradition. Attendees, both local and international, truly turn out in smart-casual fashion for The Championships, with pressed linen and panama hats on display across the grounds. The match atmosphere starts restrained but grows louder in enthusiastic cheer with every set. And of course, no visit to No. 1 Court would be complete without a taste of the famous strawberries and cream—a charming conclusion to a tour across the pond. —Kim Bastian